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As communities across the West recover from devastating wildfires, residents living in both affected and surrounding areas face higher risk of flooding.
Wildfires can drastically change the terrain and make the ground less able to absorb water. Even areas that do not typically flood are now at risk for flash flooding and mudflows for up to several years after a wildfire.
Agents near impacted areas are encouraged to use the resources below to work with clients to raise awareness about the risk of flooding after wildfires.
Wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water. That means even light rain can potentially turn into a financially devastating flash flood or mudflow. Watch to learn more about the importance of flood insurance.
Los incendios forestales dejan el suelo carbonizado, esteril e incapaz de absorber agua. Esto significa que incluso la lluvia ligera puede convertirse en una inundacion repentina o un deslizamiento de lodo. Vea este video para aprender más sobre la importancia de un seguro contra inundación.
Flyer explaining how wildfires can dramatically alter the terrain and increase the risk of floods.
Infographic explaining how wildfires can dramatically alter the terrain and increase the risk of floods
Poster explaining how wildfires can dramatically alter the terrain and increase the risk of floods.
Fact sheet outlining flooding after fire risks.
“You could see our bedrooms just being washed away.” Allison and her family never thought they’d need flood insurance, but after their home was devastated by flooding after a wildfire, she said she’ll never question its value again. Flood insurance helped her family recover more quickly. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov/wildfire #Floodsmart #ThomasFire
“You could see our bedrooms just being washed away.” Allison never thought she’d need flood insurance, but her home was devastated by flooding after a wildfire. Flood insurance helped her recover more quickly. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov/wildfire. #Floodsmart
“Se podía ver nuestras habitaciones siendo arrastradas por el agua.” Allison y su familia nunca pensaron que necesitarían un seguro contra inundación, pero después de que su hogar fue devastado por una inundación causada por un incendio forestal, nunca volverán a cuestionar su valor. Obtenga más información en FloodSmart.gov/incendio. #FloodSmart #ThomasFire
“Se podía ver nuestras habitaciones siendo arrastradas por el agua.” Después de que su hogar fue destruido en un incendio forestal, Allison pudo recuperarse con su seguro contra inundación. Para más información visite FloodSmart.gov/incendio. #FloodSmart
Wildfires leave the ground unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flooding. Flood insurance is an easy way to protect your home or business. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov/wildfire. #FloodSmart
Wildfires leave the ground unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flooding. Flood insurance is an easy way to protect your home or business. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov/wildfire. #FloodSmart
Los incendios forestales queman el suelo y destruyen la vegetación, creando condiciones propicias para las inundaciones. El seguro contra inundación es una manera fácil de proteger su hogar o su negocio. Obtenga más información en FloodSmart.gov/incendio. #FloodSmart
Los incendios forestales queman el suelo y destruyen la vegetación, creando condiciones propicias para las inundaciones. El seguro contra inundación es una manera fácil de proteger su hogar o su negocio. Obtenga más información en FloodSmart.gov/incendio. #FloodSmart
Montecito and Ventura, California community members were essential to the region’s recovery following the devastating mudflows of January 2018. The area was left vulnerable to flooding after the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California history at the time, ravaged the landscape the month before. Their experiences highlight the important role flood insurance plays in disaster preparation.
Montecito and Ventura, California community members were essential to the region’s recovery following the devastating mudflows of January 2018. The area was left vulnerable to flooding after the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California history at the time, ravaged the landscape the month before. Their experiences highlight the important role flood insurance plays in disaster preparation.
Montecito and Ventura, California community members were essential to the region’s recovery following the devastating mudflows of January 2018. The area was left vulnerable to flooding after the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California history at the time, ravaged the landscape the month before. Their experiences highlight the important role flood insurance plays in disaster preparation.
The Marcillac family lost their Santa Barbara home to the mudflows that devastated Southern California in January 2018. The mudflows occurred only a month after the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in state history at the time. With the help of flood insurance from the NFIP, they are rebuilding their home.
The Marcillac family lost their Santa Barbara home to the mudflows that devastated Southern California in January 2018. The mudflows occurred only a month after the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in state history at the time. With the help of flood insurance from the NFIP, they are rebuilding their home.
The Marcillac family lost their Santa Barbara home to the mudflows that devastated Southern California in January 2018. The mudflows occurred only a month after the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in state history at the time. With the help of flood insurance from the NFIP, they are rebuilding their home.
Overview of NFIP mudflow coverage.
Infographic explaining ways to reduce the risk of flooding after a wildfire.
[Insert name of community here:] Did you know that in addition to destroying homes and transforming the landscape, wildfires also create conditions that lead to flooding? Flood insurance is an easy way to protect your most important asset. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov/wildfire. #FloodSmart
[Insert name of community here:] Did you know that in addition to destroying homes and transforming the landscape, wildfires also create conditions that lead to flooding? Flood insurance is an easy way to protect your most important asset. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov/wildfire. #FloodSmart
[Inserte el nombre de la comunidad aquí]: ¿Sabía que los incendios forestales crean condiciones de terreno propicias para las inundaciones? El seguro contra inundación es una manera fácil de proteger sus pertenencias más importantes. Aprenda más en FloodSmart.gov/incendio. #FloodSmart
[Inserte el nombre de la comunidad aquí]: ¿Sabía que los incendios forestales crean condiciones de terreno propicias para las inundaciones? El seguro contra inundación es una manera fácil de proteger sus pertenencias más importantes. Aprenda más en FloodSmart.gov/incendio. #FloodSmart