WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- While spring and summer months typically bring wet, soggy weather to many regions of the U.S., it is winter storms and the precipitation they bring which can wreak havoc. For a number of states, especially those west of the Mississippi River, winter months produce the majority of annual rainfall. In fact, winter rains can often lead to intense flooding and mudflows, causing millions of dollars in property damage year after year.

Many U.S. residents may be at greater risk of flooding this year due to a record-breaking 2006 Wildfire Season that burned more than 15,000 square miles -- an area twice the size of New Jersey. Affected states include California, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Oklahoma and Texas. The charred and denuded ground in these areas cannot easily absorb rainwater, thus increasing the likelihood of flooding and mudflows.

In fact, severe storms have already swamped residents of Oregon and Washington states with record-breaking rainfall in early November. Hundreds of homes and businesses were threatened as the storms dumped as much as eight to fifteen inches of rain within just a few days.

"The winter rainy season lasts from November through March. Homeowners, business owners and renters need to know how they can prepare for severe winter rain and floods," said David Maurstad, Director of Mitigation and Federal Insurance Administrator for FEMA. "Flood insurance backed by the National Flood Insurance Program offers the best protection available against floods and mudflows, which, historically, occur swiftly and without warning."

From November 2005 through April 2006, large-scale, widespread Federal disasters involving floods were declared in California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington. U.S. homeowners, business owners and renters filed more than 4,000 flood insurance claims and received more than $122.8 million in flood insurance claims during that time period.

Eastern states are also not immune to winter floods. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an El Nino will affect weather patterns in the U.S. until spring 2007, causing wetter-than-average conditions throughout the Gulf Coast and the south Atlantic Coast, in addition to the Southwest.

Furthermore, Nor'easters, which are large, low-pressure areas whose winds come from the Northeast, cause severe winter storms that can lead to flooding throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Last February, the Blizzard of 2006 dumped heavy snow from Virginia to Maine, with New York City receiving 26.9 inches, an all-time record.

And finally, spring rains and snowmelt can overwhelm the banks of the Mississippi River, placing residents of adjoining states at risk. These states include Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana.

FEMA offers the following tips to prepare for winter flooding:

Before the Storm

After the Storm

* Do not turn electricity back on in your home if you smell gas or if the electrical system has been flooded.
* Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by floodwaters or mudflows and throw out any such foodstuffs.
* Follow directions from local officials regarding the safety of drinking water.

Flood insurance is available through nearly 100 insurance companies in more than 21,000 participating communities nationwide. Everyone can purchase flood insurance -- renters, business owners, and homeowners. The average flood insurance policy is around $500 a year. And in low- to moderate-risk areas, lower-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) start at just $112 a year. Individuals can learn more about their flood risk and how to protect their property by visiting FloodSmart.gov or by calling 1-800-427-2419.

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