Mainers Urged to Consider Flood Insurance

State officials are urging Mainers to consider buying flood insurance if their home or business is located close to a body of water.

The Maine Floodplain Management Program says standard home- and business-owners’ insurance policies do not cover flood-related damages. A separate flood insurance policy can be purchased through local insurance agents.

Consumers are urged to act quickly, because there’s often a 30-day waiting period before new policies take effect.

March and April are historically the months when flooding occurs in Maine, but heavy rains can cause flooding any time of the year. It’s estimated that up to 75 percent of homes and businesses in floodplains in Maine are not covered by flood insurance.