By CLAUDIA BUCK
McClatchy Newspapers
The frightening images of Japan's tsunami wiping out homes, roads and entire cities are vivid reminders that a natural disaster can strike at any time.
And whether it's an earthquake, a wildfire or flooding, being covered against severe damage to your home or business is essential.
Across the United States, flooding is the No. 1 natural disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
And given the region's swollen rivers and the promise of heavy runoff this spring from melting snow, now's a good time to assess how well you're protected against flooding.
A basic homeowner's or business insurance policy will cover damage caused by storms, such as a leaky roof, fallen tree limbs or broken pipes.
But a homeowner's policy typically does not cover damage due to flooding, or what's known as "rising water."
Flooding - such as a levee break, a river overflowing its banks or water from springtime snow melt - is generally defined as a temporary inundation of normally dry land. For that type of coverage, you need a separate flood policy, which is provided by the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program and purchased through a local insurance agent.