Cedar River Flood Control System
Learn more about the permanent system underway on both sides of the river.
Flood Control System Website
Looking for more information about flood protection, floodplains or stormwater-related flooding? These useful links will help you find the information you need.
Key Messages for Flood Resilience:
1. Know your flood hazard
How far are you from a flooding source – a river or a drainage easement?
Do you know where the floodplain is relative to your property? https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
2. Insure your property for your flood hazard
Most homeowner insurance policies DON’T include coverage for floods.
Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). www.floodsmart.gov
3. Protect people from the hazard of flooding
Turn around, don’t drown.
Designate a place where your family can rendezvous after an evacuation order is issued. https://www.ready.gov/floods
4. Protect your property from the hazard of flooding
Replace your flooded furnace with one elevated above the flood level.
Store your valuables and insurance papers upstairs in a waterproof container.
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/98102
5. Build Responsibly
Get a permit before you make modifications to your home.
Use only licensed contractors who know the rules. https://library.municode.com/ia/cedar_rapids/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH32BFLMAOR
6. Protect Natural Floodplain Functions
Don’t trash the river—that’s where we get our drinking water. https://www.floods.org/PDF/WhitePaper/ASFPM_NBF%20White_Paper_%200908.pdf
General Flood Information
| Annual Flood Mailer/Handout (January 2021) (English) |
| Annual Flood Mailer/Handout (January 2021) (Spanish) |
| Flood Facts Information you should know about flood in Cedar Rapids |
| Floodplain Management Contacts Local and regional contact information |
Floodplain Maps Update - Preliminary Maps and Appeal Period
FEMA's official floodplain maps (www.msc.fema.gov) are used across the country to inform property owners, banks, insurers, realtors, and regulators about the estimated flood risk in specific locations. Over time, technology has provided a more accurate picture of this risk, and it is, therefore, appropriate to update the maps accordingly. The last update of the maps for Linn County was in 2010. Here are some helpful links for more information on this process.
Contact City Staff with questions at 319.286.5780 or developmentservices@cedar-rapids.org
City of Cedar Rapids Flood Information
County & State Flood Information
| Linn County Emergency Management |
| Iowa Department of Natural Resources Floodplain Management Program |
| Iowa Flood Information System |
FEMA Flood Information
| Interim Flood Protection Plan Learn how we reduce the risk of flood damage to the City |
| National Flood Insurance Program |
| FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps Take a closer look at the maps that determine flood insurance rates |
| Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance |
| www.floodsmart.gov A customer interface for the NFIP |
| Hazard Mitigation Information |
| FEMA's Main Web Site |
Cedar River Information
