FILE FLOOD CLAIMS SOON

SIOUXLAND---The deadline to file flood insurance claims could be as early as next Thursday.

Claims for flood damage in policies underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program must be filed within 120 days of the actual damage occurring.

The normal deadline is 60 days from the date of damage, but the deadline was extended to 120 days for the Missouri River floods.

For buildings damaged by the rising water of the Missouri River on June 1, 2011, that deadline would be next Thursday.

The application process starts with building owners contacting their insurance agents.

They need to provide current contact information when they call so that the agent will be able to reach them during the process.