|
Mapping the Risk
Flooding causes more damage to Jacksonville homes than any other nature-related problems. Areas of high risk are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA's). They have at least a 1% chance of flooding in a given year. Other areas have low to moderate risk, meaning that the risk in these areas is reduced, but not removed. Flood risks vary from property to property, even in the same neighborhood. Jacksonville has embarked on a major effort to develop reliable, digital flood hazard maps that will replace the outdated, paper maps. All residents can use the New Flood Map Viewers to learn their risk, and decide the steps to take to protect against damage and loss.
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is an important first step in protecting your financial investment. For homes in a high risk zone, there is a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9% chance of fire. In accordance with the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, flood insurance is required for all structures located in a SFHA that carry a home mortgage loan backed by a federally-regulated lender or servicer. Remember, flood insurance is available for all properties, regardless of risk designation, and that homeowners insurance does not typically protect you from flood damage. More information is available on the Insurance Information page.
Flood Safety
Floods are the most common natural disaster in Duval County (and the United States for that matter). Being flood smart includes protecting your property before floods occur. Be sure that major appliances, electric switchboxes, outlets and heating equipment are well above potential flood levels. Learn more by visiting the Are You Ready? website or reading our Flooding Fast Facts Information Sheet ( PDF, 150KB ) .
Hurricane Evacuation Zones
Although there is some similarity between the County's hurricane evacuation zone lettering and the flood map zone lettering (e.g. A, B, C), they are not the same as they are determined very differently and have different meaning. Flooding can occur throughout most of our county because of low areas, bodies of water and the way water runs off land. But all of these areas might not be in a hurricane evacuation zone because of their distance from the coast and other factors. To view what evacuation zone you are in, visit www.coj.net .
|
