Understand your Flood Risk

Woman raising hand with a question at community meeting
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Get Involved

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 detailed information about flooding in the state of Iowa.

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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 National Flood Insurance Program (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.

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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

The best way to understand the consequences of flooding is to see them. Many similar videos can be found on YouTube for regional areas.

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Disasters can impact you physically, emotionally, & financially

Health Risk

Emotional Impact of Flooding

The Financial Cost of Flooding

Agricultural Impacts

Levee Safety

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