If you require immediate assistance please call 215-826-1963 for the fastest response or click here to request assistance via email.

Where can I find answers to frequently asked questions about Flood Insurance?

What's the difference between a flood and flash flood?

Terms to know during severe weather events

Monitoring the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek:

What can I do to resolve my outstanding flood insurance claim?

How do I contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?

How do I contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

Where can I find answers to frequently asked questions about Flood Insurance?

If you are looking for more information please refer to the National Flood Insurance Program website here

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What's the difference between a flood and flash flood?

A flood occurs when prolonged rainfall over several days, intense rainfall over a short period of time, or an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow. Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and early spring; severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring and summer; or tropical cyclones can bring intense rainfall to the coastal and inland states in the summer and fall.

Flash floods occur within six hours of a rain event, or after a dam or levee failure, or following a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Flash floods can catch people unprepared. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. If you live in areas prone to flash floods, plan now to protect your family and property.

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Terms to know during severe weather events

As severe weather approaches the National Weather Service issues warnings, watches and other statements to commercial television and radio stations. You can also access the national weather services most recent forecasts directly from their webpage for the Philadelphia area. Just enter your City and State or Zip code in the box on the upper left or click on where you live on the map.

Flood Watch- Bulletin issued when expected rainfall could cause creeks, streams and/or rivers to overflow.

Flood Warning- A Flood Warning is bulletin issued when main stem rivers, or important creeks are expected to reach or exceed flood stage at specific sites.

County Flood Warning- A County Flood Warning is a bulletin issued to advise of general flooding across a county that is expected to result in minimal threat to life or property and only minor public inconveniences.

Flash Flood Watch- Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Warning- Bulletin issued when flash flooding is actually occurring or imminent in the warning area. It can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or ice jam.

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Monitoring the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek

The National Weather Service also has tools available to monitor the current and projected levels of the river. Gauges are located on the Delaware River at Riegelsville and Trenton and along the Neshaminy Creek in Langhorne. To access any gauge along the Delaware River you can use the regional map, or use the following links to go directly to the gauges in Bucks County:

Delaware River at Riegelsville

Delaware River at Trenton

Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne

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What can I do to resolve my outstanding flood insurance claim?

Congressman Murphy’s office is able to officially add Congressional attention to outstanding flood insurance cases. Congressional attention can not force the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or any individual insurance provider to settle a particular claim at a specified amount, but my office can help cut through red tape that may be delaying the process and push an application to a more timely resolution.

If you believe Congressional assistance with your flood insurance claim is necessary, call the Congressman’s Doylestown office at 215-348-1194.

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How do I contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?

General phone number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

FEMA Headquarters address
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472

FEMA’s regional office located in Philadelphia
Federal Emergency Management Agency
615 Chestnut St
One Independence Mall, Sixth Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404
Phone: 215-931-5608

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How do I contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

Customer Service Line: 1-888-379-9531
Fax: 202-646-2818
TTY: 1-800-427-5593
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.floodsmart.gov

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