Do you know if your home is in a high-risk flood zone? Are you wondering if the home you are interested in purchasing may have been partially underwater in the past? Check out the site best known for providing great links to several flood related sites, to include maps and insurance information.

Preparation

There are also certain precautions property owners can take to lower the chance of suffering major flood damage. Among these are:

• Install a sump pump and make sure it is working; install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure
• Install “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts
• Anchor any fuel tanks
• Elevate your furnace, water heater, washer, dryer, and electric panel, if you live in a high flood risk area

Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is continuously updating maps which show flooding risks for individual properties. If your property is mapped out of a high-risk area, your flood insurance costs will likely decrease. If you've been mapped into a high-risk area, you will be required to purchase flood insurance if your mortgage is through a federally regulated or insured lender.

• Property owners can also challenge a flood map they feel is inaccurate. Information on how to challenge a flood map is available online.
• More information on what property owners can do to lessen potential flood damage, and possibly lower premiums, is available online.
• Also, for insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., video or photographic) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. View more information online.

More Information

Additional information on preparing your family to meet an emergency is found online.