Released: May 1, 2007

With experts predicting another above-average hurricane season beginning June 1, Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon is urging people to protect their home and property against the most frequent natural disaster in Louisiana – floods. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts there will be between 13 and 16 named storms, with four to six of them being major hurricanes.

“Historically, flooding during hurricane season is one of the most costly natural disasters affecting Louisiana,” said Commissioner Donelon. “Residents should learn their flood risk and take steps before the next storm to protect their home or business from potential flood damage. Remember, standard homeowners insurance does not typically cover flood damage,” he said.

Flood insurance backed by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides Homeowners, business owners and renters with the best protection available against flooding. Currently, more than 31 percent of households statewide have flood insurance coverage for losses they would otherwise have to pay for themselves.

"Louisiana has one of the most vulnerable coastlines to flooding in America," Donelon said. "It is imperative that our residents take action to guard against this risk."

“Total flood claims paid nationwide during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons totaled nearly $18 billion – approximately $3 billion more than the NFIP had paid out since the program began in 1978. Yet many properties located in high-risk flood areas remain uninsured or underinsured against floods. We urge all Americans to learn their flood risk and take steps to protect themselves,” said David Maurstad, Director of Mitigation and Federal Insurance Administrator for FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

The risk of hurricanes and related flooding includes the Gulf Coast and entire Eastern seaboard. Many scientists predict warmer waters in the Atlantic will be fuel for stronger hurricanes over the next 15 to 20 years – and storm surge can be a major factor for coastal areas. Flood insurance covers flooding from tidal and storm surge where other policies may not.

Although storm surge caused by hurricanes and tropical storms can wreak havoc on coastal areas, some of the most damaging floods occur hundreds of miles from the shoreline, days after the storm’s initial landfall. As hurricanes and tropical storms move inland, torrential rains and high winds intensify the risks of flooding by rivers and streams.

Contact your insurance agent to purchase flood insurance. National Flood Insurance policies are available to Homeowners, renters and business owners. The average flood insurance policy premium is around $500 a year.

Individuals can learn more about their flood risk by visiting www.ldi.state.la.us, or calling our nationwide toll-free number, 1-800-259-5300. Residents can also visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 for more information about flood risk and the benefit of purchasing a flood insurance policy.

Be Floodsmart – Reduce your Risk

· Learn your flood risk. Properties that are not located in high-risk areas can also flood. Find out your flood risk right now by entering your address at www.FloodSmart.gov “Assess Your Risk.” Your insurance agent can also help you check your risk.

· Plan for evacuation. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route, ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and ensure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.

· Move important objects and papers to a safe place. Store your valuables where they cannot get damaged.

· Conduct a thorough home inventory. Thorough documentation of your belongings will help you file your flood insurance claim. For more information, visit www.knowyourstuff.org.

· Build an emergency supply kit. Food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines, and a battery-operated radio should be ready to go when you are. Visit www.ready.gov for a disaster supply checklist.

· Reduce your flood risk through home improvements. Visit www.FloodSmart.gov to learn about ways to lower your risk of sewer backup, electrical problems, basement flooding and other flood-related issues.

· Purchase a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners insurance does not cover floods and there may be a 30-day wait before a flood policy becomes effective. If you already have a flood policy, remember that your policy needs to be renewed each year.