NEWS RELEASE May 22, 2006
Contact: Armand Randolph Telephone: (401) 462-7107 Mobile: (401) 413-9406 Fax: (401) 944-1891
RHODE ISLAND ANNUAL NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP) CONFERENCE
RIEMA to host NFIP conference in conjunction with FEMA
May 24th, 2006 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Providence Marriott
Cranston, RI – The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) will host a statewide conference on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and its various program components with the objective of preparing Rhode Island’s cities and towns for the impacts of flooding of this season’s hurricane season. Topics will include an overview of the National Flood Insurance Program, including the Community Rating System a voluntary program in which, if a community is enrolled all NFIP policy holders within that community could receive annual premium discounts as flood mitigation techniques and programs are implemented. Other topics include presentations on the national campaign FLOODSMART, FEMA Flood Insurance Rate mapping and modernization program, floodplain permitting “don’ts” and funding availability for flood mitigation.
The National Flood Insurance Program was created in 1968 by Congress, is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is designed to enable homeowners, business owners, and renters to purchase federally backed flood insurance. The NFIP is a quid pro quo program between FEMA and the communities; FEMA provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) and Flood Insurance Studies (FIS), the community must pass and implement a local floodplain management ordinance to reduce future flood damage and in exchange any property owner in a participating community can purchase flood insurance at discounted rates.
All of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns participate in the NFIP. The first communities to join were Newport and Providence in 1970, 20 more communities joined by 1973 and the last RI community joined in 1986. In all, Rhode Island has 11,520 NFIP policies that insure $8,666,306.00 worth of property. Since 1978, $19,339,947.00 NFIP payouts have been made to NFIP policy holders. According to the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) Rhode Island has the highest NFIP insurance policy retention rate in the country at 92%. However, Rhode Island also has the lowest number of policies given its high exposure to both coastal and riverine flooding.
All requests for information should be directed to Pam Pogue, State Program Manager for the National Flood Insurance Program at 462-7048 or 946-9996.