FEMA Urges Individuals to Get Flood Insurance Protection: 30-Day Countdown to the 2008 Hurricane Season Begins May 1

WASHINGTON, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One month from the beginning of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season (June 1), officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge Americans to prepare their homes and businesses for the heightened flood risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Flood insurance is essential to help protect against the devastating effects of flooding, but the time to act is now; there is typically a 30-day wait before a policy takes effect.

Past hurricane seasons have illustrated that the consequences of seasonal flooding can be devastating. Eight of the top ten most expensive federally declared disasters have been caused by hurricanes. Last hurricane season alone, two storms caused a total of more than $75 million in flood damage. However, many people across the U.S. still lack adequate protection from flood damage, causing them to absorb financial losses on their own or seek limited funding from other sources to rebuild or repair in the wake of a storm.

"Natural disasters are unpredictable and we should not let the past two hurricane seasons, which have been relatively quiet, give us a false sense of security. Flooding and hurricanes go hand in hand, and now is the time to make sure you are properly protected," said David Maurstad, FEMA's Assistant Administrator of Mitigation and Federal Insurance Administrator.

FEMA reminds residents that they can take simple, responsible action to lessen their vulnerability to flooding. Most homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by floods - obtaining a flood insurance policy is the best way to financially protect your property.

Flood risks associated with hurricane season extend beyond the Gulf and Southeastern coasts. The largest amounts of rainfall from hurricanes are often produced by slow moving storms that stall out miles from a shoreline. As these storms move inland, high winds and torrential rains increase the likelihood of flooding.

"Floodwaters do not stop at coastlines and floodplain boundaries; everyone is at risk. It is important to insure your property no matter where you live," said Maurstad. "However, all homeowners, renters, and businesses located in the Nation's high-risk areas, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas, simply must be insured against flood."

Flood insurance is available through nearly 90 insurance companies in more than 20,400 participating communities nationwide. Everyone can purchase flood insurance - renters, business owners, and homeowners. Flood insurance is also affordable. The average flood insurance policy is around $500 a year. And in low- to moderate-risk areas, homeowners can protect their properties with low-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) that start at less than $120 a year. Individuals can learn more about their flood risk by visiting www.FloodSmart.gov or calling 1-800-427-2419.

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 terrorism.