Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 09, 2020
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
Governor Northam announces Virginia Flood Awareness Week
RICHMOND — Today, Governor Ralph Northam announced that Virginia Flood Awareness Week is underway, kicking off a series of activities through March 14 to encourage Virginians to learn about flood risk and protect their homes and businesses by getting flood insurance. Flood Awareness Week builds on a number of initiatives aimed to bolster the Commonwealth’s resilience to hazardous events such as extreme weather, storm surge and recurrent flooding.
“Floods can happen without warning and all Virginians should know their risk,” said Governor Northam. “As Virginia addresses climate change and sea level rise, flooding remains one of the greatest risks to people and property across the Commonwealth. I encourage Virginians to consider ways they can reduce risk and learn about how they can protect themselves through preparation and flood insurance.”
Since taking office, Governor Northam has prioritized flood protection and resilience. In November 2018, he signed Executive Order 24, increasing Virginia’s Resilience to Sea Level Rise and Natural Hazards, which, among other things, tasked the Commonwealth’s Chief Resilience Officer and Special Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection with developing Virginia’s first-ever Coastal Resilience Master Plan, which will be released this year.
Last fall, Governor Northam signed Executive Order 45, setting floodplain management requirements and planning standards for state agencies, institutions and property to ensure the resilience of state-owned buildings.
“Governor Northam and I are dedicated to doing everything in our power to help make Virginia communities prepare for, and minimize, the impacts of flooding,” Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew J. Strickler said. “People living or working near water, in low-lying areas or downstream from a dam are at a higher risk, but it is important for all Virginians to understand their flood risk so that they can protect their families and property.”
Virginians can use the Virginia Flood Risk Information System, available through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, to identify their property’s flood risk.
Nearly 90 percent of Virginia communities participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows all of their residents — regardless of flood zone — the ability to purchase federally-backed flood insurance. Flood insurance may also be available through private insurers.
It is estimated that 1 inch of water in a home can cause more than $25,000 in damages. Without flood insurance, homeowners could be left paying the recovery costs out-of-pocket. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, surface water or storm surges. Currently only 3 percent of Virginians have flood insurance, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.
DCR is the state agency responsible for coordinating flood-prevention activities and helps communities comply with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
A new Virginia Flood Awareness Week webpage offers resources for learning about flood risk and tools for communities to organize their own activities during the week. Of particular interest:
• Art Works, an art gallery in Richmond, will host a special flood-themed photography exhibit in its main art gallery March 10-14.
• DCR will host a Twitter chat at the hashtag #FloodAwareChat on March 11, starting at 1 p.m., to answer questions about flood risk and flood insurance.
“Virginians should review their insurance policies now to make sure they have the coverage they need ahead of spring rains and the Atlantic hurricane season,” DCR Director Clyde Cristman said. “By purchasing flood insurance and planning to make your property safer, you can significantly lessen the effects of flooding on your home or business and protect your financial investment. Because a new flood insurance policy typically takes 30 days to go into effect, it’s important to purchase well in advance of a potential disaster.”
The full text of Governor Northam’s proclamation can be found here.
For more information, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/floodawarenessweek.
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