FEMA expects more hazard damage per building in Samson than in 79% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Samson gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (69%), then hurricanes (25%). Flood insurance has paid 3 claims here since 1990.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Samson faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Hurricanes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Samson’s grade
River and rain flooding is 69% of the building damage FEMA expects in Samson, and Samson’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 79% of U.S. census tracts. Next is hurricanes at 25% (higher than 88% of U.S. census tracts).
C− higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Samson’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $997K a year in losses across Samson: $695K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Samson flood? Rarely: 3 flood claims since 1990
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Samson, from FEMA’s records: 3.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 50% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- Tropical Storm Alberto1 claim · $37K
Samson isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Geneva County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Samson
Disasters that paid out in Samson itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Samson), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2009Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes and Straight-line61 households applied for aid$268K aid approved
- 2004Hurricane Ivan146 households applied for aid$158K aid approved
Geneva County has had 28 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often hurricanes and tropical storms, then severe storms.
Old photos of Samson after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Samson archive →Get ready for what Samson faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Samson
Is Samson at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Samson has higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (69%) and hurricanes (25%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Samson flood?
Flood insurance has paid 3 claims in Samson since 1990, $51K in all, or 3.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 50% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Tropical Storm Alberto (1).
Is Samson in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Geneva County, 12% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.4% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Samson?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Samson’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Samson?
By FEMA money that reached Samson, Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes and Straight-line (2009): 61 households applied for aid, $268K approved. By flood claims, Tropical Storm Alberto: 1 paid, $37K.
Is Samson at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (69%), and Samson’s rate for it is higher than 79% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Samson.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Samson’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.