3 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Flood Plains

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

It's often wise for you as a homeowner to know whether or not your home is in a flood zone

3 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Flood Plains

Do you know if your home in Point Pleasant,PA, is at risk of flood damage? Though no one wants to think their house will be affected by a flood, a house in a flood zone is significantly more susceptible to water damage. There are several questions every homeowner should know the answer to when it comes to flood plains in their area.

1. What Is a Flood Plain?

Areas that are depressed in the landscape and close to rivers are considered flood plains. As the name suggests, these areas are particularly prone to flooding. Though a flood plain is lower than average areas in a landscape, under normal conditions, a flood plain may not be apparent. For this reason, it's often important to verify whether or not your home is on, or close to, a flood plain.

2. How Do You Know if Your Home Is on a Flood Plain?

Many homeowners don't know how to check where flood plains are in their area. However, FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) has an easily accessible Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that provides information about what areas in your locality are in a flood zone. The FIRM also notes which areas may be hazardous during a flood.

3. What Can You Do To Protect Your Home on a Flood Plain?

Just because your home is on a flood plain doesn't mean you can't take steps to protect your home from a storm. If your home is on a flood plain, it can be useful to use your landscape to your advantage by planting a rain garden. You may also consider elevating appliances in your home to minimize the risk of damage if a flood does occur. It can also be useful to research flood damage mitigation and restoration experts before a disaster.

It's often wise for you as a homeowner to know whether or not your home is in a flood zone. By learning about and locating local flood plains, you can better prepare for the effects of a flood.