What is a Flood Zone? Am I in one?

Flood zones are geographic areas defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) according to varying levels of flood risk.

These zones are depicted on a community's Flood Hazard Boundary Map or a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.

Land areas that are at high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). A home located within an SFHA has a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage and only a 4% chance of suffering a fire over that same time.

For comprehensive flood zone definitions, visit the NFIP Website.

To find out if your home is in a flood zone visit the floodsmart website. Select “What’s Your Flood Risk?” and enter your address to find out your flood risk.