HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The threat of severe flooding in parts of the Midwest is so great the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created a new
category - "High Risk" - to distinguish it from the existing "Above
Average" category for flooding potential. NOAA's National Weather
Service Spring Outlook says the upper Midwest is on watch because of
deep snowpack and recent heavy rain.
While spring flooding is considered a high risk in the Midwest, it
doesn't mean the rest of the country is immune. Flooding is the number
one natural disaster in the country and happens in all fifty states.*
What's more, homeowners should be aware that it doesn't take much water
to do serious damage to a home and the only way to be protected
financially is with a flood
insurance policy.
"Just a couple inches of water can lead to thousands of dollars in
damage and most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused
by flood," said Chantal Cyr, vice president of Travelers' Flood
Division. "If you're not sure you're covered for flood, we can't stress
it enough, check with your insurance agent. It's a quick call that could
protect your financial future."
Cyr also stresses the importance of considering flood insurance well
before floodwaters threaten. "In most cases, it takes thirty days from
the purchase date for a flood policy to take effect," added Cyr.
Travelers.com
offers more tips and information about flood insurance and flood stories
from people whose homes were ravaged by floodwaters.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV)
is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through
independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and
business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers
is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company's
diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of
coverage in the auto,
home
and business
settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2008 revenues of
approximately $24 billion. The company has 33,000 employees. For more
information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.
* Federal Emergency Management Agency
Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Contact: Media:
Sheila Trauernicht, 860-277-7461
strauern@travelers.com
or
Matt Bordonaro, 860-277-7014
mbordona@travelers.com