National Flood Insurance Program
Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program was created to enable property owners in participating communities, including Fairfax County, to purchase flood insurance protection. Properties that have been officially identified as being in a Special Flood Hazard Area and that have a federally backed mortgage are required by mortgage lenders to have flood insurance. But the program is available to all property owners, including owners of properties that have been flooded and properties located outside of Special Flood Hazard Areas.
It should be noted that flood insurance policies that have been purchased as a bank or lender requirement, or in order to obtain a mortgage or home improvement loan, may cover the structure but may not cover the contents of the property. Property owners should review and discuss their policy with their insurance carrier to ensure their needs are adequately covered.
Additional information about flood insurance is available from FEMA on the web, by calling 1-800-427-4661 or by writing to: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC, 20472.
Special Flood Hazard Areas
Special Flood Hazard Areas are FEMA-identified high-risk flood zones where flood insurance is mandatory for properties. Information about whether a property is in one of these flood hazard areas generally is required by lenders when obtaining a home mortgage. For information about whether your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, contact the Stormwater Planning Division at 703-324-5500, TTY 711, or by e-mail.
Flood Protection Measures
Measures you can take to protect your home from flooding may include:
- Re-grading your lot to ensure that rain water runs away from buildings. Any alteration to a building or land, including re-grading, may require a county permit. Call 703-324-1730, TTY 711, for more information.
- Ensuring your sump pump is functioning properly.
- Clearing debris from gutters and downspouts.
Additional Information:
Flood Preparation
Flooding: Frequently Asked
Questions
Floodplain
Management Plan - Progress Report, September 2008
Flood
Protection Information Brochure
Flood Safety Tips
Retrofitting
Your Home
Contact the Stormwater Planning Division at 703-324-5500, TTY
711, or by e-mail.