What Is a Flood Zone, and Are You in One?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Everyone has heard of Tornado Alley, and they know this alley is the region of the United States in which tornadoes are most likely to occur. However, many people are unfamiliar with a nearby flood zone and often wonder in which regions of the U.S. these zones are. It is important that you understand what these zones are and why the government has made special designations for them.

What Is a Flood Zone?

A flood zone is a region of the U.S. that FEMA has defined according to their levels of flood risk. Though there are several alphanumeric designations the organization uses, there are four main categories in which a region can fall:

• Moderate to low-risk areas
• High-risk areas
• High-risk coastal areas
• Undetermined areas

In high-risk areas, homeowners are required to hold a flood insurance policy. However, FEMA provides grants to homeowners who were hit by a bad storm to either supplement what money the insurance company provided or to make up for the lack of coverage.

How Can You Tell What Flood Zone You're In?

FEMA offers a flood map, which provides useful depictions of flood hazards per region. You can download the map for free or pick one up from a Fullerton, CA, flood insurance company. Be aware that flood zones are always changing, and that last year's map may be out of date. It is important for your safety that you retain a copy of the most recent flood map available.

Do You Need Flood Coverage?

If you are in a high-risk zone, then yes, you are likely required to carry flood insurance. However, even if you're in a moderate to low-risk area, your lender may require you to carry a rider policy. If you do need insurance, visit FloodSmart.gov for the most affordable rates and best policies.

It is important for all homeowners to understand what flood zone they're in to better understand the flooding risk. If you're unable to get the information you need from a flood map, contact your local flood restoration team for assistance.