Floodplain Management

NFIP-National Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Program was created by congress in 1968 to reduce the loss of life and property, and the rising disaster relief costs caused by flooding. The program was designed to achieve these goals by: 1) requiring that new and future substantially improved buildings be constructed to resist flood damages; 2) guiding future development away from flood hazard areas; and 3) transferring the costs of flood losses from the American taxpayers to floodplain property owners through flood insurance premiums. In recent decades, over 80 percent of disaster losses nationwide have been caused by floods.

Flood Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover damage from floods. However, because Edgecombe County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you are eligible to purchase a separate insurance policy. This insurance policy is backed by the Federal government and is available to almost everyone, even if your property is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). For those located within a SFHA, premiums are based on a number of factors including the type of building, the number of floors, whether a building has a basement or enclosure, existing breakaway walls, flood vents, the elevation of the lowest floor, and type of flood hazard area. In most cases, an elevation certificate contains the information needed to assist an insurance agent with determining the true flood risk premium for a property. If you do not have an elevation certificate, speak to your insurance agent about your specific situation. In some cases, significantly lower cost Preferred Risk Policies are available for properties located outside high risk areas with no flood loss history and may not require an elevation certificate. Please remember that there is a 30-day waiting period before an NFIP insurance policy becomes effective.  Contact your local insurance agent to find out more about flood insurance.

Do you have flood insurance?

•     The purpose of the Flood Hazard District Overlay Requirements is to promote public health, safety
       and general welfare and to  minimize public and private losses due to  flood conditions in floodprone areas. 

•      NC FRIS (Flood Risk Information System) is a map tool used to identify your flood hazard zone.

•      The National Flood Insurance Guide is a brochure which provides guidance on how to purchase
        flood insurance and show you how to protect your home or business from this destructive force of nature.