How Do I Find Out If Land is in a Flood Zone

Do you know if your land is in a flood zone? If not, you should. Even if your land does not flood yearly (or even every decade), you may need flood insurance to protect you from this disaster that is destined to happen at some point in the future. Most homeowners insurance policies do not automatically cover this, even if your property is in a flood zone.

Knowing whether or not your home is in a flood zone is important whether you are a property owner, homeowner, or tenant. You will need to know this information if you wish to determine the cost or apply for flood insurance. It's also important to know about the dangers of flooding so that you're not caught unprepared. Flood zones also have implications for public utilities, real estate development, and other actions on the land.

To find out if land is in a flood zone, you'll need to look at a flood map. This map, which covers all areas of the United States, is produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, and is updated every few years. FEMA maps are available for free viewing on the internet. The process for determining whether your land lies in a flood zone is very easy. Simply find your property on the FEMA flood zone map.

To find a particular property on the flood map, you'll need a little information about where the property is located. All properties are represented in the map, regardless of their flood zone designation. You can use the street address or the state, county, and city to go to that part of the map directly. You can also view the entire map of the area, zooming in until you have located the particular lot in which you're interested. If you've already viewed the map and know the Panel ID for the FEMA flood map of your area, enter that ID number to be taken directly to that section of the map. Once you've found the area of the map that is of interest to you, you can purchase a copy, or print it for free on your own printer.

On this map, you'll see the various flood zones, from areas likely to flood annually to those that may flood every century or even less frequently. Floodplains are described by the expected frequency of flooding. For example, an annual floodplain is expected to flood once each year, while a 100-year floodplain is expected about once every 100 years. Anywhere it rains, flooding is possible, even if you've never heard of it in the area. In fact, according to the National Flood Insurance Program, nearly a quarter of flood insurance claims come from areas with low to moderate flood risk. The flood risk shown on a FEMA flood map is based on history, rainfall, riverflow, topography, and other data, and is re-evaluated every few years based on new data.

The lower the degree of risk, the lower the flood insurance premium you'll have to pay. Insurance providers use the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for insurance evaluations. This map shows your community's base flood elevation, flood zones, and the boundaries of the floodplain, or area that is most at risk of frequent flooding. If your home is located in a flood plain likely to flood at least once per century, you are required to have flood insurance. This can be a problem if you have modified your land, for example building up the land under your home so that it no longer lies in the floodplain. In order to reduce your flood insurance requirements, you may need to have a land surveyor survey your land to provide elevation certification.

We at Point to Point Land Surveyors pride ourselves on accuracy, customer service and quality work delivered on time, guaranteed. Residential land surveys are a specialty.

Useful Tips for Avoiding Flood Damage

What do you think will be the lasting memory of summer 2007 for most people?

Gordon Brown becoming the new Prime Minister of Great Britain? The memorial concert for Princess Diana at Wembley Stadium? Perhaps the image of a burning car being driven into Glasgow Airport?

Each of these events has their own merits but for many people summer 2007 will be remembered for the weather and the flooding that has hit many parts of the UK. This article looks at recent weather patterns and gives some tips on how businesses can try to avoid flooding in the future.

Rising temperatures, warmer winters and even hotter summers have been the talk from experts when it comes to climate change but recent years has seen worldwide misery and destruction when it comes to the weather.

The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in the Indian Ocean brought with it devastation and loss beyond belief with according to United Nations figures 229,866 people lost, including 186,983 dead and 42,883 missing.

2005 saw Hurricane Katrina rip through many parts of the United States with at least 1,836 people losing their lives in the Hurricane and subsequent floods. The storm is estimated to have been responsible for $81.2 billion (2005 U.S Dollars) in damage, making it the costliest natural disaster in US history.

And in the United Kingdom in June and July 2007 yet more misery in the form of torrential rainfall that has seen homes, businesses and lives destroyed throughout many parts of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. And whilst the storms in the UK haven't been on the scale of those witnessed in the Far East and United States, lives have been lost and the clean up operation is just underway.

So with further rainfall forecast in the UK the UK's Business Insurance Broker, Northern Counties Insurance, have produced these useful tips which businesses can follow to help them both pre and post loss should they be hit by flooding.

