Catron County Joins National Flood Insurance Program

Catron County Joins National Flood Insurance Program

CATRON COUNTY, NEW MEXICO JOINS THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAMResidents and business owners are encouraged to purchase coverage as the yearly monsoon season approaches.(Glenwood), New Mexico ? While flood protection might be the last thing on the minds of New Mexicans, residents and business owners -- even those who live in low-to-moderate flood risk area -- should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy now.As the yearly monsoon season approaches, New Mexico is facing another potential disaster.? Flood risk is higher as a direct result of the wildfires burning thousands of acres in the state this year, according to hazard mitigation specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When fire burns away trees and other vegetation, healthy roots that soak up rainwater are lost. Storm runoff can cause severe erosion, mudslides and flooding.??While the highest risk of wildfire-related flooding is for properties burned in the fires, it also rises for homes downstream or below scorched areas. Such conditions are one reason flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S. Yet, most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage.Catron County recently joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), bringing the number of participating communities in New Mexico to 100.? Residents of Catron County can insure their home/contents for $35,000.00/$10,000.00 and business owners can insure their structure/contents for $100,000.00 each.? The NFIP is administered by FEMA.Now, homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters in the county can buy policies, although there is a 30 day waiting period before the coverage becomes effective.?Now that we have the NFIP in place don?t wait until the forecast calls for a downpour before deciding to insure against flood damage,? said Sarah Merklein, County Manager. ?Purchasing an NFIP policy now will give some peace of mind should a flood occur.?Flood insurance can usually be obtained from the same agent who handles a person?s homeowners, renters, or commercial insurance policy, or a list of agents can be found on the NFIP website at www.floodsmart.gov. ?The interactive website also offers an easy way to get the estimated annual cost of flood insurance for a specific address.

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