Homeowners and renter’s insurance don’t cover everything though. For instance, water that comes into your house from the ground up…for that you’ll need a separate policy…for flood insurance.

If you have time, contact your agent. Review your policy. Make sure it’s up to date and that you understand your coverage. Some policies don’t cover hail or wind damage.

Also, do a home inventory. It can help the insurance adjuster understand exactly what you had so you can be fully compensated.

Next, make sure all of your important documents; financial papers, wills, contact numbers are in the same place so you can grab it and go.

And finally, if you’re ordered to evacuate, leave your home. Belongings can be replaced, you can’t be.

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Iowa County is now a participant in the NFIP effective on June 9, 2008.  Residents of Iowa County will be able to purchase flood insurance up to the limits under the Emergency Phase of the program.  However, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage goes into effect.  For single-family dwellings, the building coverage limit is $35,000, and the contents coverage limit is $10,000.  Renters can also protect their belongings by purchasing contents coverage.  For commercial properties, the building and contents coverage limits are both $100,000.  Higher limits of coverage will be available after the initial Emergency Phase.

Lenders must require borrowers whose properties are located in a designated flood hazard area to purchase flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally backed mortgage loan in accordance with the Federal Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

The NFIP is implemented through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  There are over 4 million flood insurance policies in more than 20,000 participating communities nantionwide.

Marc Racicot, president of the American Insurance Assn. in Washington, D.C., said in a statement that the group also is pleased that S.B. 2284 would forgive the NIFP’s $17 billion debt. The proposed legislation would put the program on sound financial footing and reauthorize the NFIP for five years, he said.

“The Senate also showed good judgment by not adding wind coverage to the NFIP and giving strong consideration to the findings of the Government Accountability Office study, that warned of the operational challenges and possible financial consequences” of doing so, Mr. Racicot said in the statement. “Increasing the operational burden on the NFIP is unnecessary, given that there is adequate wind coverage capacity in every state through either the traditional private market or state residual markets backed by private insurers.”

The AIA will work with the Senate and House of Representatives to reconcile differences in the NFIP reauthorization bills, Mr. Racicot said.

Statistics from the Environment Agency show that there are currently more than 2.2 million homes situated in areas at risk of river or coastal flooding in the UK. Last summer, as many as 50,000 homes were flooded, many of which had never flooded before, highlighting the need for sufficient home insurance.

Even houses that are not directly at risk of flooding can find themselves damaged by surface water flooding when drains become unable to cope with the influx of rain water.

As a result of the damage caused by floods and the real risk they pose to people’s homes and finances, the Environment Agency has recently launched a series of guides aimed at reducing the costs and damage inflicted by floods.

Although it is still early days, the Met Office’s weather forecast for this summer so far is hot and wet, with the risk of incessant rain like last summer viewed as low. However, despite this low risk, flooding is still a real possibility and the guides, advising homeowners on the action to take before, during and after they have been affected, recognise this fact.

Environment Agency chief executive, Barbara Young, said: “People must be prepared for floods and know what to do if the worst happens. We strongly advise that every household in a flood risk area has their own plan of action that can be quickly put in place during a flood emergency.”

As well as emergency action plans, the Environment Agency’s flood guides cover longer term action such as the importance of having the correct home insurance in the first place, on top of how to deal with an insurance claim when the time comes.

David Maurstad, the Flood Insurance Administrator with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, says the key is for people at risk to prepare for the worst. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. And, the spring months bring unique risks to Missouri and other inland states as snow melts and rain storms roll in.

FEMA points out flood damage is not usually covered by the typical homeowner’s insurance policy. And, there is usually a 30-day wait before a flood insurance policy takes effect. So, it’s important for homeowners to make sure they are properly prepared before this year’s storm season kicks into high gear.

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You want to go in, but you know it might not be safe. That was the situation Monday at a home in Ballard.

“We can’t even salvage anything because if we go downstairs, we’ll get electrocuted,” said Shauna Eckhart. “And the lights are still on, so they didn’t pop a breaker. So we know there’s still electricity going there.”

It can be extremely dangerous to enter a flooded building, whether it’s a home, office or apartment. Especially if the utilities are still on.

“I would personally stay out of my basement if there’s flooding in it, until I had time to bring somebody in that knows what they’re doing, either an electrician or somebody else or til the water recedes,” said Chuck Clarke, with Seattle Public Utilities. “I just think being conservative at this point related to electric issues or gas issues or others is a prudent way to go.”

Here’s how to play it safe it your home is flooded:

- When re-entering the building, use flashlights instead of lanterns or candles, in case there’s a gas leak.

- If you know where your circuit breaker is, turn it off for the areas exposed to the flooding. If the electrical panel is threatened by flood waters, contact your power company.

- Call the gas company to turn the gas back on. Don’t try to do it yourself.

- Have a professional check your heating system and electrical system before using it.

A lot of people will need to deal with water-logged vehicles. If the water has reached the engine compartment, don’t start the vehicle. Instead, have it towed to a mechanic.

“Flood water is not only wet, it can be corrosive,” said AAA spokeswoman Janet Ray. “There is the moisture, the water certainly, but then dirt and gravel and other elements that are abrasive materials that could force their way into every seam and crevice in your automobile.

“So you want to make sure that you have a technician who will go through all of the systems.”

For many people, this flooding is going to financially devastating. Home owners insurance policies exclude flood damage so, unless you had flood insurance, you’re out of luck.

For car owners, insurance should cover the water damage if you have comprehensive coverage on the vehicle.

