Flood Facts

Myth:
Flooding probably won’t cause that much damage.

Fact:
Even a small amount of floodwater in a home can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Flooding can lead to considerable financial hardships, affecting not only those who underestimate its consequences, but also extending beyond immediate repairs. The resulting costs can include long-term financial, emotional, and psychological repercussions. Floodwater can damage both the structure and the contents of your home. Just one inch of floodwater in your home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. First Street provides estimates of flood loss potential related to the size of the home, the number of stories, and the value of possessions inside. Here are some factors to consider about the potential effects of floods:

Structural Damage: Floodwaters can cause extensive damage to homes, including foundations, walls, flooring, electrical systems, and more. The costs of repairing or rebuilding damaged structures can be substantial.

Belongings and Possessions: Flood water can ruin personal belongings, furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, and sentimental items. Replacing these items can add up quickly, and these costs are not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy if the damage is due to a flood.

Cleanup and Restoration: After a flood, thorough cleaning and restoration are necessary to prevent mold, mildew, and other health hazards. Other expenses associated with cleaning are removing damaged materials (debris) and disposing of them with the waste management company. These processes can be time-consuming and expensive.

Temporary Relocation: In severe cases of flooding, homeowners might need to temporarily relocate while their property is being repaired. This includes costs for accommodations, food, transportation, and potentially lost income.

Emotional Toll: Recovering from a flood can be emotionally and mentally taxing. The stress and disruption caused by flood damage can lead to additional expenses related to mental health support.

Insurance Coverage Limitations: Standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate type of insurance policy, and its availability and terms can vary. Without flood insurance, the financial burden of recovery falls entirely on the property owner.

Myth:
Staying in a car during a flood is safe.

Fact:
Seeking refuge in a car during a flood is extremely dangerous.

When faced with floodwaters, it may be tempting to think that staying inside a car offers protection, especially if the water appears to be shallow. However, this is a misconception that can lead to tragic incidents during floods. Here’s why staying in a car during a flood is hazardous:

Buoyancy and Floating Risk: Cars are not designed to float, and they are much heavier than water. As little as six inches of moving water can cause a car to lose traction with the road surface.

Swift Water Currents: Floodwaters are often accompanied by strong currents, which can easily sweep a vehicle away. Even if the water seems calm, the speed and force of the water can increase rapidly, making it difficult to control the car or escape from it.

Unseen Hazards: Floodwaters can conceal many dangers, including submerged obstacles like debris, rocks, or uneven road surfaces. Driving through floodwaters may lead to collisions with hidden hazards, causing damage to the vehicle and putting occupants at risk.

Electrical Hazards: Submerging a car in floodwater can lead to electrical failures, making it unsafe to operate or escape from the vehicle, and in extreme cases, putting occupants in danger of electric shock.

Communication Difficulties: If floodwaters immobilize your car, you may be unable to call for help or signal your location to rescuers. This can result in prolonged exposure to the elements and increase the risk of hypothermia or other weather-related dangers. Additionally, it’s essential to note that your car doors may not open if your vehicle becomes trapped in floodwaters, further complicating your ability to escape safely or receive help.

What To Do If Caught In A Car During a Flood

Turn Around, Don’t Drown: The National Weather Service advises motorists to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown“. If you encounter flooded roads, find an alternate route or wait until the water recedes before proceeding. It’s better to be late than to risk your life.

Seek Higher Ground: If you are already in your car and encounter rapidly rising floodwaters, abandon the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground on foot. Climb to the car’s roof, if necessary, but never stay inside the vehicle.

Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather forecasts, flood warnings, and flood gauges in your area. Be aware of flood-prone zones and avoid driving through these areas during heavy rainfall or flood events.

Myth:
Floods only happen in coastal areas.

Fact:
Floods can occur anywhere with bodies of water.

This includes rivers, lakes, and even urban areas with poor drainage systems. Inland floods caused by heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or dam failures are also common. Here are some common types of floods:

Riverine Flooding: Riverine floods are among the most common types of flooding. They occur when rivers overflow their banks due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination of factors. As water levels rise, adjacent low-lying areas, known as floodplains, can overflow. Riverine floods can affect communities hundreds of miles away from the coast, impacting towns, cities, and agricultural lands.

