Hurricane Helene

If you have flood insurance from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and experienced flooding during Hurricane Helene, visit How Do I Start My Claim to learn more about how to file your flood insurance claim. Further details on FEMA operations can be found on the following links: https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-helene Spanish: https://www.fema.gov/es/helene 

Flood After Fire: Your Increased Risk

Did you know that wildfires can increase the risk of floods and mudflows? Normally, vegetation absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff. However, high-intensity wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and mudflow. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—a process that may take five years or more.

It's important to note that standard homeowners insurance typically excludes coverage for damages caused by flooding and mudflows. Protect the life you've built by purchasing flood insurance. Additionally, there are practical and often free or low-cost measures you can take to protect your home and belongings from flood damage. These include storing important documents securely, elevating and anchoring utilities, and implementing water diversion strategies around your property.

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5 Years

Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—about five years after a wildfire.

½ Inch

According to the National Weather Service, it only takes a ½ inch per hour of rainfall on a recently burned slope to trigger a debris flow.

2.6 million

According to NOAA.gov, in 2023 alone, 55,571 fires burned more than 2.6 million acres across the United States.

#1

Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States, and your risk is elevated in the years following a wildfire.

Useful Resources

  • What's my area's historical risk?

    Understand the historical flood risk to your area with our interactive model.

  • What's covered?

    Understand the flood coverage that is best for you.

  • How can I pay less?

    Use the NFIP’s Mitigation Discount Tool to see how you could save.

Resilience Stories

Following devastating mudflows, community members of Montecito and Ventura, California, were essential to the region's recovery. Learn how flood insurance plays a vital role in flood preparation.

 
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