Virginia Flood Awareness Week encourages Virginians to learn about their flood risk and protect the life they’ve built with flood insurance.
Learn more about flood risk and flood insurance by visiting VA Flood Awareness Week
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, but only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance. It is estimated that 1 inch of water in a home can cause upwards of $25,000 in damages.
Know Your Risk
Flooding — whether from hurricanes, rain events, or storm surge — is the most common and costly natural disaster, but most Virginians aren't prepared. Finding out if you live in a high-risk flood zone is as easy as entering an address on the Virginia Flood Risk Information System. If you live in coastal Virginia know if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and what that means. Use the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Know Your Zone map to find out.
Although it’s hurricane season, flooding doesn't only occur during hurricanes or named storms. In February 2020, southwest Virginia communities had severe flooding after experiencing heavy rain, requiring some residents to be rescued from their homes and resulting in damaged buildings and road closures.
Tides can also impact flood risk, and they’re not only found along the coast. Tidal waters extend inland to places like Richmond and Fredericksburg, as well as north, like Alexandria and Arlington. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science developed Tidewatch, a map that forecasts water levels to help visualize the magnitude and impacts of coastal flooding. Learn more about sea level forecasts through ADAPTVA.
Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Make sure you know your risk and you're prepared.
Get Flood Insurance
All homes have some flood risk yet only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program, 1 inch of flooding can cause upwards of $25,000 in damages to a home. That’s a cost few Virginians can afford.
Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Because it takes 30 days for flood insurance policies to go into effect, it’s important to plan ahead. Buy flood insurance now, so that your property is covered. Contact an insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov to discuss options.
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