Many people underestimate the risk of being flooded. While local residents may be used to winter downpours where intersections, parking lots and low-lying roads are flooded, the long time periods between significant floods may make it easy to foster a false sense of security about the likelihood of flooding in our community.
Homes and businesses in the Special Flood Hazard Area(SFHA) are required by lenders to have flood insurance but it is optional for other properties. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than 25 percent of National Flood Insurance Program claims are filed for properties located outside of the SFHA. Federal law requires a 30-day waiting period following the purchase of flood insurance, except for the initial purchase of a structure. Anyone unsure of whether or not their property is located in a SFHA can contact Public Works staff at the Permit and Information Center, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 541-682-8400.
To learn more about flood risk, flood insurance and safety tips, use this link http://www.eugene-or.gov/flood to access flood information available on the City of Eugene website or look under public works/stormwater/flood information. Or look for the newsletter, Stormwater Connections, that will be delivered by the post office over the next two weeks.