Flood Information

Know Your Flood Zone

In Kill Devil Hills, there are five different flood zones, each denoting a different level of flood risk. You can review the current flood map online to see which zone your property falls under. 

Learn more about flood risks on the Outer Banks and how to protect your property. 

Flood Insurance

While only some zones require flood insurance, we still highly recommended purchasing flood insurance for any property in Kill Devil Hills. For more information as to why, contact our office at (252) 449-5318. 

Elevation Certificate Database

You can check the elevation certificates by street.  Click here to visit the Town Records Portal and select "Elevation Certificate Database."

Click on the Image to be Taken to a Larger PDF Version

Image with a description of KDH Flood Zones - Click this image to be taken to a readable pdf
Button leading to FEMA Information page
Button leading to Flood Damage Prevention Code
Button Leading to Flood Zone Map

What is storm surge?

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm over and above the normal tide. Storm surge can occur year-round. 

The storm surge pole (shown below) provides a way to visualize how high water could rise above ground. The colors are the same as those used on the National Weather Service Potential Storm Surge Flooding Maps, which forecasts how high surge may rise above ground. 

 

Monitor Storm Surge with FIMAN Flood Gages


To provide critical and real-time information regarding changing water levels in specific geographic locations, a series of Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) flood gages have been installed in Kill Devil Hills and throughout Dare County.

View the video below which shows how to sign up to receive text alerts if water levels in your area begin to rise due to storm surge, which can occur on both the soundside and oceanside of the communities that comprise the Outer Banks.

For more information about FIMAN's flood gages—and to sign up to receive alerts for rising water levels in your area—please visit FIMAN.nc.gov. 


Prepare, Protect, Insure

Prepare your plan. Protect your property. Insure your investment.


Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States. They can happen anywhere.

Prepare your plan: 

  • Don't wait until a storm is approaching to prepare your plan.
  • Know the hazards that may affect your property and mitigate the risks.
  • Prepare an emergency plan for you and your family.
  • Keep important documents in a secure, waterproof box. Make digital copies of the documents and give to a family member. Take photos of your household contents and valuables.
  • Assemble a storm kit that contains flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, cash and medications, non-perishable foods and water.

Protect your property:

  • Build responsibly.
  • Elevate your home to mitigate flood damages. This includes elevating your HVAC unit and any other outside mechanical equipment.
  • Use flood vents in storage areas to relieve pressure from rising flood waters on the walls of the structure. 
  • Secure LP tanks with straps or tie-downs to prevent floatation.
  • Protect natural floodplain functions by preserving wetland areas, marshes, and natural drainage patterns. These areas dissipate wave energy and reduce erosion.
  • Keep streams and ditches free of debris. Clogged drainage ditches prevent the flow of stormwater and result in flooding.
  • Protect oceanfront dunes that serve as natural barriers to tidal overwash. Use designated access points to access the beach to avoid damage to the dune system and vegetations.

Insure your investment:

Flood insurance is one of the best tools to protect your property from flood risks. Insure your property with a flood insurance policy. Property owners in special flood hazard areas are required to purchase flood insurance if they have a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender. A separate flood policy is needed since homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood damages. Coverage may be purchased for buildings and contents or just contents. Only a flood insurance policy reimburses for flood damages. Most polices requires a 30-day waiting period. So don't delay, talk to an agent today.

Flood Insurance: Know the Facts

National Flood Insurance Program

  • Coverage limits 
    • Residential - Up to $250,000 for building and up to $100,000 for contents
    • Commercial - Up to $500,000 for building and up to $500,000 for contents
  • Separate policies for building and contents coverage
  • Separate deductibles for building and contents. A higher deductible will result in lower premiums. 
  • Providing a copy of your elevation certificate to your insurance agent may result in lower premiums.
  • All local governments in Dare and Currituck Counties participate in the Community Rating Systems (CRS) which results in discounts on your flood insurance premium.