NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
16 January 2004

MAYOR URGES RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES TO OBTAIN FLOOD INSURANCE

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today urged city residents to obtain flood insurance for their properties if they do not currently have such coverage. Harrisburg’s extensive flood preparation and emergency management activities have resulted in a 15% reduction in base flood insurance premiums for the city businesses and residents from what would otherwise be normally charged.

In fact, Reed noted, Harrisburg has had three upgrades in its flood insurance classification, the only Pennsylvania municipality to do so. Harrisburg is today one of only a handful of communities nationwide with the same improved rating.

The Mayor said the cost of Flood insurance is subsidized by the federal government under the National Flood Insurance Program and is available to all tenants and property owners nationwide and can be obtained from any licensed insurance agent.

Reed said residents currently not covered by flood insurance should expedite efforts to obtain it since there is at least a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective. In order to obtain FHA and VA mortgages or participate in other federal programs, owners of property located in a floodplain must have flood insurance. The Mayor noted that in the event of a flood disaster, certain disaster benefits are available only to persons who have previously obtained flood insurance.

Mayor Reed suggested that tenants and property owners consult their insurance agents for costs and other coverage information. Regular homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover damage from floods, the Mayor added.

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