National Flood Insurance Program

Since 1968, the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have participated in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) so that all citizens within those jurisdictions have access to flood protection. That's because "flood and rising water" is normally excluded from most homeowner insurance policies.

With more than 9,000 properties in Forsyth County identified as being in flood hazard areas, many property owners have taken advantage of coverage through the NFIP. Citizens within the City of Winston-Salem and the unincorporated areas of Forsyth County enjoy a 10 percent discount on their NFIP premiums under the Community Rating System due to floodplain management efforts and initiatives.

Flood Maps

Areas susceptible to flood damage caused by heavy rainfall have been determined through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain-mapping program. Flood risk maps change over time based on many factors, including rainfall, landscape, flood-control measures, river-flow and tidal-surge data, flood history and changes due to new construction and development. 

The economic and human impact a hurricane or other heavy rainfall event has on a community depends greatly on how development has occurred within that community. Development in areas of high risk or vulnerability greatly increases the potential for property damage and loss of life.

Floodplain Elevation Certificates

You may visit the Stormwater Division in Winston-Salem City Hall, 101 North Main Street, for map information concerning past flood problems in the area and view copies of elevation certificates of buildings built in the floodplain since 1993. You may also talk with a floodplain manager by contacting City Link. A floodplain manager will be able to provide information regarding flood hazard areas, flood elevation levels and flood mapping, as well as hard copies of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the area of interest. These services are free of charge.