Does This House Come With a Floaty: Understanding Flood Zones

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Roof damage during a storm in Salt Lake City, UT

Many homeowners are not familiar with the idea of a flood zone, especially if they’ve never lived in a high-risk flooding area or an area prone to severe weather, and when searching in the Salt Lake City, UT area they may be shocked at the necessities of these zones. As a way of minimizing the shock, it helps to understand the zoning designations and some of the necessary requirements.

1. The Four Main Zone Types

There are four Main zone types, and if you have never heard of these zones, you likely live in a minimal flood hazard area. The four zone types are:

• Minimal Flood Hazard Areas: typically designated as Zone C or X, these areas are considered low risk.
• Moderate Hazard Flood Areas: typically designated as Zone B, these areas likely experience flooding but not frequently.
• Special Flood Hazard Areas: these are the areas with the highest risk of flooding, and they are typically designated as Zone V or A.
• D Zones: these are areas that FEMA has not given a designation to yet.

2. Zone Maps

Every flood zone is designated on maps readily available through the FEMA Map Service Center. FEMA created these maps to offer valuable insights for the creation of flood management plans as well as insurance coverage by compiling information from the statistical research of river flows, storm tides, rainfall, topographic surveys, and even hydraulic analysis.

3. Zones and Insurance Requirements

While many homeowners might be irked at the idea of paying for additional insurance coverage, it is necessary to keep in mind that in specific high-risk areas the likelihood of your home succumbing to a flood is significantly increased. Therefore, FEMA, the government, and insurance companies have your best interests in mind when they require this type of coverage in high-risk areas.

If the concept of a flood zone is new to you, it can be slightly intimidating, but the reality is that FEMA designates the zones to ensure that you and your property are protected. You can check FEMA’s website, your local municipality, or you can reach out to flood and restoration specialists in your area for more information.