FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program program provides coverage for rising water, which is not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Almost 90 private insurance companies work with FEMA to provide flood insurance coverage to communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The communities agree to implement certain ordinances to mitigate the risk of flooding to the area. In exchange for following FEMA guidelines to help reduce the risk of flooding, the federal government backs the flood insurance program in that area, allowing homeowners to purchase FEMA flood insurance through private insurance companies.

Who can buy FEMA Flood Insurance?

Anyone who lives in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program is eligible to buy flood insurance, including renters and condo owners. Even if you live in an area with a high probability of flooding, you can get flood insurance if your community participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance program. FEMA flood insurance is for residential and commercial property owners as well as condo or apartment renters and owners.

What does FEMA Flood Insurance cover?

FEMA flood insurance provides two types of coverage, building and contents. Some of the items covered by building flood insurance are the building itself, appliances, certain floor coverings, plumbing and electrical. Clothing, washers and dryers, microwaves and window air conditioners are examples of items covered under contents.

Causes of flooding

Flooding can be caused by a number of things including spring thaws, heavy rains, tropical storms and hurricanes. According to the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program website, Tropical Storm Allison dumped a whopping 30 inches of rain on Houston, Texas causing severe and widespread flooding. Hurricanes can push storm surges ahead of them and dump rain far inland causing a great deal of damage and flooding.

Where can I find information for FEMA Insurance?

The FEMA National Flood Insurance Program website at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/about/nfip_overview.jsp, gives more information on obtaining flood insurance, risks of flooding, and the program itself. It also includes a section on preparing for a flood and what to do afterwards to begin your recovery.