Understanding the term “100 Year Floodplain”

It’s important to understand the full meaning of the term “100 Year Floodplain”, as it can sound like this big, scary thing with a simple misunderstanding.

A 100 year floodplain is an area that has a 1% chance of flooding each year. That does NOT mean a flood can only happen once every 100 years.

Think of it like this:

• Every year, there is a 1 in 100 chance of a flood reaching that area.

• If a home is built or placed in a 100-year flood plain and the buyer uses bank financing, flood insurance is generally required.

• Being in a flood plain does NOT mean the land is unsafe. It means the county and FEMA want buyers to be aware of the risk and plan accordingly.

Knowledge is power, so knowing that you are purchasing in a 100-year floodplain allows you to really understand where you are purchasing land. That way, you don’t get yourself into a sticky situation!

Here are 3 things that have a 1 in 100 chance of happening each year:

1.     Ceiling fan motor failure

2.     Toilet wax ring failure, causing a leak

3.     Window seal failing