NEWS AND PRESS RELEASE
FLOOD INSURANCE

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2002

DID YOU KNOW?

With winter coming, flood insurance may be something homeowners may want to consider. Did you know that standard homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for losses due to floods? In an effort to provide residents of the unincorporated areas of Alameda County with flood insurance at a reduced rate, the Alameda County Flood Control District began participating in the Community Rating System Program (CRS) in 1992. This program provides credit points to the District for many different activities which provide for a higher level of floodplain management than is required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

As a result of the District's dedicated participation, residents of the County's Unincorporated area living in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) have been qualified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a 15% reduction on their flood insurance premium, a 5% increase from 1999.

If you live in a flood zone, it is advisable to purchase flood insurance to protect yourself from loss. If you do not know whether your property is in a flood zone, please call 510-670-5480 and provide your address and the Assessor's parcel number (APN) on your property to obtain this information. For information regarding flood insurance coverage, please contact your insurance agent.

Additional information on this program is available in detail on the web site http://www.fema.gov/nfip.  If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), this discount should be automatically credited to you by your Flood insurance Agent.  If you have questions regarding the CRS program, call 510-670-5459

KEEP IT FLOWING

You can do your part in maintaining our flood control system by preventing debris from passing into our storm drains, underground pipes, open channels and natural ditches that carry water away from houses and businesses to creeks and the bay.  The District maintains the flood control system by clearing debris and repairing facilities.  If you see a problem that needs our attention (such as a clogged drain or a broken pipe), please call the District at 510-670-5500.  Private property owners also can do their part by removing debris, including weeds, litter and other items that could block water flow from ditches on their property.  If you need more information on your flood control responsibilities as a property owner, please call 510-670-5402.

WHY A PERMIT?

If you are planning to build anything, whether it's a building repair or addition, a landfill, or a brand new building, you will need a permit to ensure that your project meets County regulations.  The process is simple.  Just call 510-670-5429 to ensure your project does not create a flood hazard or to learn more about development requirements and permits for the unincorporated area