WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congress passed and the President signed legislation to extend the National Flood Insurance Program for an additional 60 days, assuring FEMA has the legal authority to continue to sell, renew or modify flood insurance policies until July 31, 2012. This short-term extension allows consumers critical time to renew and purchase their flood insurance policies, and complete new mortgage and loan transactions where flood insurance is required.

"This short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance program provides property owners, renters and businesses critical time to renew, purchase, or modify insurance policies to protect themselves against the devastating effects of flooding," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

Under the NFIP, federally backed flood insurance is made available to homeowners, renters and business owners in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances designed to reduce future flood losses by regulating new construction. The NFIP identifies areas of flood risk, encourages communities to implement measures to mitigate against the risk of flood loss, provides financial assistance to help individuals recover rapidly from flooding disasters, and lessens the financial impact of flood disasters on individuals, businesses, and all levels of government.

The start of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season today provides an important reminder that flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster to affect every state across the country. Homeowner policies do not typically cover flood insurance and most everyone can purchase flood insurance - including renters, business owners and homeowners. Generally, NFIP policies take 30 days to become effective; therefore, FEMA is urging residents to purchase flood insurance now.

Learn more about your flood risk, flood insurance and hurricane preparedness at www.floodsmart.gov and www.ready.gov/hurricanes.