- A flood or flash flood can happen in all 50 states in the U.S.
- There are many possible natural causes of flooding such as heavy rain, melting snow, flash floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, land development, and broken dams.
- Everywhere can be a flood zone because where there is water, there can be flooding.
- The most common natural disaster in the U.S. is flooding.
- For the past 30 years, flooding has resulted in almost $8 billion in damage each year.
- Floods cause an average of 82 deaths per year, making it the deadliest weather-related disaster in the U.S.
- Land development and construction including new buildings and roads makes an area more vulnerable to flooding because it takes away land that would naturally absorb the water.
- Standing flood water could be electrically charged and very dangerous if there are downed power lines.
- Flood water may consist of sewage, harmful microorganisms, sharp objects, and other debris which makes it a danger to your health. You should never walk or swim in flood water.
- It only takes six inches of moving flood water to knock you down.
- It only takes two feet of moving water to carry your car away.
- The government has a Flood Preparedness Disaster Supply Kit PDF available to help you prepare for a flood.
- Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage, you must purchase a separate insurance policy to cover flood damage.
- Flood insurance policies can take 30 days before they take effect.
- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) warns that just 1 inch of water can result in over $10,000 worth of damage.