Spring thaw: Are you ready for flood season?

Once again, we find ourselves at the threshold of spring–a time when the weather begins to warm across the country and areas of heavy snowfall must begin to prepare for the heightened flood risk. Snowmelt, severe storms and heavy rains are common in the region during the warming months.

Flooding captured the nation’s attention just two short years ago when flood waters devastated parts of the Midwest during the 2008 spring season. Thousands of people across the Midwest faced the terrible consequences of heavy rains and massive flooding. Some suffered a devastating blow: the total loss of their home to floodwaters. Others dealt with the difficult and costly work of replacing walls, floors, utilities, and damaged possessions, to make their homes livable again.