Rep. Carbajal Encourages Central Coast Homeowners to Get Flood Insurance Coverage

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-California, issued the following news release:

Today, as heavy rains create severe flooding and debris flow conditions on the Central Coast, Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) encouraged homeowners and renters to confirm their flood insurance policies, and to immediately apply if they are not yet covered. Central Coast residents impacted by flooding after the Thomas Fire may be eligible for an exception to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 30-day waiting period usually required for flood insurance coverage.

"Those who have tragically lost their lives and who have seen their homes destroyed in this terrible flood are in my thoughts and prayers today, as are the first responders working through difficult conditions to rescue stranded victims," said Carbajal. "As our community continue to feel the effects of the largest fire in California's history, it is critical that impacted residents confirm their flood insurance coverage given these severe weather events."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) currently allows for a case-by-case review of those impacted by flood and established an exception for property:

* That is affected by flooding on federal land,

* Where the flooding is caused, or exacerbated by, post-wildfire conditions on federal land (including the Los Padres National Forest), and

* Flood insurance was purchased not later than 60 days after the wildfire containment date.

For more information about flood insurance, please call your insurance agent or contact the NFIP Referral Call Center at (888) 379-9531 for information about the NFIP or questions about an existing policy. Visit https://www.fema.gov/nfip-file-your-claim to learn about the steps to file a claim. You can also see the process through this infographic, available in multiple languages here (https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/120200).

The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by FEMA, which works with private insurance companies to provide flood insurance to property owners and renters. Though floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States annually, most standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance covers flood damage, but it typically takes 30 days to become active.

Rep. Carbajal encourages any constituents having difficulty with federal agencies, including FEMA, to contact his office (https://carbajal.house.gov/contact/officeinformation.htm).