Eileen Ambrose offered an important reminder today: if you need flood insurance, get it now.
The National Flood Insurance Program has already been suspended twice this year due to Congressional squabbling, and as it stands it's set to lapse a third time on May 31 --- otherwise known as the start of hurricane season.
People with existing policies will be covered, so it's best to get that squared away, just in case.
But how do you know whether you need flood insurance?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers a one-step flood risk profile calculator on its Floodsmart.gov website (it's the red box on the left side of the page, under the links).
The site will provide contact info for insurance agents that will sell you the policies.
Even those at low to moderate risk are encouraged to purchase coverage because 25 percent of claims come from low- to moderate-risk areas, according to FEMA. Homeowners in low risk areas may qualify for low-cost "preferred risk policies" with annual premiums that start at $39 for the contents of their homes, or the building and contents for $119 (without a basement).
(photo: Chiaki Kawajiri/Baltimore Sun)