By David Vaughn, Engineering Program Specialist
Do you have a flood insurance policy?
As part of Texas Flood Awareness Week, the City of College Station reminds residents to be prepared. Purchasing flood insurance is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home and possessions in the event of a flood.
Don’t be left out in the rain.
More than 20 percent of annual National Flood Insurance Program claims come from flooded properties outside high-risk flood zones. Flooding can happen anywhere, and your standard homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover flood damage.
If you live in a high-risk flood zone and have a federally-backed mortgage, flood insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s mandatory. If your home is outside of a high-risk flood zone, you should still take every precaution to protect your property.
Call your insurance agent to discuss adding flood insurance to your existing policy. Renters should also purchase flood insurance with coverage of personal items such as appliances, furniture, and electronic equipment that renter’s insurance would not cover after a flood.
Another step in reducing flood-related risk is to keep debris and trash out of streams and ditches. Obstructed drainageways are unable to flow correctly and can cause water levels to rise. Similarly, storm drains blocked by yard waste, or litter can create localized flooding.
Construction work and site grading can also impair drainage and cause flooding if not appropriately planned or permitted. Contact Planning and Development Services at 979-764-3570 or cspds@cstx.gov to see if a permit is needed for your next project, especially if the site is in the floodplain or Special Flood Hazard Area.
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