Is my property in a FLOODPLAIN?
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or 37 square miles of the Lehigh Valley lies within the 1% annual chance floodplain.
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or 43 square miles of the Lehigh Valley lies within the .2% annual chance floodplain.
How can you find out if your property lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
You can see if ANY property lies within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) by utilizing FEMA’s free, easy-to-use and updated Flood Mapping Service Center website. This site allows you to enter an address into the program to see what specific zone the property lies in. Can find FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at this LINK.
What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
What are the FEMA Flood Zones and their definitions?
What do I do if my property IS IN a SFHA?
Answer: Whether your property lies within a SFHA or not everyone shall look in to obtaining National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance.
So what is NFIP and how did this program start?
Answer: Created by Congress in 1968, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides insurance to help reduce the socio-economic impact of floods. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both. The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses, and having this coverage helps them recover faster when floodwaters recede.
The NFIP is a public-private partnership between the federal government, the property and casualty insurance industry, states, local officials, lending institutions, and property owners.
The NFIP is administered by FEMA, while insurance policies are sold and serviced by a network of more than 50 insurance companies and the NFIP Direct.
Take some time to review all there is about the NFIP by visiting their website floodsmart.gov & Learn some FACTS about NFIP below!
MYTH: I receive flood insurance through my homeowner's insurance.
FACT: Homeowner insurance policies do not normally cover flood damage. That is why the federal government backs the NFIP. You can purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent or company.
MYTH: My homeowner's insurance agent knows whether I need flood insurance.
FACT: Not necessarily. Not all insurance agents are familiar with communities that participate in NFIP or floodplain hazards. Better to check with an agent who is knowledgeable about NFIP and can explain the benefits so your home and property will be covered should a flood occur. If your insurance agent tells you that you don’t need flood insurance, it’s best to check with the NFIP. For more information, go to floodsmart.gov or contact the NFIP call center at 877-336-2627.
MYTH: Only those who live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) can buy flood insurance.
FACT: Anyone can buy flood insurance if you live in a participating community, which must enforce floodplain ordinances and building requirements that meet or exceed FEMA guidelines. If your community does not participate in the NFIP, you can make a request for it to do so through your mayor, city council or county commissioner’s office.
MYTH: It doesn't make sense to pay for flood insurance if you are in a low-risk flood zone.
FACT: People outside of high-risk flood zones file more than 20 percent of all NFIP claims and receive one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding. Flooding can occur anywhere. In fact, it is the number one natural disaster in the United States. The NFIP’s Preferred Risk Policy is very affordable. A premium for a primary residence may cost about $467 a year for $200,000 of coverage for a home structure and $80,000 for contents. That is less than $40 a month.
MYTH: I don't need flood insurance if I can get disaster assistance from FEMA.
FACT: A flooding incident must be declared a federal disaster by the president before FEMA assistance becomes available. Federal disaster declarations are issued in less than 50 percent of flooding events. If a declaration is made, federal disaster assistance typically is in the form of a low-interest disaster loan, which must be repaid. Any grants that may be provided are not enough to cover all losses. NFIP pays for covered damage whether a federal disaster declaration has been made or not, and may cover more of your losses.
MYTH: Even if my property did flood, it wouldn't be by much.
FACT: Just 5 inches of water can cause at least $11,000 worth of damages.
MYTH: You can't buy flood insurance right before or during a flood.
FACT: You can purchase flood insurance at any time, as long as your community participates in the NFIP. However, there is usually a 30-day waiting period after the premium payment before the policy becomes effective. Contact the NFIP call center at 877-336-2627 if you are told you cannot purchase flood insurance.
MYTH: Flood insurance is only available to homeowners.
FACT: Most people who live in NFIP participating communities, including renters, condo owners and businesses, are eligible to purchase flood insurance.
A maximum of $250,000 of building coverage is available for single-family residential buildings; $250,000 per unit for residential condominiums. The limit for contents coverage on all residential buildings is 100,000, which is also available to renters. Commercial structures can be insured to a limit of $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the contents.
For more information on NFIP, go to floodsmart.gov . For a referral to an NFIP agent in Idaho, contact the NFIP call center at 877-336-2627.