Everyone Lives In A Flood Zone; Do You Know Yours?

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL -- Flood zones determine building requirements, insurance needs and property safety - not evacuations

Zone A or AE, D or X? It can all be so confusing. Here are some key differences between the maps intended to help you understand the risks to you, your family, your home and your business:

Evacuation maps are modeled on storm-driven wave actions that may inundate a community and threaten lives. Knowing your zone is an integral part of developing an evacuation plan and being prepared to take action when a storm is approaching.

Flood maps use predictive modeling to identify the everyday flood risk to coastal and inland properties and structures. Flood maps primarily impact:

• Building requirements
• Insurance needs
• Activities to protect structures

Everyone Lives In A Flood Zone

Flooding is the most costly and repetitive natural disaster affecting Hillsborough County. While residents are typically affected by inland flooding near lakes and in low-lying areas, flooding along rivers and coastal tidal surge are not uncommon. Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere when heavy or steady rain occurs.

Ways To Protect Your Property

Protecting your property from flooding can involve:

• Following building code requirements
• Floodproofing
• Elevating your home and/or utilities
• Building with flood-resistant materials
• Raising electrical system components
• Installing sewer backflow valves

For advice on ways to protect your property from flooding, contact Hillsborough County Public Works' Hazard Mitigation Program at (813) 307-4541. You also may request that a staff member visit your property for further information on retrofitting, remodeling and other topics.

Note: Most flood-protection measures need a building permit. Always contact Hillsborough County Development Services or your municipal building office prior to doing any type of work.

Insure Your Property

Flood insurance helps protect you from the financial devastation caused by floods. Even a few inches of water can bring thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs.

• Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods.
• Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before your flood insurance policy goes into effect. That means now is the best time to buy flood insurance.
• To find out more about flood insurance and who writes flood insurance policies in your area, click here or call toll-free (888) 379-9531.

Protect The Natural Floodplain Functions

The undisturbed and wetland areas in Hillsborough County naturally retains flood waters, improving water quality and providing refuge for endangered species. Please help keep these areas natural and beautiful by reporting any illegal dumping or clearing or by contacting the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission at (813) 627-2600.

Know Before You Buy

Before buying property, be sure to check with Hillsborough County Development Services or your municipal building office for the permitting history. Once you purchase a property, you may be required at your own expense to make alterations to a property that does not have the proper permits.

National Flood Insurance Community Rating System Program

Hillsborough County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and NFIP Community Rating System (CRS). The county's participation in the CRS program means that flood insurance premiums on policies issued in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are offered at a 25 percent discount and standard low-risk policies at a 10 percent discount.

Resources

• Find My Flood Zone (maps)
• Flood Safety Information
• Report Flooding
• It's Never Too Early to Plan for Flooding
• 4 Ways to Go with the Flow

Image via Hillsborough County

A modular home is placed on an elevated foundation in a high-risk flood area along the Alafia River.