Do you have flood insurance? Do you need it? Many people who are now homeless in New Orleans did not have flood insurance because no one required it there. In fact, the Army Corps of Engineers assured residents that they were in a flood safe area because of the levees around the city. They were misled and you may be as well.

Many people also think their homeowner’s insurance includes flood insurance, but it does not. In rapidly growing suburban areas, more floods are occurring. As trees get knocked down and asphalt goes up, water more easily flows to low points.

Development is not evil. That’s not what Clark is trying to say. We’re approaching 300 million people in United States, and people have to live somewhere. But people need to protect those homes. Right now, less than half of people who live in flooded areas have flood insurance, according to Smart Money magazine. And flood maps are not always up to date.

So consider getting flood insurance even if you don’t’ think you need it. It will cost $30 to $40 a month more. But think of what would happen if a hurricane hit your town. Get the peace of mind. And if you’re a renter, be sure to get renters insurance. It’s cheap and it’s worth it.