03/28/2024
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rotary-norrisThe members of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club were presented a program about the Federal Flood Insurance Program. Rotarian Paul Norris provided the group with an interesting discussion on how one determines if they need flood insurance.

Norris said that considering purchasing flood insurance is very important because everyone is at risk for flooding. He said flooding can occur due to heavy rains, ditches running over and such.

He explained that the flood insurance program is a partnership between FEMA and the community. The program was created in 1968. 

Norris also discussed what is not considered a flood. He explained that if a water line breaks, your hot water heater leaks or rain comes through a hole in the roof, those types events are not considered a flood.

Norris said that you do not have to live near a body of water to experience flooding.

He also went over some common misconceptions about flooding and flood insurance. One common misconception is “I don’t live in a flood zone.” Norris said the truth is everyone lives in a flood zone but it is the level risk for your zone —low, medium or high— that makes the difference in whether or not you need to purchase flood insurance.

Another misconception is that homeowners insurance will cover any flood damage. Norris said that is not true.

A third misconception is that flood disaster assistance will help. Norris said that before you can receive any disaster assistance there must a declaration of a disaster.

Norris also said there is a 30 day wait when one applies for a flood insurance policy. He said that ironically 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from areas that are typically rated as medium or low risk areas.

Norris also said that during Hurricane Matthew many homes had water that got underneath the home and damaged things like duct work and insulation underneath the home.  Norris said it won’t pay for that type of damage.

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