Flood insurance is your first line of defense against damage from floods. Without it, you won't be able to fully recover. You can get insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or new private-market insurance companies. Talk to your agent. You have options to flood-proof your home. First, you can choose to build in a low flood risk area. Next, homes (new and existing) can be elevated above the base flood elevation (BFE) or use dry flood-proofing techniques and materials. Finally, wet flood-proofing materials and techniques allow parts of a home to withstand being submerged and to dry out after an event. Did you know that your community can affect your flood insurance rates and how your home is built to withstand floods? By using updated building codes and freeboard (feet above BFE), homes can be built to resist floods. By participating in the NFIP or Community Rating System (CRS), your community can reduce insurance rates for everyone.
