(Washington D.C., Wednesday, May 11, 2022) – With spring flooding becoming more common, FEMA is urging residents in Midwest states to understand their flood risk and to act now. Spring storms bring heavy precipitation that can lead to destructive flooding and even increase flood risks during the following summer.

Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding at any time, even in areas where the overall risk is considered low. It’s a fact that when a flood causes significant damage to a household, those with flood insurance recover faster. Since most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage, having a flood insurance policy is vital.

​Mary Beth Caruso, Mitigation Division Director, FEMA Region 5, explains what residents can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

SPRING BRINGS THE PROMISE OF WARMER WEATHER FOR MIDWEST RESIDENTS BUT IT ALSO BRINGS STORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN. WHEN THE RAIN FALLS ON FROZEN GROUND, IT CAN CAUSE SURFACE RUNOFF, WHICH LEADS TO FLOODING. JUST ONE INCH OF WATER CAN COST UP TO TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGE TO YOUR PROPERTY. HAVING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT.

SOUNDBITE #2:

RESIDENTS IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION SHOULD KNOW THAT WARMER WEATHER BRINGS AN INCREASED RISK OF SPRING STORMS AND FLOODING. HAVING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE TO SECURE FLOOD INSURANCE AS POLICIES TYPICALLY TAKE THIRTY DAYS TO GO INTO EFFECT.

For more information, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/springflooding.