Get Flood Fluent
These are a few of the simple, indisputable facts about the growing chances for flooding and why you should consider contacting your insurance agent about flood insurance.
- Floods are the most common natural hazards. Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve some type of flooding.
- Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. It's true. Rain causes flooding in Chesapeake and throughout Hampton Roads. Over the past 70 years, heavy rainfall events have become more intense and frequent in our area, and will only continue to increase.
- Homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. One inch of water inside the home could cause over $23,000 in damages and more than $3,000 in personal property costs on average.
- Hampton Roads is surrounded by water. Waterways permeate every corner of Hampton Roads, making it especially susceptible to flooding.
- Low-risk does not mean no-risk. More than one in five claims to the National Flood Insurance Program in South Hampton Roads have been for properties outside of high-risk flood zones. Flood insurance can offer some peace of mind.
- You need to protect yourself as our flood risks continue to grow. In Hampton Roads, uninsured residents impacted by Hurricane Matthew received around $4,000 in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), whereas those with flood insurance received an average of $35,000.
Want more facts? Visit GetFloodFluent.org, a regional outreach campaign spearheaded by the 17 localities of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) to encourage area residents to purchase flood insurance.
To find out how to get coverage, contact your insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program's Help Center at 800-427-4661.