The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is saying that Texas residents are not prepared for flooding in the state. According to federal officials, only 8% of Texans have flood insurance and, given the frequency of recent catastrophic events, that is not good enough. Most insurance policies do not cover flooding and homeowners will have to go through a third party to obtain appropriate coverage.
“The most alarming thing we have found is the lack of people who have flood insurance,” says Philip Beasly, FEMA’s director of external affairs.
FEMA is taking advantage of Flood Safety Awareness Week to educate people of the dangers of flooding and the steps they can take to protect their homes. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the nation. During the spring, insurers see spikes in claim.
Flooding can be the result of a number of natural occurrences, ranging from tropical storms to brush fires. A fire can drastically change the prevalence of plant life which would normally impact the flow of water. Without vegetation, water will flow over the land uninhibited and a small amount of water can cause a lot of damage.
Tony Russel, regional administrator for Region 6, says that as little as two inches of water can cause more than $8,000 in damage.
FEMA is advising homeowners that do have flooding coverage make sure their policies are up to date.