Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Now that forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say there could be many as 17 tropical storms and as many as eight hurricanes this season, homeowners may want to consider buying flood insurance.
“Your standard homeowner’s insurance is going to cover you for the wind-caused damage. We’re talking hurricane, tornado. You’re covered for that. But flood? You need a flood insurance policy,” says Mike Barry, spokesman for the Insurance Information Institute.
Barry says even people who live inland need to look into flood insurance.
He points to Hurricane Irene, which hit the East Coast between Aug. 27, 2011 and Aug. 29 of 2011, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in flood damage.
Flood insurance can be purchased at the National Flood Insurance Program or from a private company.
Related Stories:
- U.S. forecasters raise Atlantic hurricane outlook
- June 29: Congress votes to keep flood insurance program
- Photos of Hurricane Irene
- Forbes: Understanding flood insurance
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