Regardless of location, all homes have some risk of flooding in extreme or unique circumstances. The flood insurance rate maps focus on the flood risk up to the 1 percent annual level.

In addition, the flood insurance rate maps focus on flooding that might come from major rivers, creeks or drainage ways in your neighborhood. They don't consider localized issues, such as backyard grading, storm sewer pipes, clogged storm drains, sewer backups, groundwater springs or basement seepage.