Flood Facts

Everyone lives in a flood zone.

Here are some quick facts from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency about flooding:

Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.
Everyone lives in a flood zone. (See FEMA Flood Zones FAQs.)
Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.
Homeowners' insurance does not cover flood damage.
If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high-risk area and have a Federally backed mortgage, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance. (To find your flood risk, fill out the Flood Risk Profile.)
Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 15 feet high.
A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of rushing water.
Hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding.
New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.