Home Refinancing Magazine

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map: What Is and Where You Can Find One

Flooding is a disastrous event that can occur in a wide number of locations. Despite the fact that flooding can occur just about anywhere in the United States, there are some areas that are more prone to flooding than others. It is often hard for individuals, especially those who are new to the area, to tell if they are living in an area that is prone to flooding. That is one of the many reasons why FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps were developed.

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps are a collection of maps that detail the likelihood of flooding occurring in a particular area. In addition to keeping the public aware of flooding risks, the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate maps are also used to assist the National Flood Insurance Program in offering affordable flood insurance to Americans living in high-risk flood zones.

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps are a valuable source of information to homeowners, business owners, construction workers, city officials, and others. While the maps are beneficial, there are many individuals who are unaware that there may be a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for their area. If you are looking to purchase a home or a business in an area that you are unfamiliar with or you just want to educate yourself on flooding risks, you have a number of ways gain access to your local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map.

The most common way to obtain access to your local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map is to visit the FEMA’s online website. Once at FEMA’s website site you should be able to easily search for your local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. If you are only interested in quickly viewing a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map you can do so for free online. If you are interested in having your own printed FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map then you may have to purchase one.

In addition to obtaining a local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you may also be able to view one by speaking to local government officials. Many cities, towns, and state offices have a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map on hand. You may not be able to take the map outside of their offices, but you may be able to quickly examine it.

Many individuals prefer to look at a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, but sometimes hearing the information on those maps is just as good. If you are unable to find a free FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, you can contact a local or national flood insurance agent for more information. These maps are taken into consideration when flood insurance is offered; therefore, most flood insurance agents would have access to multiple FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Many individuals who are searching for a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map are doing so because they are interested in obtaining flood insurance. If you contact a flood insurance agent, you may be able to determine your flooding risk and obtain flood insurance coverage all at the same time. In addition to providing valuable flood insurance information, a small number of agents are also able to offer National Flood Insurance Program coverage for a discounted price. That discount can be as high as 12%.

It’s been a difficult season with regards to floods and flooding. In June 2008 alone, flooding along the Mississippi affected counties in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Floods and flash floods result from a wide variety of natural occurrences and are among the most devastating of all natural disasters. Preparing for a flood in advance can help you and your family survives a flood, and minimizes the damage to your property. The following tips are adapted from suggestions made by the U.S. Red Cross.

Be informed. Stay informed about the risk of flooding. Check with your local Red Cross, planning department, zoning department or emergency management office to find out the risk of flooding in your area. The higher the risk, the more important it is to be prepared to take action.

* If it has been raining steadily for several days or hard for several hours, be on the watch for the possibility of a flood.
* Listen for emergency flood alerts on local radio and TV stations.
* Sign up for text flood alerts from the National Weather Service if available in your area.

Understand the Warnings. There are varying degrees of warnings and watches declared by the National Weather Service. You should know that:

* Floods can develop over the course of several hours or several days.
* Flash floods can develop over the course of a few minutes to a few hours.
* A FLOOD WATCH means that there is a possibility of flooding in your area. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that there is a possibility of a flash flood occurring in your area.
* A FLOOD WARNING means that flooding is already occurring or will occur very soon in your area. A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means that there are already flash floods occurring or will occur very soon in your area.

Preparation in Advance

It’s not enough to prepare for a flood when you first hear the flood watch. Advance preparation for a flood can save your life and the lives of your family, as well as reduce the financial impact that can tie your family up for years.

* Get Flood Insurance. Chances are that flood damage is not included in your standard homeowner insurance policy. If you’re not certain about what flood damage your insurance policy covers, check your policy. If it doesn’t cover damage to your home from flooding due to a natural disaster, find out how to get flood insurance.
* Assemble a Disaster Kit. A family disaster kit should include: first aid kit and any essential medications, a canned food and a can opener and drinking water – at least 3 gallons per person, a battery powered flashlight and radio AND extra batteries as well as any special items required for infants, elderly or disabled family members, and finally, protective clothing, bedding or sleeping bags.

Know how to turn off utilities. Make sure that you know how to turn off electricity, gas and water if you’re advised to do so. If you’re likely to be away from home, be certain that an adult or responsible teenager at home knows how to do it.

Know where you can go. Identify places you can go if the authorities evacuate the area. Some possibilities include a friend’s home in another town, a shelter or a motel. Identify several places in case one or more are inaccessible.

If there is a FLOOD WATCH:

* Move your furniture and valuables (including a waterproof box containing insurance documents, bank documents and identification documents) to the top floors of your home.
* Make sure that your car’s gas tank is full in case you need to evacuate.

If there is a FLASH FLOOD WATCH:

* Watch for signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

If there is a FLOOD WARNING:

* Turn to a local radio or television station for information and advice.
* Evacuate as soon as possible if told to do so.
* IF TIME PERMITS, close the main gas valve and turn off power at the main switch.
* Record flood statistics such as time, local flood elevations and gauge readings for use in future flood data.

If there is a FLASH FLOOD WARNING or if you think that a flood has already started:

* Evacuate immediately. You may only have seconds to escape.
* Move to higher ground.

Evacuation Procedures

* Identify flood evacuation routes beforehand. Know the fastest routes to higher ground.
* Do not go around barricades or drive through water across the streets.
* If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it immediately and walk back in the direction from which you came.
* Avoid shortcuts. Follow the recommended evacuation routes.

Being prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice, as well as being prepared to deal with the aftermath of a flood are vital. The more carefully you prepare, the safer your family will be in the event of a flood.