Every homeowner is aware that flooding causes significant damage but many do not understand just what their risk is of experiencing flooding.  Floods can happen anywhere, not just in coastal areas or low lands, and it only takes a few inches of water to cause serious damage.  Indoor flooding is also a major health hazard as the water may contain harmful microorganisms and create the right conditions for mold or mildew.  By understanding these flood facts, you can effectively prepare for a flood and take the right actions if one occurs to limit the damage.

20 Flood Facts

1. A flood or flash flood can happen in all 50 states in the U.S.
2. There are many possible natural causes of flooding such as heavy rain, melting snow, flash floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, land development, and broken dams.


Flooding is the most common natural disaster.

3. Everywhere is a flood zone because where there is water, there can be flooding.
4. The most common natural disaster in the U.S. is flooding.
5. For the past 30 years, flooding has resulted in almost $8 billion in damage each year.
6. Floods cause an average of 82 deaths per year, making it the deadliest weather related disaster in the U.S.
7. Land development and construction including new buildings and roads makes an area more vulnerable to flooding because it takes away land that would naturally absorb the water.
8. Deserts can experience flooding because the hard soil cannot absorb rain water, leading to flash floods.
9. Standing flood water could be electrically charged and very dangerous if there are downed power lines.
10. Flood water may consist of sewage, harmful microorganisms, sharp objects, and other debris which makes it a danger to your health. You should never walk or swim in flood water.
11. It only takes six inches of moving flood water to knock you down.
12. It only takes two feet of moving water to carry your car away.
13. Flash floods can have 10 to 15-foot-high walls of water.
14. The government has a Flood Preparedness Disaster Supply Kit PDF available to help you prepare for a flood.
15. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage, you must purchase a separate insurance policy to cover flood damage.
16. Flood insurance policies can take 30 days before they take effect.
17. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) warns that just 1 inch of water can result in over $10,000 worth of damage.
18. You can check the flooding risk in your area with flood hazard maps.
19. If your home is in a high-risk area, there is a 1 in 4 chance you will experience flooding over the period of a 30-year mortgage.
20. Areas that are not high-risk flood zones are responsible for over 20 percent of National Flood Insurance Program claims and one-third of federal disaster assistance.

The facts and resources listed above should provide you with enough information to adequately prepare for flooding and react effectively to flood damage.  Remember, indoor flooding causes widespread damage very quickly so do not hesitate to contact a professional for water damage restoration.  These professionals will stop the spread of the water and handle the entire flood damage cleanup.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.