Pre Loss tips include:

1. Ensuring that where possible all electrical equipment and stock is stored at least four feet above ground

2. Turning off electrical equipment (excluding burglar alarms)

3. Turning off the supply to central heating units if these are at ground level

4. Whenever and wherever possible moving vehicles to high ground

5. Sand bagging the premises if there is a high exposure to potential flooding

6. Consider constructing gullies to funnel water to drains

7. Clearing all drains and gutters on and around the premises of leaves and any other obstructions to allow an unrestricted flow of water

8. Moving high value items away from unmanned premises

This is by no means a comprehensive list of actions you could take prior to a flood but by following them your chances of a loss occurring could be significantly reduced.

So what action can you take in the event of a loss occurring?

Post Loss tips include:

1. Removing debris where possible. However if the debris is in any way contaminated, you may need to contact the emergency services first.

2. Saving items of value for inspection

3. If stranded, contact the emergency services immediately

4. If possible allowing ventilation to the premises

5. Consider up to £500 of emergency repairs to mitigate future losses

6. Take all appropriate and reasonable measures to protect the premises from future flooding

7. Contact your insurance broker or insurance company immediately so they can help make sure your claim is dealt with as quickly and as favourably as possible

Hopefully the weather like we have seen in the summer of 2007 will be a freak occurrence that doesn't hit us again but should storms and flooding continue hopefully these Useful Tips for Avoiding Flood Damage will go some way to help you out.

Useful Tips for Avoiding Flood Damage was brought to you by Mark Burdett, Marketing Manager of Northern Counties Insurance Brokers - The UK's Business Insurance Broker.

This article was written by Mark Burdett, Marketing Manager of Northern Counties Insurance Brokers. Mark has over 17 years Marketing experience in the Financial Services industry and has worked on campaigns for companies including Norwich Union, Kia and Zurich.

Now based in Newcastle upon Tyne Mark is Marketing Manager for one of the UK's Leading Insurance Brokers - Northern Counties Insurance Brokers.

Northern Counties have been providing Business Insurance to businesses since 1928 and can be contacted on 0191 482 1219 for all your Commercial Insurance and Business Insurance needs.

Business Insurance - http://www.northerncounties.com

Flood Insurance - Another Example of Excessive Spending by a Government Agency

How can this be? The short version is that FEMA which is the federal emergency management agency typically pays close to 20% more than it should pay for flood insurance claims. These payments are made to the individual participating insurance companies. Last year that meant close to $350 million in overpayments as reported by the (GAO) Government Accountability Office in expenses to insurance entities that were considered overpayments for their expenses.

The Government Accountability Office says that this is excessive. Over 97% of the national flood policies are in place and are managed by just 87 insurance companies. These 87 companies control roughly 89% of the insurance premium for flood policies in the United States. The government's participation with private insurance companies with regards to flood insurance began in 1983 as a co-op.

As insurance premiums continue to rise especially in the coastal areas, the government is now pressing the private insurance companies to produce ongoing reports comparing their actual expenses in comparison to the 34% the government allocates for every premium dollar in expenses for flood premiums.

This over payment of close to $350 million of budgeted expenses compared to actual expenses is definitely within the radar of the GAO. The GAO also found that claims expenses are adjusted based on the size of the claim. The government has unknowingly incentivized the insurance companies in that the greater the claim the greater the reimbursement. This tends to organically inflate claims to newer and higher levels as the government is paying for damages and not private insurance company. The insurance companies are only adjusting the claims and being reimbursed for their expenses albeit in the form of overpayments.

As is the case in most government programs there is fat and abuse and clearly this over payment of approximately 20% for reimbursed expenses needs to stop.

R. Glenn Matsen, CEO, MBA, CPCU, ARM, CLU, ChFC has over 30 years of risk management experience in providing insurance solutions for the small business owners needs. His website contains detailed information on tech insurance [http://technologyinsurancequote.net/tech-insurance] and provides visitors with a quick technology insurance quote [http://technologyinsurancequote.net].

Texas Flood Insurance and Flood Preparation Information

Texas is a state with a high level of risk for flooding. FEMA has produced a guide for flood preparation and safety. It starts by saying that "The first step in protecting your home and family is purchasing flood insurance". This seems obvious but may people neglect this coverage or put it off for later. In most cases there is a 30 day waiting period for coverage to begin so don't wait for a pending disaster.

