Youngkin designates March 9-15 as Flood Safety Awareness Week

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has designated March 9-15 as Virginia Flood Safety Awareness Week to highlight the importance of flood preparedness and mitigation as hurricane season and Virginia’s spring downpours near.

“Understanding your flood risk and taking action – including securing flood insurance and taking steps to protect your home – can make a difference when it comes to protecting lives and property,” Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Director Matthew Wells said.

In Virginia, flooding is the single most common and costly natural disaster. Flooding causes significant and widespread destruction impacting thousands of Virginia residents and businesses and damaging infrastructure. The week is designed in part to serve as a reminder that flooding affects all areas of Virginia, not only coastal sections. 

Despite the risks, only 3% of Virginians carry flood insurance (according to the National Flood Insurance Program) and as a result, the DCR’s Floodplain Management Division has implemented efforts to reduce flood risk through infrastructure planning, technical assistance, and public outreach.

“Flood Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about the importance of flood insurance and other mitigation strategies that can help prevent future disasters,” said DCR Division Director of Floodplain Management Angela Davis.

Virginia renters, homeowners and business owners can use the DRC’s newly updated Virginia Flood Risk Information System to see their own flood risk and the DRC’s Flood Awareness website to learn how to reduce potential flood damage.