How to drive when the roads are flooding:

“Drive slowly but steadily. Hold on to your steering wheel with both hands so incase you get into an area where water is flowing a little more quickly you can guide your vehicle,” Ray said. ”

Don’t step on the brake when you’re in the middle of the flood waters, just keep driving steadily. Once you’re through then test your brakes, because your brake lining could have gotten wet and you want to make sure you allow that lining dry out. So just lightly put a little pressure on the brake pedal and give it a little chance to dry out an then test it so you’ll know it works when you want it to.

IF YOUR HOUSE IS FLOODED

TO PREVENT FUTURE PROBLEMS

For More Information:

Washington State Department of Health: Weathering Storms

City of Seattle Responds to Historic Rainfall

NW Insurance Council: Flood Insurance

With incidents of severe flooding becoming increasingly common, the insurer has published a set of guidelines to help those who will need to make an insurance claim for damage to their home or possessions, now or in the future.

Check what damage your policy will cover.

Telephone your insurer as soon as possible – they will register the claim and either send a claim form or, if necessary, a loss adjuster to assess the damage.

If temporary emergency repairs are necessary, arrange these immediately and keep receipts, but also let your insurer know as they may wish to inspect the damage before permanent repairs are carried out.

If your insurance provider has a 24-hour helpline they will probably be able to give details of local tradespeople.

Don’t throw away any damaged items, as your insurer may want to inspect them.

Before you return your claim form, double check you have completed all the sections – and sign it – as gaps and omissions will hold up your claim.

Attach any receipts for damaged goods to your claim form – but keep a copy for your own records.

Always have your policy number to hand when you telephone your insurer, as you will be asked to quote it.

Find out whether your insurance covers temporary accommodation if your home has become uninhabitable.

If you have any queries or problems, contact the person from whom you bought the insurance.

If you are flooded do not use electricity or gas, or drink tap water, until the all clear is given.

The insurer is also reminding all homeowners of its website, http://www.helpimflooded.co.uk. The site was the first of its kind to be launched by a major insurer and is aimed at anyone affected by the recent floods, as well as homeowners worried that they may be at risk of future flooding.

As well as general advice on how to deal with the immediate consequences of flooding, the site includes:

A step by step guide to help people form local community groups as a way of raising their concerns with the authorities.

A section warning of the danger of rogue traders – and providing tips on how to spot them.

Preventative measures – including a guide for homeowners who want to find out whether they are at risk of flooding.

Advice for homeowners on what to do following a flood warning in their area.

A list of essential contacts for anyone at risk or affected by floods, including details of the Environment Agency and other insurance companies.

Phil Loney, managing director, Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: “Although the anticipated floods have not hit the UK as badly as expected this time around, there’s no changing the fact that this type of severe weather is becoming more common. That makes it more important than ever for homeowners prepare themselves for the worst.

“With the right preparation and know-how, it is often possible to get things back to normal relative quickly, even if your home is damaged. The advice we offer – and the information on our website www.helpimflooded.co.uk – is designed to help ensure that when you have a claim, it is dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Lloyds TSB buildings and contents insurance customers who need advice, or wish to register a claim, should call the claim helpline number given in their policy booklet, or contact their nearest branch.

“This sound investment may offer peace of mind for these policyholders as the rainy season approaches,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “It also should be a wake-up call for those who are without flood coverage.”

“Californians know first-hand that when wildfires burn off hillside vegetation, flooding and mudflows may not be far behind,” said State Coordinating Officer Henry Renteria of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

“Reduced vegetation lessens the amount of rainwater the burn areas can absorb and destabilizes hillsides. After intense or prolonged rains, the risk of flooding and mudflows increases. Destabilization during and after intense and prolonged rains puts residents at increased risk of danger to persons and property,” said Renteria.

Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. However, most Californians can buy flood insurance through the federally-sponsored NFIP.

The NFIP program has a 30-day waiting period, giving Californians a chance to enroll before the winter rains begin.

Since 1968, Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) has offered flood insurance coverage through the NFIP at a reasonable cost. Over the lifetime of a 30-year mortgage, people who live in floodplains are five times more likely to experience a flood compared to a fire.

“Buying flood insurance puts you back in control,” said FEMA’s NFIP Program Specialist Cynthia McKenzie, who is working this disaster. “Maintaining an NFIP policy is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect yourself against financial ruin from flood damage, and with flood insurance, claims are paid even if the President does not declare a federal disaster.”

Coverage is available for homeowners, business owners, and renters. Customers have the option to purchase building coverage, contents coverage, or both.

Policies start at $20,000 and can go up to $250,000 for residential buildings and up to $500,000 for non-residential buildings. Contents coverage starts at $8,000 and can go up to $100,000 for residential and $500,000 for non residential.

The NFIP is based on an agreement between local communities and the federal government. Communities that participate in NFIP must implement programs that reduce flood risks through building codes and zoning regulations.

More information about NFIP or names of nearby agents is available by calling 1-800-427-2419 or visiting www.floodsmart.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

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The flood protection regulations will be enforced by the city’s zoning enforcement officer — and if necessary by court action and fines.

With the the ordinance in effect, property owners now are qualified to participate in the Federal Emergency and Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, according to City Engineer Mike Etscheid. The program, which has been around since 1968, is optional for communities. But for those willing to adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance to reduce future flood risks, flood insurance is made available to property owners.

Marseilles is not in a designated flood plain, Etschied notes. But, as scores of residents found our firsthand in August, that does not mean their property will not flood.

In fact, FEMA points out on its floodsmart.gov Web site, “floods are often caused by storms, melting snow, hurricanes and water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, dam or levee failure. And most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover costly flood damage.”

At the Federal Emergency and Management Agency’s www.floodsmart.gov Web site, property owners can enter their property address and learn: