FEMA Flood Zone Explained

Low-Risk Areas

• FEMA flood areas designated with the letter C or the letter X (with no shading) are considered to have a minimal risk of flooding. People living in C or X (unshaded) areas that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have the option of purchasing flood insurance.

Moderate-Risk Areas

• FEMA uses the letter B or the letter X (shaded) to indicate areas that have a moderate risk of flooding. People living in B or X (shaded) areas that participate in the NFIP also have the option of purchasing flood insurance.

High-Risk Areas

• FEMA uses the letter A to designate areas at high risk of flooding: A, AE, A1-30, AH, AO, AR and A99. For coastal areas, the high-risk designations are V, VE and V1-30. For people living in NFIP-participating communities with one of these A or V flood zone designations, flood insurance is required.

Areas of Undetermined Risk

• FEMA uses the letter D for flood zones whose risk of flooding has not yet been determined.

Finding Your Flood Zone

• To find out what flood zone your property is in, you can check FEMA's online Map Service Center for your area's Flood Insurance Rate Map (see Resources).