Floods Strike Everywhere

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the U.S. Whether you live near a coastline , along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. In fact, nearly 25% of last year's claims paid by the National Flood insurance program (NFIP) were for policies in moderate to low-Risk Communities. According to the NFIP, houses in the U.S. have 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30- year mortgage, while businesses face similar risks by flooding. On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The following are a few more little-known flood facts:

- Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S. making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.

- More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto are related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.

- The principle causes of floods in the eastern U.S. are hurricanes and storms.

- The principle cause of floods in the western U.S. are snowmelt and rainstorms.

- Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood - especially at night, when it's difficult to see.