New FEMA Rating For Township Lowers Flood Insurance Premiums

Township manager Bob Vornlocker said that the new township rating in the FEMA program will save some township property owners money.

Township property owners who carry flood insurance will see their premiums decrease 5 percent this year, thanks to an improved rating in a voluntary program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Called the Community Rating System, the program provides incentives to towns to take actions to minimize flood risk that are greater than the floodplain management practices mandated by the National Flood Insurance Program.

The township recently underwent its five-year review in the program, which resulted in a category change from Category 7 to Category 6, township manager Bob Vornlocker said.

As a result, all residents in the 100-year flood zone who carry flood insurance will get a 20 percent premium discount – up from the previous 15 percent discount – and those with flood insurance whose property does not fall within the 100-year flood zone will see their discount increase from 5 percent to 10 percent.

Towns earn points in 19 floodplain management practices that fall into four general categories: public information, flood hazard mapping and regulations, flood damage reduction, and flood warning and response efforts, according to the Community Rating System Web site.

According to the Web site, the three goals of the CRS are to reduce flood damage to insurable property, strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP and encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

Your Thoughts

comments