There are important changes to floodplain maps by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that could impact your insurance. The City of Fife wants to make sure you’re well-informed and prepared to deal with an emergency situation that may be caused by flooding.
The current 100-year FEMA floodplain impacts only 10% of Fife’s community. But starting in September 2008, 70% of the community will be located in floodplains.
FEMA determines the areas with a 1% potential of flooding from storms throughout the year. FEMA creates Flood Insurance Rate Maps that detail the floodplain areas.
FEMA is in the last stages of their Map Modernization process in updating the floodplain maps in Pierce County. In September 2008, the new maps it will be adopted. FEMA has increased the floodplains in the Fife region due to the Puyallup River levees losing their certification.
Pierce County is working toward recertifying the Puyallup River levees, but this may take years. Meanwhile, you should think about preparing to protect yourself and your property for a potential flood.
To find out if you are located in a floodplain, Fife Residents can:
• Visit the City of Fife Public Works Department, 5411 23rd Street E Fife WA 98424.
• Call the City of Fife Public Works Department at (253) 922-9315.
• Non-Fife Residents should call the Pierce County Public Works Department’s Water Programs at (253) 798-2725.
Act now in obtaining flood insurance before rates increase.
The City of Fife has taken advanced steps to be a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means the City of Fife agreed to manage flood hazard areas by actively adopting minimum regulatory standards as set forth by FEMA. The City’s pro-active approach is currently benefitting the community of Fife by the NFIP providing a 15% discount on the current flood insurance rates.
Once the FEMA Floodplain Maps are approved in September 2008 there will be a larger number of properties in the floodplain. Those property owners will face increased insurance rates.
However, if property owners purchase flood insurance prior to September 2008, you will be grandfathered in at the lower rate. If you seek flood insurance after September 2008, you will have to pay higher rates for the same insurance.
You can find out more information on purchasing flood insurance by calling the City of Fife Public Works Department at (253) 922-9315.
Fife Public Works
3725 Pacific Highway East
Fife, WA 98424
Public Works Phone: (253) 922-9315
Public Works Fax: (253) 926-9688
The City of Fife is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
