Federal Flood Insurance Standards Proven Unsatisfactory
Posted in Home Insurance , Hurricane Insurance
September 21st, 2009
Most of the homes that were swept away by Hurricane Ike in Texas met the standards set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while 10 that went above and beyond those standards were among the 11 that were still standard along the Bolivar Peninsula. Coincidence or not? According to a recent report from the Institute of Business and Home Safety, FEMA is not using adequate standards to gauge the level of storms that come through the area. As a result, homes that meet FEMA’s standards can easily be swept away.
So what are FEMA’s standards? It requires that new homes near the beach on Bolivar be 19 feet above sea level to qualify for federal flood insurance. According to the report, of the 270 homes that were swept away in the hurricane, the majority met those standards – only a few that were older did not.
On the other hand, the 10 remaining homes that went above and beyond FEMA’s standards were “fortified” (disaster resistant) and elevated several feet above current elevation standards. According to the report, having the home “fortified” and adding just a few feet of elevation can make all of the difference in whether the home will still be standing after a storm.
FEMA is said to be replacing its outdated paper maps with more accurate depictions of the area’s floodplains. However, the author of the report asks homeowners to take their own precautionary measures to protect their homes.
If you live in an area of high flood risk, fortifying your home includes the following:
- Non-combustible roof materials
- Windows and patio doors made of impact-resistant glass or protected by shutters
- Connections that tie the house together securely from roof to foundation
- Reinforced, impact-resistant entryways and garage doors
Having your home both fortified and elevated are the best ways to avoid severe damage or a complete wash out. In many cases, following the guidelines provided by federal or even private insurance companies just isn’t enough when it comes to protecting your home.