Stafford County is encouraging residents to review their flood risk and consider flood insurance as part of Virginia Flood Awareness Week, which runs from March 8 to 14. The county announced on Mar. 9 that flooding remains the most common and costly natural weather hazard in the United States, yet only three percent of Virginians have flood insurance.
Officials say it is important for residents to prepare before hurricane season begins. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just one inch of water in a home can cause up to $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage, making separate flood insurance essential for recovery after an event.
Stafford County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, allowing all residents access to coverage regardless of their property’s risk level. The county also takes part in FEMA’s Community Rating System program, which can lower premiums for homeowners. Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps became effective as of June 2023, reflecting new data about potential flood zones. Residents can view these maps through the county’s interactive mapping site or FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and may submit inquiries if they need help understanding their property’s risk.
The county has provided several recommendations for protecting homes from flooding-related damage, such as maintaining gutters and drainage systems, sealing sewer cleanout caps, elevating utilities above potential flood levels, and safeguarding valuable possessions by moving them above possible water lines or storing them in watertight containers. During a flooding event, officials advise against walking or driving through flooded areas and recommend signing up for Stafford Alert notifications.
In addition to its focus on emergency preparedness, Stafford County is home to a growing student population. The Stafford County Public Schools District enrolled 31,700 students during the 2023-24 school year according to state education data. Brooke Point High School had the highest enrollment among the county’s schools with 2,242 students according to state records. White students made up the largest ethnic group at nearly 39 percent of total enrollment while Hispanic students accounted for about a quarter as reported by state statistics. Total school enrollment increased by 1.7 percent compared with the previous year according to official figures.
For younger children, Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center at Melchers enrolled more than half of all pre-kindergarten students in Stafford County during the same period state data show, while Rocky Run Elementary School welcomed the largest number of kindergarteners according to education reports.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about their individual flood risks and take steps now to protect themselves and their property.
