Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. If you live on a hill or in an area that has never been flooded, you may still be at some level of risk.

Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage systems, failed flood control structures such as levees and dams, as well as tropical storms and hurricanes. It is important to understand the flood risks you face before deciding whether to purchase flood insurance.

Everyone lives in a flood zone. Flood zones indicate areas of low, moderate and high risk. In low- and moderate-risk zones flooding can still occur. The risk is reduced but not removed.

The fact that a flood hasn't occurred in recent years does not mean that one hasn't happened in the past or that one will not happen in the future. But flood history is only one element used in determining flood risk. Determinations are also based on evaluating your community's rainfall and river-flow data, topography, tidal surge, flood control measures, and building development (existing and planned).

Using such data, flood hazard maps have been created for most of the nation. These maps show the locations of low-, moderate- and high-risk zones. Note that in some areas of the U.S., a flood hazard study has not yet been conducted.

Using these flood hazard maps, your insurance agent can help you determine your risk level and provide you with the flood insurance coverage that is right for you.

For more information about how flood risks are shown on flood hazard maps, click here.