With peak hurricane season just a few weeks away, FEMA and its National Flood Insurance Program are urging residents in Lafayette to protect their homes by purchasing flood insurance.
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above average Atlantic Hurricane Season with 6-10 hurricanes including 3-6 major ones (Category 3 or higher). In July 2019, Hurricane Barry caused a rainfall of up to seven inches that fell across Lafayette Parish, causing street flooding. Flooding throughout Louisiana was significant, with roughly 2,000 homes flooded.
“Where it can rain, it can flood,” says David Maurstad, senior executive of the NFIP. “One of the most important steps homeowners can take during the start of this year’s hurricane season is to buy flood insurance. With it, you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your home can, and will, recover in the event of an unexpected flood.”
Whether it’s a major flood or just an inch of water, flood insurance helps cover the cost of flood damage. Just one inch of water in an average-sized home can cost more than $25,000 in repairs. Most homeowners and renters policies typically do not cover flood damage.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 with peak storms during late August and September. Policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so now is the time before peak hurricane season to prepare with flood insurance.
For more information, visit FloodSmart.gov/hurricane or call 877-336-2627.