Rhode Island Urges Homeowners to Purchase Flood Insurance

Rhode Island emergency officials are urging property owners to purchase flood insurance to protect against the kind of flooding that did massive damage in the state two years ago.

Floodplain coordinator Michelle Burnett of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency says a flood policy is critical for homes and businesses in floodplains. March and April are the months during which flooding has traditionally affected Rhode Island most.

In 2010, the Pawtuxet River breached its banks and did millions of dollars’ worth of damage.

The state says only 3 percent of the nearly 500,000 homes and businesses in Rhode Island have flood insurance. The average annual policy premium is $1,200. This week is National Flood Awareness Week.