Anywhere it rains, it can flood. There are few places on Earth where people need not be concerned about flooding. Most floods take hours or even days to develop, giving residents ample time to prepare or evacuate. Others generate quickly and with little warning. These flash floods can be extremely dangerous, instantly turning a babbling brook into a thundering wall of water and sweeping everything in its path downstream. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Beyond the risk of fatalities, floods devastate homes, towns, and even entire regions.

Since 1900, floods have taken more than 10,000 lives in the U.S. alone. Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states. Did you know that:

• 66% of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake trying to navigate through the flood waters.
• Just 6 inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a person down. A mere 2 feet of water can float a large vehicle....even a bus!
• One-third of flooded roads and bridges are so damaged that a vehicle trying to cross stands only a 50% chance of making it to the other side.
• Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
• Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
• Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.
• Hurricanes, winter storms, and snowmelt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding.
• New land development can increase flood risk, especially if construction changes natural runoff paths.
• A home in a high risk area has a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 5% chance of fire.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water, or
downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood. Every one is at risk from this hazard.