Virginia DCR suggests taking these steps before flood season arrives
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March 10-16 will be National Flood Awareness Week, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation wants Virginians to prepare for the possibility of flooding across the commonwealth.
"Floods are the most common natural disaster and can happen without warning across the commonwealth," said Department of Conservation and Recreation Director Matthew Wells.
The Virginia DCR helps communities comply with the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows homeowners to purchase federally backed flood insurance regardless of flood zone. According to the DCR, only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance, and since it can take 30 days for a new policy to take effect, agency officials are urging citizens to review their insurance or consider new policies now to ensure they are covered well before a storm.
In addition to insurance, the DCR recommends that renters, homeowners and business owners take the following precautions to reduce potential flood damage:
• storing important documents in waterproof containers, on an upper floor; • caulking windows, doors and gaps where pipes and wires enter a building; • labeling propane tanks with the owner’s name and address; • choosing tile or other waterproof flooring over carpeting on lower floors.
The DCR has created a website with tools and information for homeowners and renters, including a cost calculator and risk assessment tool.
