When you're shopping for a home, you may want to ask whether your potential new property is in a high-risk flood zone. But even if it's not, the truth is that any home can experience a flood. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), even if you live in an area with low or moderate flood risk, you are five times more likely to experience a flood than a fire in your home over the next 30 years.

It's important to know that homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, but you may be able to purchase a separate flood insurance for that kind of protection. FEMA says about 25 percent of flood insurance claims are for properties that are not in high-risk flood zones. So, no matter your home's flood risk, you still may want to consider buying flood insurance.

Before you buy a home, it's a good idea to gain a better understanding of its flood risk and steps you can take to help protect it.