Senator Huff Urges Homeowners to Consider Flood Insurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2015 CONTACT: Bill Bird @ 916-651-4029 Senator Huff Urges Homeowners to Consider Flood Insurance Heavy El Niño Rainfall Could Flood Areas Not Considered Flood Risks   SACRAMENTO: Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) is asking both home and business owners to consider the purchase of flood insurance before El Niño rainfall conditions are expected to strike California. Senator Huff points out that the disaster that covered cars with mudslides on a section of Interstate 5 last month is proof enough that flooding can strike at any time – even in areas that are not considered flood zones.   “Flood damage is not covered by traditional homeowners insurance and it may be the only protection that stands between your family and a catastrophic flood,” said Senator Huff. The recent flooding and mudslides on Interstate 5 and heavy rains that destroyed a bridge on Interstate 10 in Desert Center should be proof enough to all of us that additional protections are needed.”   In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners throughout California. To find an agent that offers flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program.   Flood insurance must be in force for 30 days prior to a flood, so consumers should look into purchasing coverage well before storms hit. The California Department of Insurance is also advising home and business owners to review existing insurance coverage to discover what is and is not covered when rain storms cause damage other than flooding from rising water.   According to the NFIP, just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. The agency warns that flood risk danger isn’t just based on history; it’s also based on a number of factors that include rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures and changes due to building and development.   “I don’t think anyone should ever forget the Los Angeles flood of 1938 that hammered a lot of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties,” said Senator Huff. “That was also caused by an El Niño event that swept inland across the Los Angeles Basin, causing abnormally high rainfall across much of Southern California. More than 100 people lost their lives. Although dramatic improvements have been made in flood control measures since that time, it’s still better to be prepared.” Senator Huff represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Follow Senator Huff on Twitter at @bobhuff99.