The city of Watsonville participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). Flood insurance is recommended for residents who live in the special flood hazard areas (SFHA), also known as the 100-year flood plain due to the fact that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available from local insurance brokers.
The NFIP makes available federally backed flood insurance for all residents and commercial buildings whether or not they are located within the floodplain.
In addition, the City participates in the voluntary Community Rating System (CRS) incentive program, which recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. The City's CRS participation makes it so residents can get up to a 15% reduction on flood insurance. This is made possible by the community's efforts to address the three goals of the program:
- Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program
- Foster comprehensive floodplain management
Visit FEMA's Community Rating System page to learn more and apply to the CRS.