How do you tell if your property is at risk of flooding? This is a question of great concern, especially if you live near the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County or Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County. Flooding can cause so much damage and significant health concerns for your family. We are now in the beginning of Hurricane season, which will go until November 30th.
Flooding is one of the top natural disasters in the United States. Properties not near water can even be susceptible to flooding. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy since most losses due to floods are not covered.
Flood Zone
The best way to tell if your home or business is at risk of flooding is to check your flood zone, which is determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are a dozen flood zone classifications represented on special FEMA maps. The zones are based on the estimated frequency of storms that will cause flooding in an area. You can also ask your real estate agent or insurance agent.
The flood zone map will tell you what flood zone your property is located on and the risk associated with it.
Flood Zones and Risks
Here is an explanation of the flood zones and their associated risks.
Zones A, AE, V, and VE designate areas of high flood risk. V zones are coastal areas.
Zone X (areas with no hatching on the map) indicates low to moderate flood risk.
Moderate to Low-Risk Areas
(Flood insurance is not required, but recommended)
Zones B, C, and X
These flood zones have less than a 1% chance of flooding each year.
High-Risk Areas
(Flood Insurance is Mandatory)
Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AH, AO
These areas have a 1% chance of annual flooding and a 26% chance of flooding over 30 years.
Zone AR
Increased temporary risk due to construction or restoration of a dam or levee.
Zone A99
Areas with a 1% chance of annual flooding that will be protected by a dam or levee where construction has reached specified legal requirements.
Zone V, VE, V1-V30
These are coastal areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding annually and subject to the additional hazard of storm waves. They also have a 26% chance of flooding over 30 years.
Undetermined Risk Areas
Zone D
Possible but undetermined flood hazards.
Flooding damage
If you have a flood in your home or business, the water can cause many destructive problems such as structure and furnishings damage, electrical hazards, dangerous mold, swelling, warping, cracking, and deterioration. You will need to contact a quality property restoration company for a complete water damage inspection. Next, water removal, drying and dehumidifying, cleaning and sanitizing, and repair and restoration.
How to minimize your flood losses
If your home is in a flood zone, take these steps:
- Get proper flood insurance.
- Elevate your electric panels, furnace, or water heater to protect them from possible floodwaters.
- Keep storm drains and gutters free of debris, and install check valves (or one-way valves) to keep floodwater from backing into your drains.
Synergy Property Restoration
Tampa Bay homeowners have trusted Synergy Property Restoration to restore their homes to pre-loss or better condition after an emergency. Are you searching for a reputable property restoration company in Clearwater, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg, Dunedin, Largo, etc.? Synergy Property Restoration is one of the best contractors in the restoration and construction industry in the Tampa Bay area.
Contact our Synergy Property Restoration’s emergency response team at 855-630-4585, and we will find the right emergency response solution for you and your property.