June 1, 2009 marks the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season. In addition to knowing appropriate safety precautions, FEMA recommends protecting your property now with a flood insurance policy. It typically takes 30 days from the time of purchase for a policy to become effective.

“Past hurricane seasons have shown that storms can form as early as the beginning of June, so property owners can’t afford to wait to buy flood insurance,” said Ed Connor, Acting Federal Insurance Administrator and Acting Assistant Administrator, FEMA Mitigation Directorate. “Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage and, without flood insurance, property owners may have to absorb the financial losses on their own. Just a few inches of water can cost thousands of dollars in repairs and, in this economy, few can afford that potential drain on their savings.”

FEMA: 30 Days Until Hurricane Season (FEMA 4/29/09)

Updated PIA National Hurricane Flyers Available: Updated informational flyers on insurance and hurricane preparedness are now available from PIA National:

Hurricane Tips for Homeowners (color PDF)
Hurricane Tips for Homeowners (B&W PDF)

May 5, 2009