Insuring the nest before a storm Published Aug. 4, 2008 By Harry Lundy 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Insurance is crucial to have, especially during hurricane season. It provides financial protection to the housing structure and the possessions inside. Purchasing insurance should be completed well in advance of an approaching storm. The closer a storm gets, the less likely a company will provide coverage. Agents will discuss how long their grace period might be. The North Carolina Department of Insurance recommends at least 30 days for a flood policy to go into effect. Arndrea Thomas, the Air Force Aid officer at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, briefs everyone about the importance of purchasing insurance during inprocessing. "It is the responsibility of the member to be insured," Mrs. Thomas said. "The government only insures the structures." If already insured, be sure to review current policies and coverage to avoid any misunderstanding later. Upon getting insured, make an inventory of all items to be covered. Include the number of each item, the year obtained, original cost and the estimate of present value. An inventory list can be obtained from www.ncdoi.com or an insurance agent. If renting, insurance is still needed. The landlord's policy only covers the building. The policies for tenants to provide the coverage needed for damage to personal property are very inexpensive and can be purchased through most insurance companies. Homeowners and renters policies provide coverage for damage by certain events, but not flood waters. Flooding can occur anywhere, so even if the address is not in a flood zone, the home may still be at risk. Flood insurance is provided by the National Flood Insurance Program. It is available in communities that have floodplain management regulations implemented. The goal is to reduce future flood losses. According to John Gerber, the state NFIP coordinator, all towns in Wayne County, except Eureka, participate in and are eligible for the federally backed program. Policies are available through insurance agents across the state. If unsure about the need for flood insurance, ask three starter questions. Is the property near a body of water? Is it in a low lying area? Has the neighborhood flooded before? Insurance agents can help assess the risk. Rates for insurance coverage vary depending on location and elevation. Some mobile home policies provide flood coverage, so check with your agent or company to find out. If there is a water related event and no flood insurance is possessed, one resource still remains. The federal government may have funds from Federal Emergency Management Agency to help. However they may be limited or not enough to compensate for the loss. As a last resort, the Air Force Aid Society might be able to help members who do not have insurance. According to Scott Hald, the emergency assistance director, aid is used to help with food and shelter costs. "Air Force Aid can help those without insurance on a case by case basis," Mr. Hald said. The amount would be determined by Air Force Aid headquarters and be enough to stabilize the family. Mr. Hald made a reminder that the money would be a loan. To make sure household goods are protected, review risks and needs with an agent and put a policy into action as soon as possible. Being covered beforehand will reduce unnecessary worry afterward.