FEMA Frustrated by Drop in North Dakota Flood Policies

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials say they’re disappointed by the number of people in the Red River Valley and elsewhere who don’t have flood insurance.

FEMA officials say the number of insurance policies in flood-prone Fargo and Cass County dropped by more than 40 percent in the last year. Flood policies in all of North Dakota declined 32 percent.

The National Weather Service says there’s a 50 percent chance that Fargo will have one of the area’s top five floods of all time.

FEMA spokesman Dave Kyner says people often make the mistake of attempting to time the market for flood insurance, especially after quiet years like 2012.

Policies must be in effect for 30 days before any flood damage is covered.