OCI, DNR Urge Wisconsinites To Consider Flood Insurance After Record Rain And Snow In 2019
During Flood Insurance Awareness Week the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urged Wisconsinites to protect their homes and businesses from financial losses due to flooding.
“Just one inch of water in a home can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Last year was the wettest on record in Wisconsin," Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable said. “We are encouraging Wisconsin consumers to learn more about the importance and benefits of flood insurance so they can be sure that they have the financial protection they need before the snow starts melting and the rain starts falling."
Governor Tony Evers proclaimed Feb. 9 – 15 Flood Insurance Awareness Week in the State of Wisconsin to underscore the importance of obtaining flood insurance before snow melts and spring rainfall begins. Some flood insurance policies, including the policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. Gov. Evers released a Flood Insurance Awareness Week video as part of the campaign. OCI and the DNR have also partnered to raise consumer awareness about this issue.
Since 2016, Wisconsin has received multiple federal disaster declarations for flooding and severe weather. Just last month, Gov. Evers requested and received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties in the wake of severe winter storms and lakeshore flooding that occurred in January in those areas.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates an increased likelihood of spring flooding throughout Wisconsin in 2020 due to melting snowpack sitting upon already saturated soil. Typical business and homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, while federal disaster assistance is only available to flood victims if an official declaration has been issued. Even then, that federal aid is available only to those who qualify.
“Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the United States and yet only 15 percent of homeowners have flood insurance. We want everyone who experiences flooding to have the chance to rebuild as soon as possible," said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole.
A flood insurance policy can provide coverage with or without a disaster declaration and can help homeowners, renters, and business owners impacted by flooding recover faster. Homeowners in Wisconsin can buy a flood insurance policy through either the NFIP, a federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance protection against losses from flooding, or through a private carrier. Consumers should contact their local insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about these opportunities.
“Now is a good time for consumers to evaluate their existing insurance coverage and see if they are adequately protected from flood damage," Commissioner Afable said. “If they find gaps in coverage, they can seek a flood insurance policy that meets their needs. An insurance policy cannot reverse the damage inflicted by flooding, but it can help flood victims get back on their feet and on the path to recovery."
For more information about flood insurance, please visit www.floodsmart.gov or the DNR's Flood Insurance webpage.
Effects of 2019 Act 175 – enacted March 2020
2019 Act 175, enacted March 2020, relates to the regulation of nonconforming buildings in a floodplain. All federal requirements are unchanged by this Act. However, there is now an exception in state minimum standards to the state “50% rule” for structures that are changed to comply with federal minimum standards. This Act did not change any City, Village or County floodplain ordinance authorities.
Local communities have two primary options as it relates to their current floodplain zoning ordinance. They can choose to change their ordinance to reflect Act 175 or they can choose to make no changes at all to their current ordinance. This is a local decision and should be based on an assessment of the local flood risks. Communities can assess their flood risks and Act 175 exception to state requirements and determine an appropriate local zoning approach. Some communities may choose to maintain existing floodplain zoning while others may modify their ordinances to minimum standards. There is no requirement for a community to make any changes to their current ordinance if they do not wish to do so.
For communities who wish to adopt an updated ordinance that reflects recent statute changes, the amendment would need to meet both Federal and State floodplain standards and would need approval from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The process for making such updates are outlined on the DNR floodplain website and requires early consultation with Michelle Staff, the Floodplain Policy Coordinator at WDNR.
WDNR does provide a floodplain model ordinance that has been approved by FEMA that includes both minimum regulatory standards required in ch NR116, Wis. Admin. Code, and those of the National Flood Insurance program 44 CFR 59-72. WDNR has been in the process of working with FEMA to update the state’s model ordinance due to the changes in campground language and adding a new coastal floodplain district within the model. The change to how the ordinance addresses improvements to non-conforming structure in the floodway will also be part of the updated ordinance. The FEMA process can take up to 24 months, and as such we anticipate a new model ordinance to be ready for use in late 2021.
Understanding Flood Insurance & Great Lakes High Water
Elevated lake levels and wave hazards continue to threaten communities along the Great Lakes. Understanding these risks can help residents make informed decisions about how to ensure their families, homes, businesses, and communities are safer and stronger.
The risk of flooding is one possibility that coastal property owners should be prepared for. Take steps to be ready for this risk by learning local evacuation routes, gathering supplies needed in an emergency and verifying your property is properly insured.
Flood insurance is an important part of financially protecting a home or business from the expensive damage floods can cause. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP makes flood insurance available to communities that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. This coverage is only available for properties in these participating communities, but most communities in Wisconsin participate.
While it’s always a good idea to talk to your insurance agent about the risks you face and the types of insurance coverage you may need, consider a few facts about FEMA’s Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP)—especially as it could relate to structures along the Great Lakes coastline—to make the most informed preparedness decisions:
If in doubt, policyholders should always file a claim and work with their insurance company to address specific loss questions. Each claim is adjusted individually. If a policyholder receives a denial letter to the claim filed, they always have the right to file an appeal.
