Natural disasters, fires, sewer backups, and other incidents can pose a threat to Town of Vienna facilities, businesses and homes, making it necessary for the Town - and personal property owners - to prepare for the unforeseen. The following information is not necessarily comprehensive, but provides some basic information and options for property owners to consider.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The Town of Vienna participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available for all buildings, whether or not they are in a floodplain. Flood insurance covers direct loss due to surface flooding, which includes that caused by local drainage problems.

Please be aware that many homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

NFIP provides two types of coverage:

• structural coverage for walls, floors, insulation, furnaces, and other items permanently attached to the structure
• content coverage, which may be purchased separately, protects contents in an insurable building.

Some financial assistance, loans, and mortgages require flood insurance if a building is located in a special flood hazard zone. The FEMA Flood Zones Map may be viewed in the Public Works Department at Town Hall, 127 Center Street S. Many lenders and insurance agents also have copies. The Town of Vienna is in a minimal flood hazard area.

Homeowner property and liability coverage

Some insurance providers may not cover all types of property damage, and homeowners may not realize that they don’t have adequate insurance protection against potential sewer or water damage. Virginia localities are only financially responsible for private property damage if they also are legally liable.

The Town strongly suggests that residents and customers of the Town’s utilities check with their insurance provider to ensure that they have adequate coverage.

In cases in which the Town is liable, Vienna, like many other localities, carries property and liability coverage through a municipal liability insurance program.