Local flooding events from Tropical Storm Chantal and recent catastrophic flooding in Western NC, Texas, and other areas across the country have many of us reevaluating our own risk.

FEMA is responsible for evaluating and mapping our nation’s flood risk. Insurance companies then use those maps to determine a property’s flood zone designation. Those designations then determine coverage requirements and premiums.

Many claim that the maps are inaccurate, citing an approval process for preliminary maps that allow property owners, real estate developers, and others to appeal the flood zone designations. Critics and some researchers also point to the fact that FEMA maps rely on historical data instead of using predictive models. They generally do not consider factors like development or climate change like maps from entities like First Street Foundation.

Residents of the Dan River Region can evaluate their flood risk by entering their address into the following three tools:

• Virginia Flood Risk Information System
• NC Flood Risk Information System
• First Street Foundation

Learn more about the FEMA flood maps and how community members can participate in the approval process by clicking HERE.