The NFIP is scheduled to expire in less than two weeks—on July 31—unless Congress acts to extend the program. 

Call the offices of your federal legislators (senators and representatives) and encourage them to “reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program before it expires on July 31. A lapse in the program, especially during the height of hurricane season, will leave millions of Americans at risk."

Regardless of your geographic location, grassroots participation is critically important. With a collective voice, independent agents can make a profound difference for the industry and its customers.

While the Big “I” grassroots push continues, two pieces of legislation have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would extend the program through Nov. 30, the end of hurricane season. The U.S. Senate is also considering legislation that would extend the program through Jan. 31, 2018. The Big “I” is hopeful that our advocacy efforts and YOUR grassroots involvement will help push Congress to act on one of these pieces of legislation in the next 12 days.

However, should the program lapse, agents need to be prepared. The Big “I” has created a one-page document that outlines resources available to you in the event of a lapse. Members must log in to view the document.

Stay tuned to Big “I” social media and the News & Views e-newsletter for updates.

Nathan Riedel is Big “I” vice president of political affairs.