Doug Bereuter: “This Member rises to urge his colleagues from hurricane-prone areas to remind their constituents and news columns and…”

“This Member rises to urge his colleagues from hurricane-prone areas to remind their constituents and news columns and news releases that hurricane season is quickly approaching and, the key point, that now is the time to review their flood insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage. As of March 1, 1995, the national flood insurance program very appropriately, under congressional direction, imposes a 30-day waiting period between the time the premium is paid and the time the policy takes effect. This important change was made to encourage at-risk individuals to maintain adequate coverage at all times rather than waiting to purchase coverage only when danger is imminent. Constituents must take proper care of their investment by purchasing adequate flood insurance coverage at least 30 days prior to a disaster. Without taking this simple step, they have no standing to ask the other policyholders or the taxpayers to bail them out if their investment is lost due to unexpected flooding. This is fair warning that we should pass on to our constituents.”