NORFOLK, Va. — Sunday marks the beginning of Virginia Flood Awareness Week. And Hampton Roads residents know a thing or two about flooding.

“As soon as the rain gets to a certain level, then it just tips over and overflows,” said Norfolk resident Camela Stevenson.

Residents like Charles Ricks know where it floods and how to get around it. 

“It flows pretty bad over in my neighborhood,” he said. “Especially down on Monticello [Avenue], Granby Street… Princess Anne [Road] over by Norfolk State,”

That’s why Virginians need to be ready when a storm or heavy rain comes to the area.

“I try to park my car where it’s not, like in a higher area,” Stevenson said.

Flooding is the most common and costly disaster, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Though, they said many Virginians aren’t prepared. The National Flood Insurance Program estimates an inch of flooding can cause upwards of $25,000 in damages to a home.

From March 10-16, the department is encouraging residents to protect their property. They said there are a couple of things residents can do before high water hits.

First, know your risk. This means learning whether you live in a high-risk flood zone, which can be found by typing your address into the Virginia Flood Risk Information System.

“They should talk to their neighbors and see,” Stevenson added. “That would help them a lot.”

Also, get flood insurance. The department says only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance policies don’t typically cover flood damage. 

Since it takes 30 days for flood insurance policies to go into effect, it’s important to plan ahead. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation encourages people to buy flood insurance now so that their property is covered. You can contact an insurance agency or visit FloodSmart.gov.