Know Your Zone

Know Your Zone is a public awareness initiative by MSD Project Clear that encourages residents to find out what type of flood zone they live in, understand their risk, and explore flood insurance options. Whether you own a home, run a business, or rent, it’s important to talk with your insurance agent about what your current policy covers and whether you may need additional flood insurance.

We’ve all seen the devastating images of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Meramec Rivers overflowing after heavy rains. But you don’t have to live near a river or stream to be at risk. In St. Louis City and County, every property falls within a designated flood risk zone, which reflects the likelihood of flooding during severe storms. Zones are categorized as high, medium, or low risk—but flooding can happen in any of them, often with little warning, and the damage can be costly. Knowing your zone could save you thousands of dollars.

Did you know that everyone lives in a flood zone? FEMA rates every property as either high, medium, or low risk, but flooding can happen anywhere in St. Louis. Find out your risk using our interactive flood zone map.

• If it rains where you live, it can flood where you live.
• The flood risk in our region ranges from high to moderate to low.
• One in three flood insurance claims come from areas outside of high-risk flood zones, while residents without insurance in low-risk flood zones receive just one-third of flood disaster assistance.
• The average flood damage claim for homeowners and renters is nearly $60,000.
• Most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage.
• Overland flooding can occur during heavy rains. It can also occur in areas where there are no nearby waterways as rainwater gets channeled via a natural floodway to distant waterways or a nearby stormwater system.
• Just a few inches of water can cause more than $10,000 in repair and replacement costs.