The least expensive place to get flood insurance is usually from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This is backed by the federal government and the cost is usually quite low. Here a few examples of the Texas flood insurance cost if you qualify for the preferred rate:

$50,000 coverage for your home plus $20,000 contents for $196 per year
$100,000 coverage for your home plus $40,000 contents for $257 per year
$200,000 coverage for your home plus $80,000 contents for $326 per year

Here are some tips to be prepared for a flood and to be safe during a flood. You can get more information at www.floodsmart.gov.

Copy important documents and store them in a safe place
Save receipts for expensive household items to help process your claim if you have a loss
Take photos or video of your most valuable property to help document a loss if you have one
Review your insurance policies with a good agent to be sure you have the right coverage
Keep emergency supplies on hand with things like flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, medicines, a first aid kit, extra gasoline, and possibly a generator.
Keep at least a few days supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.
Pay attention to official instructions if there is a flood.
If you live in an area that would require evacuation for a hurricane, have a plann for a place to go.
Don't walk or drive through flooded areas.
Keep away from downed power lines.

Remember that supplies can be hard to get when a hurricane is approaching. That is one reason why you should prepare in advance. For example, if you would want to cover windows with plywood for a hurricane, get the wood and fasteners in advance and store it in your garage.

Texas residents can get a flood insurance quote or more information from my Houston Flood Insurance website.

Lamb Insurance Agency, (Farmers, Foremost, Voyager, and Pacific Insurance) Auto, Home, Mobile Home, Life, and Business Insurance for Texas - Houston Farmers Insurance

Flood Insurance - Once the Mississippi or Missouri River Floods, It's Too Late to Buy It

If the floodwaters have already breached the Missouri River, or the Mighty Mississippi and that water is coming down your street then it is too late to buy flood insurance. I am often reminded by the famous quote; "When did Noah build the ark? Before the flood, remember?" In other words the time to buy your flood insurance, or make sure you are covered by the National Flood Insurance program is prior to the rainy season, or the severe snowmelt during times of heavy snowpack.

Indeed, when the snowpack is over 100%, and this happens on the West Coast during El Nino seasons, you are likely to find that the nation's flood insurance companies are not very willing to write policies, and remember the rainy season, and the snowpack in that case happen six months prior to the floods, when that snow melts. The same thing happens when buying insurance to protect your home from hurricanes which produce storm surges, or tidal surges.

Many companies will not sell you insurance at or about the time that Hurricane season starts. They want to sell you the insurance after hurricane season, so that you pay into the system for a while, before they wish to be paying out any claims. Likewise, obviously you can't buy earthquake insurance during an earthquake, or exactly afterwards, while there still is a risk of Aftershocks.

As we watched the floods in the spring and summer of 2011 in the Midwest, and along the Mississippi in the South, we felt for all those individuals, and no American wants to see their fellow citizens being flooded out. Of course there's not much you can do for them once the water starts flooding, the levees are breached, or the dams are opened to prevent floodwaters from rising and causing a catastrophe in a city with millions of people in it.

We can't expect insurance companies to sell insurance by the time that the Army Corps of Engineers puts out data in the media that the floods are coming, and chances are they will overflow the banks of these giant rivers. By then it's too late, and insurance companies aren't stupid, they will cut off all insurance policy sales at that point. Remember insurance companies are in business to make money, and they do this by sizing up the risks, and taking that gamble based on probability.

Therefore if there is a high probability of major floodwaters coming, they are not going to put their shareholders at risk, or the insurance company's retained earnings or assets. Indeed I hope you will please consider how the free-market works, and buy your flood insurance long before you might actually needed. Because if you wait, it will be too late.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,777 articles by 7 PM on June 27, 2011 is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

Finding a National Flood Insurance Agent

America is a great place to live. Like all other countries, America does have its have share of problems. One of those problems is the weather. At just about any point in time the weather could turn from wonderful to dangerous. One of the most dangerous events that occur because of the weather is flooding.

Flooding occurs for a wide variety of different reasons. Even though flooding can occur due to a number of factors, too much rain is the most common cause of flooding. A large of number of homes are damaged each year due to flooding caused by too much rain. Many homeowners can be considered lucky because they have flood insurance. Flood insurance helps to assist a homeowner in the cost of rebuilding or repairing their home. If you do not have flood insurance coverage then you may be putting your home and your wallet at risk.

