As flooding season begins, FEMA warns residents about the risks

Star Tribune

Last update: March 18, 2008 - 7:40 PM

THE LATEST: As snow and rain fall and temperatures rise this week, federal officials are urging Minnesotans to act now to protect themselves and their property from spring flooding.

Floods are the nation's most common natural disaster, says the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and states in the Midwest are particularly vulnerable.

MANY UNPROTECTED: Rapid snowmelt, severe storms and heavy rainfall are common in Minnesota every spring. Even so, FEMA notes, fewer than 1 percent of Minnesota residents are insured against flood damage.

In seven of the past 15 Minnesota springs, floods have prompted presidential disaster declarations.

SEPARATE POLICIES: Most homeowners' policies do not cover flood damage. That coverage must be bought separately, and there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a new flood policy takes effect.

The average flood insurance policy costs about $500 a year and is available to renters, business owners and homeowners.

PAUL WALSH

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