This week is Flood Safety Awareness Week in the heart of Flash Flood Alley: Austin, Texas. According to a press release from the city, it’s a time to educate yourself on the potential dangers that inevitable flooding holds. “As of August 2023, there are 5,660 active National Flood Insurance Program policies in the City of Austin, covering $1.47 billion in property. In just the last ten years, 930 claims have been paid, totaling more than $42.3 million in damages,” notes the release, which encourages residents to sign up for alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org, make a plan and consider flood insurance, which is now available at a discount for most Austin polices. This year’s flood awareness week will culminate at Flood Safety Fest on Saturday, April 26, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at L.L. Campbell Elementary School. The event will offer tips, giveaways, and the results of a Flood Safety Video contest.
Elizabeth Pagano is the editor of the Austin Monitor. More by Elizabeth Pagano