On FEMA’s figures, Andover faces more hazard damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Andover gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns, #124 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (49%), then wildfire (23%). Flood insurance has paid 3 claims here since 1987.
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 stands out about Andover’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Andover 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
Wildfire
Tornadoes
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 Andover’s grade
River and rain flooding is 49% of the building damage FEMA expects in Andover, and Andover’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 51% of U.S. census tracts. Wildfire adds 23%, at a rate in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts.
C #124 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Andover’s residents live in 6 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Kansas town has higher expected damage than 54% of U.S. towns; within the state, Andover has more expected damage per building than 82% of Kansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $7.9M a year in losses across Andover: $4.4M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Andover flood? Rarely: 3 flood claims since 1987
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Andover, from FEMA’s records: 0.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 89% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Andover isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Butler County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Andover
Disasters that paid out in Andover itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Andover), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding5 households applied for aid$3K aid approved
Butler County has had 25 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 Andover after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Andover archive →Andover and its neighbors
Andover is 2nd of the 4 graded towns here, from least expected damage per building to most. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | C+more damage than 60% | river and rain flooding | 389 |
| Andover | Cmore damage than 71% | river and rain flooding | 3 |
| Bruno Township | C−more damage than 76% | river and rain flooding | 31 |
| Minneha Township | C−more damage than 77% | river and rain flooding | 1 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Andover 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.
- Clear dead leaves and brush within 5 feet of the house.
- Sign up for local alerts and know two ways out.
- Keep N95 masks for smoky days.
- 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.
- 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 Andover
Is Andover at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Andover has higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #124 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (49%) and wildfire (23%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Andover flood?
Flood insurance has paid 3 claims in Andover since 1987, $164K in all, or 0.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 89% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Andover 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 Butler County, 16% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.5% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Andover?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Andover’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 Andover?
By FEMA money that reached Andover, Severe Storms and Flooding (2007): 5 households applied for aid, $3K approved.
Is Andover at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (49%), and Andover’s rate for it is higher than 51% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Andover.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Andover’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.