This March, the Rebuild Iowa Office, the Iowa Insurance Division, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division are teaming up to promote "Flood Awareness Month" in Iowa.

Flood awareness is particularly important in the aftermath of the 2008 storms and floods, the worst natural disaster in Iowa and one of the largest disasters in U.S. history.

This year, with the amount of snow still on the ground and spring right around the corner, the worry and possibility of spring and summer flooding is ever present. There are, however, steps which can be taken to be more prepared should a flood occur.

Jump to:

• Flood Insurance for Homes and Businesses
• Flood Insurance Facts
• Preparing for a Flood
• Will 2010 be Another 2008?
• Flood Awareness Month News & Events
• Register as a Volunteer

Flood Insurance for Homes and Businesses

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage. To cover flood-related losses in these cases, flood insurance must also be purchased.

Iowans may purchase flood insurance for a home or business at a discounted rate if their community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (Click here to find out if your community is currently enrolled).

A local insurance agent or company should be able to determine whether a person is eligible for flood insurance. Visit www.FloodSmart.gov to locate an agent providing flood insurance in your area.

Flood Insurance Facts

There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect for new applicants, so it is important for homeowners and renters to purchase flood insurance well in advance of potential spring flooding.

The average flood insurance policy cost for Iowans runs about $752 a year. A policy may cost as little as a few hundred dollars a year (depending on flood risk, coverage, and deductable). Go to www.FloodSmart.gov to estimate your premiums and calculate your flood insurance rate.

If you chose not to get flood insurance and there is a flood, you must be in a federally-declared disaster area for individual assistance in order to get FEMA assistance. FEMA will not provide disaster assistance twice for the same property. Other forms of assistance may be available to you, however most will be in the form of a loan that you must pay back over time.

Preparing for a Flood

If you live in a mapped flood plain, you have a seven times greater risk of having a flood than a fire.

For tips on preparing for floods and developing a family emergency plan, visit www.bereadyiowa.org.

If a flood warning or watch is declared in your area, listen to the radio or television for information and check river levels and flood predictions in your area on the National Weather Service Web site.

Will 2010 be Another 2008?

According to the National Weather Service, there is a continued high risk of significant flooding in many areas across the state. The risk is highest in the Des Moines, Raccoon, Iowa and Cedar River basins, and especially across the northwest half of the Des Moines service area.

The time period when flooding is most likely to occur extends from mid-March into mid-April. Flooding may occur earlier or later than this time period depending on the occurrence and timing of weather events, such as rapid warm-ups and heavy precipitation. To see the flood outlook for your area, visit www.weather.gov/desmoines.

It is difficult to predict if Iowa will see a flood similar to the one experienced in 2008. In 2008, the state had a large amount of snow combined with massive rainfall for several days during the spring. As of the end of February 2010, Iowa actually had more snow pack than at the same time in 2008, however several factors will decide what occurs this spring.

If Iowa has ideal snow melt conditions and lower than normal rainfalls, flooding will not be as severe as expected. However, if Iowa experiences a rapid warm-up, along with higher than normal rainfall, the risk for severe flooding across the state will increase.

Flood Awareness Month News & Events

Register as a Volunteer

If you are interested in being a volunteer in future disaster response and recovery efforts, you are encouraged to register at Volunteer Solutions. By registering, you will be added to a list of other prospective volunteers and may be contacted when voluntary opportunities occur.