Flood Risks Nationwide

Flood Risks Nationwide
Many people think that if they do not live near a river or the coast, they are not in danger of flooding, giving them a false sense of security. Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States and high-risk flood areas are not the only ones that can flood: more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from areas mapped outside high-risk areas.

Flash floods, inland flooding, and seasonal storms affect every region of the country, wiping out homes and businesses. People need to know that they can take steps to protect their financial security before disaster strikes. However, many residents and businesses are unaware that they qualify for flood insurance or that policies are more affordable than they may think.

What is a Flood?
Flood insurance covers direct physical loss caused by "flood." In simple terms, a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry. The National Flood Insurance Program's definition of a flood is "a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:

* Overflow of inland or tidal waters;
* Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
* Mudflow (a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas); or
* Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above." 


Flood Risks
Floods can happen anywhere and at anytime. While some causes are obvious, such as hurricanes and snow melt, many are not. 

Heavy Rains: Cresting rivers, backed-up storm drains, or saturated ground can cause significant floods. Heavy rains can contribute to flash floods, which are the number one weather-related killer in the United States. A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas in less than six hours. Heavy rains also increase the chance of mudflows, rivers of liquid, and flowing mud.

To learn more about your risk for flooding and how to prepare for floods, visit FloodSmart.gov/floodrisks or www.lehninsurance.com