SEATTLE - Spring is almost here, and heavy rains and melting snow could lead to extreme flooding for thousands of Northwest residents and business owners.

Now is the time to consider purchasing Flood Insurance before waters rise.

The National Flood Insurance Program requires a 30-day waiting period from the time you purchase a flood policy until coverage begins.

Most standard Homeowners and Business insurance policies do not cover losses due to flooding, so everyone at risk for flooding should investigate Flood Insurance available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

"NFIP studies show that people living in floodplains are 27 times more likely to experience a flood during their 30-year mortgage than they are to have a fire," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president. "Last December's massive flooding damaged thousands of homes and displaced hundreds of residents throughout Western Washington and Oregon. If you're in an at-risk area, it makes sense to investigate your options."

NW Insurance Council and NFIP offer these tips as you consider purchasing flood insurance to protect your home during the long rainy season:

• Find out if you are located in a floodplain and if your community participates in the NFIP. Contact your city or county government. Start with the Building or Planning Department and ask to see the Flood Insurance Rate Maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine your Base Flood Elevation.
• If you are at risk for flooding, consider buying as much flood coverage as you can afford, up to the replacement value of your property. Primary residences insured for at least 80 percent of their value, or for the maximum amounts allowed, get replacement cost coverage.
• There is a 30-day waiting period from the time a policy is purchased until you are covered.
• Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plans and create a family plan ahead of time - before a flood threatens.
• Develop an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water and food you don't have to refrigerate or cook. The kit should also contain first aid supplies, a weather radio, batteries, clothing, blankets, medicine, copies of your insurance policies and some basic tools.
• In low-to-moderate flood risk areas, coverage is available for as little as $112 per year if you qualify for a preferred Risk Policy.

If you'd like copies of two brochures Flood: Are You Protected From The Next Disaster? and Things You Should Know About Flood Insurance, contact NW Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942, e-mail info@nwinsurance.org or visit http://www.nwinsurance.org.

NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

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