The Village of Somers has adopted ordinances to help reduce flood losses which were accepted by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
As a result, effective Dec. 9, 2019, Village residents are able to purchase flood insurance up to the limits under the Regular Phase program.
There is a 30-day waiting period before the insurance goes into effect.
- The limit for single-family dwellings is $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for its contents.
- Renters can also protect their belongings through the insurance program.
- The limit for commercial buildings is $500,000 for both the building and its contents.
Lenders must require borrowers using federally-backed mortgages to purchase flood insurance if the property is located in a designated flood hazard area.
The NFIP is implemented through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are over 5 million flood insurance policies in more than 22,000 participating communities nationwide.
What is the National Flood Insurance Program?
The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. It does so by providing affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. These efforts help mitigate the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. Overall, the program reduces the socio-economic impact of disasters by promoting the purchase and retention of general risk insurance, but also of flood insurance. Click here to view information and link to the NFIP website.
Where are the floodplains in Somers located?
Throughout the Village, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has identified different areas of floodplain. Click here to view Somers map.
Village of Somers Ordinance
Village of Somers Floodplain Ordinance 17-012. Click here to view.
Do you have flood insurance?
Check with your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate coverage. Make sure your policy covers building structures AND contents. Contents coverage can be obtained by asking for it. A home in a floodplain has a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage. There may be a 30-day waiting period before insurance coverage becomes effective. If you are in a floodplain, flood insurance is required for any federally-insured mortgage. For more information on flood insurance and flood emergency services, click here for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.
Contacting your insurance agent
1. Determine if your property is in a flood zone.
2. Estimate value of your home and contents.
3. Have a clear understanding whether you are covered for flood damage to structure and contents, and from damage caused by sewer back-up.