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Time Is Running Out To Get Flood Insurance

By Susie Jones, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- As the spring flooding season quickly approaches, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is reminding people to prepare for the event.

Consumers and businesses are being urged to contact their insurance agents to talk about coverage and determine whether any steps can be taken now to protect them from costly damages their property might sustain in what could be another record year of flooding.

Commerce Department spokesperson Nichole Garrison Sprenger says now is the time to make decisions about flood insurance too.  She says flood insurance policies do not become active until after a 30-day waiting period, so it's best to act now.

Officials with the National Weather Service say virtually every river in the state is at risk of flooding this spring. And most people assume damage caused by flooding is covered by homeowners insurance.

But Garrison Sprenger says that's not the case. She says after you call your agent, you could visit the website, http://www.floodsmart.gov/ for more information.

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