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As the temperatures drop across the country and residents are in the beginning stages of holiday planning, it is important to remember that the winter months bring the majority of the year's rainfall to states on the Pacific Coast. This year's extensive wildfires increase the risk for floods and mudslides as areas that have lost vegetation have a hard time absorbing the heavy, winter rains.

However, since flooding in the late fall and early winter can happen anywhere, the NFIP encourages you to have your customers visit FloodSmart.gov to assess flood risk and be sure they are prepared for what the winter can bring. Additionally, be sure to remind your customers of the following:

• Now is the time to get protected for the winter season
• A heavy snow and rapid thaw, ice jams, or strong winter storms can bring floods to all regions
• A flood insurance policy should be purchased immediately to reduce financial losses. It typically takes 30 days for a new policy to take effect
• Existing policies should be reviewed to ensure that enough coverage is in place for both the structure and its contents
• It is important for customers to:
  • Develop a flood plan
• Plan evacuation routes
• Keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place
• Itemize and take pictures of possessions

In the unfortunate case any of your customers suffer a flood this season, these materials will help you assist them as they recover from flood damage and navigate the claims process.

• After the Flood Fact Sheet: Helpful information for residents after a flood event
  
• Filing Your Flood Insurance Claim: A checklist for policyholders as they navigate the claims process
  
• NFIP Summary of Coverage: An explanation to help policyholders understand their flood insurance policies
  
• NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook: A policyholder's step-by-step guide to filing a claim

Please email us at info@femafloodsmart.com with any questions about NFIP and FloodSmart, and continue to visit FloodSmart.gov and Agents.FloodSmart.gov for useful information, tools and resources.

Many States now require flood insurance training for any agent who writes flood insurance. Beginning January 1, 2008, the NFIP will require this training as a prerequisite for participation in both the Agent Referral and Advertising Co-Op Programs. All agents will still have access to Agents.FloodSmart.gov and all of the other tools and resources currently available.

Agent Referral Program
Agents registering for the referral program after January 1, 2008, will be asked to supply proof of training before their name will be added to the referral database. Agents must provide a certificate from their State showing that they have been trained within the last 12 months or a copy of the Certificate of Completion generated for successfully completing one of the NFIP online training courses.

Currently enrolled agents will be asked to provide proof of this training by April 1, 2008. Any agent who does not reply by the April 1 deadline will be removed from the referral database.

Agent Advertising Co-Op Program
The Advertising Co-Op Program is also changing. Training will now be a requirement rather than an added incentive for reimbursement. Every flood-trained agent can be reimbursed up to 75 percent on the cost of their advertising. Agents must submit proof of training within the last 12 months when applying for reimbursement. Any individual agent included in the advertisement must submit proof of training with the reimbursement request.

Please continue to visit Agents.FloodSmart.gov in the upcoming months for more information and updates.

Did you know?
In many cases, credit cards are an acceptable payment for flood insurance premiums. This option may make it easier for some of your customers to purchase a flood insurance policy. For additional information and details, including which cards are accepted, please contact your WYO company.

Online Agent Training
Many States are now requiring agents to receive flood insurance training. Visit the Education and Training section at Agents.FloodSmart.gov for more information about online and in-person courses offered in your local area.

It's easy and free! Register today at Agents.FloodSmart.gov.

The secure site at Agents.FloodSmart.gov has many resources available for agents who currently sell flood insurance and agents who are just starting out. By registering with the site, you will have direct access to resources to help you market and sell flood insurance, service your clients, and grow your business. Here is just a sample of some of the tools available:

• Advertising tools and templates
• Advertising Co-Op Program
• Agent Referral Program
• Resources to protect you from E&O exposure after you've discussed flood insurance with your customers
• Education and training tools
• News and publications

It's easy and free! Register today at Agents.FloodSmart.gov.