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Additional Information
Call 2-1-1 for disaster response information
Contact information for companies and churches providing services and donations to the community can be found through 2-1-1 Virginia. For assistance after a disaster, please call 2-1-1.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Information
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program website provides information on how to obtain flood insurance and what damages are covered. They also give information on the latest flood disasters and how you can prepare for or reduce future flooding damage to your property by retrofitting or floodproofing your home or business. Click here to view NFIP key contacts.
FEMA on the Phone
For information on Flood Insurance Rate Maps, call toll-free 877-336-2627.
For general flood insurance information, call toll-free 800-427-4661.
To order any current FEMA publications, call toll-free 800-480-2520.
For lender questions on flood policy coverage and rates, call toll-free 800-611-6125.
For agent questions on flood policy coverage and rates, call toll-free 800-720-1093.
The following labels are used to describe flood zones:
| ZONE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Floodway | Areas where water is likely to be deepest and fastest.These areas are required to be kept free of obstructions. The City of Roanoke requires the submittal of engineering calculations before approving any filling or development in the floodway. |
| A | Areas that are known to be flooded during very large storms occurring an average of every 100 years, but have no elevations determined. |
| AE | Areas that are known to be flooded during very large storms occurring an average of every 100 years, and do have elevations determined. Elevation certificates are available for buildings in these areas. |
| X500 | Areas that are known to be flooded during very large storms occurring an average of every 500 years, but have no elevations determined. |
| X | Areas determined to be outside the 500-year floodplain. |
| Areas where water is likely to be deepest and fastest. These areas are required to be kept free of obstructions. The city of Roanoke requires the submittal of engineering calculations before approving any filling or development in the floodway. |
| Areas where water is likely to be deepest and fastest. These areas are required to be kept free of obstructions. The city of Roanoke requires the submittal of engineering calculations before approving any filling or development in the floodway. |
FAQ
Who is required to have flood insurance?
Flood insurance is an important part of protecting your property. Property in a mapped floodplain is five times more likely to be damaged by a flood than by a fire. There is a 26% chance that such a property will be flooded during a 30 year mortgage.
In NFIP communities, the federal government requires flood insurance for buildings in a Special Flood Hazard Area that are financed through a federally backed mortgage or loan. (Lenders may require flood insurance for other types of loans as well.)
If you live outside a mapped floodplain your property may still be damaged by a flood. About 25% of all flood damage occurs outside mapped flood zones. Standard home insurance policies do not cover flooding due to rising waters.
If you own or rent property in the City of Roanoke, you can obtain flood insurance at NFIP rates. Check with your insurance agent to find out more.
How do I find out if my property is in a mapped floodplain?
The easiest way to tell if a property is in a FEMA mapped special flood hazard area is to check a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. You can also determine if your property is located in a floodplain by checking the City of Roanoke Real Estate GIS or DCR's Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS).
How do I get flood insurance?
Your current insurance agent may be able to help you get flood insurance. Most companies can write a NFIP flood insurance policy for you. If you need more help, FloodSmart.gov can provide you with names of local agents that provide NFIP flood insurance. You may also call the toll free number 1-888-379-9531 to ask for a flood insurance agent referral. Remember it takes 30 days to receive flood insurance. Don't delay, apply today!
Is there funding for reducing the risk of flood damage?
The Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program (FMA) provides funding to States, Territories, federally-recognized tribes and local communities for projects and planning that reduces or eliminates long-term risk of flooding damage to buildings insured under the NFIP. Information on the program is available at https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation.
The City of Roanoke participates in planning to mitigate the effects of potential disasters. Floodplains represent one of the potential risks covered by these planning efforts. The links below represents current and proposed hazard mitigation planning:
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan
Virginia Department of Emergency Management Local Mitigation Plans
For more information, please check out FEMA's site: https://www.fema.gov/homeowners-frequently-asked-questions
Additional Resources
• Citizen Preparedness PublicationsPreparing for Disaster – FEMA 475
Helping Children Cope With Disaster – FEMA 478
Food and Water in an Emergency – FEMA 477
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – FEMA 532
Citizen Preparedness Publications: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/7877
• Ready.gov
Ready Family Emergency Plans
Hazard-Specific Information
Family Communications Plan and Wallet Card
Ready.gov Web Site: www.ready.gov
• Red Cross
Ready Quick-Reference
Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities
Red Cross Web Site: www.redcross.org
• Weather Information
National Weather Service Web Site: www.weather.gov
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Web Site: https://www.weather.gov/nwr/