Port St Lucie – Tuesday 15 November 2022: The City of Port St. Lucie has been notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that its Community Rating System (CRS) level, under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) , was increased to class 5, from class 8.
A Class 5 community rating means city residents are eligible for a 10-25% discount on their flood insurance premiums when renewals begin next year, April 1, 2023. From this date, flood insurance policies under the National Flood Insurance Program in the City’s Special Flood Hazard Zone will receive a discount of up to 25% on flood policies. flood and those outside these areas will be entitled to 10% discounts.
These discounts will remain in effect as long as the City continues to adhere to the CRS program regulations, which are recertified annually and verified in person every 5 years.
“Floods are the most common type of natural disaster in Florida,” said Billy Weinshank, director of Port St. Lucie’s emergency management division. “The best way to protect a home and its belongings from flood damage is to purchase flood insurance and the City is committed to making flood insurance more affordable for all PSL residents, especially in this time of inflation.
The CRS rating of a jurisdiction is represented in a points system. For every 500 points earned, a jurisdiction receives a class upgrade. The lower the class, the better the jurisdiction’s CRS score. Port St Lucie scored 2,545 points in the last CRS audit, bringing the city to a Class 5 CRS rating. A robust CRS program also equates to best flood control practices across the city, which improves the safety of people, property, economic and environmental preservation.
Flood insurance is crucial for many homeowners, as even the best home insurance policies typically exclude flood damage. If a resident is interested in flood insurance, they can visit https://floodsmart.gov and click on “get coverage” to find insurance agents who offer flood policies. A homeowner can contact their local insurance agent and inquire about adding a flood policy to protect their home and belongings.
Of approximately 250 participating communities in Florida, less than 18% have a Class 5 or higher. More than 1,500 communities nationwide are participating in the federal program, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. CRS is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) voluntary incentive program that encourages jurisdictions to work to reduce flood threats in their communities.
Flood safety tips can be found at: www.CityofPSL.com/Flood.