No matter where you live, there is a chance that you will experience flood damage. This can be caused by storm surges, heavy rains, or local construction projects. Flood zones are a way to identify which areas have a greater risk of flooding and can help homeowners and businesses determine their insurance requirements and costs.
FEMA has created a series of maps that indicate the likelihood of an area flooding. Each zone has its own designation based on the type of flood threat it poses to homes and businesses. These maps are used to determine required flood insurance purchases and building codes.
The most dangerous zones begin with A or V. These are referred to as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Homeowners in these zones that have federally-backed mortgages must purchase flood insurance as a requirement of their loan.
Moderate- to low-risk areas are designated with the letters B, C, and X on FEMA’s flood maps. Although the risk is lower in these zones, it is not eliminated. One in three insurance claims come from these types of properties.
Flood zones are determined by measuring the height of water during a flood event and then using that information to classify an area’s risk. Those risks vary from river overflow to coastal erosion. FEMA maintains and updates these maps to ensure they are accurate.
When you are trying to determine your LA flood zone, you should use the most up-to-date data available. The data should also be based on a comprehensive assessment of your property’s unique risk factors. For example, the amount of development that has occurred in your community, its distance to a water source, and how much impervious surface is present can all affect your flood risk.
As a homeowner, there are things you can do to reduce your flood risk. For example, relocating or raising your home, installing flood proof doors and windows, and maintaining proper drainage around your property can all help reduce the chances of flooding. Additionally, keeping gutters clear and directing rain spouts away from your home can reduce the amount of water that accumulates around its foundation.
Lastly, creating more green space that acts as a flood buffer can further reduce your risk. In addition to reducing runoff and increasing the ability of your yard to absorb water, these measures can also improve air quality by removing pollutants from the groundwater and soil.
The Parish is dedicated to concerted efforts to minimize the risk of flooding from natural and man-made sources. This includes designing an official Floodplain Management Ordinance and hazard mitigation plan, maintaining floodplain managers on staff, and requiring all new construction to meet flood protection standards.