Individual Assistance Service Centers close today, Friday, July 8

 Flood insurance recommended for residents living downstream of runoffs

PHOENIX –Individual Assistance Service Centers in Apache and Cochise counties are scheduled to close Friday, July 8.

The assistance centers offered a place for residents to begin to find solutions to their personal and family recovery after the destruction of the Wallow Fire in eastern Arizona, and the Monument and Horseshoe Two fires in southeast Arizona.

Despite the closure of the centers, victims of the wildfires can still ask questions and report unmet needs. Cochise County residents affected by the Monument and Horseshoe Two fires can call (520) 244-4290 and residents in Apache and Greenlee counties affected by the Wallow Fire can call (602) 926-7261.

Wildfires change the landscape and can alter previously predictable water runoff in dramatic ways, including flooding. People living in those areas ravaged by wildfires should also consider obtaining flood insurance immediately. Many homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage, but most agents who sell homeowner’s insurance also sell federal flood insurance policies.

With the rainy monsoon season imminent, time is of the essence as it can take up to 30 days after flood insurance is purchased for it to become effective. Detailed information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available online at www.FloodSmart.gov or at the NFIP referral center at (888) 379-9531.

Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) Web site, www.azein.gov, for recovery information, including links to resources and public donation websites. Visitors can also find detailed steps on how to prepare for potential hazards.