Once again, folks in Wisconsin are experiencing significant flooding.

It is not "unheard of " or "beyond belief " or "could not be predicted " flooding, but flooding which can be expected from time to time, and has occurred a number of times in the last 15 years.

Is flooding increasing?

Yes, for a number of reasons.

First, changes in rain patterns are occurring. It makes no difference if you think it is caused by global warming or something else -- the reality is that while average yearly rainfall may remain fairly constant, rain occurs through less frequent but more intense storms during the year.

Secondly, as development changes watersheds by converting farm land and forests to rooftops and big box parking lots, less water soaks in and more rain runs off into our streams and rivers. This increases the amount of water from each rain event in our streams and thus increases the flood heights.

Another reason flooding is increasing is that we continue to manage development to be elevated to yesterday 's flood instead of tomorrow 's flood.

Because of these changing factors, flood heights will increase.

When a new flood map is produced, it will likely show higher flood levels. It is important communities use better data and that property owners know their true risk and build accordingly.

Further, while many people seem to think it only can flood in that 100-year floodplain shown on the map, there is flood risk beyond that.

Just ask the folks who lost their homes in Lake Delton. They may have been above the 100-year flood level, but they were not safe from a larger storm.

Each property is subject to a variable risk of flooding, it just depends on how big the flood must be to impact each of them.

Here 's what can you do to protect your life and property:

Buy flood insurance. Anyone, anywhere, can buy flood insurance as long as his or her community has joined and complies with the minimal requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

A primary responsibility of your community is public safety, and flood safety is no different than fire or police safety. Insist your community leaders join and comply with the NFIP.

If you live near water, know your flood risk. If your property may be flooded, know how to evacuate yourself and your family. Homes and possessions can be replaced, but life is precious and cannot.

Avoid building in floodplains, the high-risk flood areas.

Don 't build in a way that pushes flood water on other people 's property. That is not a good neighbor policy and may create liability for you.

Do not drive through flood water. This causes the most deaths from floods. Six to 12 inches of water can float any vehicle, and moving water will carry away people and vehicles.

The most effective way to reduce losses from floods is to move from or avoid flood risk areas. The federal government cannot prevent flooding or make us whole after a flood. Only by accepting personal and community responsibility will we reduce the adverse impacts of flooding.

Larson is executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers.