#FEMA FLOOD HAZARD ZONES HOW TO#

Flood Zones C and X (Unshaded) Areas with a minimal flood hazard above the 500-year flood level.“B” zones describe base flood plain areas with “lesser” hazards, such as areas protected by dams, dikes, levees, or shallow flooding areas with average depths of less than a foot etc. Flood Zones B and X (Shaded) Areas with a moderate flood hazard between the 100 and 500-year flood levels.Federal flood insurance is not required in these areas, but it is recommended for all property owners and managers. One in five insurance claims come from low and moderate risk areas these areas receive one-third of federal disaster assistance. These zones are not considered a part of the Special Flood Hazard Area, and are otherwise known as Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas (NSFHAs).Īlthough these areas typically have less than a one percent chance of flooding each year, it is still a good idea to be wary of flood dangers in these zones. In these areas, flood risk is present, but reduced from the intensity of high risk areas. Low and Moderate Risk Areas (FEMA Zones B, C, X)

More explanation of much of this information on flood zone categories can be found on government flood resources. A 100-year flood area is one in which there is a 1% annual chance of flood and a 500-year flood corresponds to a 0.2 percent chance on average. To better understand what each flood zone means for a property’s likelihood of flood, FEMA maps often use the terminology of “100 and 500-year flood zones”. “D” labels undetermined flood zones, where flood risk exists but is unmeasured. High risk areas are started by either “A” or “V”, low and moderate flood risk areas begin with “B”, “C”, or “X”. Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are the areas that are at the greatest risk of flooding, mudflow, or flood-related erosion. The type of flood zone that you are in affects the cost of flood insurance policies and flood insurance is mandatory in some flood zones. The maps are also unable to account for pluvial surface flooding caused by intense rainfall. Unfortunately, FEMA flood maps often struggle to fully account for changes in flood patterns due to climate change. Your flood zone can provide crucial information on the physical and financial risks to your property as a result of flood.

#FEMA FLOOD HAZARD ZONES HOW TO#

For more information on reading a flood zone map, see our full FEMA flood maps guide which describes the terminology of flood maps, how to use them, and their connection to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can locate your flood map using your street address through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, or you can assess all your current as well as future climate risks with the ClimateCheck property report. Not all states require sellers to share flood risk information or reveal previous flooding or leakage to buyers. Follow FEMA Region IX online at /femaregion9 or view more news releases at /fema-regions/region-ix.It is a good idea to research flood risk for your current or potential properties. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.įEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided. The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. Maps may also affect building or insurance requirements. FEMA worked with Yavapai County to collect new or updated flood hazard data to modernize the county’s flood maps to reflect these changes. During that time, residents with technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps.įlood hazards are dynamic and can change frequently due to a variety of factors, including weather patterns, erosion, and new development. New maps will help identify the latest flood hazards, assess flood risks, and provide accurate data to guide local stakeholders in taking effective mitigation actions that result in safer and more resilient communities.īefore the new Yavapai County Flood Insurance Rate Maps become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Nov.

Oakland, CA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Yavapai County, AZ in 2020.

Fema flood hazard zones