Floods: 6 Facts You Need To Know

A natural hazard that can impact your property — regardless of whether it is a public building or a high-rise structure — the flood is considered a calamity you can expect every year. It is how nature reacts to how we have taken care of it (or neglected it). Much more than this information are facts about a flood that are worth taking note of.

# 1 – It is the Most Common Natural Hazard in the Country

This natural hazard threatens lives and leads to property damage. Since it occurs at any time of the year and can impact any part of the United States, you can expect that it can result in a lot of disastrous situations. Although there are other overlooked causes of a flood, among them snowmelt, winter storms, and hurricanes, the most common culprit is heavy precipitation.

# 2 -Wetlands Save Over $30 Billion in Flood Damage Repair Costs Annually

There is a perfect explanation for this. When compared to lowlands, wetlands tend to act as natural sponges, thereby storing floodwaters right after they have reached their peak. As such, they slowly release these waters, being capable of retaining over 300 thousand gallons of water per acre. That saves about thirteen homes on average.

#3 – More Intense Storms Took Place in the Past Century

It has to be noted that there have been more frequent and intense storms for the last 100 years. Americans have also seen about a 20% increase in terms of the heaviest downpours for the last 50 years. This means that the nation’s floodplains might increase by about 45% in the next nine decades. Therefore, we must all be vigilant once storms come.

# 4 – An Average of $10 Billion is Attributed to Damages Caused by Floods

There are many reasons for floods. For one, consider the extreme rainfall and the changes in terms of land use. This has increased floods in several areas and has also been the cause of an annual average of $10 billion in damages attributed to floods.

# 5 – More Urban Land Areas in the Country are Classified as High-Risk Flood Zones

Over the last 100-year period, it can be noted that about 17% of the urban land in the country is already within the high-risk flood zone classification. This dictates the need to buy flood insurance which can cost an average of $600 annually. This amount can vary depending on one insurance provider to another, but you can save about 45% in insurance premium if you belong to a community that participates in FEMA’s CRS or Community Rating System.

# 6 – It is Important to Reduce the Impact of Flooding

Certain mitigation practices may help lower the chances of floods causing damage to your property. Flood-proofing your homes, for one, can be a lot of help. It is good to have a flood insurance for your property as well. Make sure you submit to preliminary inspections if you want to claim the amount due to you from your insurance company once damages occur after flooding.