Important Things That You’ll Need if You Live in a Flood Risk Area

To properly confirm that you live in a flood-risk area, the FEMA government website offers a handy tool to check this. It’s super simple to use: just enter your address, coordinates, or general location and it will zoom in on a map showing your location and the type of flood risks associated there.

But after confirming that you’re dream home is situated in a high-risk flood zone, what do you do about it? Do you just move on to find somewhere else that is less at risk? Will you be able to even find a place as good as what you’ve found (that’s not in a flood zone) for the same money?

Well, around the world, an incredible amount of people choose to live in flood zones. With the right attitude and measures in place, you can do it too! So let’s look at some important things that you’ll need when living in a flood risk area.

Learn About Common Types of Floods

It may be that you live in an area where there is a high risk of flooding. Yet, it’s good to understand what the severity of the flooding typically is in the flood zone where you are planning to live.

Here are common types of floods to be wary of:

• Coastal flooding
• River flooding
• Surface flooding

Once you understand the common flood type that occurs in your area, you can then figure out some practical measures and insurance options to suit your needs. Let’s look into these flood types a little deeper to give you a better idea of what they’re about:

Coastal Flooding

There are three categorization levels for coastal areas at risk of flooding. Those levels are Minor, Moderate, and Major.

If you live in a coastal region with a Minor categorization, you shouldn’t have to worry much about flooding at all. We don’t advise anyone to move to a Major level area, period. If, however, you’re moving to a Moderate risk area, and your home will be at risk, then we’ll describe some measures to take in the next section of this article.

River or Lake Flooding

The two main types of river or lake flooding include overbank flooding and flash flooding. Overbank flooding is very common, and it’s easier to react to and be prepared for this type of river or lake flooding.

Flash flooding is dangerous as it appears in a “flash” with little or no warning. If you are planning on living in an area such as this, you need to have the right preparations in place in the eventuality of a flash flood occurring.

Surface Flooding

Surface flooding happens when there is heavy rainfall and can occur independently of independent water bodies, yet often influences river and lake flooding over time if it continues. If you don’t live near an independent water body, then you’ll just have to contend with the chance of surface flooding in your location.

The first main type of surface flooding happens when there is heavy rainfall in an urban area to the point where the drainage systems can’t handle it. The second type is when heavy rainfall falls on hillsides and the run-off water creates flooding in the area you live down below.

Become a Smart Homeowner When It Comes to Floods

Once you understand what type of flood zone you are about to move into, the first thing you should consider is the types of insurance on offer. You’ll find out pretty soon that there are specific insurances offered for that area.

For instance, for anyone moving to an AE zone in Florida, the best homeownership insurance options available will cover all bases regarding the risk of flooding in your location. Here is a perfect example of flood insurance AE to check out for that region.

If you live in other regions in America and can’t quite get to grips with all the insurance options on the table, here are a few tips to narrow down your search:

• Ask what insurance your neighbors have
• Contact local authorities for advice
• Spend time researching online to make a shortlist
• Create a simple comparison chart for the shortlisted insurers

The key is not to get oversold with an insurance type that covers way more than you need. On the flip side, it’s important to ensure you have enough cover in the event of flooding and damage to your property and belongings.

Practical Preparation Advice for Flooding

Once you have your insurance secured, you can then move on to practical considerations you can put in place in the event of flooding. We’ll now run through some general tips to help you do this.

First off, consider purchasing enough sandbags to blockade the entrances and weak spots where water might flood into your home first. There are some innovative sandbag alternatives that you can explore by doing some research online.

Purchase watertight containers that you can put belongings in if a flood happens. And it might be a good idea to store, where possible, any valuable items at a level where they are at less risk of being touched by rising water levels.

Have pre-prepared alternative accommodation options in place so that you have a place to go if there is a severe flood. These accommodation options need to be on higher ground or well away from the flood zone you live in.

If you do have to evacuate, leave your cupboard and refrigerator doors open. Also, leave all of your other doors slightly open so that water doesn’t build up and cause more damage to your home than is necessary.

Finally, take any electrical appliances to higher ground and unplug any that you can’t move, if you have to evacuate.

Things to Know About Living in a Flood Risk Area

Now you should have a much better idea about what to consider when living in a flood risk area. Good luck and stay safe!

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