MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to learn about flood risks across the state and available flood insurance options as part of Flood Insurance Awareness Week.
The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts’ 2021 Assessment Report suggests that the past decade was the wettest on record. Flooding has historically been the state’s most common natural hazard, so flood insurance can play an important role in helping property owners and renters manage their financial impacts.
Sarah Rafajko, the DNR’s national flood insurance program coordinator, said many Wisconsinites assume their regular home, renters, or business policies will cover flood damage, but that is not often the case.
“Last summer’s flood event really pointed out the need to make sure that renters also understand that their renters insurance is not going to cover damages as a result of a flood,” Rafajko said.
Flood Insurance Awareness Week began on Sunday and will end on the 7th, giving people more than the 30-day waiting period to sign up for insurance coverage. This comes before spring snowmelt and heavy rains arrive.
Rafajko recommends that people compare National Flood Insurance Program policies with private flood insurance and talk with their agents about adding sewer-backup coverage.
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Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.