Photo: Ichabod · CC BY-SA 3.0For tornadoes, Pratt’s building-damage rate is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Pratt gets a C+ for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 63% of U.S. towns, #108 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%), then tornadoes (21%). Flood insurance has paid 5 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 stands out about Pratt’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Pratt 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 Pratt’s grade
River and rain flooding is 47% of the building damage FEMA expects in Pratt, and Pratt’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 62% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 21%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C+ #108 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 63% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Pratt’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, Pratt has more expected damage per building than 71% of Kansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $8.4M a year in losses across Pratt: $2.2M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Pratt flood? Rarely: 5 flood claims since 1978
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Pratt, from FEMA’s records: 1.6 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 67% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Pratt is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 7) for its flood-proofing work.
Insurance rates: Pratt County.6 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Pratt
Disasters that paid out in Pratt itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Pratt), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2018Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$117K to the City of Pratt for repairs
- 2017Severe Winter Storm$81K to the City of Pratt for repairs
- 2013Snowstorm$20K to the City of Pratt for repairs
- 2009Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow$14K to the City of Pratt for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$753K to the City of Pratt for repairs
- 2005Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and Flooding$65K to the City of Pratt for repairs
Pratt County has had 15 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 Pratt after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Pratt archive →Pratt and its neighbors
Pratt has the lowest expected damage per building of the 1 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pratt | C+more damage than 63% | river and rain flooding | 5 |
| Township 7 | — | 255 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
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 Pratt 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.
- Pratt residents get 15% off flood insurance.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Pratt
Is Pratt at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Pratt has higher expected damage per building than 63% of U.S. towns: C+ for hazard risk, #108 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%) and tornadoes (21%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Pratt flood?
Flood insurance has paid 5 claims in Pratt since 1978, $2K in all, or 1.6 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 67% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Pratt 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 Pratt County, 0.3% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Pratt?
Pratt is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 7), which takes 15% off federal flood insurance policies for its flood-proofing work. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Pratt?
By FEMA money that reached Pratt, Severe Winter Storms (2007): $753K to the City of Pratt for repairs.
Is Pratt at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (47%), and Pratt’s rate for it is lower than 62% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Pratt.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Pratt’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.