Due to imminent risks posed by natural disasters, Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially announced March 10 to March 16 as Virginia Flood Awareness Week. This initiative shows the urgency for residents across Virginia to prepare for the likelihood of flooding that accompanies spring rains, summer storms, and the hurricane season.
“Floods are the most common natural disaster and can happen without warning across the commonwealth. We encourage Virginians to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property by assessing their flood risk and with flood insurance coverage,” Department of Conservation and Recreation Director Matthew Wells said in a press release.
To facilitate residents in evaluating their flood risk, the DCR has introduced the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS). This online tool, which has been updated for enhanced mobile compatibility, offers features such as 3D visualization and the Flood Stories tool, allowing users to input their address and check their property’s vulnerability to flooding.
The DCR’s Flood Awareness website provides resources, including fact sheets, a cost calculator, and a risk assessment tool, designed to aid Virginians in flood preparedness. It is crucial to note that the majority of insurance policies for homeowners and renters do not encompass damages resulting from floods and storm surges. As reported by the National Flood Insurance Program, only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the NFIP have estimated that a mere inch of water can inflict over $25,000 in damages to a home. In the absence of flood insurance, homeowners may face the daunting prospect of covering recovery expenses out-of-pocket.
“Flood insurance is essential to recover and rebuild after a disaster. It can take 30 days for a policy to go into effect, so Virginians should review their insurance now to ensure they have coverage well before a storm,” Angela Davis, director of Floodplain Management said.
Almost 90% of communities in Virginia participate in the NFIP, and residents have the option to procure insurance through private insurers as well.
“Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. DCR is proud to be Virginia’s partner in flood preparedness,” David added.
Moreover, there are practical steps that renters, homeowners, and business owners can implement to mitigate potential flood damage. These measures include storing valuable documents in waterproof containers on higher floors, sealing windows, doors, and entry points for pipes and wires with caulking, labeling propane tanks with the owner’s contact information, and opting for waterproof flooring options over carpeting on lower levels.
For further details on Virginia Flood Awareness Week and resources on flood preparedness, click here.