FloodSmart

Now is the time to alert your listeners to their increased flood risk and steps to take for protection. Fast melting snow combined with severe storms and heavy rainfall has the potential to cause extensive flooding this spring—particularly in the Midwest. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is urging residents to protect their families, homes and businesses this season by learning their personal flood risk and ensuring they can recover from any flood related damages caused by spring flooding this year.

The Risk is Real

Communities in inland states all across the country are located near rivers, lakes, streams and other bodies of water that only take a steady rain to overflow their banks and cause damaging floods. Residents also don't have to live or work along a river to be at risk—small creek flooding, or localized flash flooding is quite common. Just inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in flood damage, in fact the average flood insurance claim over the last five years was nearly $34,000. Without the right financial protection, many residents may have to cover damages from their own pockets or seek disaster aid that is not always available.

Valuable Resources

This spring season PSA encourages residents and business owners to visit http://www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-888-724-6619 to learn how to protect their home and property. Floodsmart.gov provides users with a snapshot of possible flood risk scenarios, testimonials from flood victims, and other helpful information that will help prepare them for when the next storm hits.

Please air the spring season PSA this March and April, as it will help prepare your community for spring flood risks. Hurricane and Winter rainy season PSAs are also available for your rotation at other relevant times of the year.

Once you listen to this PSA, you will understand the importance of reminding your listeners about the dangers of spring flooding. And you can help them be better prepared for these seasonal risks.