Am I in a High-Risk Flood Zone?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flood zone in Andorra, PA

Facts You Need To Understand If You Are In A High-Risk Flood Zone

If you have recently moved, you may have many questions about the weather and flooding in your new home in Andorra, PA. You may have simple questions, like if you will be able to mow your yard if it has just rained, or more serious concerns, such as whether or not your community participates in the FEMA NFIP and if you need to be prepared to hire storm restoration professionals. Whatever you are curious about, there are a few facts you need to know to understand if you are in a high-risk flood zone.

1. The Truth About Flooding
After settling into your new home, it is time to begin figuring out how vulnerable your new position is. Being interested in this information is a good thing because flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters you will face. At first, you may be wondering if you are at risk of flooding. Therefore, you need to understand that anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Flooding damage can be devastating, even with just small amounts of rain. A few inches of floodwater can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Also, flooding upstream from your home can damage your property, even if you didn't receive any rain. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from flooding. By purchasing flood insurance and preparing your property, you can lessen the effects of this disaster on your home, family, and finances.

2. Understanding FEMA’s Flood Maps
Local flood maps are developed to help communities set regulations for land use, plan for flooding, and decide which areas need to participate in the FEMA NFIP. These maps are reviewed periodically and updated because flood risk can change over time. Understanding the different zones on these maps and what they mean can help you prepare your property for flooding.
While you may not be in a high-risk flood zone, there is always a possibility that you will face flooding. Therefore, it is important to understand the truth about flooding, know your flood maps, and, have flood insurance, whether or not your community participates in the FEMA NFIP.