Chicagoland Get Ready It Is National Flood Safety Awareness Week

Now is the time to prepare for seasonal flooding

With the potentially dangerous combination of springtime rains on top of the record-setting snowfalls this winter, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is urging homeowners, renters, and businesses to prepare for flooding.

Last April residents and people traveling through Des Plaines had to contend with record setting flood conditions that made many roads impassable. This serves as a reminder that National Flood Safety Awareness Week March 16 – 22 is a good opportunity to ensure you and your property are ready.

As a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, PCI is committed to working with NOAA and other Ambassadors to strengthen national resilience against extreme weather.

“Although much of the country is dealing with this latest round of winter weather, spring showers will be here soon and the combination of snow on the ground and rain in the air could potentially cause flooding in many parts of the nation including Illinois,” said Chris Hackett, director of personal lines for PCI. “Flooding is the most common form of natural disasters and these events can occur with little warning. This means advance preparation and understanding the flood risk in your area is vitally important.”

In addition to having an emergency kit and family communications plan, strongly consider purchasing flood insurance no matter where you live. Flood insurance must be purchased separately from your homeowners insurance. It can be purchased through your insurance agent or by contacting the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, it’s important to note that NFIP policies don’t take effect for 30 days, so the sooner you purchase additional coverage the better prepared you’ll be for whatever extreme weather may come our way.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA. You can call NFIP 888-379-9531 or visit the website at www.floodsmart.gov. 

PCI will continue to conversation on twitter @PCIAA and use #becovered #FloodSafety where we will share important tips and stories throughout the week.

For more information visit PCI’s Flooding Headquarters.