As hurricane season is upon us, we would like to provide basic information to local residents about Federal Elevation Certificates and provide information to mitigate damage to structures and lower flood insurance cost.
We provide Federal Elevation Certificates (FECs) to clients who live in Special Flood Hazard Zones determined by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If there is an enclosure below the base flood elevation the FEC will show the number of flood vents, the total area of the flood vents and enclosure. Also noted is the flood zone, floor elevations and other information needed by the insurance company to determine the flood insurance premiums. Flood Insurance is required if your home is in a special flood hazard zone and have a mortgage that involves federal monies. Building Inspectors use the FEC to determine that the new structure meets the requirements for construction within special flood zones. Having a FEC prepared and if needed, taking steps to mitigate the damage a flood could cause, like adding flood vents, can reduce the cost of the insurance and lessen the chances that your home will be damaged by flood waters.
Many times, homeowners believe their building is located at a higher elevation than what is defined by the federal maps and desire to be removed from the special flood zone. In this case, the Land Surveyor can prepare a FEC to be used by the home owner when applying to FEMA to be removed from the special flood hazard zone. When required by FEMA, the Land Surveyor can survey the property and show the structures and flood zones.
Homeowners can save money by hiring a Land Surveyor that is familiar flood zone issues. They can pre-inspect the home and advise the owner whether they need to install flood vents or make alterations and prepare the FEC. Then their Insurance Agent can tell them what the premiums for flood insurance will be.
For detailed information about the National Flood Insurance Program please contact the State Coordinator, North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, 919-715-8000 or Visit their Website.