Did you know that many existing flood maps in the USA are inaccurate? Most flood maps haven’t been updated for several years or they were created using old technology that doesn’t provide as much detail as what’s currently available.
Having an outdated flood map can lead to businesses paying higher than they need to for insurance or not having adequate protection, which runs the risk of paying more out-of-pocket for damages after a flood. A flood map is an essential tool that can protect lives and properties across North America, but many business owners make the mistake of accepting what their existing flood map indicates, which can have a profound impact beyond commercial reasons. Here’s why your business may need a new flood map.
Allows you to make key decisions
Flood maps detail the risk for flooding that your commercial property is exposed to. When a property’s flood map isn’t accurate or updated, it becomes challenging to make key decisions. Furthermore, efforts are wasted in making decisions that don’t offer the right solution.
What happens over time is that natural forces such as erosion change water flow and drainage patterns and sometimes land usage changes. These and other factors can impact a commercial property’s flood risk, which means new protective measures may be needed such as flood barriers, structural changes, and insurance coverage.
Not having an accurate flood map is like going into a meeting to strategize the future of a company while using someone else’s business plan. A new flood map helps commercial property owners and business owners understand their current flood risk that will help them make key decisions that make sense.
For adequate insurance coverage
Imagine paying a premium for coverage that you don’t need - or worse yet, finding out that you don’t have the right coverage after a devastating flood event. For many, the loss after a flood is financially crippling. Having a proper flood map could be the difference between hundreds and thousands of dollars in damages or having adequate protection that minimizes this liability. Not having adequate insurance coverage leaves businesses vulnerable.
New flood mapping techniques provide more reliable and current data on the area’s flood risk. This could help you save on insurance premiums or give you peace of mind knowing that you have the right coverage in place.
A good flood map supports emergency response
At Flood Risk America, we have seen the devastating impact that a flood event leaves behind. Homes were destroyed, businesses were shut down, whole communities needed to start over and rebuild. And the most tragic of all - lives are lost. While we can’t do much to prevent natural disasters, we can put in place a strategy to mitigate the risk and prepare an emergency response plan that can potentially save lives and build resilient communities.
A flood map with accurate information can support emergency response. The more people are informed, the more likely they are to participate in flood planning initiatives and emergency operations. An accurate flood map can be the catalyst for action, helping to minimize damage and loss.
Where to request a new flood map
Contact us for an updated and accurate commercial flood map. We use the latest in LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging Technology) to produce a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) data.
The unique LiDAR technology uses a pulsed laser to calculate an object’s variable distances from the earth's surface. The light pulses are assembled with the information collected by an airborne system to generate accurate 3D information about the earth's surface. Using LiDAR technology, we have the ability to target an object or property in question to create an accurate model of the flood zone and map. The LiDAR system laser emits light that travels to the ground and reflects off objects allowing for an accurate commercial flood mapping system. Conventional methods result in low accuracy results and are unable to produce high-resolution data.
Using this information, we help you understand your options to reduce your flood risk and create recommendations for your specific flood situation. Our flood risk professionals are here to answer your questions and provide the solutions you need to protect your property.