Flood risks can change over time, altering floodplain boundaries. New flood hazard maps are being issued that will indicate current risks, including the risks for people near levees. The levees in our community have been shown to meet federal protection standards in the past. However, additional documentation is now needed to show compliance with these standards. Risk zones and flood insurance requirements will not change during the review and documentation period, although the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) strongly urges residents and business owners to consider their personal flood risk and the need for flood insurance in all areas near levees.
Levee protection always comes
with risk
Levees are designed to protect against a certain level of flooding. In more serious flood events, levees can fail or overtop. As levees age, their level of protection can change. Erosion, seepage or decay can increase the risk of flooding. When levees overtop or fail, the flooding that follows can be catastrophic. Because of the continuing flood risk in all areas near levees, the flood hazard maps that show these areas now carry a note from FEMA that flood insurance is recommended. It is important to understand your level of risk and protect against the personal and financial consequences of levee-related flooding.
Assessing the risk
If a levee can be shown to protect against a flood with a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year, it is mapped as an accredited levee. Flood hazard maps typically show areas near accredited levees as areas of moderate flood risk [unless additional risk factors are present, such as ponding]. Flood insurance is not federally required in these moderate-risk areas, but it is recommended.
If a levee cannot meet the minimum federal flood protection standards, it will be shown as a de-accredited levee. The area behind the levee will change from a moderate-risk to a high-risk designation. In high-risk areas, flood insurance is required for mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders.
Provisionally Accredited
Levee designation
Documentation is now needed to show that [name of levee(s)] still meet(s) the federal standards. As this documentation is being gathered, [it/they is/are] temporarily being mapped as “provisionally accredited.” For up to 24 months while they are being documented and reviewed, areas near the levees will retain their previous flood risk designation. Flood insurance is not required for areas of moderate risk near Provisionally Accredited Levees, but it is strongly recommended. Some lenders may, in accordance with their own rules and regulations, require that their mortgage holders carry flood insurance in areas near Provisionally Accredited Levees. Your lender will contact you if this is the case.
The flood insurance decision
Heavy rains, [if applicable: snow melt], backed-up storm drains, new water-flow patterns due to development or new construction and failure or overtopping of levees are just a few of the many causes of flooding. All of these factors pose significant risks for residents and business owners in this part of the country. Most homeowners insurance does not cover floods. Flood insurance offers the best way to protect your home or business from the financial consequences of flooding. Consider the risk, consider the consequences, and then make the decision that is right for you.
Savings on flood insurance
For many homes or businesses located near a Provisionally Accredited Levee, flood insurance may be available at significant savings.
Preferred Risk Policies from the National Flood Insurance Program give residents and business owners the same level of protection as standard flood insurance policies, at a lower cost. The policy premium includes both building and contents coverage. Renters and business owners can obtain contents-only coverage.
Residential Preferred Risk Policies: Cost-effective Building and Contents Coverage*
| With Basement/Enclosure | Without Basement/Enclosure | ||||
| Building | Contents | Premium | Building | Contents | Premium |
| $20,000 | $8,000 | $144 | $20,000 | $8,000 | $119 |
| $30,000 | $12,000 | $173 | $30,000 | $12,000 | $148 |
| $50,000 | $20,000 | $221 | $50,000 | $20,000 | $196 |
| $75,000 | $30,000 | $260 | $75,000 | $30,000 | $230 |
| $100,000 | $40,000 | $287 | $100,000 | $40,000 | $257 |
| $125,000 | $50,000 | $307 | $125,000 | $50,000 | $277 |
| $150,000 | $60,000 | $326 | $150,000 | $60,000 | $296 |
| $200,000 | $80,000 | $361 | $200,000 | $80,000 | $326 |
| $250,000 | $100,000 | $388 | $250,000 | $100,000 | $347 |
*Residential Rates; Effective May 2008; Rates Are Subject to Change
For more information about levees and levee accreditation, visit www.FEMA.gov. For more information about flood insurance visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
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