Frank A. and Rae E. Harris Kramer House · Photo: Andrew Jameson · CC BY-SA 3.0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Gaylord than almost anywhere in the U.S., mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Gaylord gets an A+ for hazard risk: among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns, #1 of 701 in Michigan. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (65%), then hail (19%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
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 Gaylord 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
Hail
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 Gaylord’s grade
River and rain flooding is 65% of the building damage FEMA expects in Gaylord, and Gaylord’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 99% of U.S. census tracts. Lightning adds 1%, at a rate in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
A+ #1 of 701 in Michigan; among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns (21,298).
Gaylord’s residents live in 3 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Michigan town has lower expected damage than 77% of U.S. towns; within the state, Gaylord has less expected damage per building than 100% of Michigan towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $957K a year in losses across Gaylord: $473K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Gaylord flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Gaylord. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Gaylord
Disasters that paid out in Gaylord itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Gaylord), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2025Severe Winter Storm$401K to the City of Gaylord for repairs
- 1999Mi - Severe Weather 1/2 /99$4K to the City of Gaylord for repairs
Otsego County has had 4 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often winter storms, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Gaylord after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Gaylord archive →Gaylord and its neighbors
Gaylord has the lowest expected damage per building of the 3 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaylord | A+among the lowest damage | river and rain flooding | 0 |
| Livingston Township | A+among the lowest damage | river and rain flooding | — |
| Bagley Township | A+less damage than 97% | 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 Gaylord 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.
- 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.
- 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 Gaylord
Is Gaylord at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Gaylord has among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns: A+ for hazard risk, #1 of 701 in Michigan. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (65%) and hail (19%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Gaylord 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.
How much is flood insurance in Gaylord?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Gaylord’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 Gaylord?
By FEMA money that reached Gaylord, Severe Winter Storm (2025): $401K to the City of Gaylord for repairs.
Is Gaylord at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (65%), and Gaylord’s rate for it is lower than 99% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Gaylord.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Gaylord’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.