Reevaluate Your Flood Risk During Virginia Flood Awareness Week

Flooding is the most common and costly natural weather hazard in the United States and can happen with little to no warning. However, only three percent of Virginians have flood insurance. March 8 - 14 is Virginia Flood Awareness Week. Stafford County is joining the statewide effort to inform residents about flood risk and how to protect lives and property with flood insurance. The time to plan is now, before the upcoming hurricane season.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just one inch of water in a home can cause up to $25,000 in damage. One of the most important steps residents can take to prepare today is to obtain flood insurance. Most homeowners' and renters' insurance policies do not cover damage caused by floods. Having flood insurance can mean the difference between recovering and being financially devastated from a flooding event.

Flood insurance allows individuals, businesses and communities to quickly and efficiently recover after a flood. Stafford County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means all residents are eligible for flood insurance for their home and belongings, regardless of flood risk. In addition to implementing its Stormwater Management regulations, Stafford County also participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) program, which qualifies homeowners for a reduced flood insurance premium.

With the County's support, FEMA has updated the community's potential flood zone maps to reflect the best available data. The County has received a final determination letter from FEMA stating that updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps became effective as of June 2023. The updated flood maps can be viewed using the County's interactive mapping site (select the "Flood and FEMA Data" layer) or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. Residents can enter their address to view their property's flood risk. You may submit a "Floodplain Inquiry" through AskBlu under Community Resources if they need assistance understanding the maps or determining their flood risk.

Protect your property
There are many ways to protect your home from flooding-related damage. Here are a few easy, inexpensive recommendations:

• Maintain proper water runoff and drainage. Routinely clean and maintain gutters and downspouts so that rainwater from your roof flows quickly away from your home. Ensure ditches, storm drain inlets and stream channels are debris-free to allow the free flow of water.
• Locate your outdoor sewer cleanout cap and ensure that it is adequately sealed. A properly functioning sewer cleanout cap ensures that stormwater from a flood event does not enter your sewer system, which is not built to accommodate a large influx of water. Install preventive measures like floor drain plugs or backflow prevention valves to minimize damage.
• Anchor and elevate utilities and service equipment. Raise and anchor air conditioning condensers, heat pumps, water meters and other service equipment at least one foot above potential flood elevation. This inexpensive action can help prevent significant damage and disruption during a flood event. In addition, label your fuse or breaker box for easy shutdown of flood-exposed circuits.
• Locate your home's emergency water shut-off valve. The valve should also be completely shut off and ensure all household members know where it is located. It may be rusted open or only partially closed, and if so, replace it.
• Protect your valuable possessions. Move important documents and other valuable or sentimental items to a safe location, well above potential flood elevation and/or inside watertight containers. Also, relocate or elevate furniture, appliances, and other movable items. Create an itemized inventory of your belongings, including costs, dates of purchase and serial numbers.

Protect yourself
During a flooding event:

• Do not walk through flowing water; if necessary, use a pole or stick to check the depth.
• Turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded areas or around road barriers; as little as six inches of water can cause you to lose full control of your car.
• Stay clear of power lines; electrical currents travel through water. If possible, report downed lines to Dominion Energy.
• Be vigilant for gas leaks; refrain from smoking or using flames if your house uses gas. Know how to shut off your electricity and gas during a flood.

Remember, anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Take steps now to learn more about your flood risk. Sign up to receive severe weather notifications through Stafford Alert so you are aware when the flood risk is elevated or imminent. Ensure you have an emergency kit for your household and vehicles with at least three days of supplies, including food, water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight/headlamp, and medication. For more information on flood preparedness, please visit https://www.ready.gov/flood.