SPECIAL REPORT: Tips on minimizing flood damage

With Northern California rivers and reservoirs at their highest levels in seven years, residents can make pre-flood preparations to lessen the damage to their families, homes and belongings. Following are tips Allstate recommends, that independent insurance agents might want to share with their customers as well.

Be prepared

National flood insurance

“Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, but reasonably priced protection may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program,” said Rich Halberg, spokesman for Allstate Insurance Company in California. “Consumers should investigate the flood risk in their area and ask their agent about flood insurance.”

National Flood Insurance Program policies do not take effect until 30 days after the purchase date, Halberg cautioned. “Buying a flood insurance policy today does not mean you’ll be covered for the storms expected this week,” he said. “But keep in mind that the rainy season runs through March, and sometimes later into the spring.”

Be safe
When a flood becomes imminent, Allstate then recommends:

If policyholders are seeking more information about getting prepared for disasters, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and California First Lady Maria Shriver have produced the brochure, “10 Ways You Can Be Disaster Prepared.”