Photo: Mpevans · Public domainLess hazard damage per building is expected in Hanover than in 76% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Hanover gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns, #166 of 593 in Indiana. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (61%), then tornadoes (25%). Flood insurance has paid 17 claims here since 1978.
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 Hanover 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
Tornadoes
Earthquakes
Strong wind
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 Hanover’s grade
River and rain flooding is 61% of the building damage FEMA expects in Hanover, and Hanover’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 74% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 25%, at a rate in the top 4% of U.S. census tracts.
A− #166 of 593 in Indiana; lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Hanover’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Indiana town has lower expected damage than 60% of U.S. towns; within the state, Hanover has less expected damage per building than 72% of Indiana towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.1M a year in losses across Hanover: $485K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Hanover flood? Sometimes: 17 flood claims since 1978
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Hanover, from FEMA’s records: 15.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 80% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Mid-spring storms2 claims · $24K
Hanover isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Jefferson County.7 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Hanover
Disasters that paid out in Hanover itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Hanover), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2018Severe Storms and Flooding19 households applied for aid$9K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2012Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes28 households applied for aid$74K aid approved$2K to the Town of Hanover for repairs
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and$6K to the Town of Hanover for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2009Severe Winter Storm$15K to the Town of Hanover for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding71 households applied for aid$15K aid approved$43K to the Town of Hanover for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes3 households applied for aid$8K aid approved
Show all 7
- 2004Snow$4K to the Town of Hanover for repairs
Jefferson County has had 22 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Hanover after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Hanover archive →Get ready for what Hanover 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.
- 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.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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 Hanover
Is Hanover at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Hanover has lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #166 of 593 in Indiana. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (61%) and tornadoes (25%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Hanover flood?
Flood insurance has paid 17 claims in Hanover since 1978, $284K in all, or 15.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 80% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Mid-spring storms (2).
Is Hanover 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 Jefferson County, 12% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.5% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Hanover?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Hanover’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 Hanover?
By FEMA money that reached Hanover, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (2012): 28 households applied for aid, $74K approved, and $2K to the Town of Hanover for repairs. By flood claims, Mid-spring storms: 2 paid, $24K.
Is Hanover at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (61%), and Hanover’s rate for it is lower than 74% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Hanover.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Hanover’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.