FEMA: Prepare for flooding with insurance

As recovery from 2019’s weather-related destruction continues across Missouri, the National Weather Service warns there is the potential for the state to experience serious flooding this spring, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

It’s time to review flood coverage or consider a new policy, according to a FEMA news release. Most homeowner or business multi-peril policies do not cover flood insurance.

“The reason we’re putting out this information now is we want people to be prepared for spring flooding,” FEMA spokesperson John Mills said. “Checking your insurance — checking your family’s plan is very important. The worst thing that can happen is that somebody would be unprepared.” The agency’s National Flood Insurance Program can protect homes, businesses and personal property, but only if it is in place, according to the release.

It’s not too soon to get coverage before possible spring flooding begins.

A new policy takes 30 days to go into effect.

Flood insurance can pay up to $250,000 for damage to houses and up to $100,000 for contents.

Business owners may purchase coverage up to $500,000 for structures and another $500,000 for contents.

The flood insurance pays for covered flood damage regardless of whether there is a federal disaster declaration. The average annual cost of an NFIP policy for homeowners is about $700.

Anyone may buy flood insurance if their community participates in the NFIP, no matter where their home or business is located.

“You may think you’re in an area that does not flood,” Mills said. “About 25 percent of flood claims come from areas that aren’t considered high-risk.”

The May 22 Jefferson City tornado received a lot of attention — for good reason, Mills said. It caused widespread damage and displaced hundreds of people.

However, in 2019, flooding affected a much larger area.

In 2019, FEMA paid more than $1 million in flood insurance claims in Cole County. However, flooding affected eastern and northwest counties within the state much more than those in the central part of the state.

FEMA paid out approximately $2 million in flood insurance claims in Atchison County, $7.8 million in Holt County, $6.5 million in Buchanan County and $20 million in St. Charles County.

It was fortunate that a large number of people in those counties had taken steps — and protected themselves with flood insurance.

“We are concerned about the northwest part of the state because of (weather) forecasts,” Mills said. “And, because of ongoing work on levees. It is very possible a lot of areas affected by flooding in 2019 will be affected again.”

Mills said people should call their insurance agents to review their current policies, and make sure they are covered for flooding. They can also call the NFIP Help Center at 800-427-4661. If they are not covered, they may visit floodsmart.gov for a referral to a local agent who offers flood insurance.

Most Missouri communities (including Jefferson City) qualify for the National Flood Program. Visit fema.gov/cis/MO.html for a list of participating communities in the state.