Everyone is at Risk
Flooding happens every day in all regions of the country. Consumers must prepare for flooding no matter where they live. The Northeast can be affected by remnants of tropical disturbances in the summer, but are also threatened by winter flooding, nor'easters, and the threat of rapid spring melts. The Midwest experiences major river flooding - illustrated by the catastrophic floods of 1993 and 2008. The west coast's intense flooding season typically spans November through March and results in millions of dollars in damage for residents each year.

Many consumers think that flooding related to hurricanes and other tropical disturbances are limited to coastal areas. However, some of the most damaging flooding can happen well inland and days after a storm makes its initial landfall. In 2007, Ohio, which has no ocean coastline, received more than $44 million in flood insurance payments.

Although many floods are caused by huge storms like hurricanes or nor'easters, more floods occur every day and can result from small, localized events, such as a typical afternoon thunderstorm. No matter where you live, it is important to remember that just a few inches of water in a home can cause thousands of dollars of damage.