FEMA Reassures California Wildfire Survivors

FEMA disaster aid distribution

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assuring survivors of recent Northern California fires that financial assistance they received will not be taken back as part of the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. bankruptcy settlement negotiations. FEMA Region 9 Administrator Robert Fenton wrote an open letter addressed to wildfire victims that said FEMA and the… Continue reading FEMA Reassures California Wildfire Survivors

FEMA Secures $1.33B NFIP Flood Reinsurance Renewal for 2020

Flood insurance Congressional approval

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has now completed its traditional flood reinsurance program renewal, securing $1.33 billion of limit to cover the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for 2020. That’s just slightly more than FEMA’s 2019 traditional reinsurance program renewal for the NFIP, which was $1.32 billion in size. As we reported previously,… Continue reading FEMA Secures $1.33B NFIP Flood Reinsurance Renewal for 2020

FEMA Delays Major Changes to Flood Risk Rating Program Until 2021

TWIA credit line for storm damage

Major changes to the way the federal government rates flood risk are being pushed back a year. The Federal Emergency Management Agency delayed the release of its “Risk Rating 2.0” plan, which would rate homes’ flood risk more precisely than current models. It will now go into effect in October 2021. “Some additional time is… Continue reading FEMA Delays Major Changes to Flood Risk Rating Program Until 2021

Chubb Appoints Industry Veteran to Lead Flood Insurance Practice

Chubb posts Q1 2024 profits

Chubb announced that Louis Hobson has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Flood Insurance for its North America operations. In this new role, Mr. Hobson will work in conjunction with Chubb’s personal and commercial lines of business, and lead efforts centered on the development and implementation of strategies to further broaden the delivery… Continue reading Chubb Appoints Industry Veteran to Lead Flood Insurance Practice

Report: FEMA Post-Flood Home Buyouts Take 5+ Years To Complete After Waters Recede

Hurricane Harvey Impacts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian churning up the eastern seaboard, leaving destructive flood waters in its wake, a new national report describes FEMA policies creating a nightmare for disaster survivors deciding what to do with destroyed or damaged homes. For those who want to move out of a flood zone, the wait time for… Continue reading Report: FEMA Post-Flood Home Buyouts Take 5+ Years To Complete After Waters Recede

R Street Institute: Dorian Is Urgent Reminder of Need for Flood Insurance Reform

flood insurance and BI

As the U.S. Southeast braces for the impact of Hurricane Dorian, it is urgent that Congress get serious about reforming the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), according to the R Street Institute. Created by Congress in 1968, the NFIP has been the primary source of insurance coverage for flooding over the past 50 years. While… Continue reading R Street Institute: Dorian Is Urgent Reminder of Need for Flood Insurance Reform

Hurricane Dorian Forecast to Hit Florida Over Labor Day with 110 Mph Winds

As chances increased for a direct hit from a Category 3 Hurricane Dorian over Labor Day weekend in Florida counties Volusia and Flagle, local residents, government officials and would-be vacationers began a mad scramble Wednesday. Many residents immediately began heeding warnings to stock up, emptying store shelves of batteries and water bottles. Local cities began… Continue reading Hurricane Dorian Forecast to Hit Florida Over Labor Day with 110 Mph Winds

FEMA to Further Restrict Puerto Rico’s Access to Relief Funds

Close up coconut palms tree during heavy wind or hurricane. Rainy day

Federal mistrust toward Puerto Rico amid corruption allegations hasn’t let up with the governor’s resignation. Citing the continuing leadership changes in the U.S. territory, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Thursday it would further restrict Puerto Rico’s access to federal dollars for repairing hurricane damage. Puerto Rico must receive approval from the agency to draw… Continue reading FEMA to Further Restrict Puerto Rico’s Access to Relief Funds

Outdated FEMA Flood Maps Cost Uninsured Homeowners Millions

Mexico Beach, Florida, was ground zero for Hurricane Michael, destroying 70% of the resort community’s homes and businesses with its Category 5 winds and 18-foot storm surge. Because its flood maps hadn’t been updated in 10 years, 80% of those structures were uninsured because FEMA placed them in flood zone “X” – areas that have… Continue reading Outdated FEMA Flood Maps Cost Uninsured Homeowners Millions

Louisiana Senators Work on Bipartisan Bill to Improve National Flood Insurance Program

Tropical Storm Barry has come and gone in Louisiana and in it’s aftermath there was flooding and damage. Senator Bill Cassidy said this storm could’ve been much worse for the state. “The lack of flooding was a testament to investment in mitigation and preparation on the state level and the community level,” Cassidy said. Even… Continue reading Louisiana Senators Work on Bipartisan Bill to Improve National Flood Insurance Program