FEMA Warns Iowa of Spring Flooding

Government officials are urging Iowans to take precautions against flooding as springtime weather brings rapid snowmelt and heavy rainfall.

Last year, spring flooding caused severe damage in 19 counties throughout Iowa, according to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Even with the risks of flooding, the agency said only about 1 percent of Iowa residents have flood insurance. Most homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage.

David Maurstad, an administrator with FEMA, warned against relying on disaster assistance to recover from flooding. He said in many cases it’s not available, and even when it is, it’s a loan that must be paid back with interest.

He said flood insurance policies can run from about $120 per year in low- to moderate-risk areas, with the average policy costing about $500 a year.