Photo: Dincher · CC BY-SA 3.0FEMA puts Vass’s expected hazard damage per building below that of 73% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Vass gets a B+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (59%), then hurricanes (19%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2018.
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 Vass’ natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Vass 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
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
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 Vass’ grade
River and rain flooding is 59% of the building damage FEMA expects in Vass, and Vass’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 74% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 3%, at a rate in the top 9% of U.S. census tracts.
B+ lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Vass’ residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $323K a year in losses across Vass: $241K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Vass flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2018
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Vass, from FEMA’s records: 3.0 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 52% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- Hurricane Michael1 claim · $75K
- Hurricane Debby1 claim · $4K
Vass isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Moore County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Vass
Disasters that paid out in Vass itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Vass), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2018Hurricane Florence165 households applied for aid$429K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2016Hurricane Matthew165 households applied for aid$228K aid approved
Moore County has had 18 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often hurricanes and tropical storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Vass after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Vass archive →Get ready for what Vass 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.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- 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.
- 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 Vass
Is Vass at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Vass has lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns: B+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (59%) and hurricanes (19%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Vass flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Vass since 2018, $79K in all, or 3.0 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 52% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Hurricane Michael (1).
Is Vass 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 Moore County, 51% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 1.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Vass?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Vass’ 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 Vass?
By FEMA money that reached Vass, Hurricane Florence (2018): 165 households applied for aid, $429K approved. By flood claims, Hurricane Michael: 1 paid, $75K.
Is Vass at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (59%), and Vass’ rate for it is lower than 74% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Vass.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Vass’ 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.