Traditionally, a primary consideration for the building of homes was a scenic setting. Little consideration was given to a home being in a flood plain. Many owners of property do not realize that their homes are within a flood plain.

A detailed flood plain map of your area can be easily analyzed. Simply click on the website below, enter your zip code, city, and state. The maps are considered an advisory tool and not a legal document when making a flood hazard determination.
/www.esri.com/hazards/makemap.html

A Frequently Asked Questions page is available on this website.

Another website, FEMA Mitigation Technical Services Division, will direct you to a government website that discusses flood maps, changes in flood plain maps, and issues relating to challenging a flood hazard determination. The toll-free number: 1-877-FEMAMAP, is available for counseling.

Recent construction in the area and altering of streams may put your home at risk for flooding. To address this possibility contact your local government agency.

If your home is not within an actual 100-year flood plain but is near enough to be susceptible to flooding, flood insurance is still available. The premiums will be based on the elevation of the property in relation to the flood plain elevation.

A website that discusses flash floods is www.disastercenter.com/flood.htm

PURCHASING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY

If your home is within a flood plain, the only purchasable insurance is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This insurance can only be purchased through an insurance agent.

If your agent does not write flood insurance or you don't have an agent, you may call the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) toll free number to obtain the name of an agent in your area who does write flood insurance.

The number is 1-888-FLOOD29 or TDD# 1-800-427-5593.

• Get your insurance coverage from a reputable firm and an agent that comes highly recommended. Utilize your agent’s expertise to assess your needs.

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