Photo: Brandonrush · CC BY-SA 3.0Storms, floods and disasters in De Valls Bluff
De Valls Bluff isn’t graded for hazard risk: De Valls Bluff has 553 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 5 claims here since 2008.
What De Valls Bluff 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
Earthquakes
Tornadoes
Ice storms
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.
Does De Valls Bluff flood? Rarely: 5 flood claims since 2008
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in De Valls Bluff, from FEMA’s records.
- The Mid-spring storms3 claims · $79K
De Valls Bluff isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Prairie County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to De Valls Bluff
Disasters that paid out in De Valls Bluff itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of De Valls Bluff), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Associated Flooding39 households applied for aid$242K aid approved$73K to the City of De Valls Bluff for repairs3 flood claims paid that year
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding13 households applied for aid$176K aid approved$22K to the City of De Valls Bluff for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$41K to the City of De Valls Bluff for repairs
Prairie County has had 17 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of De Valls Bluff after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the De Valls Bluff archive →Get ready for what De Valls Bluff 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.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- 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 De Valls Bluff
Does De Valls Bluff flood?
Flood insurance has paid 5 claims in De Valls Bluff since 2008, $117K in all. 2 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Mid-spring storms (3).
Is De Valls Bluff 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 Prairie County, 0.8% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in De Valls Bluff?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for De Valls Bluff’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 De Valls Bluff?
By FEMA money that reached De Valls Bluff, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Associated Flooding (2011): 39 households applied for aid, $242K approved, and $73K to the City of De Valls Bluff for repairs. By flood claims, Mid-spring storms: 3 paid, $78K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in De Valls Bluff.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where De Valls Bluff’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.