Hurricane season is in full swing, and the Harris County Flood Control District is staying ahead by offering homeowners the choice of applying to the Home Buyout program.
The buyout aims to reduce flood damage in flood-prone areas and support communities by relocating residents to higher ground.
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“The intent of a buyout program is to move people out of harm’s way. In order to do that, we need to relocate at-risk homeowners to safer areas, so they don’t continue to experience flooding,” Federal Emergency Management Agency representative Mark Chester said.
The buyout process is voluntary and usually takes around a year to complete.
A Program Benefiting Homeowners
Chester says anyone can be at risk of flooding and may have reasons to consider relocating.
“Simply living in a low-risk area doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for flooding. We want to ensure we meet the needs of those homeowners while also ensuring we don’t place people back in harm’s way,” according to Chester.
The buyout also includes eight programs that take a proactive approach to hurricane season, some focusing on raising properties or installing barriers before flooding occurs.
“We’re looking at how to reduce risk to properties before an event.”
The Buyout Process
To participate, homeowners must fill out an online application. Also, additional information about the program can be found here.
Once approved, FEMA’s payout amount is based on the home’s appraised value.
Environmental Benefits of the Program
A benefit of the buyout is that homes bought by the program may be used to create natural floodplains.
“After heavy rain, large areas that appear flooded are actually holding water to divert it from the streets,” Chester said.
These floodplains can store hundreds of gallons of runoff, protecting communities and creating wildlife habitats.
FEMA Encourages Homeowners to Get Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is another aspect Chester emphasizes for all communities.
“Regardless of our risk, it’s always a good idea to consider flood insurance for that extra safety net.”
Chester believes flood insurance gives homeowners added confidence to stay protected during storms.