Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 02, 2019
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginians are urged to know flood risk, get flood insurance in time for hurricane season
RICHMOND — With the Mid-Atlantic hurricane season approaching June 1, Virginians should take time now to find out their flood risk and make sure they’re covered with flood insurance.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation encourages people to visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/floodawareness for information and links to resources such as the Virginia Flood Risk Information System and the National Flood Insurance Program.
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, but only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance.
“Anywhere it can rain, it can flood,” DCR Director Clyde E. Cristman said. “One inch of water in a home can cost more than $27,000 to repair. Few Virginians could afford to pay that out of pocket. With flood insurance, you can recover more quickly and more fully.”
Key facts:
— Flooding occurs in moderate- to low-risk areas as well as in high-risk areas, and in all regions of the state.
— Hurricanes do not just hit coastal Virginia — the entire state is at risk. In 2018, communities in central and western parts of the state were impacted by hurricanes.
— Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.
— The average flood insurance claim in 2017 was $90,000, according to the National Flood Insurance Program. By comparison, the average disaster assistance to homeowners is only about $5,000.
— Once flood insurance is purchased, there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective.
In addition, Virginians should be aware of the dams in the areas they live and work. When dams fail, they can adversely affect people, their livelihoods and property. Floods caused by dam failures are often more sudden and violent than stream, river and coastal floods.
DCR’s Dam Safety and Floodplain Management staff coordinates flood protection across the state. This includes helping communities to manage their floodplains and meet requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
This month, DCR will promote flood safety and insurance at these public events.
May 8
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hurricane Awareness Tour
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Roanoke, Virginia
Public tours 2-5 p.m.
May 31
National Dam Safety Awareness Day
Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, Virginia
1 p.m.
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