"As the weather over the past few days has shown, purchasing flood insurance is an important consideration for Georgia consumers, even if you think a flood is unlikely in your area," Oxendine said. "Twenty-five percent of flood claims occur in areas considered medium or low-risk for floods."

While flood coverage can usually be purchased from a local insurance agent, it is federally backed by the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is available for up to $250,000 for damage to your home. A standard flood policy will cover the basic structure as well as the furnace, water heater, air conditioner, floor surfaces (carpeting and tile) and debris clean up.

Residents can buy flood insurance for their home or business directly from their property and casualty insurance agent or insurance company, regardless of whether the property is in or out of a floodplain, as long as the property is located in a community that participates in the NFIP, according to the release.

Flood insurance policies will not go into effect until 30 days after you buy the policy. For more information about flood insurance, you can visit at www.floodsmart.gov, or 1-800-427-4661.

For general questions about insurance of all types, the Consumer Services Division can be reached at 404-656-2070 or toll-free at 1-800-656-2298, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.gainsurance.org.