In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed approximately 800,000 homes leaving many families homeless. Flooding destroyed a large portion of these homes. Places like New Orleans is prone to flooding because they are under sea level and are close to the Mississippi River. Homeowners that live in this area or similar places are strongly suggested to get to know the floodplain evaluation reports for their community. Educating yourself on these floodplains evaluations can help you as a homeowner to protect your house and valuables.
What A Floodplain Is and Why You Should Read Floodplain Evaluation Reports
A floodplain is an area created around parts of a river that will catch high waters and prevent serious flooding. These open space usually build up in a spot that will not be destroyed by a flood. As a homeowner, it is in your best interest to know where these places are and how close your home is. Floodplain evaluations will provide old and new information about your property. A report shows everything about your property including where flooding occurs, when it occurs, and why.
Understanding the Reports
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, provides floodplain evaluation reports and you can access them on their website. These reports are lengthy and can be difficult to understand. The reports are vital for any homeowner in or near a flood zone. These reports are often difficult to comprehend. For more help, contact a floodplain specialist; they can help you with the evaluation. A floodplain specialist is constantly surveying these areas making sure information is updated, and communities are safe. They can provide a 100-year plan for your property. By doing this, you can better prepare for any serious flooding in the near or far future.
How at Risk Are You
Moving to a new area can be extremely overwhelming, and the last thing you want to find is that your home is at risk of flooding. Finding the location of your home will show the level of risk for flood damage. Low-risk areas are less likely to flood and can be easier to predict future flooding. High-risk homes are in more danger of flash floods and damages. Find out how at risk your home is so you can take the appropriate precautions.
Benefits of Knowing if You are High or Low-Risk
The benefits of preventing flood damage are anywhere from avoiding water damage all the way to insurance claims. Once you understand the reports for your area, you should know how at risk you are. Homeowners that are at a lower risk may just need to watch the weather closely for heavy rains. For those homes that are at a higher risk, taking precautions is ideal. Professionals can point you in the right direction of what to buy and what you don’t need to buy. They can also help create a plan to protect your home for times of evacuations.
