Tag Archive: National Flood Insurance Program

Save on Flood Insurance Premiums with the Grandfather Rule

May 9, 2013

FEMA is in the process of updating the nation’s flood maps. They use statistical data on river levels, rainfall and other factors to assess flood risk and then communicate these findings through flood hazard maps. These maps largely determine how much you’ll pay in flood insurance premiums. If your area’s assessment changes from low to high risk, your premiums will likely go up.

There is a way to avoid this premium increase, at least for a while. As described in a National Flood Insurance Program fact sheet, property owners can grandfather their existing flood insurance policy if they renew and maintain coverage before the new maps are released. Grandfathering is also available to property owners who built their homes in compliance with the flood map in effect at time of construction. Keep in mind, though, if your risk assessment level decreases, your new premium could go down, not up. Consult with your insurance agent to determine the best strategy for you and your home.

In the meantime, to keep up to date on FEMA’s flood map changes, check out “What’s New in Flood Hazard Mapping.” You can also sign up for FEMA email updates.

And while you’re looking for ways to lower your flood insurance premiums, ask your insurance agent about premium reductions for flood vents. Flood vents often qualify you for a lower rate.

All our Flood Solutions flood vents are FEMA compliant and made of heavy-duty construction. They’re guaranteed not to rust or rot. For more information, contact us.

Washington Debates Extension of Flood Insurance Program

December 22, 2011

Senators and House representatives are deciding the future of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The National Flood Insurance Program is a voluntary program administered by FEMA with over 20,000 communities participating across the U.S. With the objective of reducing the cost of flood damages, participating communities take proscribed steps to reduce possible flood damage and, in return, they get access to federally backed flood insurance. In addition to flood insurance, the NFIP program also covers flood plain management and flood hazard mapping.

The program is not without its critics. It’s currently $18 billion dollars in debt, thanks in large part to claims resulting from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. There have also been numerous complaints about delays in getting claims filled and program inconsistencies.

The NFIP is set to expire December 16, 2011, and it is unlikely Washington will reach agreement on a long-term extension before the program expiry date. As a stop-gap measure, Senators recently agreed to extend the program to May 31, 2012. The bill now goes to the House for review. To check the current status of the bill, S.1958, follow it on the Library of Congress website.

If your community participates in the NFIP program, be sure to subscribe to NFIP email updates. Submit your email address, and you’ll get the latest NFIP news direct to your inbox.

Regardless of the future of the NFIP, it always makes sense to take steps to minimize damage to your home should a flood occur. Our Flood Solutions FEMA compliant flood vents are a proven way to help maintain the structural integrity of your home should flood waters rise. Give us a call at 800-325-9775 or send us a message via our contact page.

Keep Your Garage Intact: Install Flood Solutions’ Flood Vents

October 26, 2011

If water has ever flooded your house or business, you’ll sympathize with this home owner. Notice how the door leading from his basement to his garage bends under the water’s pressure.

You may already be familiar with how flood vents help minimize damage from flood water pressure, but have you thought about installing a flood vent in your garage door?

This may seem counter intuitive. After all, can’t you just raise or lower your garage door as needed to alleviate pressure from rising flood water?

Probably not. Unlike flood vents, garage doors require human intervention to raise or lower them. When flood waters are rapidly rising (and you’ve moved to higher ground), you can’t count on being able to raise or lower your garage door as needed.

Flood vents are specifically designed to allow water to move freely through buildings to minimize damage. Without flood vents, unequal water pressure from inside or outside the home can cause windows, doors, and even garage doors to blow out. They can also cause structure damage to the building.

FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program don’t consider garage doors to be “flood openings.” These organizations have design and installation requirements for flood vents. Once properly installed, FEMA compliant flood vents can reduce your flood insurance premiums.

At Flood Solutions, all of our flood vents are FEMA compliant and satisfy NFIP requirements. We have a selection of flood vent models, sizes and colors to choose from, including our “F” model which is ideal for garage door applications. Flood vents are easy to install in new building constructions or into existing homes and commercial properties. We manufacture all our flood vents in the U.S.A.

Want to learn more about protecting your garage and home with flood vents? Contact Flood Solutions.