Many people believe federal disaster assistance will come to their aid after a flood. Floods are not always declared a federal disaster. Even when they are, aid is usually in the form of a loan that must be paid back with interest. Flood insurance, on the other hand, pays for all covered losses, and unlike loans, that money doesn’t have to be paid back. Find out more about flood insurance here, or by contacting your insurance agent. For more information on obtaining copies of flood maps, how to read them, and to request map changes that may be warranted, check here or contact the Engineering Division at 816-439-4503.