When it comes to obtaining flood insurance you will have to find a company that offers it. These companies are most commonly known as providers or agents. Flood insurance agents can service the whole nation or a specific area. Many individuals looking to purchase flood insurance coverage often wonder whether they should select a national flood insurance provider or a local provider.

It is important to note that when it comes to purchasing flood insurance you have the final say. With that said, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both a local insurance agent and a national flood insurance agent. Many individuals prefer to work with a well-known agent. Many of the most well-known agents are those that work on a national level. Working with a local agent offers comfort to many individuals, but localized agent may not always be your best bet.

A national flood insurance agent or provider is one that offer coverage to Americans, no matter where they live. National flood insurance providers are often small or large organizations that offer quality flood insurance to all Americans. If you are looking for a well-known national flood insurance provider, you should examine the coverage offered by AmeriFlood.

Searching for a national flood insurance agent could produce a large number of results. Many individuals get overwhelmed and do not know where to start. That is why it may be a good idea to learn about the flood insurance coverage offered by AmeriFlood. Their flood insurance coverage is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The difference between AmeriFlood and other flood insurance agents is the cost of insurance. AmeriFlood offers a 12% discount to homeowners looking to purchase flood insurance.

Whether you purchase flood insurance from a local agent, AmeriFlood, or another national flood insurance provider you should be at ease. Almost all flood insurance providers offer coverage plans that are supported or monitored by the government. This means that you can take comfort in knowing that in the event of a flood your home will be covered.

Ginger Wade is a writer for (Ameriflood) where you can find useful information about National Flood Insurance and other related information.

What Homeowners Need to Know About National Flood Insurance!

How Homeowners Can Navigate Choppy Waters With Ease!

The purpose of flood insurance is to protect property owners and renters against losses from floods-losses that a typical homeowner's policy does not cover. Whether you have a condo or a house, whether you're a builder or a renter, here's information to help you know who is eligible for this insurance, where to obtain it, and how the program works.

Flood insurance is available only in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Homeowners, builders, and communities want to preserve and protect their property. What measures exist to help them?

Why Have Flood Insurance?

You may not think you live near enough to water to be at risk, but dams and levees do break, drainage systems can become overloaded and back up, and hurricanes can veer off path.

Protecting your home and belongings with flood insurance is far less costly than cleaning up after the fact. Nor can you depend upon Presidential Disaster Declaration aid. Even if such a declaration is made for your area, it can be a long time before the money arrives.

The National Flood Insurance Program

Over time, the US government realized that the measures in place to discourage unwise land development or to decrease losses from floods simply didn't work. Therefore, in 1968, Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program to protect property owners against the possibility of loss.

How Does It Work?

A community must agree to adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance that is designed to reduce future flood risks in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). When a community follows or agrees to follow these laws, the federal government will make flood insurance available to every property owner in that community.

Each property owner must then follow all of FEMA's and NFIP's requirements whether or not he or she purchases flood insurance. One of the requirements is properly installed flood vents.

How Do You Define Community?

A community is any State, area, or political subdivision; any Indian tribe, authorized tribal organization, or Alaska native village; or authorized native organization with the authority to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinance for the area under its jurisdiction.

Community participation in the NFIP is voluntary, although some states require participation as part of their floodplain management program. Each community in an identified flood-prone area must assess its flood hazard and determine whether flood insurance and floodplain management would benefit its residents and economy.

How are Flood Hazard Areas Determined?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces maps that identify various flood hazard areas, such as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), a high-risk area that stands a 1% chance of occurring in any year. The government believes that this high-risk standard is a reasonable compromise between the need for floodplain development and the need for building restrictions aimed at minimizing loss of life and property.

Development can take place in the SFHA as long as it complies with local floodplain management ordinances that meet the minimum federal requirements. Flood insurance is required for insurable structures within high-risk areas.

What Kind of Requirements Are There?

When a community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, every property owner in that community has to follow all of FEMA's code requirements as set out in its floodplain management ordinance. That's true whether or not the property owner buys flood insurance. These code requirements include but aren't limited to foundation openings (also called "flood vents") and first flood elevation height requirements.

What Types of Structures Can Be Insured?

If you are in a community that participates in the NFIP, nearly every type of walled and roofed building that is mostly above-ground and not entirely over water can be insured. This includes mobiles homes and traveler trailers without wheels that are anchored to permanent foundations. Separate coverage is available for the contents of these buildings.

