A person living in Corvallis is five times more likely to experience a flood in their home than a fire over the next 30 years, but most home insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The city encourages residents to take advantage of subsidized flood insurance available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which maintains maps of areas at moderate-to-high-risk for catastrophic flooding, or “floodplains.”
The Corvallis floodplain includes areas along the Marys and Willamette Rivers and the Dunawi, Oak, Dixon, and Sequoia Creeks. For Corvallis residents, FEMA offers insurance 25% off inside the floodplain and 10% off outside the floodplain.
In preparation for a flood, the city suggests that residents elevate vulnerable appliances, learn how to shut off gas and electricity, install backwater prevention devices, seal basement walls, and keep a 72-hour emergency kit handy in the event of an evacuation.
After a flood, the city advises that residents seek confirmation that drinking water is safe before using it. They also suggest you avoid walking through moving water or driving in recently flooded areas, report downed power lines, and disinfect anything that gets wet.
Some Corvallis residents may also receive up to $1,500 for the installation of backwater prevention systems. Backwater prevention systems supplement the city sewer lines and prevent sewer water from mixing with runoff during otherwise overwhelming rain.
Flooding is most common from November to March, and the city urges residents to be mindful of the 30-day waiting period before federal insurance benefits take effect. Residents can monitor water levels here.
By Grace Miller
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