Understand your risk

To better understand what it means to be at risk, one of the most important things you can do to better understand flood risk is to GET INVOLVED.

Ask your community and representatives questions about local flood risk and steps take to address risk. The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program has information about flooding in the state of Iowa.

Damages Outside of Recognized Zones

Larger floods will occur that extend beyond the 100-year flood plain and flooding occurs along rivers and streams that have no formal NFIP flood plain map. Over time flood plains change. Development upstream can change current hydraulic and hydrologic runoff patterns and impact downstream flooding. As such much damage occurs outside of mapped floodplains.

Chances of Being Flooded

There is a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-yr Mortgage for properties in recognized flood zones. Recognized flood risk areas will flood at some point.

NFIP Flood Zones
Understanding Your Consequences
  • FloodSmart Videos from FEMA
  • The best way to understand the consequences of flooding is to see them. Many similar videos can be found on YouTube for regional areas.
Dannabrog, NE 1896

Dannebrog, Nebraska 1896.  Living in the 100-year floodplain does NOT mean a flood will occur once every 100-years. The City of Dannebrog has experienced flooding in 1896, 1936, 1940, 1950, 1954, 1967, and 1984.

Disasters can impact you physically, emotionally, and financially

Health Risk
Emotional Impact of Flooding
The Financial Cost of Flooding - FEMA FloodSmart
Online simulation of the financial impact of a flood
Agricultural Impacts
Levee Safety
Disasters can leave a lasting impact on families and children.
Roanoke, Virginia 1985. Disasters can leave a lasting impact on families and children.