Delaware DOI Working With FEMA to Fine-Tune Disaster Response

The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) has worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of a National Level Exercise designed to help FEMA and other federal partners, state and local governments, as well as the private sector, fine-tune disaster response.

The exercise used a mock hurricane as the basis. During the exercise, DOI urged residents and business owners to take time to prepare for hurricane season.

“What most people don’t know is that more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims are for properties that reside outside high risk areas,” said Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro in a DOI press release.

An important step that residents can take toward preparedness is to assemble a disaster supply kit including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications and copies of critical information. They should also establish an evacuation route and make a family communications plan, the release said.

Another important step for residents is to buy flood insurance. Flood insurance allows individuals, communities and businesses to recover faster and more fully after a disaster. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, even though flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, with more than 98 percent of counties in the U.S. experiencing a flood.

Just one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage, the release added.

“With flood insurance, residents can protect their homes, belongings and their finances,” Navarro said in the release. “That’s why Delaware’s Department of Insurance joins FEMA in urging all Delawareans to act today so they can protect their family and home before disaster strikes.”

Flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. Delaware residents can get tips on disaster preparedness for homeowners and renters on DOI’s website and learn more about their flood risk by using The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Interactive Flood Tool, according to the release.