SAN MARCOS, Texas - Recovery is only beginning after Hurricane Harvey, but many survivors are already thinking about insuring their property in case there is a “next time.”
"It's on everyone's minds, 'wow, I need to make sure I'm protected,’" said FEMA representative Mark Lujan.
Lujan says there are misconceptions when it comes to flood insurance.
"We may get some homeowners that come in and say, 'I'm not near a river' or, 'I don't live near a stream' so I'm not at any risk," said Lujan.
Hurricane Harvey brought record rainfall and flooding, even to neighborhoods that don't usually flood. FEMA reports more than a quarter of the National Flood Insurance Program's claims come from places outside identified flood plains.
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"Well, flood insurance can cover you from any source, such as a water main break in your subdivision," said Lujan.
Belongings that have already been flood damaged can't be insured.
Even buying a new policy today doesn't mean the coverage takes effect immediately.
"People may come in and go, 'hey, can I get a policy effective now?' Well, there would be a 30-day waiting period in order for that policy to come into effect," said Lujan.
Lujan says everyone is eligible for a national flood insurance policy, even renters.
"I've watched my best friends and my neighbors get flooded out, some of them twice," said San Marcos resident Lisa Marie Coppeletta.
For more information, visit FEMA's website.