During the Flood of 2008, several residents of Van Meter were facing rising waters from the Raccoon River. Now, if that should ever happen again, those same residents may have the small comfort of knowing they have flood insurance.
      Beginning last month, residents of Van Meter were eligible to purchase federally backed flood insurance as part of the National Flood Insurance Program. The city's application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to participate in the program was approved Jan. 26.
      "In accordance with Section 1336 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the City of Van Meter is eligible to participate in the Regular Phase of the NFIP effective January 26, 2009," wrote acting assistant administrator Michael Buckley in a letter to Van Meter mayor Fred Scaletta. "Flood insurance is now available to local property owners and may be purchased from any insurance agent or broker licensed to do business in [Iowa]."
      Residents of Van Meter may purchase flood insurance up to $250,000 building coverage for a single-family dwelling, and up to $100,000 of contents coverage. Renters may also protect their belongings by purchasing contents coverage.
      Commercial properties may get building and contents coverage of up to $500,000 each.
      "There us a 30-day waiting period before a newly purchased flood insurance policy takes effect or for any additional coverage or endorsement that may increase policy limits," Buckley wrote to Scaletta.
      There are 10 exceptions to the 30-day waiting period, but Buckley explained the two most common:
      n When the initial purchase of flood insurance is in connection with the making, increasing, extension or renewal of a loan, there is no waiting period.
      n When the purchase of flood insurance is related to a revision or update of a Flood Hazard Boundary Map, there is a one-day waiting period.
      According to FEMA, there are more than 20,000 communities participating in the NFIP.