FLOOD HELP!!!

The Thill-Demerly Agency has grown to become a local authority in the matter of Flood Insurance. We have partnered with the Lancaster Village Citizens Group on Flood Risk Remapping to help local property owners understand their flood insurance options. In the process, we have become very knowledgeable in the matter, and have the tools necessary to help you make the BEST DECISION POSSIBLE regarding Flood Insurance and your home!


Flood

"A general and temporary condition, of partial or complete inundation, of two or more acres of normally dry land area, or of two or more properties (at least one of which is the policyholder's property) from...unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. Full Definition


Did you know...

  1. Flood damage is not covered by Homeowners Insurance.
  2. 25% of all flood insurance losses are for properties that are outside of the high risk flood zone.
  3. Lenders may ask you to carry Flood Insurance, even though your property is not in a Special Flood Hazard Area, depending on your loan agreement.
  4. Since 2003, FEMA has been updating their flood maps as part of a nation-wide flood map modernization program. Determining flood risk is FEMA's responsibility.
  5. The federal banking laws are designed to protect taxpayers' interest in properties at risk of flooding.

Determine Your Situation

Assess your risk of flood loss and determine if flood insurance is required, or desired. For rating purposes, it is most important to determine if your main structure is newly being added into the proposed high-risk flood zone A. Compare your flood zone in the current map and in the proposed flood map.


Learn the Names of the 3 Levels of Risk and the 2 Different Local Flood Zones

  • Flood zone A = A high risk = Special Flood Hazard Area = SFHA = 1% chance of flood= previously known as 100 year flood zone. Erie County NY’s flood map shows this area with light blue dots and a light blue outline. Flood insurance required.
  • Moderate risk = .2% chance of flood = previously known as 500 year flood zone. Flood zone X, usually eligible for the Preferred Risk Program. Erie County NY’s flood map shows this area with dark black dots and a dark black outline.
  • Low risk = less than .2% chance of flooding. Also flood zone X, usually eligible for the Preferred Risk Program.

Here's an image with the Erie Co, NY proposed flood map to see this clearly.

Three Most Common Sets of Rates

  • Zone A rates (the most expensive rates, for high-risk)
  • Zone X rates (for moderate and low-risk)
  • Preferred Risk Program (the least expensive rates, a package of building and contents coverage, for moderate and low-risk properties with limited previous flood losses)

Common Scenarios and Worksheet

Read about the more common scenarios property owners find themselves in. This pdf also has a useful worksheet to show which flood insurance programs you are eligible for, based on your current and proposed flood zone.


Flood Maps

To view flood maps, click here. Flood Maps


Flood Insurance - Questions & Answers

Visit our Flood Insurance Q & A to see our most commonly asked questions and answers.


Flood Insurance Pricing

If you would like more information regarding the cost of Flood Insurance, visit Flood Ins. Pricing.

You will see sample pricing for residential and non-residential buildings, with and without a basement.


Local Informational Meetings

We understand that there will be over 1700 Erie County, NY properties that are newly being added to the high-risk flood zone A. For more information, attend a free or low cost meeting.

 

So How Much Damage Can a Few Inches of Water Really Cause?

See FloodSmart.Gov's Flood Damage Estimator.


Links

Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines September 2007 or our highlighted version.

 

Flood Insurance Manual. Updated twice a year. Get the latest version here.

 

The NYSDEC floodplain management section, at (518) 402-8151, can answer questions about both the map and the NFIP in general. NYSDEC has a Q&A here. www.dec.ny.gov/lands/40564.html

 

FEMA contact Patricia.Griggs@dhs.gov : (212) 680-8523
Map status info:www.rampp-team.com/ny.htm

 

If you have questions about the proposed flood map, please visit www.rampp-team.com/

or contact Paul Weberg at (212) 680-3638 or Paul.Weberg@dhs.gov.


Learn more about flood hazards at the following web sites:

www.fema.gov www.floodsmart.gov

 

Please note: This website is written in an easy-to-read, explanatory, style. More detailed information is available on official FEMA websites.

This website discusses Flood Insurance available in the National Flood Insurance Program, part of FEMA, under the Department of Homeland Security.