Photo: Ichabod · CC BY-SA 3.0FEMA expects about as much hazard damage per building in Paola as in the typical U.S. town, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Paola gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns, #72 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%), then tornadoes (13%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2007.
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 Paola 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
Hail
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 Paola’s grade
River and rain flooding is 66% of the building damage FEMA expects in Paola, and Paola’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 55% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 12%, at a rate in the top 7% of U.S. census tracts.
B− #72 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Paola’s residents live in 2 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, Paola has less expected damage per building than 53% of Kansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.1M a year in losses across Paola: $1.9M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Paola flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2007
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Paola, from FEMA’s records: 0.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 84% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Thunderstorms1 claim · $7K
Paola isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Miami County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Paola
Disasters that paid out in Paola itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Paola), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$8K to the City of Paola for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding23 households applied for aid$64K aid approved
- 2002Severe Winter Ice Storm$209K to the City of Paola for repairs
Miami County has had 12 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 Paola after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Paola archive →Paola and its neighbors
Paola has the lowest expected damage per building of the 4 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paola | B−more damage than 52% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
| Paola Township | C+more damage than 58% | river and rain flooding | — |
| Valley Township | C+more damage than 61% | river and rain flooding | 8 |
| Marysville Township | C+more damage than 61% | river and rain flooding | — |
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 Paola 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.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- 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 Paola
Is Paola at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Paola has higher expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk, #72 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%) and tornadoes (13%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Paola flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Paola since 2007, $8K in all, or 0.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 84% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Thunderstorms (1).
Is Paola 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 Miami County, 19% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Paola?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Paola’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 Paola?
By FEMA money that reached Paola, Severe Winter Ice Storm (2002): $209K to the City of Paola for repairs. By flood claims, Thunderstorms: 1 paid, $7K.
Is Paola at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (66%), and Paola’s rate for it is higher than 55% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Paola.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Paola’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.