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Flood Risk - Evaluate Your Risk

Floods happen everywhere. One-quarter of all flood insurance claims come from homes outside a designated flood zone. Even an inch of water above your floor can have devastating results for your home and its contents.

  • Is your neighborhood in a designated flood zone?
  • If you aren't sure:
    • Check with your city or county building authority, your insurance agent or your mortgage lender to see what flood risk exists.
    • Floods maps are being redrawn nationwide by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
    • Consult your city or county building department to determine how the redrawing affects your property.
    • You may be among those newly considered to be in a new flood zone.
  • Everyone lives in a flood zone, but the risk varies.
    • Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency to find out if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
    • If your home is in a NFIP participating community, you are eligible to purchase flood insurance.
    • Visit www.FloodSmart.gov to find out how to purchase flood insurance, estimate your premium and find an insurance agent serving your community.
  • What is your home's Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?
    • The BFE is the elevation at which your home has a 1 percent chance of flooding annually.
    • Refer to city or county building department records or your own property survey to determine the BFE, which is the equivalent of the elevation of your home's lowest floor.
    • If needed, hire a licensed surveyor to determine your BFE.
  • Is your home in a Special Flood Hazard Area?
    • Your city or county building authority should be able to identify the zone you live in and allow you to plan accordingly.
  • Living in Zone A:
    • The lowest floor of your home is likely below the base flood elevation.
    • Your home is in proximity to a body of water that is subject to rising levels due to heavy rainfall or other factors.
  • Living in Zone V:
    • This typically applies to beachfront homes.
    • These homes are vulnerable to not only rising waters, but also wind-driven waves.
    • Floods maps are being redrawn nationwide by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
    • Consult your city or county building department to determine how the redrawing affects your property.
    • You may be among those newly considered to be in a flood zone.

 

Source:©2009 IBHA
Date Posted: November 16, 2009
www.ibhs.org