Base flood elevation meaning2/29/2024 ![]() Base flood elevation (BFE): The elevation water is estimated to rise during the initial flood, usually measured in feet.Like the 100-year flood, it’s just easier to say “500-year flood” instead of “point zero two percent.” 500-year flood: There’s a 0.02% chance of a flood annually.Since 1% is one out of 100, most people just call it 100-year floods. 100-year flood: There’s a 1% chance of a flood every year.Since flood zones-and flooding in general-can be quite technical, there are a few terms you should know to help you read flood zone maps: Homeowners can also use the flood maps to make important buying, building, and insurance decisions. Local governments use the data to determine zoning, while insurance agencies adjust insurance rates and coverages based on the flood zones. ![]() For example, a higher-risk area will be shaded on the map, while lower-risk areas might just have a letter marker without shading.įlood zones and flood hazard boundary maps are used by local governments, insurance agencies, and homeowners to determine the risk of flood in specific areas. They come in different designations depending on the level of risk. If you’re not sure if you live in a flood zone, you can look up your address on the FEMA website.Ī flood zone is an area or region designated on a flood hazard boundary map. If you’re one of them-and maybe even if you’re not-here’s what you need to know about flood zones. According to the maps, 41 million Americans live in a flood zone. Since floods are such a prevalent problem, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a map of different flood zones to determine the risk of flooding across the entire country. Floods cost homeowners $2.4 billion every year! Even an inch of water is enough to cause serious damage to your home without proper water mitigation cleanup. ![]() In fact, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, beating out hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Floods wreak havoc all over the United States-especially in low, rainy areas like Central Florida. That little creek in your back yard might be pretty to look at, but it could mean big trouble after a heavy rainstorm.
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