As Hurricane Season Nears, FEMA Urges Americans to Prepare, Have Flood Insurance
Hurricane season begins June 1, and officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are stepping up awareness from now, urging Americans to prepare their homes and businesses for the heightened flood risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms.
In the past, the consequences of seasonal flooding as a result of hurricanes have proved to be devastating. Eight of the top ten most expensive federally declared disasters have been caused by hurricanes. Last hurricane season alone, two storms caused a total of more than $75 million in flood damage. However, many people across the U.S. still lack adequate protection from flood damage, causing them to absorb financial losses on their own or seek limited funding from other sources to rebuild or repair in the wake of a storm.
"Natural disasters are unpredictable and we should not let the past two hurricane seasons, which have been relatively quiet, give us a false sense of security. Flooding and hurricanes go hand in hand, and now is the time to make sure you are properly protected," said David Maurstad, FEMA's Assistant Administrator of Mitigation and Federal Insurance Administrator.
FEMA reminds residents that they can take simple, responsible action to lessen their vulnerability to flooding. Most homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by floods - obtaining a flood insurance policy is the best way to financially protect your property.
Published on May 1, 2008
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