In sum, many lessons can be learned from the project. The flood research shows that American society handles flood losses by insuring residents in floodplains and, when disaster strikes, by declaring federal disasters. Most people and businesses located outside of floodplains are not aware that they are at risk of flooding. Although this population is sometimes eligible for flood insurance, it is usually unaware of its eligibility. Unless these uninformed people purchase federal flood insurance or receive a presidential disaster declaration, they effectively have no protection.
Ineligible people have no access to protection without a disaster declaration.
Thus, in the face of increased floods in the 21st century, this research suggests that American society needs to rethink how it provides financial protection against floods. Another major lesson is that government action can have unintended, secondary effects on vulnerability to weather and climate. The government can be a positive agent for reducing vulnerability to weather and climate and for adapting to climate change, but it also can hinder effective adaptation. The government should routinely assess the possible secondary effects of its action on vulnerability and adaptation to climate variation and change. The water managers survey presents three separate lessons.