Flash Flooding: Flash floods can happen in any region with relatively steep terrain, urban development, or poor drainage systems. These floods occur with little warning, often following intense rainfall or the sudden release of water, such as from a dam or debris flow. Flash floods can lead to devastating consequences, causing significant damage to properties, infrastructure, and posing risks to human life.

Inland Flooding: Inland areas, far from the coast, can experience flooding due to prolonged heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or ice jams. In regions with high annual precipitation or those prone to seasonal storms, flooding can be a recurrent and severe issue.

Urban Flooding: Cities and urban areas can suffer from flooding, primarily because of impermeable surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and buildings that prevent natural water absorption. Heavy rain or rapid snowmelt can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to urban flooding. In some cases, cities built on former wetlands or marshes may be particularly susceptible to flooding.

Dam Failures: Inland regions with dams and reservoirs are also at risk of flooding if the dam experiences a failure or breaches due to structural issues, excessive inflow, or intense rainfall. The sudden release of water can cause downstream flooding, affecting communities far from the dam site.

Snowmelt Flooding: In colder climates, springtime snowmelt can lead to flooding as the accumulated snow rapidly melts and adds to the water flow in rivers and streams. This phenomenon can cause significant flooding in areas near mountain ranges and river basins.

Climate Change Impact: Climate change can exacerbate flooding in various regions, including inland areas. Rising global temperatures can lead to more intense rainfall events and increased melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to higher water levels in rivers and lakes.

Myth:
Flash floods are less dangerous than regular floods.

Fact:
Flash floods are extremely dangerous and can be even more hazardous than regular floods.

Flash floods, as the name denotes, occur suddenly and with little warning, making it challenging for people to escape to safety. Their rapid onset and strong currents can sweep away vehicles, buildings, and people, leading to significant loss of life and property damage. Here are a few facts to consider:

Sudden Onset: Flash floods have an incredibly rapid onset, often occurring within minutes or a few hours of intense rainfall, dam failure, or other triggering events. This sudden rise of water catches people off guard, leaving little time to react or evacuate to safety. In contrast, regular floods typically develop over days or weeks, providing more time for preparedness and response.

High Velocity: Flash floods are characterized by swift and powerful currents. The force of the water can be intense, capable of sweeping away anything in its path, including cars, trees, buildings, and even people. The water’s speed makes it extremely difficult for individuals to escape, increasing the risk of injury or drowning.

Limited Warning: Unlike regular floods, which may be forecasted in advance, flash floods often happen without much warning. They can occur in areas not typically prone to flooding, making them even more unpredictable. People living in flash flood-prone regions should be especially vigilant during heavy rainfall or when they receive flood warnings from authorities.

Impact on Infrastructure: Flash floods can wreak havoc on infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. The sudden surge of water erodes soil and weakens foundations, leading to the collapse of structures and disruptions in essential services. This can hinder emergency response efforts and delay rescue operations.

Environmental Impact: Flash floods can cause significant damage to the environment. The swift water can uproot trees, destroy habitats, and wash away soil, causing erosion and altering landscapes. The sediment carried by flash floods can also affect water quality and damage ecosystems.

Risk of Stranding: Flash floods often occur in low-lying areas or canyons, where escape routes may be limited. This leaves people vulnerable to being stranded without access to higher ground. Individuals may find themselves trapped in vehicles, homes, or other structures, heightening the danger.

No Safe Zones: During flash floods, even areas that are usually considered safe from regular flooding can overflow. The sudden and intense nature of flash floods can overwhelm drainage systems and natural watercourses, leading to unexpected flooding in seemingly secure locations.

Myth:
If I live in a 100-year flood plain, I only have to worry about a flood every 100 years.

Myth:
I don’t have to buy flood insurance because I will get federal disaster assistance after a flood.

Fact:
Federal disaster assistance is not a sure thing. Federal disaster funds may not be available to you if you were required to obtain flood insurance by FEMA and you failed to do so. Even if you receive federal disaster assistance, it often does not provide enough money to pay for all your repairs.

