The CRS program provides discounts to eligible property owners on their flood insurance premiums in exchange for the city implementing higher standards in floodplain management.

The city is also a part of the voluntary FEMA program known as the Community Rating System (CRS). Galveston’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows for the purchase of floodinsurance at a subsidized rate to anyone in the city, regardless of location or loss history. There is a 30-day waiting period before apolicy becomes effective, so don’t delay. Call your insurance agent today to make sure your policy covers both structure and contents. Usually these policies just cover the building’s structureand not the contents. Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank or loan company when they obtained a mortgage or homeimprovement loan. Basic homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damages. Regardless of what flood zone you’re in, you need flood insurance. The City uses a GIS-based map that includes the effective FIRM and other flood-related information. Contact the Galveston Building Division at 40 or visit the 4 th floor of City Hall located at 823 Rosenberg to see the current FEMA FIRM (August 15, 2019) to find out which flood zone you live in and what kind of risk you are facing. It’s also important to know where you live in relation to the floodplain so you know your level of risk. The location of a property relative to certain flood zones indicates what restrictions may be placed on new and substantially improved construction. FIRMs are primarily used for flood insurance purposes, but they also provide a basis for Galveston to regulate development within those areas. Hurricane Harvey, in 2017, caused flooding in the Strand when water backed up in the streets.įlood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are issued by FEMA to identify different levels of flood risks. A 22-foot storm surge inundated Galveston where several homes were flooded from water invading their downstairs enclosures. Recent storm events caused significant damage to the city such as Hurricane Ike in 2008 when several homes were flooded from water invading their downstairs enclosures. Hurricane – an intense tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 mph or higherĪll of these types of storms have the potential to cause major damage to Galveston.Tropical storm – a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph.Tropical cyclone – an organized weather system with a closed circulation that forms over warm tropical waters.Storm surge – the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides.Flash flood – a local flood of short duration resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity.The following is a list of the different types of storms that can affect Galveston: The city’s proximity to the water makes it vulnerable to flooding from a variety of sources. Galveston is completely surrounded by water with Galveston Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. More information about this temporary extension of the grace period to renew flood insurance policies is available here:įor more information about renewing flood insurance policies or resolving an underpayment, policyholders can contact their insurance carriers or call the National Flood Insurance Program Call Center at 1-87. However, due to the widespread economic disruption arising from this pandemic, FEMA recognizes that flood insurance policyholders may not meet the standard policy renewal deadline. To avoid a lapse in coverage, there is typically a 30-day grace period to renew policies. This extension applies to NFIP flood insurance policies with an expiration date between February 13 - June 15, 2020. To help serve its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) customers who may be experiencing financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. FEMA Extends Grace Period for Flood Insurance Renewal Premiums

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