(Tuesday, April, 30, 2024) – Flooding is the most expensive natural disaster in the United States, and rivers cause hundreds of floods every year. The transition from the winter season to spring can result in increased rainfall and melting snow which can cause rivers and other bodies of water to rise, overflow and spill out onto nearby flat, dry land—and that causes flooding.

FEMA is urging residents to protect their families, homes and financial future by purchasing flood insurance. Residents, particularly those who live in inland communities, can have a greater flood risk the closer they are to a river or stream.

Over the past 20 years, 99% of counties in the United States experienced a flood event. In fact, from the years 2013–2023, one-third of the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) flood insurance claims (33%) came from outside the high-risk flood zones.

Having a flood insurance policy is the best way for residents to ensure their homes are safe from significant damage during a flooding event, so they can recover quickly. Most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage.

Residents can speak with an insurance agent or company today to find out how they can purchase flood insurance to protect the lives they’ve built.

David Maurstad, senior executive of the NFIP, explains how residents can protect their homes now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO CONSIDER PURCHASING FLOOD INSURANCE TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS FROM RIVERINE FLOODING. WHEN EXCESS RAINFALL AND SNOWMELT CAUSE RIVERS TO OVERFLOW, FLOODING CAN HARM YOUR PROPERTY AND ITS CONTENTS. IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO SPEAK TO AN INSURANCE AGENT SOONER THAN LATER ABOUT PURCHASING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY BECAUSE MOST POLICIES TAKE 30 DAYS TO GO INTO EFFECT. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

THIS SPRING, COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE AT RISK FOR RIVERINE FLOODING. IT’S IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO SPEAK WITH AN INSURANCE AGENT SOONER THAN LATER ABOUT PURCHASING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY BECAUSE MOST POLICIES TAKE 30 DAYS TO GO INTO EFFECT. VISIT FLOOD-SMART-DOT-GOV-SLASH-RIVERS TO LEARN MORE.

For more information, visit floodsmart.gov/rivers.