Prepare for spring flooding
Spring rains and melting snow create a risk for home flooding in our community. In Ramsey County, flooding can happen anywhere snow melts too quickly or rain falls too heavily. All properties can be at risk of flooding – not just homes located in low-lying areas or near lakes and streams.
Flood insurance
Flood damage can be expensive to repair. Just a few inches of water in a basement can cause more than $10,000 worth of damage.
Most regular homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Homeowners, renters and businesses are encouraged to review their current insurance policies and consider adding flood coverage. Don’t wait until waters are rising; there’s a 30-day period before policies go into effect.
Don’t let a flood put you underwater. Flood insurance is available through most homeowners and renters insurance agencies and the National Flood Insurance Program.
Insurance resources
- Flood insurance info for renters
- Flood insurance basics from the Minnesota Department of Commerce
- FEMA: National Flood Insurance Program
- FloodSmart website
- Prepare for a disaster or emergency
Flood dangers
Flooding ranks with lightning as the most deadly storm danger. Flood waters are incredibly deadly. Do not drive, walk or play in them!
In Ramsey County there are several types of flooding (PDF) which can affect us. All of them can be very damaging to your home or business and deadly to those caught in them.
Many people assume that if they live in a high area or away from a river or lake that they are safe from flooding. Not only should they still be concerned about flooding they encounter on the road, but flash flooding can happen anywhere heavy rain falls quickly, especially if local storm drains are overwhelmed or blocked by debris.
Most insurance companies will not cover flooding if the water is coming from outside the home. Even those not in a floodplain should consider supplemental flood insurance.
See Ramsey County’s Getting Ready page for more information about flood watches and warnings and emergency planning for homes and businesses.
Keep your storm drain clear! Drain grates that are clogged by leaves and street debris can’t do their job and can cause flooding of the homes and business nearest them. Adopt your local storm drain: keep it clear of dirt and debris so it can do its job. You may be saving your home and your neighborhood.
Before a flood
- Preparing your basement for snow melt MN Pollution Control Agency
- Flood protections for private water wells MN Department of Health (MDH)
After a flood
- Reentering your flooded home Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Food and water safety (CDC)
- Cleaning up your home (CDC)
- Mold and Moisture (MDH)
- Video: cleaning up after a flood University of Minnesota
- Flood clean-up for restaurants and grocers U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Additional information
Click on the link to find out more information.
