FEMA reminds New England residents to obtain flood insurance
Throughout much of the first week of October, heavy amounts of rainfall reminded homeowners that the New England area has yet to fully recover from Hurricane Irene. As a result, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has reminded residents that now is the time to buy flood insurance.
Because flood insurance takes 30 days to go into effect, FEMA said homeowners should obtain it as quickly as possible if they want to be covered during a heavy rainfall or hurricane event.
In order to purchase flood coverage, homeowners should get in touch with the same company that provides their property insurance. A standard flood insurance policy will cover damage to belongings as well as any water damage to the residence itself, FEMA indicates.
The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by FEMA through private homeowners insurance companies. Residents can only take advantage of the NFIP if their community participates in the program, which most do. In Maine, of the state's 1,006 communities, 973 take part in the program.
The average annual premium for flood insurance through the NFIP is $866, FEMA estimates.
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