Hoeven: State Agencies Meet To Review Flood Emergency Plan

Press Release

Hoeven: State Agencies Meet To Review Flood Emergency Plan

Governor Encourages North Dakotans to Consider Flood Insurance

Gov. John Hoeven today said state agencies met last week in Bismarck to review the state's flood emergency plan in preparation for possible flooding later in the season. The Governor also encouraged North Dakotans to review their insurance status and consider purchasing flood insurance at a sufficient level of coverage to meet their losses if they are at risk.

The state has experienced record amounts of snowfall this season, which could put homeowners, renters and businesses at risk for flooding during the spring melt. To prepare for a possible emergency, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services is working with various federal and state agencies on flood preparedness and response mitigation. The Department will issue a series of news releases next week for residents on general flood preparedness, evacuation information, sheltering information, animals in disaster, and pre-flood mitigation.

State officials have also met with FEMA representatives on possible flooding at Devils Lake. However, not all floods are declared a disaster, and federal assistance for flood damage is generally not available to homeowners and private businesses. Even though we may experience flooding in North Dakota, it is possible that we will not meet the federal requirement for a disaster and won't be able to utilize federal dollars to repair and rebuild. Residents are therefore encouraged to take the steps necessary to protect property from flooding by checking their insurance policy to make sure they are covered at appropriate levels.

"At this point, we are doing everything we can at the state level to mitigate and prepare for possible flooding, but citizens need to consider their own particular situations." Hoeven said. "If you are in or near a flood plain, or if you deem that you are at risk of flooding, you should contact your agent to discuss ways to protect yourself, your family, and your property."

Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm last week provided advice for residents regarding flood insurance. "There is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy becomes effective, so it is imperative that people start checking into the purchase of a policy now."

Many people think their existing homeowner's policy covers flooding; however, flood coverage must be purchased separately as it is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Flood insurance is offered and underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Several insurance companies in North Dakota write and service flood policies through the NFIP. The list of companies is available at www.fema.gov/nfipinsurance/companies.jsp. Additional information is available at www.floodsmart.gov and www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm. Consumers are also welcome to call the North Dakota Insurance Department at 1.800.247.0560 or visit www.nd.gov/ndins.

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