FLOOD RISK INCREASES AFTER FIRES ARE OUT - BUY FLOOD INSURANCE NOW
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/4562/flood-risk-increases-after-fires-are-out-buy-flood-insurance-now]


Release Date: 
Oct 21, 2020 

_Oregon wildfires that are leaving millions of square miles covered in
ash are nearing their end, but they’re leaving another threat behind
them – floods._

Oregonians who live in and around areas impacted by wildfires face an
increased risk of flooding for up to several years after a wildfire.
So it’s important to consider purchasing flood insurance now. IT
TAKES 30 DAYS AFTER APPLYING FOR A NEW NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE
PROGRAM (NFIP) INSURANCE POLICY TO GO INTO EFFECT.

FLOODING, MUDFLOWS AND EROSION RISK FOLLOWING WILDFIRES

 	* Intense wildfires dramatically alter the terrain when they burn
away vegetation and scorch the earth
 	* Charred land and burned vegetation forms a water-repellant layer
that cannot absorb rain, so rainwater bounces off
 	* Areas that lie below or downstream of the burn scars face an
increased threat of flooding
 	* Intense rainfall can flood a low-lying area in less than six
hours.
 	* Flash floods can dislodge boulders, uproot trees and destroy
buildings and bridges.
 	* Rivers of flowing mud are caused by brush loss plus heavy rains.
Rapid snowmelt can also trigger mudflows
 	* Burned land poses a threat of flooding until vegetation grows
back, a process that can take five years

KNOWING YOU CAN RECOVER BRINGS PEACE OF MIND

No home is completely safe from potential flooding. When just one inch
of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage, flood
insurance can be the difference between recovery and financial
devastation.

To be eligible to purchase a flood insurance policy, a property
owner’s town or county must participate in the NFIP and adopt
certain ordinances. Consult your local official to see if your
jurisdiction participates.                             
                                             
          

WHY SHOULD I BUY NFIP FLOOD INSURANCE?

 	* The NFIP is an affordable, federally-backed program that provides
most of the nation’s flood insurance
 	* NFIP insurance claims are paid promptly whether or not there is a
federal disaster declaration
 	* NFIP insurance must be in effect 30 days before you make a claim
 	* NFIP insurance reimburses policyholders for covered losses.
Homeowners can buy up to $250,000 in coverage; business owners,
$500,000; and renters $100,000 for their personal property

For more about information on NFIP Flood Insurance, visit
www.floodsmart.gov [http://www.floodsmart.gov]. If you are ready to
buy flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/buy
[http://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/buy]. To find a flood
insurance provider near you, visit
www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/providers
[https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/providers].

All Oregonians – including those affected by the recent wildfires
and straight-line winds – who want to learn more about flood risks,
how to build safer and stronger, or to inquire as to your flood risk
following a fire near you, can contact FEMA Mitigation Specialists via
email at FEMA-R10-MIT@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

This is a free service and a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will
respond to your inquiries.