March 8-14 is 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. The Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) is an online tool Virginians 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 City of Salem 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.
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.
More information about Virginia Flood Awareness Week is available at www.dcr.virginia.gov/floodawarenessweek.