100k+ Mass homes uninsured and at-risk of flooding

114,552 properties in Massachusetts are at risk for flooding but aren't in a FEMA designated flood zone, according to a Boston Globe article, quoting a report by First Street Foundation, a non-profit that studies building risks across the country.Flood insurance is required for properties located within FEMA's flood zones, but most homeowners aren't aware that their policies likely won't cover flooding, even as flooding becomes more of an issue.While storms in Florida make national headlines, the northeastern US has the highest risk of loss potential, due to the density of housing and lack of adequate flood prevention measures. Just one inch of rain can cause about $25,000 in damage, according to the article.And when homeowners do purchase flood insurance, they may be surprised to learn that coverage maxes out at $250,000 for a 1-4 unit home.

Water, Water, Everywhere

The Boston Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) recently released an analysis of locations that were impacted by severe flooding in March 2010, storms that resulted in several counties being designated as Federal Disaster Zones. The report shows that 96% of the FEMA disaster claims from the Greater Boston area were outside of FEMA flood zones.The Boston Globe analyzed the report and interviewed people impacted by the 2010 storm. People interviewed said that they were unprepared for the flooding and lost personal effects and mechanical systems in their basements from the groundwater seepage during the heavy rain.From 1971 to 2000, Massachusetts had an average of 7 days per year of “heavy rain” (meaning one inch or more) and by 2050, that annual average is expected to rise to 15-17 days. Despite being a state that borders the Atlantic Ocean, one of the biggest risks in the state is inland, where lakes, ponds, rivers and streams as well as under-capacitied stormwater systems, overflow and inundate roads and homes.Some indicators in the report that might predict a location that is at-risk for flooding (for properties that don’t lie within acknowledged flood zones) are being built between 1940 and 1980, flat elevations with sandy soils, and being near bodies of water or wetlands. Much of Boston is built on wetlands, so that’s bad news for the state’s capital.The MAPC analysis recommends that MA adopts regulations that require a property’s flood history be disclosed to potential buyers.