..and FEMA isn’t prepared.

According to insurancenewsnet.com, The National Flood Insurance Program expired at 12:01 A.M. on June 1st. Apparently Congress could not settle on either a short-term or long-term extension on the program. So, they let it go as they took a week long break for the Memorial Day holiday.

Well, that’s disappointing. You’d think that with the past years of damage that had been wreaked on the southern U.S. Congress would put that at the top of the list.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently projected on May 27 a 70% probability that the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season would involve between 14 and 23 named storms, eight to14 hurricanes and three to seven “major” hurricanes, or those of category three or higher.

Congress has had a habit of only extending the program for short periods of time, anywhere from 30 days to 6 months. With yesterday marking the beginning of this year’s hurricane season, one that NOAA calls for to be huge,  a long-term extension should be a must.

The National Flood Insurance Program helps those who live in flood-prone areas of the U.S. with the security of coverage if something happens. Without coverage from these up and coming flood risks, what are they going to do?

Congress is expected to go back to work on June 7th, therefore currently leaving current policy holders in the air.

We will keep you updated as the story progresses…

         Unfortunately, not all fires can be prevented. However, you may be able to prepare for an emergency by devel­oping and practicing an escape plan.

         Be sure to include at least two escape routes in your plan, if possible, and designate a spot outside where everyone can gather for a headcount. You may want to assign someone to assist children and elderly family members. They may be at the greatest risk, since they may have the most difficulty escaping on their own and their lungs may be the most suscepti­ble to damage from smoke and fumes.

 If a fire occurs, you may have only seconds to react. Preventing potential fire hazards and preparing an escape plan are keys for survival.