Today is the start of Virginia Flood Awareness Week, an ideal time to make preparations for potential flooding ahead of spring rains and the upcoming hurricane season. The purpose of Virginia Flood Awareness Week is to educate the public about flood risk and to promote the need for flood insurance.
Flooding doesn’t only occur near a river or coastline — anywhere it can rain, it can flood. The Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) is an online tool you can use to learn about the risk of flooding to their homes, businesses, or community. The tool, provided by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is available at www.dcr.virginia.gov/vfris.
It is estimated that just 1 inch of water in a home can cause up to $25,000 in damages. Without flood insurance, most people have to pay out-of-pocket or take out loans to repair damage. Flood insurance reduces the financial burden of a flood event and makes recovery easier.
The Town of Bridgewater participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, 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 10% percent discount on their premium.
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies don’t cover flooding, so it’s important to act now. Flood insurance policies take a minimum of 30 days to go into effect. Protect the life you’ve built, and purchase coverage well in advance of a disaster. Contact an insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov for details.
Questions? See the flyer linked below, and check out more information about Virginia Flood Awareness Week at www.dcr.virginia.gov/floodawarenessweek.