FloodSafe Minute: A Note from the President about Flood Insurance
A Note from the President about Flood Insurance
Jason Bergeron, Parish President
June 6, 2025
Storm season is opening in June, and while we always hope that the community will be spared from a storm event, it is best to prepare. Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government prepares all year for hurricane season, traditionally between June and November. Are you ready for hurricane season?
Flood insurance is often the key factor in making it possible for your home or business to be returned to good condition after a flood event. National Flood Insurance Program policies can provide up to $30,000 to elevate a home or business if it floods repeatedly, but the policy holder must make claims under that policy. Beyond flood insurance, ordinance or law coverage in a homeowner’s policy might be used for elevating a house if the structure is substantially damaged by any events (wind, flood, fire, accident) or any other code compliance required to rebuild. Ask your agent to add it to your existing policy.
Preparedness includes being ready to take care of yourself if evacuated and protecting your property with shutters, elevation if necessary, and flood insurance regardless of where you are in the Parish. While the Parish works daily to provide a safe and healthy environment in Terrebonne Parish, every resident is a part of that effort, and I encourage each and every household and business to get flood insurance to protect the resilience of this community. Let’s prepare together.
As storm season continues, take precautions for storms or evacuations to protect lives and property. Every household should have supplies to last for a week including medicine, water, food, and items for family members with special needs and pets. Every household should also have all papers in a waterproof and safe spot along with a list handy of anything that would need to be taken with the family on an evacuation.
Flood insurance is for everyone. Structures outside of the flood zone can still flood. Renters can prepare for as little as $100 per year for a contents policy. Could you afford to replace your furniture and personal belongings without insurance?
Don’t forget to protect your small businesses too. Nationally, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a flood event. If you can’t afford the insurance offered with your current building conditions, call the Parish’s Recovery Assistance and Mitigation Planning Division at 873-6565 to see if there is a risk reduction option available to lower that cost.
Call 877-336-2627 or your local agent for more information or email FloodSmart@FEMA.DHS.gov.
For information on placing a claim, see floodsmart.gov/recover.
Visit the NFIP’s document on Recovering Financially After a Flood for tips on preparation and recovery.
