Iowans should prepare for flooding, Culver says

Spring flooding is all but inevitable this year, Gov. Chet Culver warned Thursday, urging Iowa residents to prepare for high water by assembling emergency kits and to consider buying flood insurance.

The biggest dangers are in the basins of the Des Moines, Raccoon, Iowa and Cedar rivers, Culver said at a news conference. He planned to repeat his message later in the day in Fort Dodge, Algona, Mason City and Charles City.

"If we prepare and take these steps and we work together, we can get through this," Culver said.

He said residents in flood-prone areas should act quickly if they want flood insurance, since most policies have a 30-day waiting period before kicking in. As people gather emergency kits, Culver said, they should remember to include critical financial documents.

Ron Dardis, who leads the Rebuild Iowa office created after the record flooding of 2008, added, "We must be prepared for not if but when the next disaster strikes."

Angel Robinson, of the consumer advocate's office at the Insurance Department, said about 15,000 Iowa residents carry flood insurance. Many people are stunned to learn that traditional homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damages, she said.

Governments often offer help to owners of flood-damaged property, but that assistance usually consists of loans, Robinson said.

Wayne Gieselman, an administrator with the Department of Natural Resources, said the greatest flood dangers run from mid-March to mid-April. Deep snow still coats most of the state, and he said some flooding is inevitable as the weather warms.

"It will flood in Iowa somewhere this year," Gieselman said.

Culver said he hoped his trip would lead families to talk about their options in the event of flooding.

"We want all Iowans to understand what resources are available to minimize loss should another flood event occur," he said. "It is especially important for Iowans to be aware of whether they live in or near a flood plain."

-- Associated Press