For The Transcript

City officials remind Norman residents they are eligible to purchase affordable flood insurance, in or out of the floodplain through the National Flood Insurance Program.?

Mayor Harold Haralson says participation in the program allows city residents to purchase low-cost, federally backed flood insurance.

"An average flood policy costs approximately $470 a year, which is quite a bargain. In addition, flood insurance policies can be purchased from any licensed property and casualty agent," Haralson said.

"The city of Norman joined this program because of the considerable benefits it provides to its citizens," Shawn O'Leary, floodplain administrator, said. "The program also entitles residents to obtain low-interest loans and grants in the event of a federal declared flood disaster."

Norman entered the NFIP, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA, on Aug. 23, 1974.

Flood insurance is required if a home is in a regulatory floodplain and mortgaged by a federally regulated lender, such as Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Administration, Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae or Ginnie Mae.

If there is no mortgage and the home or business is within the 100-year floodplain, flood insurance is highly recommended. A standard homeowner's insurance policy does not cover flood loss. To purchase flood insurance, O'Leary suggests local residents call the insurance agent who normally handles their homeowner's or car insurance policies.?

O'Leary encourages Norman residents who currently have flood insurance policies to continue to pay their insurance premiums. Every property owner or renter who lives near a regulatory floodplain or in an area subject to localized flooding should look into purchasing a flood policy. In addition, it is important for those who now have flood insurance to keep their policies up-to-date.

Participation in the NFIP allows residents who live in Norman to purchase low-cost, federally backed flood insurance in exchange for proper management of floodplains. Finally, O'Leary reminds local residents of the need for permits prior to construction or development in federally designated floodplains.?

"We want to inform our citizens before they build or construct anything in a floodplain, they should first check with us to determine if the site is in a special flood hazard area," he said.

Alteration of floodplains or the placement of structures in them can significantly increase the magnitude and velocity of floodwaters.

Development is controlled so construction and related activities never divert, retard or obstruct floodwaters to the point where the public could be threatened. Norman and other communities participating in the NFIP regulate floodplain development through construction and building permits.?

Call O'Leary for more information about floodplain management and the NFIP at 366-5453.