If you think your homeowner’s insurance covers flooding, think again. As snow melts, rain falls, and rivers rise, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reminds home owners to learn about flood insurance and buy appropriate coverage. David Maurstad heads FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and says only about 30-percent of properties located in high-risk areas are covered, and only four-percent outside those areas.

Maurstad says the policies are affordable, averaging less than 500-dollars a year in locations that are not flood-prone.

Be advised, after buying flood insurance, there’s a 30-day waiting period before it goes into effect. More information is available at flood-smart-dot-gov.