Standard homeowners insurance policies and standard business insurance policies do not provide protection against floods. It is a hard lesson that has been learned by some in Delaware in the past. And it is an unfortunate reality that many people don't find out until it's too late.

While some private companies offer flood insurance, most flood insurance in the U.S. is backed by the federal government under the National Flood Insurance Program. It is available to home and business owners through local insurance agents. Under the NFIP, home coverage is available up to $250,000 and up to $100,000 of coverage is available for personal possessions.

Premiums for flood insurance are based on risk of flooding as well as the age and construction of a home, but nationally, the average premium is $438 a year.

An important thing to know about flood insurance is that, once purchased, it does not take effect for 30 days. So don't wait until a storm is approaching to buy flood insurance.

A website at www.floodsmart.gov will assess the flood risk for any address as well as provide a list of insurance agents in the area that offer NFIP-backed insurance.

Flood insurance can and - for some people - will be the difference between recovery and financial ruin. The people of Delaware should be aware of the need and advisability of flood insurance for themselves, and Delaware's insurance agents and local governments can be a part of the solution as well.

For insurance agents, Commissioner Denn has added a course of flood insurance to the continuing education that is required for insurance agents who sell homeowners insurance to maintain their license.

For local governments, Commissioner Denn has provided information to each town, city and county government in Delaware on the Community Rating System of the federal flood insurance program. Residents in communities that undertake specific flood preparation and prevention activities can get discounts on their flood insurance between 5 and 45 percent.

The activities range from public awareness and data collection, to preserving undeveloped floodplain land, to maintaining an updated flood response plan, to relocating floodprone buildings. Some activities governments are already doing may qualify them for CRS credit, and the more activities a government performs, the higher the premium discount is for its citizens.

Information for local governments about CRS is online at www.fema.gov/nfip/crs.shtm or call the Insurance Commissioner's Office at (302) 674-7300.