Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). But despite the growing threat, many homeowners remain underprepared and unaware of the risks that may literally be flowing beneath their feet.
In this blog, we’ll break down the latest flood risk data across the country and show how smart sump pump monitoring can play a critical role in protecting your home and peace of mind.
Flood Risk Is Rising Nationwide
More Intense Storms, More Frequent Flooding
According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. has experienced a steady increase in billion-dollar weather events, many involving extreme rainfall and flooding. In 2023 alone, there were 28 separate billion-dollar disasters, with flooding accounting for a significant portion of the damages.
FEMA’s Flood Risk Map Expansions
FEMA’s updated National Flood Hazard Layer reveals that millions of properties lie in high-risk zones, including many not previously designated as such. What’s more troubling: over 25% of flood insurance claims come from outside federally designated high-risk zones.
City-Level Vulnerabilities
In urban centers, where infrastructure can’t keep pace with population growth or climate extremes, flooding is increasingly common. For instance:
- Houston, TX has experienced five major flood events since 2015, with 2023 marking the highest number of flood-related building permits in city history.
- Miami-Dade County, FL, faces a 500% increase in property damage risk from flooding by 2050 due to sea level rise.
- Chicago, IL, has recorded over 70,000 basement flooding complaints in the past decade, many from neighborhoods previously thought to be low risk.
Your Home May Be at Risk, Even if You Think It’s Not
You don’t need to live near a river to experience flooding. Sudden downpours, blocked storm drains, or even snowmelt can overwhelm systems and cause backups into basements, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage, mold, and lost valuables.
Insurance Isn’t Always Enough
Standard homeowner policies don’t cover flood damage, and FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has strict limitations. Even with coverage, the average flood claim exceeds $30,000, and recovery can take months.
How Smart Sump Pump Monitoring Helps
Your sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding, but like any mechanical system, it can fail, especially when you need it most.
That’s where PumpSpy comes in:
- Real-Time Alerts: Know instantly if your pump malfunctions or if water levels rise.
- Power Outage & WiFi Monitoring: Stay informed when backup systems kick in, or if you lose connection.
- Predictive Diagnostics: PumpSpy detects issues before failure occurs, giving you time to act.
- Remote Access: Monitor your pump system from anywhere. Perfect for second homes, rentals, or when you’re traveling.
Take Action Before the Next Storm Hits
Flooding in America isn’t a future problem, it’s a now problem. And it’s not just about weather; it’s about preparedness.
By combining real-time flood data from NOAA and FEMA with smart in-home monitoring like PumpSpy, homeowners can reduce risk, respond faster, and save thousands in potential damage.
Helpful Resources:
- NOAA Billion-Dollar Disaster Reports (2023)
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- First Street Foundation Flood Risk Tool
- PumpSpy Smart Sump Pump Monitoring
Want to stay ahead of flood risk?
Download the PumpSpy app and take control of your basement’s protection today.
