Prepared for a Flood?

Meltoff, Heavy Rains Prompt Consumers To Consider Flood Insurance

The Connecticut Insurance Department and Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) issued their support of the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration-sponsored 2008 National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 17–21.

The agencies remind residents that floods threaten homes from coast to coast — and they can happen anytime, anywhere, and without warning. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that their homes and property are protected from flood damages by maintaining traditional homeowners’ insurance, but they are not. 

Unfortunately, most people do not learn this important fact until they are faced with a devastating loss. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that between 20 and 25 percent of all flood claims are outside an identified floodplain.

The Nor’easter of April 2007 resulted in individual and public damages exceeding $9 million, according to DEMHS. Through the National Flood Insurance Program, consumers can purchase up to $250,000 of coverage on the structure of their home.

Consumers interested in flood insurance should act quickly, as it takes 30 days for a flood policy to become effective.

“Houses near a river or the shore are not the only homes at risk of flooding,” Commissioner Thomas R. Sullivan said. “It is important for homeowners to learn their risk and evaluate their coverage needs.”

Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Commissioner James Thomas said homeowners in Connecticut should all be looking at their risk to flooding and take the appropriate actions to mitigate against it and consider purchasing flood insurance to be better protected in the event that it does occur. 

“By purchasing this protection, a homeowner remains in control of replacing their damaged property in the event of a flood,” he said. “An affected homeowner does not have to wait for a Presidential Declaration of disaster to submit a claim and begin the recovery process.”

Before snowmelt and spring rains bring the potential for flooding, the Connecticut Insurance Department and Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security suggest all homeowners and renters review their flood insurance needs. Contact the at www.floodsmart.gov or call 800-427-4661 for more information about flood insurance. 

Connecticut consumers with questions about any insurance issue may call the Connecticut Insurance Department at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900 for assistance.