Flooding & Flood Insurance

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program logos

It typically takes 30 days for flood insurance to take effect.

Flooding can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. Without flood insurance, most residents have to pay out of pocket or take out loans to repair and replace damaged items. With flood insurance, you’re able to recover faster and more fully.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

Here are some important facts to keep in mind:

FACT: Homeowners and renters insurance does not typically cover flood damage.
FACT: More than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones.
FACT: Flood insurance can pay regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
FACT: Disaster assistance comes in two forms: a U.S. Small Business Administration loan, which must be paid back with interest, or a FEMA disaster grant, which is about $5,000 on average per household. By comparison, the average flood insurance claim payment over the past 5 years was about $69,000.

It’s easy to see that having flood insurance provides important recovery help.

How Can I Buy Flood Insurance

FEMA Flood Map Service Center

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FLOOD INSURANCE FACTS

- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy before the water rises.

- Homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is a separate policy.

- From 2014 to 2024, almost one-third of NFIP flood claims came from outside high-risk flood zones.

- Every McCook County community takes part in the NFIP, so anyone in the county can buy a policy through their insurance agent.

- Don't count on federal aid: after the June-July 2024 flooding (DR-4807-SD), McCook County received aid for public roads and facilities only, not for households. Flood insurance pays with or without a disaster declaration.

RECENT McCOOK COUNTY FLOODS

March 2019 snowmelt flooding (DR-4440), September 2019 flash flooding (DR-4469), and June-July 2024 flooding (DR-4807). Land along the Vermillion River and its tributaries floods most often.

HOW TO BUY: call your home or auto insurance agent, or find a provider at FloodSmart. Check your property's flood zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.

Turn Around, Don't Drown

PAST FLOODS IN McCOOK COUNTY

September 12, 2019 · Spencer (historic)

Sandbag wall around a lift station in Montrose, Sept. 16, 2019

September 16, 2019 · Montrose (historic)

Water over the road, McCook County, June 22, 2024. Turn around, don't drown.

June 22, 2024 · McCook County

Aerial view of flooding in Montrose, July 30, 2010

July 30, 2010 · Montrose (historic)

Aerial view of flooding around Montrose, 1993

1993 · Montrose (historic)

June 2024 · Salem