Floods are the most common and most costly natural disaster. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) is reminding residents in its service area of the impacts of flooding with its annual Know Your Zone initiative to increase enrollment in the National Flood Insurance Program and overall flood zone awareness.
“MSD doesn’t manage overland flooding, nor do we cover overland flooding under any of our insurance programs,” Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Executive Director Brian Hoelscher said. “However, customers have turned to us during floods and we encourage all customers to protect themselves and look into whether or not they should obtain flood insurance through their homeowners, renters, or other insurance policy. If a customer is seeking information about flood insurance, they should visit KnowYourZone.org.
As we saw this past December, overland flooding can occur even in areas where there are no nearby waterways. The St. Louis region has experienced more frequent storms with excessive rain fall in a short period time, which can cause overland flooding in areas that are not located near rivers, creeks, or streams.
“Despite being a land locked state, the St. Louis region is rich in water resources and all residents living in the MSD service area live in an either low-to-moderate or high risk flood zone,” Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Executive Director Brian Hoelscher said. “According to the NFIP the average flood damage claim for homeowners and renters exceeds $35,000 in damages. Either normal insurance policies or MSD programs do not protect our homes from flooding.”
St. Louis residents can go to KnowYourZone.org to determine the level of flood zone they live in and find out more about how to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. KnowYourZone.org also has more information about preferred risk insurance policies for residents in moderate-to-low risk flood zone areas and options for obtaining flood insurance through current homeowners, renters or other insurance policies.
“Each St. Louis resident lives in a flood zone,” Brian Hoelscher said. “We strongly encourage all our customers to protect their families, homes, and personal keepsakes by going to KnowYourZone.org to learn more about flood insurance and find out what level of flood zone they live in.”
For more information, flood zone maps, and tips on how you can protect your home go to KnowYourZone.org.