“It could never happen to me” is usually the knee-jerk reaction people have when asked about flooding. In fact, all too often when people talk about insurance, they don’t visualize the risks to their homes and lives.
This becomes especially true for people living inland. Too many Americans only associate flooding with attention-grabbing hurricanes along the coasts.
Over half the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of the coast. There is a considerable (and lesser known) flood risk associated with living near rivers, known as river flooding.
What even is Riverine Flooding?
Riverine flooding is a simple concept; it's a flood that occurs when rivers overflow their banks and flow into surrounding areas.
These types of floods can result from torrential rain and, depending on the surrounding terrain, can stick around for days or even weeks.
Why does this matter to me?
2022 was the eighth consecutive year in which the U.S. faced over ten $1 billion disaster events. It's critical people understand their flood risk regardless of where they live, because storms are worsening, and they’re here to stay.
From Albany to Chicago to St. Paul, many major U.S. cities exist along riverbanks and can experience flooding disasters.
Over 40% of the NFIP’s flood claims come from outside high-risk areas. This make it critical to take into account whether someone lives on or near rivers and streams.
You can be an agent of change by:
- Ensuring your clients understand their risk
- Help them protect their homes against flooding with Flood Insurance from the NFIP
- Sharing resources with your clients
What are my next steps?
Get the word out! Flooding is far from being a coastal issue; it’s something anyone and everyone can experience.
Talk in your community about riverine flooding. Join FEMA and its NFIP in their mission to protect Americans from flood disasters by engaging with their Spring Flooding campaign.