Storms, floods and disasters in Cogswell
Cogswell isn’t graded for hazard risk: Cogswell has 110 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2011.
What Cogswell 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
Ice storms
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.
Does Cogswell flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2011
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Cogswell, from FEMA’s records.
- The Late spring storms1 claim · $2K
Cogswell isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Sargent County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Cogswell
Disasters that paid out in Cogswell itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Cogswell), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2011Flooding$37K to the City of Cogswell for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2010Flooding$12K to the City of Cogswell for repairs
- 2009Severe Storms and Flooding4 households applied for aid$5K aid approved
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding$6K to the City of Cogswell for repairs
Sargent County has had 29 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Cogswell after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Cogswell archive →Cogswell and its neighbors
How expected damage per building compares across the town line. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harlem Township | — | 119 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Sargent Township | — | 18 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 Cogswell 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.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- 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 Cogswell
Does Cogswell flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Cogswell since 2011, $2K in all. The most claims came from Late spring storms (1).
Is Cogswell 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 Sargent County, 0.1% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Cogswell?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Cogswell’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 Cogswell?
By FEMA money that reached Cogswell, Flooding (2011): $37K to the City of Cogswell for repairs. By flood claims, Late spring storms: 1 paid, $2K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Cogswell.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Cogswell’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.