Risk Profile- FAQ's Sheet
Why would I need flood insurance if I live on a hill?
Floods can occur in any area, although to varying degrees. If you live on a
hill or in an area that has never been flooded, your risk may be significantly
reduced, but it is not eliminated.
Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage
systems, failed protective devices such as levees and dams, as well as by
tropical storms and hurricanes. Please make an informed decision about the
flood risks you face before deciding not to purchase flood insurance. Talk to
your agent for additional details - you may qualify for a
Preferred Risk Policy (a lower-cost flood insurance policy).
Why does the tool say I'm in a high-risk area when the ground my home is
built on is very high?
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) cannot reflect every variation in the
physical geography of an area. Therefore, a FIRM occasionally will show a
property as being in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), even though the
building may be above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
However, there is a mechanism for resolving such a situation. A property owner
can submit property and elevation materials in support of a request for a
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to remove the property from the SFHA. This
process involves the property owner and Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA).
For detailed information regarding the LOMA process, call toll-free
1.877.336.2627.
My community has never been flooded. Why do I show up in a low to moderate
risk area?
Everyone lives in a flood zone. The fact that a flood hasn't occurred within
recorded history does not mean one hasn't happened in the past or that one will
not happen in the future.
It's important to note that flood history is only one element used in
determining flood risk. More critical determinations are made by evaluating
your community's rainfall and river flow data, topography, wind velocity, tidal
surge, flood control measures, building development (existing and planned), and
community maps.
Why is my address not showing up in your database?
Our data comes from maps that are available in a digital format. Most
communities are mapped; however yours may not be digitally available at this
time. FEMA is currently facilitating a national effort to update and digitize
all maps.
Learn more about flood hazard mapping.
Do insurance companies or agents use this tool to determine premium rates?
No. This tool was created to help you understand your relative risk level,
which is only one element used to determine your premium rates.
Along with flood zone information, agents will review location, the age and
design of the building or house, occupancy, and the amount of coverage
requested. Additionally, for buildings located in
Special Flood Hazard Areas, agents must consider the elevation of the
building in relation to the base flood elevation.
Where can I find more information about the maps that were used to
determine my relative risk level?
FEMA publishes maps indicating a community's flood hazard areas and the degree
of risk in those areas. Flood insurance maps usually are on file in a local
repository in the community, such as the planning and zoning or engineering
offices in the town hall or the county building.
In addition, you can order maps online or by writing, phoning, or faxing a
request to the FEMA Map Service Center. There is a minimal charge for maps for
most users.