Marshall County Courthouse · Photo: Ammodramus · CC0Less hazard damage per building is expected in Britton than in 80% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Britton gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (50%), then tornadoes (17%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2011.
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 Britton 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
Wildfire
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 Britton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 50% of the building damage FEMA expects in Britton, and Britton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 88% of U.S. census tracts. Wildfire adds 13%, at a rate in the top 5% of U.S. census tracts.
A− lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Britton’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.7M a year in losses across Britton: $643K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Britton flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2011
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Britton, from FEMA’s records: 1.8 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 65% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Late spring storms1 claim · $7K
1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Britton
Disasters that paid out in Britton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Britton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding45 households applied for aid$48K aid approved
Marshall County has had 17 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Britton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Britton archive →Get ready for what Britton 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.
- Clear dead leaves and brush within 5 feet of the house.
- Sign up for local alerts and know two ways out.
- Keep N95 masks for smoky days.
- 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 Britton
Is Britton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Britton has lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (50%) and tornadoes (17%). 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 Britton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Britton since 2011, $7K in all, or 1.8 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 65% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Late spring storms (1).
Is Britton 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 Britton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Britton’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 Britton?
By FEMA money that reached Britton, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2007): 45 households applied for aid, $48K approved. By flood claims, Late spring storms: 1 paid, $7K.
Is Britton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (50%), and Britton’s rate for it is lower than 88% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Britton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Britton’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.