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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Horry County residents could save some money on their flood insurance premiums next year.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have determined that after years of implementing flood mitigation programs, Horry County is eligible for a 25% discount on the flood insurance program starting April 1.
April O’Leary, founder of Horry County Rising, said: “We are very happy that all our hard work has paid off.”
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) is reviewed every three years and provides a score out of 10.
A low CRS score means a community is working to reduce the risk of property damage from flooding. We offer incentive-based programs that the community can participate in.
“So the more you do, the more credits you get and the more discounts you get on your flood insurance,” O’Leary said. “And the great thing about it is how much money it saves our taxpayers.”
FEMA announced Saturday that it has placed Horry County in Class 5 and will receive a 25% discount on flood insurance policies.
Since 2020, Horry County officials have implemented numerous programs to reduce the effects of flooding in low-lying areas, including the 2021 Flood Damage Mitigation Ordinance.
“And it’s a testament to not only Horry County Rising, but Horry County government and all the work that we’ve put together in partnership with their offices and staff,” O’Leary said.
Horry County’s CRS score has only improved from 9 to 7 and now 5.
After this, O’Leary believes the county and the organization should continue to work together on flood mitigation efforts.
“Yes, we should celebrate. Sure, we should pat ourselves on the back and say ‘well done’ for the good work we’ve done over the last few years, but we can’t take our foot off the gas.” she said. “We have more opportunities. And our goal is to go from 5 to 3 and from 3 to 1.”
Horry County Council is scheduled to discuss the review and the discounts starting April 1 at its Tuesday meeting.