Hurricane season starts June 1 .........

    DO YOU HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE? Now is the time to check with your insurance agent. DON'T WAIT UNTIL JUNE.

Reminder: flood insurance policies take 30 days to become effective!!!

    The City of Long Beach would like to take this time to remind its residents of the importance of buying flood insurance before Hurricane season, right now it's more important that ever to get flood insurance because of the implications of the new flood-zone maps, which will take effect this summer.  Flood insurance rates will increase for properties that become part of the flood zone, property owners who buy flood insurance for their home now, before the new maps take effect may see less of an increase when the new maps go into effect. The cost of flood insurance, which is set by the federal government, will depend on your property's proximity to the water and whether your property is susceptible to flooding.

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OTHER STEPS TO TAKE TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF FLOOD DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE. You should consider your evacuation plans, should you be forced to evacuate. Have a hurricane kit prepared - flashlight with extra batteries, battery operated radio with extra batteries, essential medicines, emergency food and water, a non-electric can opener, duct tape, and cash/credit cards. Make sure to place valuable papers in a secure location, and have arrangements in place for your pets, which are not allowed in storm shelters. Trim back dead or weak branches, and check seals around windows and doors. You can find more information at the City of Long Beach public library, by visiting the Mississippi Insurance Department website at http://www.doi.state.ms.us/htm_files/floodinsaware.htm or the National Flood Insurance Program at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/index.jsp

 

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The most important thing that you can do as a property owner is to have a plan and be prepared. You'll help keep flood insurance rates low for all property owners in Long Beach, and more importantly, you'll help reduce your risk of property damage or loss of life.

 

bulletKEEP IN MIND basic property insurance does not cover flood-related damage. So, if you do not have flood insurance, your only hope of assistance is for a presidential disaster declaration, which leads to low-interest loans that must be paid back with interest. Flood insurance, on the other hand, may be more readily available for claims.

 

bulletEVACUATION ROUTES. In order to relieve traffic congestion on HWY 49 during Mississippi Gulf Coast hurricane evacuations, please click HERE to find routes to arrive at your final destination.

 

bulletIMPORTANT NUMBERS. Listed HERE are important numbers you may need if a hurricane threatens the Gulf Coast.

    It's good to know whether your property is in a floodplain, or Special Flood Hazard Area, but about 25 percent of all flood claims occur outside the mapped floodplain. To determine if your property is in a floodplain, you can contact the Building/Code office at 228-863-1554.