Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Do you need flood insurance?

Above-average snowpacks could mean flooding this spring

---

By JASON KAUFFMAN
Express Staff Writer

In light of the above-average snowpacks occurring in most of Idaho's river basins, officials with the Idaho Department of Water Resources are advising people to purchase flood insurance soon so it is effective this spring.

The deeper than normal snowpacks, which include the local Big and Little Wood river basins, mean a significantly increased risk of flooding this winter and spring, a recent IDWR news release states.

According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, as of Tuesday the snowpack in the Big Wood Basin was 112 percent of normal and in the Little Wood Basin to the east it was at 114 percent of normal.

In most instances there is a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance coverage from the time a policy is purchased until it becomes effective, said Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security's Dave Jackson in the news release.

"This means that Idaho home and business owners need to act now to protect themselves from potential flooding," Jackson said.

The IDWR notes that homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flooding. A separate National Flood Insurance Program insurance policy is needed and can be purchased from an insurance agent.

• acheter viagra
• comprar viagra
• viagra

To find more information on the National Flood Insurance Program and to find an insurance agent near you visit www.floodsmart.gov.