Preparing to Save Your Life
As the yearly spring rainy season approaches, Tennessee is facing another potential disaster. Flood risk is higher as a direct result of the development along rivers and other watercourse, according to hazard mitigation specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When development occurs impervious surfaces and structures replace trees and other vegetation that soak up rainwater are lost. Storm runoff can cause severe erosion, mudslides, and flooding.
While the highest risk of flooding is to properties lying along Tennessee waterways, it also rises for homes adjacent to these areas. Such conditions are one reason flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S. Yet, homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
While flood protection might be the last thing on the minds of Giles County residents and business owners -- even those who live in low-to-moderate flood risk areas should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy now.
Residents of Giles County can insure their home and contents through the NFIP, administered by FEMA. Businesses can insure structures and contents through the NFIP as well. Flood insurance is usually obtained from the same insurance agent where you purchase homeowners, renters, or commercial insurance policies, or click here to search for an agent on the NFIP Agent Locator!
View the NFIP Factsheet, About the National Flood Insurance Program.
Office of
Giles County
Tennessee NFIP Site
Other Useful Documents
Giles County NFIP History: Giles County, TN joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on April 16, 1999 to make flood insurance available to property owners and renters.
The Giles County Board of Commissioners passed a Flood Damage Prevention Resolution, revised by the County Commission in 2013.
Giles OEM was appointed as the Floodplain Administrators in 2013 and are responsible for the Floodplain Management Program Administration.
2007 FEMA FIRM Panel Maps
The current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) became effective on September 28, 2007, and represent the official source of the designated unnumbered A zones, AE, AO, and AH Zones applicable to the Giles County Floodplain Management regulations.
The FIRM Panel Maps covering unincorporated Giles County as well as municipalities located within the County are available from the FEMA Map Service Center. To view a detail map, enter the address of the location.
Another a map tool is the Tennessee Property Viewer. Here you can search any County within Tennessee by parcel number, owner name, property address, or subdivision to see if a property lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area.