3 Things You Should Know About Flood Zones

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Living in a flood zone can make things more difficult for you, depending on the usual severity of flooding.

As a homeowner in La Grange, IL, it is important to have as much information as possible to keep your family and your property safe, but there are some things you may not think to consider. Whether or not your home is located in a flood zone might not usually cross your mind, but this knowledge can be incredibly helpful. Here are a few things that you should know about these areas.

1. What Is It?

As the name suggests, a flood zone is an area that has an increased risk of flooding during severe weather. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, determines the risk in each area and gives them a rating based on the type of floods that occur and the severity of the damage it causes.

2. How Do You Determine if You Are in One?

If you want to see if your home is in one of these zones, the process is simple. FEMA provides resources, such as a Flood Insurance Rate Map, that homeowners can download from their website. This will show you in which type of zone your property is located. Their maps are updated often, so you can check back over time to see if there have been any changes.

3. How Will This Affect You and Your Property?

Living in a flood zone can make things more difficult for you, depending on the usual severity of flooding. In some cases, you may end up with damage to your home that requires an emergency restoration service. You might be required to purchase additional flood insurance for your home as well.

While owning a home in one of these areas might not be ideal, having the necessary information can help you be more prepared in case of an emergency. If you know that there is a storm coming, take steps to keep your family and belongings safe. If there is damage to your home, know that there are services available to help.