FEMA regularly updates flood maps as they gather new data and complete flood mitigation projects. This means you might find your home included in a flood hazard area. This happened recently in Scottsdale, Arizona when FEMA updated their flood maps for that region.
If FEMA flood map revisions put your home in a flood hazard area, FEMA will notify you six months before the change is made official. If you find yourself with a FEAM notification in your mailbox, here are some tips on what you can do:
- Talk to your insurance agent. If you hold a federally backed mortgage, you’ll be required to purchase flood insurance (if you don’t have some already). Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you get the right coverage. Even if you’re not required to purchase flood insurance (maybe you don’t have a mortgage, or maybe your mortgage is not federally backed) you should still think about getting insurance. It’s an important way to recover losses should a flood occur.
- Contact your community flood plain administrator. If your community disagrees with the flood map changes, they can decide to appeal the change. If your community doesn’t plan to appeal, but you disagree with the revised flood maps, you can appeal as an individual. You’ll need to have solid data to support your appeal.
- Take steps to prepare for a flood. If your home is at greater risk of flooding, you’ll want to prepare. You can minimize flood damage to your home by elevating your furnace and hot water heater, installing values in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into your home, and installing flood vents to minimize pressure damage to your foundation.
Check the FEMA website for more information on flood preparation and flood map changes.
Flood Solutions carries a variety of flood vent sizes and models for installation into existing concrete foundations (and other foundation materials) and for new construction. Contact us to learn more.
