You can buy it through the federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (www.floodsmart.gov). The federal government makes flood insurance available within participating communities.

You buy it through an insurance agent or company. The company you select:

• Handles the premium billing and collection
• Issues the policy
• Facilitates any claims on behalf of the federal government

To locate an agent in your area, contact Floodsmart.gov at 888-379-9531.

• National Flood Information Program (www.floodsmart.gov)
  800-427-4661
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (www.fema.gov)
  800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362)

You may also contact the Emergency Management office in your own county about flood insurance. (Check the county pages of your local phone book for listings.)