What isn't insurable under the NFIP?

Buildings entirely over water or principally below ground, gas and liquid storage tanks, animals, birds, fish, aircraft, wharves, piers, bulkheads, growing crops, shrubbery, land, livestock, roads, machinery, motor vehicles, equipment in the open. Most contents and finishing materials located in a basement or in enclosures below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building are not covered.

How To Find Out If You Can Buy The Insurance

Property owners and renters can see if their community participates in the NFIP by contacting a community official or insurance agent or by visiting http://www.fema.gov/fema/csb.

How to Obtain A The Insurance Policy

If your local insurance agent does not sell flood insurance, call the NFIP at 1-888-379-9531 or visit http://www.floodsmart.gov.

How Much Flood Insurance Coverage Is Available?

The NFIP Flood Insurance Manual provides coverage limits under the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy. Under its regular program, property owners can buy up to $250,000 per single-family dwelling or other residential building and up to $500,000 for a non-residential building. Coverage is available up to $100,000 for residential building contents and up to $500,000 for non-residential contents.

When To Buy Flood Insurance?

There is typically a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance to go into effect. Remember that hurricane season is flood season, so obtain your insurance well ahead of time.

Tips to Remember

1 - Everyone lives in a flood zone.

2 - Most homeowners' policies don't cover flood damage.

3 - No matter what your flood risk is, you can buy flood insurance if your community participates in the NFIP.

4 - Don't wait for federal disaster assistance to help you.

5 - Keep your home compliant with federal regulations.

6 - There's usually a 30-day waiting period before your policy takes effect.

7 - Buy a separate policy to protect your contents.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for FEMA's comprehensive guidelines. For more information, visit FEMA.gov.

William G. Sykes is an inventor, product designer, member of the International Code Council, engineer and patent attorney. He specializes in crawlspace and foundation protection products for flood protection, ventilation and encapsulation (flood/air vents, doors and fans). Learn more about crawlspace and foundation protection and how to save money on your flood insurance premiums by visiting our website => http://WWW.crawlspacedoors.com

Finding a National Flood Insurance Agent

America is a great place to live. Like all other countries, America does have its have share of problems. One of those problems is the weather. At just about any point in time the weather could turn from wonderful to dangerous. One of the most dangerous events that occur because of the weather is flooding.

Flooding occurs for a wide variety of different reasons. Even though flooding can occur due to a number of factors, too much rain is the most common cause of flooding. A large of number of homes are damaged each year due to flooding caused by too much rain. Many homeowners can be considered lucky because they have flood insurance. Flood insurance helps to assist a homeowner in the cost of rebuilding or repairing their home. If you do not have flood insurance coverage then you may be putting your home and your wallet at risk.

When it comes to obtaining flood insurance you will have to find a company that offers it. These companies are most commonly known as providers or agents. Flood insurance agents can service the whole nation or a specific area. Many individuals looking to purchase flood insurance coverage often wonder whether they should select a national flood insurance provider or a local provider.

It is important to note that when it comes to purchasing flood insurance you have the final say. With that said, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both a local insurance agent and a national flood insurance agent. Many individuals prefer to work with a well-known agent. Many of the most well-known agents are those that work on a national level. Working with a local agent offers comfort to many individuals, but localized agent may not always be your best bet.

A national flood insurance agent or provider is one that offer coverage to Americans, no matter where they live. National flood insurance providers are often small or large organizations that offer quality flood insurance to all Americans. If you are looking for a well-known national flood insurance provider, you should examine the coverage offered by AmeriFlood.

Searching for a national flood insurance agent could produce a large number of results. Many individuals get overwhelmed and do not know where to start. That is why it may be a good idea to learn about the flood insurance coverage offered by AmeriFlood. Their flood insurance coverage is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The difference between AmeriFlood and other flood insurance agents is the cost of insurance. AmeriFlood offers a 12% discount to homeowners looking to purchase flood insurance.

Whether you purchase flood insurance from a local agent, AmeriFlood, or another national flood insurance provider you should be at ease. Almost all flood insurance providers offer coverage plans that are supported or monitored by the government. This means that you can take comfort in knowing that in the event of a flood your home will be covered.

Ginger Wade is a writer for (Ameriflood) where you can find useful information about National Flood Insurance and other related information.