For more information about NFIP flood insurance, you can contact your local insurance agent, call the NFIP Help Center at 800-427-4661 or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
Great lakes Water Levels – Near or Above Record Highs Prompt Concern Among Wisconsin Residents
What is in store for 2020?
Experts from Wisconsin Sea Grant, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hosted panels throughout the state in January and March 2020. The panel discussion and presentations discussed:
Those interested in learning what’s in store for Great Lakes water levels through spring and summer 2020 are invited to tune in to the recording from the meeting in Green Bay in January, 2020.
March 2020 reports from the Army Corps of Engineers about Lake Michigan indicate:
2020 Wisconsin Disaster Declaration - DR-4477
On March 11, 2020 there was a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee Counties. The declaration comes in response to severe winter storms that affected areas along the Lake Michigan shoreline on Jan. 10-12 of this year, causing extensive damage to public infrastructure throughout the region. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was also authorized, and can be used statewide in any county or community with a current All Hazard plan.
The major disaster declaration covers assistance to public entities, and will cover eligible projects submitted by counties, cities, townships, and certain private, not-for-profit organizations. The Public Assistance program is not for businesses or homeowners, as the level of damage in these areas does not currently meet requirements for federal relief. Local governments in the declared counties are now eligible for federal assistance and should contact county emergency management directors for further information. The Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and county Emergency Managers are the leads in the process to document eligible reimbursable costs for flood protection, debris removal, and repairs to public facilities and infrastructure. Under the program, FEMA provides 75 percent of eligible costs, while state and local agencies share the remaining 25 percent.
See the latest details on response to the Federal Disaster Declaration at the WEM site.
Wisconsin Floodplain Management Quickguide is Now Available!
The Quickguide helps local officials and citizens understand why and how Wisconsin communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) must manage development in floodplains to protect people and property. Flood-prone communities adopt codes and ordinances that detail the rules and requirements. In cases of conflict, local codes and ordinances, not the guidance in the Quickguide, must be followed.
The Quickguide was developed and funded jointly by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Federal Emergency management Agency(FEMA).
Copies are not available, but the document can be viewed at the links provided above.
New FEMA Elevation Certificate Available
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Elevation Certificate (EC) is an administrative tool used by the NFIP. It is used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances; to determine the proper insurance premium rate; or to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to remove a building from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
The December 2019 update of the FEMA Elevation Certificate and instructions are now available (as of 2/21/2020) at the FEMA Elevation Certificate download page.
The 2015 Elevation Certificate officially expired 11/30/2018, but its use had been extended until this new updated version was available.
The new form appears very similar to the old form. If the DNR Floodplain program staff become aware of significant changes, those will be highlighted in a future issue of Floodplain and Shoreland Management Notes.
ASFPM Foundation Releases Report on Urban Flooding
Across the United States, urban flooding is becoming more frequent and severe, with increasingly serious impacts to stormwater infrastructure, vulnerable neighborhoods, local and regional economies, and public health. Chronic to extreme, disruptive to catastrophic – urban flooding is rapidly becoming this nation’s number one factor contributing to increased future flood risk. Resilience in the face of this progressively serious problem demands attention and action NOW.
Urban flooding is not new, but it is different than how we experienced it a decade ago. Intensified by sea level rise and changing precipitation patterns, urban flooding is more frequent and intense, with underlying infrastructure designed to handle much smaller flooding events. The water has nowhere to go! As a result, major sectors of our economy are adversely impacted and people living and working in these more densely populated flood-prone areas are at increasing risk.
To catalyze attention and action, the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Foundation has published, "Urban Flooding: Moving Towards Resilience. A Summary Report based on the 6th Assembly of the Gilbert F. White National Flood Policy Forum."
The report draws from the wide-ranging discussions that took place during the foundation-sponsored Gilbert F. White National Flood Policy Forum last year, attended by more than 100 experts from local, state, and federal agencies; professional associations and environmental groups; and private sector organizations. It includes examples of time-critical efforts taking place now to prepare for future conditions that could be very different from today.
The report offers practical suggestions for obtaining better data and information, involving vulnerable populations in planning decisions, and exploring funding and financing opportunities to identify and advance solutions. Its summary policy and program recommendations focus on integrated approaches and immediate next steps, including organizing an urban flooding summit in 2021 to address more in-depth the issues and jump-start needed changes.
Please take a few minutes to download and read the report. Then take a few more minutes to think about the role that you, and your agency or organization, could play in further discussions and idea sharing to collaboratively solve this complex problem.
Urban flooding has long been seen as a local issue. But it also needs to become a national priority, and for that matter a global one. ASFPM Foundation is committed to help make it so. We welcome your help as we begin this important journey for a stronger, more resilient future.
Editor's note: This article is reprinted from an ASFPM Foundation notice.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a new interactive quiz on flood-related insurance called “WHAT THE FLOOD!” It’s a quick series of questions testing your knowledge. Take the WHAT THE FLOOD! quiz yourself – you may learn a few things!