Of the roughly 11 million households in federally designated flood areas, about 8 million carry no flood insurance. Here is some helpful flood advice from experts at IIAA:

Before A Flood

• Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 1-800-611-6122, and in most cases consumers are subject to a 30-day waiting period. Flood insurance is not as expensive as some believe, the annual premium costs as little as $300 per year.

• Inventory all household items (videotape if possible) and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other valuables.

• Identify evacuation locations (listen to TV and radio stations).

• Keep important telephone numbers and road maps handy.

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit (water, first aid supplies, canned food, sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, etc.) and fill your car's gas tank.

• Abandon your car if stalled in rapidly rising waters and climb to higher ground.

• When a warning is issued move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

• Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.

• Make temporary repairs to prevent damage. (These damages are covered if you have flood insurance.)

• Hold off on permanent repairs until approved for reimbursement.

• Keep all receipts and prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed property.

• Take photos of damaged areas and meet with your insurance adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjusters.

• Let your car dry out thoroughly before starting it.

• Be aware of health hazards after water receeds such as spoiled food, sewage and snakes. You may want to consider getting a Tetanus shot if exposed to flood waters.