Tulsa, Oklahoma – Flooding has long threatened the city’s neighborhoods, with historic high water events on the Arkansas River in 1984, 1986 and 2019. To help families protect their homes, the City of Tulsa is promoting a new online tool that lets residents obtain flood insurance quotes quickly and easily.
Why flood insurance matters
“Most homeowner or renter policies do not cover flooding,” explained Brook Caviness, Lead Engineer for Stormwater Design with the City of Tulsa. “If your home floods, the damage can run into the thousands of dollars, and without flood insurance those costs come out of pocket.”
How the online tool works
The city is directing residents to FEMA’s Flood Smart website, a free portal that provides personalized flood risk maps, premium estimates and policy options. By entering an address, homeowners can see whether they lie in a designated floodplain and receive a quote for a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy.
City‑backed discount saves families
One of Tulsa’s most valuable incentives is a 45% discount on NFIP premiums for anyone who purchases a policy through the city’s program. Caviness shared an example: a colleague entered their address and the discount reduced the premium by $815. This savings is possible because Tulsa holds the highest rating in FEMA’s Community Rating System, reflecting the city’s robust flood mitigation efforts.
Even non‑floodplain owners should consider coverage
“Even if you are not in a regulated floodplain, you still could flood, so it’s a good idea for everyone to have flood insurance,” Caviness added. The city’s message emphasizes that flood risk is not limited to the river’s immediate banks; heavy rain, storm‑driven runoff and rising water tables can affect any neighborhood.
Next steps for residents
Tulsa homeowners who want a quote or wish to purchase coverage can click the link provided on the city’s website or go directly to the FEMA Flood Smart portal. The process is designed to be user‑friendly, with clear explanations of coverage limits, deductible options and the steps needed to finalize a policy.
Supporting a safer community
By making flood insurance more accessible and affordable, Tulsa aims to reduce the financial impact of future floods on families and the broader community. The city’s proactive stance aligns with its long‑term flood‑risk reduction strategy, which includes improved stormwater infrastructure, river‑bank stabilization projects and public education campaigns.
For more information, visit the City of Tulsa’s official website or call the Stormwater Design office at (918) 555‑1234.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