Also, if FEMA required your property to get flood insurance and you did not do it, you are disqualified from getting future FEMA assistance. This matter lies with the property and not the person, so if you buy a new home, the seller must disclose this info.

Federal disaster assistance is not available to everyone who experiences flooding. It’s available only if the president issues a Major Disaster Declaration. These declarations are issued in less than 50% of floods. When federal funds are available, it’s often paid out through low-interest loans or grants. The loans must be repaid, and the grants are meant only to help begin flood recovery. Most of these grants are not enough to completely rebuild.

With flood insurance, you get financial assistance whether a disaster is declared or not. You usually receive more money, and it doesn’t need to be repaid. Here are some factors to consider:

Limited Eligibility: Federal disaster assistance is typically provided when the President declares a federal Major Disaster Declaration. However, such declarations are not guaranteed for all floods, and even if declared, assistance might not cover all affected individuals.

Note: Loan-Based Assistance is not guaranteed for each flood and that the eligibility criteria changes from time to time. You must also pass income/asset eligibility for most of these programs, so if you earn above that range, you will not qualify.

Coverage Gaps: Federal disaster assistance might not cover all the expenses related to flood damage such as temporary housing, personal property replacement, or additional living expenses during repairs.

Timely Response: The process of obtaining federal disaster assistance can be lengthy and may not provide immediate relief. During this time, you’ll need to cover repair costs and other expenses yourself. If you cannot afford to repair your home, you may end up having to reside in an uninhabitable home until you are able to obtain assistance to repair it.

Flood Insurance Superiority: Flood insurance provides comprehensive coverage specifically for flood-related damages, including structural damage and personal property losses. It offers more reliable and predictable financial protection compared to uncertain federal disaster assistance.

Public vs. Individual Assistance: This is federal disaster assistance to communities as a whole rather than individual property owners. It might not cover all your personal losses adequately.

Risk Mitigation Requirements: Federal disaster assistance might require property owners to implement flood mitigation measures before receiving aid. After a disaster, some insurance companies require this as well. These requirements can add extra costs and delays.

Long-Term Resilience: Relying solely on federal disaster assistance doesn’t promote long-term resilience and preparedness against future flood events. Flood insurance encourages proactive protection against flood risks.

Flood Frequency: If your property is susceptible to flooding, depending on federal disaster aid for recovery after each flooding incident can become financially unsustainable over time. Furthermore, if you’re a tenant and receive federal disaster assistance to replace flood-damaged personal belongings, you must keep flood insurance coverage for as long as you reside at the flood-affected rental property. The obligation for flood insurance ceases once you relocate from that property and does not transfer to any subsequent tenants who may occupy the same rental property.

While federal disaster assistance is available after certain disasters, it’s not a reliable substitute for flood insurance. Depending solely on federal disaster assistance can leave you unprepared for the financial impact of flood-related damages. Purchasing flood insurance is a proactive step that ensures comprehensive coverage and financial protection against the specific risks of flooding.

Myth:
My homeowners or renters’ insurance will cover flood damage.

Fact:
Flood damage is almost never covered by standard homeowners or renters’ insurance policies.

Many homeowners do not realize that standard insurance policies explicitly exclude flood damage coverage. This common misconception leaves many properties vulnerable. Approximately 25% of flood claims occur in areas considered low or moderate-risk zones. Floods can happen anywhere heavy rains overwhelm drainage systems, rivers overflow, or infrastructure fails. To have protection, a separate flood insurance policy is required and can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress to ensure flood insurance becomes more widely available. This program aims to bridge the gap left by traditional insurance policies and provide individuals with the means to protect their property and belongings against flood-related risks.

NFIP policies are more affordable but offer limited coverage of up to $250,000 for the home and $100,000 for possessions.

All homeowners should carefully assess their true flood risk with an insurance agent, regardless of location or flood zone classification. Floods often strike areas thought to have minimal risk. Investing in the NFIP or private flood insurance policy brings essential peace of mind that damage will be covered if disaster strikes. Don’t make the common mistake of assuming homeowners insurance includes floods – make sure you have separate flood coverage to fully protect your property.  Talk to you insurance broker or provider about flood insurance.

