BE #NEBRASKAREADY
Flooding can happen with little or no warning. That’s why it’s important to be ready with essential supplies and a plan that can help you and your family get to safety.
1
Pack
Pack important documents, such as social security cards and birth certificates, in waterproof baggies or containers and store them safely.
2
Prepare
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials. Include water, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food, emergency cash (around $200) and first aid supplies.
3
Be Aware
Be aware of nearby flooding, changing weather conditions and the quickest route to safety.
HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU'RE IN THE 4%
Explore our interactive map to find out if your home is located in a floodplain. Click the link below, then input your address in the top left. Then, use the icons to the left of the address box to toggle map layers on and off. Consult our map guidance page or contact Floodplain Management for help interpreting your results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a floodplain?
A floodplain is a low-lying area next to a river, lake, or other body of water, which may flood during extreme weather events or high water periods. FEMA defines regulatory floodplains as the 1% Annual Chance Floodplain or the 100-year Floodplain.
What is a floodway?
A floodway is a natural path for floodwaters to flow through, helping to prevent water from spreading too much into the surrounding areas. Building in a floodway is usually restricted because it’s the most dangerous area during a flood.
Is my property in a floodplain?
Visit NeDNR’s Floodplain Interactive Map to locate your property and its proximity to a floodplain. If your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you may also contact your local floodplain administrator. Please note that floodplains can change over time, so check updated flood maps regularly to see if your property is at risk.
My house is in the floodway, what can I do?
If your house is in a floodway and is substantially damaged or if you plan significant improvements, the entire property must comply with your local floodplain ordinance. Rebuilding on the current site may not be allowed. Contact Floodplain Management for additional resources and information.
What items should I include in my emergency kit?
While this list is not exhaustive, in general, your emergency kit should contain the following: emergency cash (around $200), a first aid kit, a power bank and charging cable for your phone, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, extra clothing, rubber boots and gloves, NOAA Weather Radio, a battery-operated radio, a whistle (to signal for help), emergency cooking equipment, a flashlight and extra batteries.
Where can I purchase flood insurance?
You can learn more about purchasing flood insurance via our insurance resource page or via the flood insurance provider search tool on floodsmart.gov.
When is flood insurance mandatory?
Flood insurance is mandatory for properties with federally-backed mortgages located within the 1% Annual Chance Floodplain.
How can I help my community in the event of a flood?
There are a number of organizations that help coordinate volunteer efforts during flooding. Please refer to the Disaster Assistance Resources section on the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency website.
Why should I purchase flood insurance when I already have a homeowners or renters insurance policy?
Flood damage is not covered in most homeowners insurance policies. As a renter, your landlord may have flood insurance that covers the structure, but not the contents. Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program here.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR
Communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program have floodplain administrators, local experts who can assist you in navigating floodplain maps, explaining regulations and guiding you on how to prepare for potential flooding. If you’re in a flood-prone area, they’re your go-to resource for ensuring you’re informed and prepared.
FLOOD TERMS
Floodplain vs. Floodway
A floodplain is an area around a river or stream that is prone to flooding. It’s generally the flat land that water can spread across when a river overflows. There are certain elevation restrictions to consider when building in a floodplain. These rules are in place to reduce flood risk and protect both people and property.
A floodway is a part of the floodplain that’s meant to carry the deepest, fastest-moving water during a flood. It’s a natural path for floodwaters to flow through, helping to prevent water from spreading too much into the surrounding areas. Building in a floodway is usually restricted because it’s the most dangerous area during a flood.
The 100-Year Flood
The term "100-year flood" refers to a flood event that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. It's a statistical way of describing the likelihood of a flood, not a guarantee that such a flood will only happen once every 100 years. A common misunderstanding is that if you've experienced a 100-year flood, you're "safe" for the next 99 years. In reality, multiple 100-year floods can occur within a short period, because each year has that same 1% chance. The term simply reflects the risk level, not a time interval.
The 1% Annual Chance
On a flood map, the term "1% annual chance" typically appears in areas designated as the "100-year floodplain." This means there is a 1% chance of flooding in any given year. If your home is in the 1% Annual Chance Floodplain, your property has at least a 26% chance of being flooded during the course of a 30-year mortgage. The actual risk due to flooding varies depending on your location within the floodplain.
Flood Insurance
People often assume their home insurance covers flooding. However, most policies require a separate flood policy. Flooding can happen anywhere. Flood insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re protected if the unexpected happens. Plus, it’s often more affordable than you might think, with the average Nebraska NFIP policyholder paying less than $100 a month. Ask your local insurance agent about flood insurance, or visit our flood insurance resource page.
ABOUT
About Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources helps balance our state’s resources by providing reliable data and insights on complex soil and water management issues. We support Nebraska’s citizens and leaders in making smart decisions that benefit everyone, now and in the future.
About Floodplain Management
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources’ (NeDNR) Floodplain Management Division is responsible for overseeing floodplain management across the state. We coordinate efforts to ensure the wise use of flood-prone land. By working with communities, we help manage flood risks, promote responsible land use and support initiatives that protect lives and property from flood-related hazards.