WINDSOR, Conn. – Springtime brings with it the risk of flooding, but flood damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Only a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program provides flood insurance, but it takes 30 days to go into effect.

The sooner a homeowner or business owner purchases flood insurance, the sooner their property will be covered against the destructive hazard of flooding. A separate policy is required to cover a structure’s contents.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages those lacking flood insurance to visit www.floodsmart.gov, the official website of the National Flood Insurance Program. Find out more about flood risks, residential and commercial coverage, preparation and recovery.

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week (March 3 – 9) is an opportunity for all individuals, families and communities to focus on disaster preparedness. A disaster supply kit is essential – make sure that your family has the provisions needed for each individual. Get information on preparedness from local emergency management agencies or from FEMA at www.ready.gov/severe-weather and develop a plan so that your family knows what to do when disaster strikes.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.