It’s Raining, It’s Pouring: Flood Insurance in Georgia

March sure has brought us unpredictable weather! From sunshine to snow flurries to heavy rain, we have seen it all. However, don’t let this spring weather get you down. Make sure your home is safe for anything, especially flooding.Flood insurance in Georgia is something homeowners never think they need until it’s too late. Remember the 2009 Atlanta flood? Residents of the area were hit hard. Schools were closed, homes were damaged and people were injured.Since then, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been updating the state’s flood maps. These maps are developed after FEMA conducts a Flood Insurance Study. The agency reviews statistics for river flow, storm tides, rainfall, topography and more. Then, this data is used to create the flood maps that outline a community’s different flood risk areas.In the 2009 floods, many of the areas affected were classified as low risk flood zones. Due to weather patterns, erosion and development, FEMA is in the process of reclassifying these areas and designating them as a higher risk. If your property is included in these flood map changes, you may now be required to purchase flood insurance by your mortgage lender. However, if you act quickly, you will be able to save money by taking advantage of grandfathering the lower rates.To find your area’s flood map, see the FAQs on FEMA’s website. Then, before the April showers come along, be sure to contact us about obtaining or updating your flood insurance! Just call 404-459-5975.