Delaware DOI Working With FEMA to Fine-Tune Disaster Response
The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the next two weeks 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 uses a mock hurricane as the basis. During the exercise, DOI is urging 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.
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.
Source: Delaware Department of Insurance
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