National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress in the late sixties due to concerns about the increasing frequency of flood losses and the related burdens to taxpayers for the cost of disaster relief. As a result of this, and several subsequent legislative measures, property insurance protection can now be purchased through the NFIP by individuals who own property in designated flood hazard areas. The only requirement is that the property must be located in a community that has adopted and enforces a floodplain management ordinance designed to reduce future flood risks for new construction within the flood prone areas.

Since "flood and rising water" is normally excluded from most homeowner insurance policies, the availability of coverage through the NFIP is an important community benefit. As a community's floodplain management program evolves, it may become eligible and qualify for the NFIP's Community Rating System which offers premium discounts to property owners. These discounts can range from five to forty-five percent and are based on flood mitigation, planning and preparedness actions taken within the community.

Since 1968, the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have participated in the National Flood Insurance Program so that all citizens can have access to flood protection. With more than 4,000 properties identified as being in flood hazard areas, many property owners have taken advantage of coverage through the NFIP and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are financially protected when floods threaten. As an added bonus, these citizens enjoy a five percent discount on their NFIP premiums under the Community Rating System due to floodplain management efforts and initiatives.

The W-S/FC Office of Emergency Management encourages all local residents to be proactive and stay informed.  In Forsyth County, there is a river gage at Enon on the Yadkin River. To obtain real-time streamflow and precipitation data, visit the United States Geological Survey North Carolina Water Science Center , or NOAA’s National Weather Service Hydrologic Services Program.  View the W-S/FC Flood Protection Information [pdf] page to learn protective measures against flooding.  In addition, a list of historical flood incidents in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County is available: Historical Flood Incidents in Forsyth County [pdf].

If you would like to learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program, please contact Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Office of Emergency Management, at 767-6161 or view the FEMA National Flood Insurance Web site.