Flood Zones FAQ
What are flood zones?
Flood zones are land areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). Each flood zone describes that land area in terms of its risk of
flooding. Everyone lives in a
flood zones - it's just a question of whether you live
in a low, moderate or high risk area.
How do I find out whether or not my property is at risk, and if it is, at
what level?
Visit "What's Your Flood Risk?" and enter your address into the
risk assessment tool to find out your flood risk.
What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and how do I use it?
A FIRM is a map created by the NFIP for floodplain management and insurance
purposes. Digital versions of these maps are called DFIRMs.
A FIRM will generally show a community's base flood elevations,
flood zones, and floodplain boundaries. As a property
owner/renter, you can use this map to get a reliable indication of what flood
zone you're in. However, maps are constantly being updated due to changes in
geography, construction and mitigation activities, and meteorological events.
Therefore, for a truly accurate determination, contact your insurance agent or
company or your community floodplain manager.
What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
Land areas that are at high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard
Areas (SFHAs), or floodplains. These areas are indicated on Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs).
A home located within an SFHA has a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage
during the term of a 30-year mortgage.
What is a Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA)?
A Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA) is an area that is in a low- to
moderate-risk flood zone (
Zones B, C, X Pre- and Post-FIRM). An NSFHA is not in
any immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains.
However, it's important to note that structures within an NSFHA are still at
risk. In fact, one out of four floods occurs in a NSFHA! Check out the
statistics and get the
facts before you decide that your property is not at risk.
Is there a special risk-rating procedure for coastal high hazard areas (V
zones)?
Yes. When calculating the risk of a
V zone property, the formula takes into account the
ability of the building to withstand the impact of wave action.
What is the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS)?
The CBRS is a system of protected coastal areas that includes ocean-front land,
the Great Lakes and Other Protected Areas (OPAs).
Coastal barriers serve as important buffers between coastal storms and inland
areas, often protecting properties on land from serious flood damage. Also,
coastal barriers provide a protective habitat for aquatic plants and animals.
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 restricted development on the
CBRS, in an effort to protect the barrier system and prevent future flood
damage. If you live in a CBRS area, you are eligible for federally-backed flood
insurance only if your property was built before 1982 and your community
participates in the NFIP.
Read more about CBRS at FEMA.gov/NFIP