In an average year floods kill 150 people and cause over $3 Billion in property damage. Standard homeowners/renters/business insurance does not cover flood damage. However, flood insurance to provide protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the country is available to protect individuals and companies and their property in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program administered by FEMA.

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

Citizens of Independence are eligible to participate in this program because of the various programs implemented by the City such as open space preservation, land development criteria, flood data maintenance, and stormwater management. Because of these activities, Independence has been rated at a level seven, which makes those in flood plains eligible for a 15 percent discount on their insurance.

Independence Emergency Preparedness Manager Mark Widner said citizens who wish to participate should call the City's Floodplain Manager Scott Green at 816-325-7618. Green can help citizens find out if their property is in the floodplain.

For information on the National Flood Insurance Program visit www.fema.gov/business/nfip

The following web sites are provided for additional information regarding flood hazards, flood warnings, flood zone maps, flood preparation, flood clean up and recovery.

National Flood Insurance Program Web links

• Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live: www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm
• National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers Flash Flood Guidance.

• Daily for all counties: 1, 3 and 6 hours: www.srh.noaa.gov/rfcshare/ffg.php?duration=3&location=NY
• Check the National Weather Service's local forecasts and warnings for rivers and floods: water.weather.gov/ahps/
• Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your family from devastating financial loss. Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters. Visit these sites for information:
• www.fema.gov/business/nfip/
• www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/choose_your_policy/cyp_overview.jsp
• The Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines booklet provides guidance for the mandatory purchase provisions of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994: www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2954
• Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Find out if your property is in a risk zone: www.fema.gov/hazard/map/firm.shtm
• Protect your family and property by planning ahead and preparing for hazards and disasters: www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm
• Planning what to do in case of a disaster is an important part of being prepared. Some simple steps can help taxpayers and businesses protect financial and tax records in case of disasters: www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=180547,00.html
• FEMA’s Library offers free downloads for step-by-step advice to clean up, rebuild, and help after a flood: www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1418