USA TODAY: NK Among Worst Prepared For Floods

Superstorm Sandy's wrath wreaked havoc in many coastal communities from New Jersey to New Hampshire – and exposed the undeniable truth for many that they were not prepared for the flooding that accompanied the storm. 

According to USA TODAY, many cities and towns slammed by Sandy have done "little to protect themselves from flood damage, ignoring federal incentives." The article, which ran on the front page of USA TODAY on November 1, said that more than 100 municipalities in areas declared in a federal emergency following storm have been rated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as some of the worst in terms of flood preparedness in the country.

Among them is North Kingstown.

FEMA gives out higher ratings to communities that take such steps as telling the public about flood risk, requiring higher elevations for homes and removing development from property that floods frequently. Communities get bonus points for maintaining drainage systems and providing early warnings about potential flooding.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the worst), North Kingstown received a 9. According to USA TODAY, Portsmouth and Charlestown both receives 8 ratings. Joining NK is the second-worst bracket was Atlantic City, NJ; Toms River, NJ; Stonington, CT and others.

This lower ratings hurt residents right in their wallets, according to the newspaper, as they receive little or no discounts on flood insurance. 

During Superstorm Sandy, North Kingstown saw heavy flooding in Wickford Village where the water crested above bridges and flooded several homes and businesses. During the height of the storm, town officials shut down much of the village and had to evacuate residents from several at-risk homes. A home on Main Street in the village also caught fire after tidal water entered its basement. 

Do you think FEMA's rating is fair? Do you think NK is ill-prepared for flooding?