LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- With peak hurricane season approaching mid-September, FEMA urges residents to understand their flood risk and make proactive decisions.

"If there's a hurricane in the Gulf and it's going to be here on Thursday a policy for that time-period? They wouldn't be eligible for the policy to go into effect and pay them out. There's a 30-day waiting period once you get that policy until it goes into effect," said Tony Hake, Customer Service Division Branch Chief, Federal Insurance, FEMA.

Hurricane season 2024 is expected to be active. 

Hake encourages having a plan and purchasing flood insurance now.

"Because of that 30-day waiting period that we talked about, make sure they understand the risks and are prepared in advance," Hake said.

Understand that renters can get flood insurance even without a mortgage. 

"Anybody that's in a NFIP participating community, which it's almost all of the communities within the country with some exceptions, can purchase flood insurance. Renters can also purchase renters insurance to cover the contents in the event of a loss," Hake said.

To file a claim, document all items you gathered to be discarded. 

Be proactive and document your belongings before a storm hits. 

Keep important papers in a waterproof container.

"You also could make sure your gutters and your drains and things like that aren't blocked and clean them out. You can elevate things as well just for preparation of the event."

Also, remember: no double dipping. 

"If they filed a claim two years ago, they need to make sure all those things were corrected, adjusted, or fixed—whatever it would be. This is a separate thing, so you wouldn't be paid twice for the same type of loss," Hake said.

You can check out:  https://www.floodsmart.gov/hurricanes to find all the companies that sell flood insurance and learn about your maps and where your zones are.

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