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What Is a 100-Year Floodplain and Am I in One?

Last updated October 19, 2026

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The short answer

Understanding the 1% Annual Chance

The term '100-year floodplain' can be misleading. It does not mean a flood happens only once every hundred years. It signifies an area with a 1% statistical probability of flooding in any given year. Over a 30-year mortgage, that adds up to roughly a 26% chance. The maps are based on historical data, rainfall, and terrain, but they are not perfect predictors of future events.

Climate patterns can change flood risk over time. New development alters how water flows across the land. More intense rainfall events can make flooding more frequent. That is why these maps are updated periodically. Even if your home is just outside a designated floodplain, you could still experience flooding. It is a zone of higher risk, not an absolute boundary of safety.

How to Check Official Flood Maps

The primary source is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center online. You can enter your address to view the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). These maps show Special Flood Hazard Areas, which include the 100-year floodplain. They also show the Base Flood Elevation, which is the estimated height floodwaters could reach.

Your local city or county planning department maintains official copies of these maps. They can provide the most accurate, site-specific interpretation for your property. If you live in DeSoto, you can contact the city's floodplain administrator. Your mortgage lender will have checked this when you bought your home, and your insurance agent can also help you understand your property's designation.

  • Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website.
  • Contact your local city or county planning office.
  • Ask your mortgage lender for your property's flood zone determination.
  • Consult your homeowner's insurance agent.
  • Review any official property documents you have on file.
  • Look for physical markers like high-water marks in your neighborhood.

Flood Insurance and Your Home

If your home is in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender will require flood insurance. Standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers. The cost depends on your home's elevation, construction, and the flood zone.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Even if you are not in a high-risk zone, you may still want to consider flood insurance. Over 20% of flood claims come from properties outside mapped high-risk areas. Flood damage cleanup can be extensive and costly, involving structural drying, flooring removal, and mold prevention.

What to Do If You Flood

If floodwaters enter your home, your safety comes first. Avoid contact with the water, as it may contain sewage and chemicals. Turn off electricity at the main breaker if it is safe to do so. Document the damage with photos and videos for your insurance claim. Then, contact local water damage pros who specialize in flood damage cleanup.

The pros have industrial equipment for emergency water extraction and structural drying. They perform moisture mapping to find hidden water in walls and under floors. Quick action helps prevent secondary damage like mold growth and structural rot. Do not wait for the water to recede on its own, as this allows damage to spread.

Reducing Your Flood Risk

You can take steps to minimize potential damage, whether you are in a floodplain or not. Keep gutters and downspouts clear, and direct water away from your foundation. Install a sump pump with a battery backup in your basement. Consider using flood-resistant materials for lower-level finishes. Elevate critical utilities like your furnace, water heater, and electrical panel.

Landscaping can help. Grade your yard so it slopes away from your house. Plant native vegetation that absorbs water. Check and maintain the seals around basement windows and doors. Know where your main water shutoff valve is. These measures will not stop a major flood, but they can reduce the amount of water that enters and the damage it causes.

  • Grade soil to slope away from your foundation.
  • Install and maintain a functional sump pump.
  • Elevate appliances and utilities above potential flood levels.
  • Use flood-resistant drywall and insulation materials.
  • Install check valves in your sewer lines to prevent backups.
  • Keep important documents and valuables on upper floors.

Water damage does not wait

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Frequently asked questions

Can my flood zone change?

Yes, flood maps are updated as new data becomes available. New development, changes in weather patterns, and revised risk models can all lead to updates. If your property is re-mapped into a high-risk zone, your lender will notify you and require flood insurance.

What if my flood map seems wrong?

You can appeal or request a map amendment through FEMA if you believe the designation is incorrect. This usually requires a professional survey to show your home's elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation. The process is detailed and can take time.

Does flood insurance cover all water damage?

No, it only covers damage from flooding, defined as an overflow of tidal or inland waters or unusual accumulation of surface water. It does not cover leaks from a burst pipe inside your home or a failed appliance. For that, you need water damage restoration services.

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