Even if you live in an area not prone to flooding, it is wise to consider flood insurance as flood risk is increasing in many regions. Flooding well inland from the coast is also possible from large derechos and tropical storms. Having flood coverage provides financial protection even if the chances of a disaster seem slim. A flood policy ensures you can repair and rebuild your home should the worst still occur.

When it comes to flood insurance, it’s essential to comprehend the distinct needs of renters and homeowners:

Renters and Flood Insurance: As a renter, it’s crucial to understand that your landlord’s insurance policy usually doesn’t cover your personal belongings in case of a flood. To safeguard your possessions, you should consider purchasing content-only flood insurance that covers damage to the items you own inside the rented property. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal belongings that could be significantly impacted by flooding.

Homeowners and Flood Insurance: If you’re a homeowner, the need for flood insurance is even more evident. A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t include flood damage. Purchasing separate flood insurance is vital to ensure that both your home’s structure and the contents within it are protected in the event of a flood. This insurance can cover costs related to repairing or rebuilding your home as well as replacing or repairing damaged belongings.

The Role of NFIP: The National Flood Insurance Program provides homeowners and renters with the opportunity to buy flood insurance from private insurance companies that participate in the program. This initiative increases accessibility to flood insurance, helping individuals in flood-prone areas to better manage their risks. Click here to find out if your community participates in the program.

Coverage Considerations: When purchasing flood insurance, it’s important to consider factors such as the flood risk in your area, the value of your possessions, and the potential cost of repairing or rebuilding your home. Different insurance policies offer various coverage limits, deductibles, and premium costs, allowing you to tailor your coverage to your needs.

Flood insurance is a separate insurance policy specifically designed to protect you from flood-related damages, and it is not included in standard homeowners or renters insurance. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, recognizing the importance of purchasing flood insurance is a proactive step toward safeguarding your property, belongings, and financial well-being in the face of flooding events.

Myth:
Its more affordable to rebuild on my own after a flood than get flood insurance.

Fact:
Not having flood insurance can result in substantially higher expenses in the aftermath of a flood, especially if you live in a high -risk zone.

The process of rebuilding after a flood goes beyond simply fixing the structural damage to your property. It also entails replacing damaged possessions and potentially finding temporary housing during the repairs. These costs can swiftly add up and place a significant strain on your personal finances. Additionally, federal disaster assistance is unpredictable and relying on it as your sole source to rebuild is not recommended as this aid is not guaranteed.

In contrast, flood insurance, although it requires regular premium payments and can be costly, acts as a financial safety net. It significantly eases the financial burden associated with recovery, making it a proactive financial decision. This choice can lead to a faster and smoother recovery process without depleting your savings or accumulating substantial debt.

Myth:
It recently flooded here, so it will be a long time before we have another flood.

Fact:
Recent flooding does not necessarily indicate that a long period of time will elapse before another flood occurs.

Flood events are influenced by various factors, including weather patterns, geographic characteristics, and local changes, making it possible for flooding to happen again sooner than expected. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather Variability: Weather patterns can change rapidly, leading to variations in rainfall and other conditions that contribute to flooding. Even after a recent flood, a shift in weather patterns can result in another flood event.

Short-Term Climate Variability: Floods can result from intense, localized rainfall, often associated with short-term weather events like thunderstorms. These events can occur frequently and unpredictably, leading to multiple flood incidents in a short span of time.

Seasonal Changes: Certain seasons are more conducive to heavy rainfall and flooding. For example, spring and summer often bring increased rainfall, which can lead to more frequent flood events during these periods.

Natural Drainage Factors: Geographic features like mountains, valleys, and rivers influence water flow and drainage patterns. Recent flooding might not fully address long-term vulnerabilities related to these geographical characteristics.

Urbanization Impact: Land development, urbanization, and changes in land use can alter drainage patterns and increase runoff during rainfall, potentially leading to more frequent flooding even in the absence of significant weather changes.

Myth:
Flood insurance is unnecessary for properties located in low- or moderate- risk zones.