Photo: Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0Cooper’s building-damage rate from ice storms is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Cooper gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (36%), then ice storms (23%). 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 Cooper 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
Hail
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 Cooper’s grade
River and rain flooding is 36% of the building damage FEMA expects in Cooper, and Cooper’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 85% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 23%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
B− higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Cooper’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.0M a year in losses across Cooper: $534K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Cooper flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Cooper. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Cooper
Disasters that paid out in Cooper itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Cooper), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2021Severe Winter Storms1 households applied for aid$4K to the City of Cooper for repairs
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$84K to the City of Cooper for repairs
Delta County has had 13 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 Cooper after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Cooper archive →Get ready for what Cooper 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.
- 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.
- 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 Cooper
Is Cooper at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Cooper has higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (36%) and ice storms (23%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Cooper 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 Cooper?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Cooper’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 Cooper?
By FEMA money that reached Cooper, Severe Winter Ice Storm (2000): $84K to the City of Cooper for repairs.
Is Cooper at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (36%), and Cooper’s rate for it is lower than 85% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Cooper.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Cooper’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.