Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in Virginia. From hurricanes and tropical storms to spring downpours and flash floods, flooding remains a serious risk year-round. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your life and property.
Know your risk.
The first step to reducing flood damage is understanding your flood risk. The Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) is a quick and simple tool to help you determine your flood risk and will tell you if you’re located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Read this blog for more ways to use VFRIS.
Insure your property.
Most standard homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage, and just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damages. While some areas are more prone to flooding than others, it’s still worthwhile to invest in flood insurance. Over the past 30 years, more than 99% of U.S. counties have been impacted by flooding and more than 40% of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims come from low-risk areas. Remember, it typically takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect, so don’t wait until a storm is forecast to get covered. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information.
Protect your property.
Take steps to make your home more flood-resilient:
Maintain drainage systems. Clean and maintain your gutters so water can flow away from the building. Ensure that nearby storm drains or drainage areas are clear of debris.
Elevate utilities. Elevate your water heater, furnace and other utilities if you live in a high-risk area.
Protect your valuables. Store your valuables and important documents in a waterproof container on an upper floor.
Floodproof your basement. Seal any cracks in your foundation with mortar and masonry caulk or hydraulic cement to completely fill gaps, and seal the walls in your basement with waterproof materials.
Install a sump pump. Consider installing a sump pump, which will direct groundwater from around your house away from your home.
Have a plan.
Know your zone. If you’re one of the 1.25 million residents living in coastal Virginia, know your evacuation zone.
Emergency kit. It can take several days for government officials to reach you after a disaster. An emergency kit with water supply, medication and safety items is vital to protecting your family. Visit VDEM (PDF) for tips on what to include in an emergency kit.
Sign up for local alerts. Sign up for your locality’s emergency notification system. Follow VDEM on social media and heed alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Reducing flood damage begins with preparation and awareness. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is committed to helping individuals, families and communities become more flood resilient. For more information on flood risk and mitigation strategies, visit dcr.virginia.gov/flood.
