Residents urged to buy flood insurance

AUGUSTA — Flooding is always a threat to properties located within a floodplain, but even more so during winter’s river ice and spring rains. Many people believe that their homeowner’s or business owner’s insurance policy will cover any flood related losses but unfortunately, these insurance policies do not cover flood related damages. In order to receive insurance protection related to flood damage, property owners and renters are urged to purchase flood insurance. For more details on the policies available, contact your local insurance agent. There is a 30-day waiting period, before the policy goes into effect.

March and April are historically when flooding occurs in Maine, but heavy rains can cause flooding any time of the year. If you are worried about potential flooding, don’t wait to buy flood insurance. If you don’t do it now, you may be left without any flood coverage when you need it most. It is estimated that up to 75 percent of homes and businesses in floodplains in Maine are not covered by flood insurance. There are 8,902 flood insurance policies in effect in Maine as of the end of February, 2011. There is over $1.8 billion in flood coverage in Maine. The average annual premium is $865. As long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can buy flood insurance no matter where you live.

Additional assistance is available through the Maine Floodplain Management Program at the State Planning Office by calling 624-6200 or 1-800-662-4545 (in state only).