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         U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency - National Flood Insurance Program

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Flood After Fire: Your Increased RiskDid you know that wildfires increase flood risk? Large-scale wildfires not only destroy vegetation, they also leave the ground burned and unable to absorb water. This puts residents living in and near burn scars at greater flooding risk until vegetation is restored, which can take up to five years.Your homeowners insurance typically will not cover this increased risk of flood damage. Protect the life you’ve built with flood insurance. There are also free or low-cost ways to protect your home and belongings from floods like storing important documents, elevating and anchoring utilities and clearing out debris from gutters.FIND AN INSURANCE PROVIDER 5 Years Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—up to five years after a wildfire.1⁄2 Inch According to theNational Weather Service, it only takes a 1⁄2 inch per hour of rainfall on a recently burned slope to trigger a debris flow.7.5 million According toNOAA.gov, in 2022 alone, 66,255 fires burned more than 7.5 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 ResourcesWhat’s my area’s historical risk?Understand the historical flood risk to your area with our interactive model.Flood MapsWhat’s Covered?Understand the flood coverage that is best for you.Types of Flood InsuranceWhat’s the Cost?Use our tool to see how much flood damage - even from just a few inches of water - could cost you.Cost of Flooding Resilience StoriesFollowing 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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FEMA | National Flood Insurance Program
                        500 C St SW,
            Washington,
            D.C.
            20472 Disaster Assistance:
          (800) 621-FEMA An official website of the Department of Homeland Security
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