Federal disaster assistance is usually a loan that must be paid back with interest and is only available when a disaster has been federally declared.The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has paid nearly $16 billion in flood insurance claims to policyholders during the 2005 hurricane season (as of August 31, 2006.).Flood losses in the United States averaged $2.4 billion per year for the last decade.For building in high flood risk areas, there is a 26 percent chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a nine percent chance of experiencing a fire.More than 5 million Americans are protected with flood insurance but millions more are unaware of their personal risk for property damage or options for protection.New construction can increase flood risk, especially if it changes natural runoff paths.Between 20 and 25 percent of all flood insurance claims are filed in low-to moderate-risk areas.More than 50 percent of properties in high-risk areas remain unprotected by flood insurance all properties in high-risk areas need to be protected with flood insurance.Most homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage.As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet or move your car. Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to property.Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States.Use the map below to search for a location and view the floodplain information for that area. Floodplain maps and helpful FEMA publications “Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction” and “Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting” are in these libraries, as are a number of other useful documents. Property owners can take actions in advance of a flood to provide protection for their property. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood.Īdditional information on flood insurance coverage and requirements, flood protection measures, flood safety, and property and building protection is available in floodplain “libraries” maintained by Harris County both at the Harris County Permit Office and the 26 branches of the Harris County Public Library. It is important to be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. These pages provide Harris County residents with information and resources regarding flooding, and establish easy access to Harris County’s regulations and programs related to flooding and floodplain management.įloods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.
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