Floodplains: A flat area of land next to a body of water that regularly experiences seasonal flooding.It’s also used to calculate flood insurance premiums, as regions with higher BFEs are more likely to suffer severe flooding. An area’s BFE helps local officials set minimum requirements for the elevation of structures and flood-proofing features. Base flood elevation (BFE): This figure refers to the elevation that floodwaters are expected to rise to during a base flood event (floods with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year).To understand your community's flood map, it’s important to define some key terms: For example, many flood zones are designated as “high risk” because of their low elevation. Reading a flood map can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with how FEMA classifies certain hazards and the terminology used to explain topographic features in your area.
Zone V: Coastal regions that experience annual flash flooding, hurricanes and other weather-related hazards.Zone A: Low-lying areas that are in close proximity to lakes, ponds and other large bodies of water.The most hazardous flood zones begin with the letters A or V, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and homeowners living in these areas are required to purchase flood insurance. Every zone is classified according to its level of risk and the potential severity of flood events. Since flood risks change over time due to shifting weather patterns, land development projects and natural erosion, it’s important to pay attention to all updates to FEMA’s flood maps to stay informed.įlood zones are geographic areas that face heightened risks of flooding, most of which are located near bodies of water. Using these maps, homeowners can determine if their property is located in a high-risk area and whether they should get flood insurance. to help homeowners, government officials and insurance companies keep track of flood hazards. FEMA regularly publishes detailed flood maps for over 20,000 communities across the U.S.
0 kommentar(er)
