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Watch VideoFremont County prepares for spring flooding
Story By: Susan Davies
Source: KOAA
Fremont County Commissioners are meeting this week with emergency personnel to prepare for possible spring flooding.
Flood stage for the Arkansas River in Canon City is nine feet. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service forecast an 80% chance of some flooding. Snowpacks in western Fremont and Chafee counties are close to 160%. State flood experts grow concerned when averages are above 150%. Commissioners are exploring using reverse 911 to notify residents in flood-prone parts of the county. They're also taking inventories of sandbags and coming up with evacuation plans.
FEMA is urging residents to strongly consider purchasing national flood insurance. The average cost nationwide is $500 per year. Rates are higher or lower depending on the flood risk and property value. Anyone living in a community participating in FEMA's National Flood Insurance program can purchase flood insurance. Homeowner policies generally do not include flood insurance. There is usually a 30 day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect. For more information on flood insurance, call 1-800-427-4661.
