Flood Facts

WARNING: How FloodSmart are YOU?

Flooding: America's #1 Natural Hazard!

Why Care About Flooding
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. They've caused nearly $24 billion in U.S. flood losses in the last 10 years. There is a 26 percent chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage in high-risk flood areas. However, losses due to flooding are not covered under typical homeowner's and business insurance policies.

Causes of Flooding

• Hurricanes and tropical storms cause floods that can create far more damage than high winds.
• Nor'easters, or extra-tropical cyclones, also cause flooding and storm surge.
• Heavy rains, winter storms, and spring thaws bring flooding to river basins.
• Overburdened or clogged drainage systems lead to property damage both within and outside floodplains.
• Construction and new development affect natural drainage and create new flood risks.

Determine your Flood Risk at FloodSmart.gov
Is your property in a high risk or moderate to low risk area? Knowing your flood profile will help you understand your risk of financial loss.

Find out your relative flood risk right now — online at FloodSmart.gov's "Assess Your Risk". Simply enter your property address to see your relative risk, find links to flood maps, and other flood insurance community resources.

Flood maps determine your level of risk. You can also view current flood maps at FEMA's Map Store located at www.store.msc.fema.gov. FEMA is also undertaking a nationwide effort to produce new digitized flood maps for hundreds of communities over the next five years. These new maps will reflect changes in floodplains caused by new development and natural forces.

News for Low-Risk Properties

Expanded, Lower-cost Coverage
If a single family home or business is located in a low- to moderate-risk area, the owners may be eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy (PRP). For homeowners, this policy covers the home and contents for as little as $119 a year. PRP policies are available for businesses as well, saving about 30 percent off standard premiums. Contents-only PRP policies are available for renters, and business owners that lease their buildings. Ask an insurance agent for details.

Other Flood Precautions People Should Take
Being FloodSmart includes protecting your property before floods occur. Be sure that major appliances, electric switchboxes, outlets and heating equipment are well above potential flood levels. Install floating drain plugs and sewer system backflow valves to help prevent flood drain overflow.

Find Out More About Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides federally backed protection against flood losses. To find out more, call your insurance agent, contact the NFIP at 1-800-427-2419 to find a nearby agent, or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.

Flooding happens anywhere at any time!

Summer Flooding: Southeast Hurricane Season 2005

• Katrina: the largest flooding disaster in U.S. history
• Flood insurance payments expected to total more than $16 billion
• Hurricane flooding resulted in over 180,000 paid losses (as of 4/30/07)

Autumn Flooding: Central Texas, October 1998

• 60 Texas counties reported flooding between October 17–19, 1998
• 12,000 homes, 700 businesses and public property were damaged as a result of flooding
• Flooding caused over $900 million in damages

Winter Flooding: California, January 1997

• Almost $40 million was paid out as a result of a two-week flooding event
• Total losses for the winter totaled over $50 million
• Over 2,000 paid losses during the winter season

Spring/Summer Flooding: Midwest, May-September 1993

• Nine states affected
• 50,000 homes destroyed
• 75 communities were completely submerged
• Flooding caused between $12 and $16 billion in property damages