Washington, D.C., March 12  - Floods are consistently the most common, costly and deadly natural disaster Americans face each year-ninety percent of all natural disasters in the nation involve flooding.

  As part of Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 16-20), FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) to demonstrate flood risks across the country and provide important information about steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

"Knowing the individual safety tips for a flood scenario is certainly paramount. Understanding and mitigating the broader impacts that a flood can have on your home and your financial well-being is also critical," said Ed Connor, Acting Federal Insurance Administrator for FEMA's Mitigation Directorate. "Many residents incorrectly believe, for example, that homeowners insurance covers the costs of flooding when only flood insurance protects properties from flooding damage."

In partnership with NOAA, the NFIP has developed a webpage featuring an interactive map depicting historical information about how floods have impacted millions of Americans in recent years. The site also provides tools and resources for understanding your risk and knowing what to do: before a flood, during a flood, and after a flood. To learn more about Flood Safety Awareness Week and to utilize these resources, visit www.floodsmart.gov/noaafloodweek.