Being out of floodplain doesn’t mean homes won’t flood

March 16--A Federal Emergency Management Agency official has a tip for people who might be contemplating flood insurance.

"When the flood's coming in your backyard, it's too late," said Brian Hvinden, FEMA external affairs specialist.

Flood insurance doesn't go into effect until 30 days after it's been purchased, Hvinden said. In other words, now is not a bad time to consider a policy.

He traveled through the region last week, talking about the importance of flood insurance.

There was a 7 percent decrease in flood insurance policies for South Dakota and a 12 percent decrease for North Dakota between December 2015 and December 2016, Hvinden said.

"We always see spikes after a major event," Hvinden said.

But after a few years go by, people start thinking they don't need it.

Flood insurance doesn't cover only large events, said Tom Birney, National Flood Insurance Program state specialist.

Aberdeen hasn't had large-scale flooding since 2007, but there have been flooded streets and backyards since, Birney said.

To file a claim, there needs to be flooding on 2 acres or two properties, he said.

"If my property and the street or my neighbor's property floods, I can file a claim," Birney said.

A common issue is that most homeowner's insurance doesn't cover flooding, he said.

With flood insurance, the building -- foundation, electrical, plumbing, structural integrity -- as well as its contents are covered, Birney said.

Property owners don't have to live in a floodplain to buy flood insurance, he said. About 30 percent of claims come from outside high-risk zones.

Food maps aren't always accurate, said Jerry DeFelice, FEMA external affairs specialist for the South Dakota area.

The maps aren't updated annually because it takes quite a bit of work to make the maps, DeFelice said. So new developments, such as a parking lot or building, can increase runoff and change the flood risk, he said.

Aberdeen has a higher-than-average number of policyholders compared to the rest of the state, Birney said.

Currently, about 197 properties in Aberdeen are covered by flood insurance. Within Brown County, there are 257 policyholders.

Aberdeen residents are able to buy government-backed flood insurance because the city became a member of the National Flood Insurance Program in 1978.

When a town joins, it is offered disaster assistance by FEMA and flood insurance. In exchange, the community promises to manage its floodplain and build in areas that are reasonably safe for development.

Since becoming a member, there have been 326 claims made by flood insurance policyholders in Aberdeen.

Rates are set by the federal government based on geographic data and risks. Properties in areas of higher risk have higher premiums.

The average premium in Aberdeen is about $895 a year, Birney said.

Those in low-risk areas can get a preferred risk policy with maximum coverage for about $600 a year, he said.

Since the rates are set by the government, the cost of a policy should be equitable no matter the insurer, Birney said.

Reporter Elisa Sand contributed to this report.

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