Oil Spill Adds Urgency to Summer Storm Planning

Every summer, consumers are reminded to check up on their homeowners and renters insurance policies with an eye on the approaching hurricane season.

However, such warnings may have even more credence this year in light of the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which has released hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude into the ecologically sensitive region.

With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting a very busy hurricane season this year, the fear is that storm surges could carry oil miles inland, creating ecological havoc while also adding millions of dollars in additional damage to affected areas.

Some scientists are also anxiously watching to determine whether the oil at some point could make its way toward the Florida Keys, where it could then be in danger of spreading to areas along the Atlantic coastline.

"Home and business owners seeking to protect themselves from flood losses and associated damage from oil are urged to purchase a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program immediately," said Loretta Worters of the Insurance Information Institute.

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