Hereford, Oregon

... Determining flood risk and choosing flood insurance...

Flooding is most likely to occur near river locations but damaging
flash floods can occur almost anywhere. For example... flash floods
caused significant damage last Summer in Inkom Idaho and claimed a
life near Murphy Idaho. Both of these floods occurred in normally
dry areas where flooding was not expected.

Flood losses are not typically covered in homeowners insurance
policies. However... flood insurance is available to property
owners in communities participating in the fema National flood
insurance program. The fema flood smart Campaign promotes the idea
that all americans should know their flood risk and choose the
appropriate insurance. The National flood insurance program can
provide a means for property owners to financially protect
themselves from flooding.

Fema flood insurance studies compile data from historical river
flows... hydrologic analyses... rainfall and topographic studies to
create flood hazard maps that outline your communities different
flood risk areas. However... according to fema acting regional
administrator... Dennis hunsinger... 20 to 25 percent of all flood
insurance claims are filed in low to moderate flood risk areas where
flood insurance premiums can be a real bargain.

Individuals can learn more about their flood risk and how to protect
property by visiting www.Floodsafety.NOAA.Gov and www.Floodsmart.Gov