Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Virginia, and it is costly. Just one inch of water in a home or office leads to about $8,000 in cleanup, including replacing drywall, baseboards, floor coverings, furniture, and some utilities and heating equipment.

Homeowner's and business insurance policies typically do not cover flooding. As spring flooding season approaches, Virginians should talk with their agents now about flood insurance because there is normally a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Flood insurance is available to all types of property owners and tenets, including renters.

"Historically, Virginia has experienced more than $400 million in flood damage each decade since the 1950s," said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. "Having flood insurance is an important way to protect yourself from major, unexpected losses."

Virginians don't have to live in high risk areas to be at risk for floods. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding. About 25 percent of flood claims happen outside of special flood hazard areas, yet just 4.3 percent of Virginia households in low- to moderate-risk areas are covered with flood insurance protection.

Flood insurance pays benefits even if a federal disaster is not declared. Federal disaster assistance is available only if the president declares a disaster, and more than 90% of all U.S. disasters are not presidentially declared.

Here are several reasons to talk to your agent now about the National Flood Insurance Program and what flood insurance does and does not cover:

• Spring flooding is almost here.
• There is a usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
• Coverage is relatively inexpensive.
• Renters can buy flood insurance contents coverage for personal belongings or business inventory. Landlords are only responsible for insurance on buildings.
• Basement coverage includes cleanup expense and repair or replacement of items such as furnaces, water heaters, washers, dryers, air conditioners, freezers and pumps.
• You do not have to repay flood insurance benefits as you do with disaster-related assistance loans. You can receive payments for flood-related losses even if no disaster was declared.
• New Flood Insurance Rate Maps are coming from the NFIP to more accurately reflect flood risks in communities. If you are not in a high hazard area now but close to one, it may be worthwhile to get flood insurance now at a lower rate in case your risk changes.
• Buying flood insurance is the best thing you can do to protect your home and business and your family's financial security from a flood.

Go to www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 for information about flood insurance.

To learn about preparing in advance for disasters and emergencies including flooding, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov for more information.

National Flood Safety Awareness Week, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is March 15-19.