Property owners who experienced any water entering their homes or business this month are reminded of the importance of reporting flooding concerns to the City either online or via the Ask Arlington app and searching the keywords "Flooding in Building" or "Flooding on Property or Standing Water". Reports of flooding are assigned to a member of the Public Works and Transportation's Stormwater group who will visit the property to review flooding and drainage problems while providing information on barrier walls, soil stabilization, lot regrading and other site-specific structural solutions. Information collected during the assessment is critical in planning of future flood mitigation programs or projects.

Additional services and information provided by the Stormwater group include:

• Explanation of natural floodplain functions and their protection along with special flood hazards;
• Provide advice on retrofitting techniques, such as elevating buildings, dry- or wet-flood proofing;
• Provide information on disaster assistance grants and loans through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration, US Department of Agriculture, and other local and state agencies;
• National Flood Insurance Program purchase requirements, coverage options, and assistance with maintaining or increasing coverage;
• Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information needed for writing a flood insurance policy and other non-insurance related information; and
• Providing copies of Elevation Certificates for some properties located in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)

The recent rains have resulted in nearly 100 reported incidents of structural flooding throughout the city. With additional rain in the forecast over the next 14 days, the Arlington Public Works and Transportation Department would like to remind all property owners and renters about the importance of obtaining flood insurance as no property is completely safe from the threat of floods. As little as one inch of water in your home or business can cause more than $25,000 in damage.

Here are some facts to keep in mind when determining if flood insurance is right for you:

• More than 20 percent of flood claims are made for properties located outside high risk areas;
• Standard homeowners and renters insurance do not typically include flood coverage. Talk to a licensed insurance agent to learn what is covered by flood insurance;
• Flood insurance can pay even if there is no Presidential Disaster Declaration; and
• Disaster assistance loans must be repaid with interest and grants only average $5,000 per household. Comparatively, an average flood insurance claim pays approximately $30,000 and does not have to be repaid.

Additional information on the National Flood Insurance Program is available on FEMA's Flood Smart webpage, the City of Arlington's Stormwater webpage, or by contacting one of the City's Stormwater Engineers by calling 817-459-6550.