SUMMER RAINS THREATEN BURN SCAR AREAS AND POSE FLASH FLOOD THREAT, BE
PREPARED AND CONSIDER BUYING FLOOD INSURANCE
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210730/summer-rains-threaten-burn-scar-areas-and-pose-flash-flood-threat-be]


Release Date: 
juillet 30, 2021 

DENVER – Recent years have brought many wildfires to the West. 
Beyond the damage caused and the challenges in battling them, fires
often leave a hidden legacy – flash floods and mudflows.  Wildfires
leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. As demonstrated
this year, this creates a flash flooding potential for years to come,
even in areas that rarely experienced flooding in the past. Sometimes
these flash floods can pick up ash and large debris, turning into
mudflows that are highly destructive.

It's important to be aware of your situation and to know if you live
near a burn scar area. Make sure you have a solid evacuation plan and
monitor changing weather conditions via the National Weather Service
or local media outlets.  You also should have important documents in
a safe and easy to access place should you be forced to evacuate.

Unlike many causes of damage, flooding and mudflows are generally not
covered by a homeowners’ policy.  Floods are the most common and
expensive natural disaster in the U.S.  Just an inch of water in an
average-sized home can cause $25,000 in damage.  A National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) policy protects against such losses and can
ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

Buyers should be aware of the 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy
to go into effect.  It is important to purchase a policy now to
protect your property against the continuing threat of flooding.  You
can usually purchase flood insurance from your current agent.  If
that isn’t possible, NFIP representatives can help you find one.

As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the
specifics of your policy. Find out more about your risk and flood
insurance at www.floodsmart.gov [http://www.floodsmart.gov]. To
purchase flood insurance or to find an agent, call 1-800-427-4661.