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Gov. Northam urges Virginians to buy flood insurance before hurricane season

Governor Northam is encouraging everyone to get flood insurance
Credit: Stocktrek Images
August 27, 2011 - Satellite view of Hurricane Irene after it made landfall in Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Irene's outer bands are extended into New England.

RICHMOND, Va. (WVEC) -- Governor Northam is encouraging all Virginians to purchase or renew flood insurance before May 1.

Policies require 30 days to go into effect, and May 1 is just a month before the official start of hurricane season.

READ MORE: Hurricane Guide: Flood Insurance

“I urge Virginians to take steps now to protect their lives, their properties, and their financial livelihoods,” said Governor Northam. “Make buying flood insurance a key component of your emergency plan, whether you live near the water or not.”

Flooding is the most common natural disaster, and many people do not realize that standard homeowners and renters insurance do not cover flooding damages.

During Hurricane Matthew in October of 2016, more than 2,000 homes in Virginia were damaged.

For information on flooding, and for access to the Virginia Flood Risk Information System from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, click here.

Virginians can go to FloodSmart.gov for information on flood insurance options.

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