Local insurance agency encourages flood protection

Hattiesburg, Miss - The overwhelming rains and floods last week has caused locals to inquire about flood insurance.

According to floodsmart.gov, "Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn't mean you won't in the future. Flood risk isn't just based on history, it's also based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development."

Local insurance agency, Keith and Lowrimore, has received a 50% increase regarding flood policies, insurance, and inquiries.

Keith and Lowrimore's Sales Producer, Sarah Hayman, mentions that over the past five years 75% of all federally declared disasters involve flooding.

"I do not know how many times I have heard, 'It is not going to flood in my area, I am in a low risk zone' the influx of phone calls that we have received this past week is just crazy. People wanting to get flood insurance because places that have not flooded around here in forever, are now flooding or they got water standing around and they are worried" said Hayman.

On average flood insurance can cost $500 a year depending on the area, which can protect your property and special belongings in the long run.

For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program you can visit fema.gov