Concord program reduces flood insurance rates
CONCORD, CA —While summer’s wildfires are currently on our minds, fall and winter are quickly approaching. And, with any luck, we’ll get the much-needed rain.
Those in our community who live in flood zones know that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood casualties and flood insurance can be expensive.
I learned recently that because of the great work of the Concord Engineering Department, city of Concord flood policy holders now get a 20 percent discount.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The agency rates and provides discounts to communities that voluntarily participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed NFIP’s minimum requirements. More than 1,500 communities participate nationwide.
In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts that address the three goals of the program:
- Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property.
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of NFIP.
- Foster comprehensive floodplain management.
As part of its participation in CRS, the city of Concord provides a breadth of services, information, outreach, assistance, and enforcement regarding floodplain management and protection. If your property is in a flood zone, you can learn more and access a lot of helpful information at https://ca-concord.civicplus.com/299/Flood-Zone.
Jason Laub is Chief Operating Officer at RAD Urban and is a City of Concord Planning Commissioner. Email questions or comments to jlaub.concordplanning@gmail.com