Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS State College, PA

Home | Current Version | Previous Version | Graphics & Text | Print | Product List | Glossary On
Versions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
000
NOUS41 KCTP 181015
PNSCTP
PAZ004>006-010>012-017>019-024>028-033>037-041-042-045-046-
049>053-056>059-063>066-190415-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
615 AM EDT Mon Mar 18 2024

The National Weather Service has declared March 18th
through March 22nd to be Flood Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.

Today`s topic: Flood Preparedness.

Is flooding really that big of a deal?

Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other
weather related event, an average of 5.2 billion dollars per year
over the past 20 years. Flooding can occur in any of the 50
states or US territories during any time of the year. Flooding is
a coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its
territories nearly every day of the year. If you know what to do
before, during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of
survival and better protect your property. For instance, it is
vital to know what to do if you are driving and reach a flooded
road. Here you will find an interactive flood map, information
describing the different types of flooding, and educational
material. You will also learn how the National Weather Service
keeps you aware of potentially dangerous flooding situations
through alerts and warnings.

Learn how to better protect yourself and your family by reading
our flood survivor stories. If you, or someone you know, have been
a victim of a flood, please share your story so we can prevent
others from becoming a victim. When you write, please note that
NWS has permission to use your story and, if possible, let us know
the town and state you were in and the year the event took place.

How can I find out if I am in danger from a flood?

Local news, television, and social media are all good ways to
receive flood alerts and flooding information. NOAA Weather Radio
All Hazards is one of the best ways to receive warnings from the
National Weather Service. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a
nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous
weather and river information directly from local NWS offices. The
AHPS web page identifies where river flooding is occurring with a
transition to the NWPS website upcoming on March 27th. After this
transition, you can find this information at water.noaa.gov. The
AHPS webpage will become inactive on May 26, 2024.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for a flood?

Information on how you can reduce potential flood damage and what
to include in a family disaster plan can be obtained from the
American Red Cross. The NWS works with, and relies on, strategic
partners involved in floodplain management, flood hazard
mitigation, and flood preparedness to reduce the loss of life and
property due to floods.

When flooding threatens, listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your
favorite media outlet for warnings and statements. These warnings
and statements contain information about specific locations that
will be impacted and the impacts that are expected due to the
flooding.

Another way to be prepared before flooding occurs in your area is
by obtaining flood insurance.

Why do I need flood insurance? Flood losses are not covered by
your homeowners insurance policy. Local flooding can happen in all
parts of the country at almost any time of the year. Flooding
causes more damage in the United States than any other weather
related event, averaging 5.2 billion dollars per year over the
past 20 years.

How do I obtain a flood insurance policy? You can purchase
national flood insurance from private insurance companies and
agents. Currently, there are over 100 insurance companies that
sell national flood insurance coverage through some sixty-
thousand independent insurance agents.

If a seller of a property has flood insurance coverage on the
building, that policy can be assigned to the buyer at the time of
closing. If a mortgage company requires flood insurance as a
condition of the loan, the lender may escrow flood insurance
premiums, making it easy to ensure that you will not get caught
without flood insurance when a flood threatens your home.

Who can purchase flood insurance? Anyone in a community that
participates in the National Flood Insurance Program can purchase
building and...or contents coverage, with a few exceptions.
Coastal barrier resources system areas, otherwise protected areas,
and buildings principally below ground or entirely over water are
not eligible for national flood insurance.

You can find out if you can get flood insurance at the flood
smart.gov website. Just fill out the flood risk profile for the
location you are concerned about.

Topics for the rest of flood awareness week:
Tuesday: Turn Around Don`t Drown.
Wednesday: Flood Information.
Thursday: Flooding Causes and Severity.
Friday: Flood alerts.

$$


USA.gov is the U.S. government's official web portal to all federal, state and local government web resources and services.