California Residents Purchase 28,000 Flood Insurance Policies
California residents are preparing for a severe El Nino flood risk.
FEMA announced Jan. 6 that National Flood Insurance Program policies increased by more than 20,000 in November 2015 amid fears of increased flooding due to a strong seasonal El Nino effect.
"Flooding is the most costly and devastating disaster we face as a nation," said FEMA Region 9 Administrator Robert Fenton. "The major increase in flood policies show Californians are taking the threat seriously and taking powerful steps to protect their families and property. Those who may need and not have a flood policy should act today, as policies generally take 30 days to go into effect."
Due to previous wildfires and drought, many areas in California are at an increased flood risk.
"We are encouraged by the number of Californians that are becoming financially prepared for the flooding that is expected from El Nino," said Janet Ruiz, California representative for the Insurance Information Institute. "It is crucial to protect our families and homes by preparing for catastrophes ahead of time."