LULING — St. Charles Parish officials are urging residents to consult their flood insurance agents to see if they are eligible for a Preferred Risk Policy available for homes in the A99 flood zone.

“This is big news for our residents on the East Bank as many of them are in an A99 flood zone,” St. Charles Parish President Larry Cochran said.

“We encourage them to bring this to their insurance agent to see if they qualify.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced in a memo the National Flood Insurance Program would begin making Preferred Risk Policies available to homes in the A99 Flood Zone beginning Oct. 1.

The Preferred Risk Policies are low-cost flood insurance policies that have traditionally been limited to only certain homes, which makes them the most desirable,” Planning Administrator Earl Matherne said.

The emergency management agency also announced further requirements for the reinstatement of lapsed coverage, new refund rules for endorsements and cancellations and changes to claims-related reporting requirements to include water depth and adjuster certification/flood control number.