As we noted in Tuesday’s buzz post, March 14-20 is Virginia Flood Awareness Week. Bridgewater is joining the statewide effort to inform residents about flood risk and flood insurance. Flooding is the most common and costly natural hazard in the United States. Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. We urge that residents not be caught off guard and to plan now for potential flooding.
One of the most important steps residents can take to prepare today is to obtain flood insurance. According to FEMA, just one inch of water in a home can cause up to $25,000 in damages. Flood insurance, whether it’s through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier, allows individuals, businesses, and communities to quickly and sufficiently recover after a flood. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover damage caused by floods. Flood insurance can mean the difference between recovering and being financially devastated.
Bridgewater participates in the NFIP, which means all residents are eligible for flood insurance, even if they don’t live in a high-risk flood zone. As a Community Rating System community, residents may be eligible for a discount on their premium. The Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) offers an online mapping tool that you can use to learn more about the risk of flooding to your home or business.
Questions? Check our website to read more about floodplain management in Bridgewater.