Homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because the City of Salem participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, federally-backed flood insurance is available for all structures, whether or not they are located within the floodplain. This insurance can be purchased through most insurance agents. To begin coverage, your insurance agent may ask for an elevation certificate, which compares a building's elevation to flood height levels in high-risk flood areas. However, Elevation certificates are no longer required to purchase flood insurance coverage under Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action.

More than 25 percent of National Flood Insurance Program claims are filed by owners of properties located outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. The National Flood Insurance Program imposes a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so plan to purchase insurance before the onset of the rainy season.

Flood Insurance Requirements

Under federal law, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory for all federal or federally related financial assistance for the acquisition and/or construction of buildings in high-risk flood areas (Special Flood Hazard Areas). This requirement stipulates that the structural coverage purchased must be equal to the amount of the loan or other financial assistance, or for the maximum amount available, which is currently $250,000 for a single-family residence.

If the property is not in a high-risk area, but instead in a moderate- to low-risk area, federal law does not require flood insurance; however, a lender can still require it. It is recommended since historically about one in four flood claims come from these moderate- to low-risk areas. Note that if during the life of the loan the maps are revised and the property is now in the high-risk area, your lender will notify you that you must purchase flood insurance. It is the lender's responsibility to check the Flood Insurance Rate Map to determine whether a structure is within the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Flood Insurance Rates and Coverage

Flood insurance rates are calculated on a variety of factors, such as flood frequency, multiple flood types—river overflow, storm surge, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall—and distance to a water source along with property characteristics such as elevation and the cost to rebuild. Rates can vary drastically, so it is best to contact a licensed insurance agent to determine the premium for your specific property. FloodSmart provides samples of policy premiums and contacts for local insurance agents. Check with a local Salem insurance agent. If they do not sell flood insurance, you can call the national flood insurance program at 877-336-2627 or FloodSmart to find an Oregon flood insurance agent in your area.

The National Flood Insurance Program insures homes and buildings with two types of coverage: structural and contents. Structural coverage includes walls, floors, insulation, furnaces, and other items permanently attached to the structure, typically excluding basements. Contents coverage may be purchased separately to cover the contents of an insured building. Floodsmart provides more information about flood insurance and policy coverage.

There are ways to reduce your flood insurance premiums even if your home or building is in the floodplain. In fact, your building may have been constructed in a way that increases the cost of your annual premiums. FloodSmart provides information about the most common causes of high flood insurance rates and options that could help you pay less for flood insurance.

Community Rating System

The National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System ( CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum National Flood Insurance Program requirements. The CRS program recognizes a community’s efforts to reduce flood risk, facilitate accurate insurance ratings, and promote the awareness of flood insurance.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA has awarded the City of Salem a Class three rating, allowing residents to receive a 35 percent discount on flood insurance premiums. Participation in the CRS program acknowledges Salem’s efforts that help save lives and reduce property damage in the event of a flood.

The City of Salem continues to make improvement in our CRS program and strives to improve our rating within any given year.

Community Rating System credits are awarded for a community’s efforts in activities, organized under four categories:

• Public Information
• Mapping and regulations
• Flood damage reduction
• Warning and Response

A few examples of Salem’s involvement in credited activities include:

• Conduct outreach efforts to increase awareness of flood issues in Salem and provide information about protecting yourself, your family and your property from flooding
• Maintain staff that are trained as Certified Floodplain Managers and able to provide assistance to the community with floodplain and flood insurance related inquiries.
• Improve flood map information and accessibility
• Provide detailed review by floodplain management staff of all development proposals in the floodplain to ensure areas prone to flooding are not affected by the development activity
• Require safe building practices to reduce future flood damage
• Operate a drainage system maintenance program that includes annual inspections and regular maintenance of creeks, streams and ditches in Salem to reduce the risk of flooding
• Conduct flood response exercises and encourage community engagement in early warning and response efforts in the event of a flood

For more information about the CRS program, visit Fema.gov.

Additional Resources

City of Salem, Planning Division, Community Planning and Development Department
503‑588‑6173
City Planners can provide information about protection of vegetation and trees along waterways and tree removal.

City of Salem, Emergency Preparedness
503‑588‑6211
For assistance in an emergency, call 911. Contact us to learn more about preparing for a disaster or for information on the City's emergency management program.

City of Salem, Public Library
503‑588‑6052
The library collection contains floodplain publications and other floodplain-related information.

City of Salem, Public Works Dispatch
503‑588‑6311
Call dispatch if you discover problems with a street or your water / sewer service (i.e. broken pipe, pothole, environmental spill, clogged street drain).

City of Salem, Development Services Division, Community Planning and Development Department 
503‑588‑6211
Contact Development Services to speak with a Floodplain Manager or if you have questions about the interactive floodplain map.

Mid Willamette Valley High Water Watch
503-588-6333
Watch View current stream levels and rainfall data in near real-time from a number of sites across the City.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
1‑888‑379‑9531
The Floodsmart website provides information about the National Flood Insurance Program, answers questions about flood insurance, and provides assistance to find local insurance agents that offer flood insurance.

Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL)
503‑378‑3805
DSL reviews and issues removal/fill permits for development activities in waterways and wetlands.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
503‑808‑4510
To find out more information about the USACE Flood Risk Management Program.