For homeowners residing in flood plain areas, water damage from flooding is a significant concern. FEMA tries to become proactive in mitigating flood damage to stop repeated issues in addition to limit claims into the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is required of most homeowners in high-risk areas. FEMA offers grants and support to communities to enact programs to minimize risk.
National Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Program was created by Congress in 1968 to give flood insurance to property owners. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage due to flood. Flood insurance is necessary for homeowners that reside in high-risk areas and is highly suggested for homeowners residing in non – or moderate-risk areas. FEMA uses flood mitigation assistance programs to decrease the number of flood insurance claims and the risk of repeat damage to high-risk areas.
Boost Home Elevation
Since even just a few inches of flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, FEMA offers grants to communities to increase the altitude of houses in high-risk areas. For houses that are in flood plains, FEMA indicates having your whole home on the next story, leaving the very first story with minimal to no dwelling areas. Homes may have their garages on the first floor because flood in this type of room typically leads to minimal damage.
Reduce Risk of Allergic Areas
While not all flood can be averted, a neighborhood can take certain measures to help decrease risk. By way of instance, if a river or creek runs through a neighborhood that is at risk for flood, the neighborhood could be given a grant from FEMA to expand the river or creek and wash out any debris. In Ferndale, California, this type of project is estimated to have protected 73 houses from flood.
Floodproofing
Flood mitigation may also include floodproofing the parts of the house that are susceptible to flooding damage. A homeowner may either dry floodproof or wet floodproof their own property. Dry floodproofing takes a waterproof seal on the house in addition to the windows and doors. While successful, it isn’t cosmetically appealing and must be installed by the homeowner before the flood occurs. Wet floodproofing usually involves anchoring the construction and using waterproof materials below base flood elevation. FEMA offers communities job grants to help pay for this type of mitigation.