25 January 2012

With about half of all land in Hampton located in the 100-year flood plain, flooding is an issue that affects a large segment of the city's population. Currently over 11,000 Hampton households have a flood insurance policy. The City wants to ensure that its residents are receiving the latest information from their insurance agents regarding flood insurance options, coverage details and FEMA guidelines.

The City maintains flood insurance rate maps online at www.hampton.gov, and has paper copies available at the Hampton Main Library. For residents who have flood insurance, FEMA requires insurance agents to provide their clients verification of current map status, as well as historic and existing flood maps of their property.

"Knowing if you live in the 100-year floodplain is crucial," said Gayle Hicks, Hampton senior civil engineer. "We've heard from residents who were able to obtain refunds on unnecessary flood insurance policies after reviewing the floodplain maps."

In an effort to educate local insurance agents on flooding insurance, the City of Hampton is hosting a FEMA Insurance Agents Workshop this month.

The workshop will be held Tuesday, January 31 from 9:00AM to Noon in the Public Works Training Room, 550 North Back River Road. Check-in is 8:30AM. Insurance agents will receive continuing education credits for attendance. Seating is limited, so early registration is required. Participants can register online at www.h2opartnersusa.com.

The workshop will cover information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) - its rules, eligibility requirements and other details - as well as accessing and downloading flood maps, determining flood zones, and processing claims.

The workshop is part of the City's participation in the NFIP's Community Rating System, a voluntary program that encourages floodplain management activities in local governments. The City's participation results in discounted flood insurance rates for its residents: last year Hampton residents living in low-lying areas saw a 10% reduction in the cost of federal flood insurance, totaling more than $700,000, thanks to work done by the City to develop extra measures for protection from flooding. On an individual basis, eligible homeowners saved an average of $64 per year.

For more information please visit http://www.hampton.gov/media/media_releases/flood_insurance.html