Prepare your home for inland flooding
River, stream and rainfall flooding away from the coast (NRI’s riverine or inland flooding hazard).
212 US counties are rated Relatively High or Very High for inland flooding by FEMA’s National Risk Index. The three things that matter most at home: 1. Look up your FEMA flood zone, and remember that "minimal hazard" zones still flood. 2. Raise or move valuables, the furnace and the water heater off a basement floor where you can. 3. Test the sump pump and its backup before the wet season.
Before the season
- Check your flood zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and keep the panel number.
- Ask whether you need a separate flood policy; NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start.
- Clear gutters, downspout extensions and yard drains so water leaves the foundation.
- Test the sump pump by filling the pit with a bucket of water.
When a warning comes
- Move documents, electronics and valuables upstairs.
- Turn off electricity at the main breaker if water could reach outlets, only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- Never walk or drive through flood water.
After
- Do not turn the power back on until an electrician has checked anything that was under water.
- Photograph water lines on walls before removing anything.
- Dry the house within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold; remove wet drywall and insulation.
Ask whether you have flood coverage at all. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood; it is sold separately (NFIP or private). We explain and organize; we never predict coverage.
Counties with the highest inland flooding scores
Top 25 by FEMA NRI risk score for this hazard. Scores and ratings are relative to other US counties, not probabilities of a loss.
| # | County | Rating | Score | Recorded events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles County, CA | Very High | 100.0 | 111 |
| 2 | Harris County, TX | Very High | 100.0 | 144 |
| 3 | Cook County, IL | Very High | 99.9 | 165 |
| 4 | Riverside County, CA | Very High | 99.9 | 206 |
| 5 | Maricopa County, AZ | Very High | 99.9 | 237 |
| 6 | San Bernardino County, CA | Very High | 99.8 | 363 |
| 7 | Orange County, CA | Very High | 99.8 | 81 |
| 8 | Santa Clara County, CA | Very High | 99.8 | 58 |
| 9 | San Diego County, CA | Very High | 99.7 | 221 |
| 10 | Miami-Dade County, FL | Very High | 99.7 | 112 |
| 11 | Alameda County, CA | Very High | 99.7 | 63 |
| 12 | Bexar County, TX | Very High | 99.7 | 209 |
| 13 | Clark County, NV | Very High | 99.6 | 203 |
| 14 | Philadelphia County, PA | Very High | 99.6 | 163 |
| 15 | Dallas County, TX | Very High | 99.6 | 129 |
| 16 | Pima County, AZ | Very High | 99.5 | 359 |
| 17 | Contra Costa County, CA | Very High | 99.5 | 33 |
| 18 | King County, WA | Very High | 99.5 | 8 |
| 19 | Broward County, FL | Very High | 99.4 | 69 |
| 20 | Wayne County, MI | Very High | 99.4 | 88 |
| 21 | Kings County, NY | Very High | 99.4 | 55 |
| 22 | Queens County, NY | Very High | 99.3 | 92 |
| 23 | Honolulu County, HI | Very High | 99.3 | 166 |
| 24 | Ventura County, CA | Very High | 99.3 | 54 |
| 25 | New York County, NY | Very High | 99.2 | 56 |