Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas

A flood is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area of two or more properties (at least 1 of which is the policyholder's property) from overflow of inland or tidal waters or mudslides. A flood inundates a floodplain. The flood categories are: riverine flooding, coastal flooding, shallow flooding, and alluvial fan flooding.

What is a Non-Special Flood Hazard Area?

According to FEMA, flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map are identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and non-special flood hazard area. The latter includes:

‍Moderate flood hazard areas are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2% annual chance (or 500-year) flood.

- Flood Zone B (shaded)

- Flood Zone X (shaded)

Minimal flood hazard areas are areas outside the SFHA and higher than the elevation of the 0.2% annual chance flood

- Flood Zone C (unshaded)

- Flood Zone X (unshaded)

What is flood insurance?

Flood insurance is an additional coverage insurance policy that protects your property from severe types of water damage as a result of heavy rains, storms, hurricanes, levees, and melting snow.

Do I need flood insurance?

If you have a property in high-risk flood areas, you might be required to have flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) managed by FEMA has identified roughly 23,000 communities in the declared counties that are prone to floods and have agreed to adopt and implement local floodplain management regulations.

Tip to minimize flood damage

1. Move your equipment and furniture to higher floors or countertops
2. Anchor outdoor fuels tanks and other service equipment
3. Install and maintain proper water drainage and runoff
4. Seal the foundation and basement walls
5. Install flood vents to allow floodwater to flow freely
6. Install drain plugs to prevent sewer backups