La. Residents Urged to Purchase Flood Insurance to Protect Properties

As Louisiana continues to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, officials are offering a reminder that all property owners living and doing business in areas designated as flood zones by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) should purchase flood insurance.

Everyone is at risk of flooding. Flood insurance is key in hurricane preparedness, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. It is important that property owners protect their property before the next storm hits. It is crucial that homeowners do not procrastinate; in general, a flood insurance policy does not take effect until 30 days after the policy is purchased.

Through the NFIP, a homeowner can insure their home up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000. A renter can cover their belongings up to $100,000. A non-residential property owner can insure their building and its contents up to $500,000 .

To learn how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a National Flood Insurance Policy and about the benefits of protecting homes and property against flooding, visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 or TTY 1-800-427-5593 for individual with speech or hearing impairment.