Public Notice: Importance of Flood Insurance in Ruidoso Post-Wildfires — Ruidoso-NM.gov

1. Increased Flood Risk Post-Wildfire:

   • After wildfires, the risk of flooding can remain elevated for up to five years until vegetation is restored. It is crucial to secure flood insurance now to protect against potential future flood events.

2. Waiting Period for Coverage:

3. Flood-in-Progress Exclusion:

4. Homeowners and Renters Insurance Exclusions:

5. Definition of Mudflow:

   • Mudflow, as defined by the NFIP, is a river of liquid mud flowing over normally dry land. This is a common risk post-wildfire and is covered under NFIP policies.

6. Flood Zones and Claims:

   • Even areas outside traditional flood zones, such as Flood Zone X, are at risk. In fact, 40% of NFIP claims come from these areas.

7. Insurance for Renters:

   • Renters can obtain flood insurance to cover personal property. An NFIP contents-only policy can protect belongings like clothes, furniture, and electronics. For more information, see NFIP Flood Insurance for Renters in English and Spanish.

8. Commercial Flood Insurance:

   • Business owners can also get flood insurance. The NFIP’s General Property Form covers Building Property and Personal Property (including stock) up to $500,000 each. For more information, see the NFIP Summary of Coverage for Commercial Property in English and Spanish.

9. Contact Information:

   • For questions about flood insurance, flood zones, and finding a provider, call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or visit floodsmart.gov.

10. Post-Wildfire Exception:

11. Flood Preparedness:

    • Prepare for floods by signing up for community warning systems, storing important documents in waterproof containers, and moving valuable items to higher levels. View more flood preparedness tips in English and Spanish.

12. Recovery Assistance:

    • After a flood, both NFIP policyholders and non-policyholders may access disaster assistance and supplemental relief. Learn more in the Recovering Financially After a Flood guide. Learn more about Recovering Financially After a Flood in English and Spanish.

13. Permits for Repairs:

• Fact Sheets and Brochures:

• YouTube Videos and Infographics:

  • After Wildfires, Your Flood Risks Goes Up YouTube video in English and Spanish

  • Flood After Fire: Understanding Mudflow Infographic in English and Spanish

  • Understanding Mudflow and the NFIP Fact Sheet in English and Spanish

The Village of Ruidoso remains committed to ensuring the safety and preparedness of our residents and businesses. For more information, visit our South Fork and Salt Fire Information Hub or contact the Emergency Operations Center at 575-258-6900.

Stay safe and take proactive steps to protect your property from flood risks today.

POST-WILDFIRE FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR RUIDOSO RESIDENTS

If your property was damaged by a flood after a wildfire, you may qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program’s Post-Wildfire Exception, which reduces the waiting period for coverage to one day under specific conditions. To qualify, the fire must have impacted federal lands, and the flood must be a result of, or worsened by, the fire. Contact your insurer to report your claim and determine eligibility.

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