Citizens of Beech Bottom Now Qualify for Subsidized Flood Insurance

​CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management today announced the Village of Beech Bottom, in Brooke County, has been accepted as a participating member in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

This federally sponsored program provides low cost subsidized flood insurance policies to citizens of flood prone communities, and establishes eligibility for federal aid and assistance during presidentially declared flooding disasters.

Anyone in the Village of Beech Bottom, whether in or out of the established floodplain, can now purchase flood insurance for their property structure and/or contents at a more affordable rate. Many people do not realize that standard home owner insurance policies do not cover flooding, the most common and devastating natural disaster in West Virginia. In addition, many are unaware that federal flood disaster assistance is only available to citizens of NFIP communities.

Acceptance to the NFIP is based on a municipality’s commitment to instituting and enforcing building and development standards designed by FEMA to help minimize flood damage. Mayor George Lewis and the Beech Bottom Town Council passed the vote to join the NFIP last September, and became official members in April, 2011. As part of the program, Beech Bottom can minimize flood related loss of life and property, while saving money for the entire community.

To find out if your community is a member of the NFIP, call 304-558-5380 or go to www.dhsem.wv.gov.

Contact: Heather Miles, 304-558-5380