| The Houston area has an especially high risk for flood | | | | it is important to consider the risk of flood. Ask your |
| damage. The city is in an area that is at risk for | | | | realtor or an insurance agent to tell you the flood zone |
| hurricanes that can bring storm surges and very high | | | | for the property you are considering. If possible select |
| levels of rainfall. The elevation of the city is close to | | | | a location in the B, C, D, or X zone. When you buy a |
| sea level. The ground is mainly composed of clay that | | | | property in a higher risk flood area you should consider |
| doesn't absorb water well. There are rivers, streams, | | | | the higher cost of flood insurance in your decision. |
| and drainage channels that pass through Houston on | | | | Flood insurance in most areas is inexpensive. Here is a |
| the way to the gulf. There are bayous for storm | | | | chart of the current cost for homes that qualify for a |
| water that can overflow with heavy rain and flood | | | | preferred rate: |
| nearby areas. Heavy construction in the city often can | | | | Home Coverage $20,000 Property Coverage $8,000 |
| result in flood problems for surrounding areas. Changing | | | | = $112 per year |
| weather patterns from global warming and other | | | | Home Coverage $30,000 Property Coverage $12,000 |
| factors may result in more intense weather events in | | | | = $138 per year |
| the future. | | | | Home Coverage $50,000 Property Coverage $20,000 |
| You can visit the fema.gov website to view maps of | | | | = $180 per year |
| the Houston areas flood zones. You will find that a | | | | Home Coverage $100,000 Property Coverage |
| large percentage of the city area has an elevated risk | | | | $40,000 = $233 per year |
| of flooding. Areas that have less risk are designated | | | | Home Coverage $200,000 Property Coverage |
| on the flood map as being in B, C, D, or X zones. It is | | | | $80,000 = $296 per year |
| important to remember that residents in low risk zones | | | | Home Coverage $250,000 Property Coverage |
| can suffer flood damage. If fact about 30% of all flood | | | | $100,000 = $317 per year |
| damages claims are from areas considered as lower | | | | Contents only coverage is also available. Texas |
| risk. | | | | residents can get more information at my Houston |
| We you are considering buying or leasing a residence | | | | Flood Insurance website. |