MSD Project Clear Encourages Residents to Protect Their Property, Understand Flood Risks with ‘Know Your Zone’

Floods are the most common and most costly form of natural disaster in the United States. As spring rains approach, MSDProject Clear (MSDPC) is reminding residents across the region to understand their flood risks and learn how to protect themselves with Know Your Zone.

"If it rains where you live, it can flood where you live," MSDPC Executive Director and CEO Brian Hoelscher said. "Excessive rain in a short time can overwhelm creeks, streams, and constructed stormwater systems causing overland flooding, even in areas with no nearby waterways. We have seen this problem accelerate in recent years, as the St. Louis region has experienced more intense, more frequent storms fueled by climate change."

The average flood damage claim for homeowners and renters is more than $35,000. Flood insurance is required in high-risk flood zones, but outside these areas, few properties have flood insurance protection as part of homeowners or rental policies. The vast majority of properties in the St. Louis region lay outside high-risk flood zones and therefore may not have flood insurance.

St. Louis residents can go to KnowYourZone.org to better understand the risk where they live, learn about how to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other resources.

Hoelscher noted that the recent passage of Proposition S will enable MSDPC to begin addressing thousands of flooding and erosion problems throughout the region, but it can't correct every type of flooding people may face.

"Although the new stormwater funding will make a significant difference, it is only part of the solution. Moreover, the new funding will take many years to address the backlog of flooding and erosion problems we already know about," Hoelscher said. "Flooding risks still exist, and since customers often turn to MSDPC during floods, it's important for us to educate the public about options they have to protect themselves and their property. By visiting KnowYourZone.org they can determine for themselves whether to obtain flood insurance through their homeowners or renters insurance, or through the national program."

More information can be found at KnowYourZone.org.