National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to communities who wish to participate. It's a voluntary program that rewards communities for what they are doing to prevent flood damage, as well as to provide an incentive for new flood protection activities. The City of Centralia is a participant of the NFIP, therefore property owners benefit by having the opportunity to purchase flood insurance through the NFIP. Another benefit is due to Centralia flood plain management and land-use policies NFIP is able to offer a 25% discount on flood insurance.

Important Updates for Flood Insurance Policies

Beginning March 2013, FEMA has enacted significant changes to the flood insurance program. View a Fact Sheet Highlighting Some of the Major Changes (PDF).

To obtain flood insurance home owners will need an Elevation Certificate. Access the Elevation Certificates that the City has copies of (ZIP) (this is a large file and will take a minute or two to download to your computer). If we do not have an elevation certificate for your parcel, a licensed surveyor will be able to create one for you.

The following are a few facts:

• Damage to homes from floods is not covered by homeowner's insurance policies.
• NFIP insurance covers both structural and contents coverage even if it is not declared a federal disaster.
• NFIP is offered through private insurance companies.
• If the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (100 year floodplain) NFIP will be required to secure mortgage loans from federally insured banks and credit unions.
• Federal disaster assistance does not pay for damages caused by flooding. Federal disaster assistance offers loans to help cover flood damage not compensation for losses. The loans are only offered when the President formally declares a disaster, which occurs in less than 10% of all weather emergencies in the U.S.
• NFIP is available to renters as well.
• Contact your homeowner's insurance carrier to find out if they carry NFIP flood insurance. If they don't go to www.floodsmart.gov type your address and get a list of local insurance carriers that offer NFIP flood insurance.
• Beware there is a 30-day waiting period after the first premium is paid before the policy is in effect.
• Call NFIP for information 800-638-6620 or go to the Flood Smart website.