Public Safety · Valley-wide
Nevada agencies urge Las Vegas residents to plan for possible El Niño flooding and review flood insurance this winter
Two state agencies used Nevada Flood Awareness Week to warn that a developing "super" El Niño could bring heavy rain. They also reminded residents that standard home and renters policies do not cover flood damage.
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What happened
State officials are asking Nevadans to prepare now for possible flooding this winter, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. The warning comes as a "super" El Niño cycle develops, which the Review-Journal said raises the possibility of heavy rains and flooding in the coming months.
The warning follows a wet fall in Southern Nevada. According to the Review-Journal, last month was the second-wettest October in Las Vegas history, and the rain caused some minor flooding around the valley.
Why state agencies are speaking up now
Nevada Flood Awareness Week
This week is Nevada Flood Awareness Week, the Review-Journal reported. The Nevada Division of Insurance and the Office of Emergency Management released a joint statement Monday about flood preparedness and prevention.
In that statement, the agencies said they were "urging Nevadans to create a plan of action now." They warned that increased rainfall could cause major flooding across the state and identified areas near recent burn scars as especially at risk.
What insurance does and does not cover
Standard policies leave out floods
Insurance Commissioner Ned Gaines is encouraging residents to evaluate their flood risks and look into flood insurance options, according to the statement. The agencies said standard homeowners', renters' and commercial insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Federal disaster help is also limited. The statement said that even in a federal disaster, aid is typically offered as low-interest loans that must be paid back and are likely to cover only part of the costs. Vehicles are a different case. The agencies said the comprehensive portion of auto coverage could pay for flood damage to cars.
Where to find flood coverage
The Division of Insurance said several insurers offer private flood policies. The agency said residents can contact their insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov to learn about available options and locate a participating provider.
Coverage is also available through the National Flood Insurance Program, though people who wait may face a delay. According to the Review-Journal, a policy through that program takes 30 days to activate, and most plans only cover up to $250,000.
Building an emergency kit
Supplies for home and car
Brett Compston of the Office of Emergency Management said residents should pack emergency kits for both their homes and their cars, the Review-Journal reported. Recommended items include flashlights, extra food, water and warm clothes.
The state posts a full list of recommended supplies at oem.nv.gov/30-days. For more on local emergency and safety issues, see our public safety coverage.
What to watch next
- Nevada Flood Awareness Week continues this week, with state agencies sharing flood preparedness and prevention information.
- The developing "super" El Niño cycle, which the Review-Journal said could bring heavy rains and flooding to Las Vegas and Nevada in the coming months.
- Flood risk near recent burn scars, which state agencies identified as especially vulnerable to major flooding.
- The 30-day wait before new National Flood Insurance Program policies take effect, a factor for residents considering coverage before winter storms.
