The city’s residents collectively will save $1.4 million annually on their flood insurance policies.
Sacramento residents may now see a reduction in their flood insurance premiums thanks to a new designation that puts the City among the top rated in the nation for community floodplain management.
At the Oct. 23 City Council meeting, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, commonly known as FEMA, recognized the City for improving its Community Rating System (CRS) standing from a Class 5 to a Class 2.
“We wouldn’t be here today without the strong relationships between our Department of Utilities and FEMA,” said Councilmember Angelique Ashby, who represents the Natomas area where all homeowners are required to have flood insurance.
Councilmember Jeff Harris, who sits on the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency board, praised the City saying: “FEMA has recognized that we are robust in attacking floodplain projects. We understand that we are a flood-prone city and are moving full steam ahead to pursue projects to take us past a 200-year flood protection.”
A community’s CRS rating directly affects its residents’ flood insurance premiums. Now that Sacramento has a Class 2 rating, residents in the city’s highest flood risk areas now are eligible for a 40 percent reduction of their premiums (compared to a 25 percent reduction when the City was at a Class 5). Collectively, the city’s residents will save $1.4 million annually on their flood insurance policies, officials said.
The City achieved the class 2 rating by implementing a comprehensive program that prepares the City and its residents for a flood. The plan includes activities designed to enhance public safety and reduce damage to infrastructure and property.
The City of Sacramento is the seventh community in the nation to obtain a Class 2 standing. The City is now in the top .5 percent of all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) communities. The City of Roseville is the first and only community in the nation to obtain a class 1.
To celebrate the recognition and California Flood Preparedness Week, the City is hosting a Flood Preparedness Funfair on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miller Regional Park. The event will bring together multiple City departments, FEMA, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the California of Department of Water Resources to help families and residents learn what to do before, during, and after a flood event.
Hands-on activities, rescue demonstrations, bulldozers, fire trucks, helicopters, animal care, and garbage trucks will all be a part of the funfair.
