Virginia Flood Awareness Week 2022 Points to Preparation

Published on March 10, 2022

ARLINGTON, Va. – Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States and it is becoming more frequent with climate change. As we head into the typical rainy season, Arlington County and Fairfax County are teaming up for Virginia Flood Awareness Week to get out key messages of being informed and prepared. 

Virginia Flood Awareness Week, March 13 – 19, stresses personal safety with the “Turn Around Don’t Drown®” campaign. The National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when motorists attempt to drive through flood water. Other leading flood-related deaths happen when people walk into or too close to flood water.

Just an inch of water entering a home can result in as much as $25,000 in damages. Yet only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance. Flood Awareness Week seeks to educate the public about protecting their property by purchasing a flood insurance policy, which on average in Virginia costs between $400 and $1000 annually. It is crucial for residents and property owners to know if they are located in a flood hazard area.

Additional tips for protecting property: 

• Cleaning gutters and downspouts can help water drain away from structures.  
• Keeping storm drains clear of debris enables water to drain away from property during heavy rainfall.
• Investing in a sump pump can help remove water that may accumulate in a home during a storm.
• Check your home for water entry points. During a flood, water may enter through basement windows, basement stairwells, doors, dryer vents or cracks and gaps in the foundation. Some of these can be repaired or protected with low walls or temporary shields.
• Consider installing a sanitary sewer backflow valve to prevent sewer backup flooding.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the foundation to keep water from getting in when it rains.
• Check fencing to make sure it is high enough off the ground to allow water to flow out of the yard.

Visit the Reducing Your Risk of Flooding webpage to understand more about floodplain areas in the County.

Check out floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance, or speak with your homeowner’s insurance agent.

Find additional information at a Flood Resilient Arlington.