Even though we are not in the insurance business, this is the time of year when we encourage South Mississippians to give serious consideration to obtaining or retaining flood insurance.

To quote from floodsmart.gov, the Web site of the National Flood Insurance Program, which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

“Since standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S.

“In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. .

“Anywhere it rains, it can flood. . Many conditions can result in a flood: hurricanes, broken levees, outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall.

“Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Flood risk isn’t just based on history, it’s also based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development.”

The current dry conditions will soon be washed away by torrential rainfall. Be sure you’re prepared for the consequences.

Online:

http://www.sunherald.com