Moving out of an existing flood-prone home is one way to potentially reduce the risk of future flood and possibly hurricane damage. Here are some steps to consider in making a decision about moving options.

• Consult the city or county or parish zoning or building department officials to obtain information about flood-prone areas or regions of the community or area. Ask how recent the information is. The flooding potential may have changed due to new housing and commercial developments, streets and concrete surfaces, and changes in water drainage since the maps were created or the area zoned. This may affect runoff and flooding. Ask to see the survey or file of the properties you are considering for purchase. Pay attention to elevations, streams and river flow, urban runoff, and drainage ditches. Ask about any dams in the area that could affect the property if they overflow or are damaged.
• Ask about the flood classification zones in the areas of consideration.
• Look for houses that are on lots with the soil sloping and draining water away from the foundation.
• Have an engineer or qualified housing inspector inspect the structure to determine how well it may withstand water and high winds and hurricanes.
• Look for other water control or flood mitigation features in the home.
• Compare the costs of purchasing another home to the risk and costs of future potential events, cleaning and repair, insurance, and other related costs of the existing flood-prone home.
• If you find homes that are possibilities, talk with neighbors and area residents about past flood, wind, and hurricane events. Consider that events can occur even if flooding has not occurred in many years.
• Check historical records, and consider even higher potential flood levels than past records indicate.

Consider all your options and become well informed before making any decision about what to do. Seek assistance from qualified professionals involved in assessing and addressing flood damage and structural options.

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