Virginia DCR urges residents to know flood risk during Flood Awareness Week

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginians are being urged to learn about their flood risk and protect themselves with flood insurance during Flood Awareness Week.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is recognizing Flood Awareness Week, which takes place from March 8 to March 14.

"Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Make sure you know your risk and you're prepared," DCR wrote on its website. "You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it."

According to DCR, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster -- yet only 3% of Virginians carry flood insurance.

The department recommends that residents determine whether they live in a high-risk flood zone by entering an address into the Virginia Flood Risk Information System.

Last summer, several localities experienced flooding after Central Virginia was hit by numerous storms -- with the city of Petersburg hit particularly hard. Mayor Samuel Parham revealed that the lack of upkeep on the Appomattox River -- which wasn't properly dredged -- caused the significant flooding in the area.

Per DCR, while flooding typically occurs during hurricanes or named storms, it can also happen following heavy rain, sometimes requiring water rescues and resulting in damaged buildings and road closures.

The department also said tides can impact flood risk. Tidal waters extend inland to places like Richmond and Fredericksburg, as well as north, like Alexandria and Arlington, per DCR.

For more information, visit DCR's website.