Print edition: 
Each Monday, The Eagle highlights a government record that is available to the public. Open records help people keep government in check and help them better understand how government affects their lives.
For a complete list of You Oughta Know columns, go to www.kansas.com/oughta.
The record: With worldwide attention on tsunamis, it might be a good time to see if your property is at risk of flooding. While you aren't at risk of a tsunami in Kansas, spring storms do result in flooding. Floodsmart.gov, the website for the National Flood Insurance Program, can show you if your property is at risk with a flood profile.
Why you'd want it: To know if you should buy flood insurance. It is also helpful information to have when you are buying a home.
Where you get the record: Go to Floodsmart.gov. On the right side of the home page, enter your address in the "One-Step Flood Risk Profile" box.
How much it will cost: The information is free. Flood insurance, however, is not. The site will give you an estimate of how much flood insurance might cost you and agents nearby who are authorized to sell flood insurance.
