Media Contact: Liz
Martins, Public Information Officer
Phone: (775)
687-0772
E-mail: emartins@doi.nv.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE – February 8, 2023
Nevadans urged to evaluate their flood risk and explore flood
insurance options amid changing weather patterns
(CARSON CITY, NV) – Floods can happen anytime, anywhere, sometimes with little to no
warning; and Nevada is certainly no exception.
Last summer unexpected heavy rains gushed
onto Las Vegas casino floors and flooded homes; and just this past month our
neighbors in northern California were hit with unprecedented back-to-back
floods lasting several days, resulting in over 20 fatalities, billions of
dollars in damage, and thousands of residents being displaced from their homes.
These flood victims are now faced with the daunting challenge of how to recover
and rebuild.
Changing weather patterns and an increase
in severe weather events such as these, simply can no longer be ignored and
should be taken into consideration when evaluating your property’s flood risk
and considering your flood insurance options.
Flood damage is not covered under standard homeowners’, commercial, and
renters’ insurance policies. Even when a federal disaster is declared, aid is
usually provided in the form of low-interest loans which must be paid back and
are likely to only cover a portion of your costs.
Flood insurance can protect your home or
business and its contents; providing the added financial assistance you may
need to help you recover faster. Keep in mind, there is typically a 30-day
waiting period for policies to take effect.
Policies are available through the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private
insurance companies. Contact your insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider to find a provider.
FLOOD FACTS:
- Flooding
is the nation’s #1 most frequent and costly natural disaster.
- 98% of counties in the U.S. have experienced a flood.
- Just 1 inch
of water can cause up to $25,000 worth of damages.
- 40% of NFIP flood insurance claims occur outside of designated high-risk flood zones.
For more information on flood insurance visit the Division’s website and check out the Nevada
Consumer’s Guide to Flood Insurance. Additional resources are listed below.
Additional Resources:
Nevada Division of Insurance
https://doi.nv.gov/
Toll Free: 1-888-872-3234
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
https://www.floodsmart.gov/
Toll Free: 1-877-336-2627
FEMA Flood Information
https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance
Toll Free: 1-800-427-4661
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Toll Free: 1-800-621-3362
Email: floodsmart@fema.dhs.gov
About
the Nevada Division of Insurance
The State of Nevada Division of Insurance, a
Division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, protects the rights
of Nevada consumers and regulates Nevada’s $22 billion insurance industry. The
Division of Insurance has offices in Carson City and Las Vegas. For Fiscal
Years 2021 and 2022, the Division investigated 5,062 consumer complaints,
answered approximately 25,000 inquiries, and recovered over $8 million on
behalf of consumers. For more information about the Division of Insurance,
visit DOI.NV.GOV; follow on Twitter; and like on Facebook.
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