Rhode Island has so far escaped what has been a very active hurricane season, but the danger of flooding is a fact of life here that too many homeowners don’t seem to realize.
In some cases, the problem is with the property owner. While not everyone can control whether they live in an area at risk of flooding, we can purchase insurance to protect our investments in homes and property.
Yet some insurance agents report seeing policies lapse during the current pandemic.
But an even bigger problem is the lack of clarity over exactly which properties are at significant risk of flooding.
A new report by First Street Foundation suggests 9,000 more Rhode Island properties are at risk of flooding than is recognized by Federal Emergency Management Agency flood plain maps.
The local accuracy of FEMA maps has long been in dispute. The agency is planning an update of its risk-rating system in late 2021.
Let’s hope that’s not too late for some unlucky Ocean State property owners.