Learn About Flood Safety Issues Next Week

Continuing efforts to ensure public safety and recognizing that flooding is the most common disaster event in New Hampshire as well as the country, Governor Maggie Hassan today proclaimed March 16, to March 20 as Flood Awareness Week in New Hampshire, encouraging all residents to understand their risk for flooding and take precautions to protect their families and homes, according to a press statement.

“We welcome spring because of its warmer temperatures, but we must also be aware that it is the season when flooding is most likely to occur, especially following the significant snowfall we received this winter,” Hassan said. “We know that the potential for loss of life and damage to property and businesses can be greatly reduced if individuals and communities take appropriate flood preparedness and mitigation precautions before a catastrophic event hits.”

This is a time for individuals, families, businesses and communities to understand their risk for flooding and take precautions to protect their families and homes in the event of flooding, she noted.

In the last 10 years, there have been 10 federal disaster declarations in New Hampshire for flooding. Although spring is when flooding most often occurs, it can happen at any time of year.

Approximately $48 million has been paid for flood losses to New Hampshire flood insurance policy holders since 1978, according to the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning.

Residents should keep in mind that everyone lives in a flood zone whether it is a low-, moderate- or high-risk area, and they do not need to live near water to be flooded. Moreover, most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

If a community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, residents can buy flood insurance from their local insurance agent no matter which risk area they live in. In most cases, it takes 30 days after purchase for a policy to take effect, so it’s important to buy insurance before the floodwaters start to rise.

For more information about flood insurance and how to prepare for and take action during a flood, please visit the NH Office of Energy and Planning webpage at nh.gov/oep/planning/programs/fmp/floodaware.htm.

For the full text of the Governor’s proclamation, click here.