As hundreds of Tristate residents repaired damage from flash floods, insurance industry and Red Cross officials said Friday it should be a reminder to others to protect themselves.

        Their suggestions: Buy flood insurance, and plan what to do in a flood.

        “It's obvious people don't understand the importance of flood insurance, particularly with a disaster of this nature,” said Ron Eveleigh, vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Insurance Board.

        One of the biggest misconceptions is that homeowner insurance policies cover flooding.

        But Mr. Eveleigh said consumers and businesses can buy flood coverage only as a special endorsement to their policies.

        Such endorsements can cover damage to contents between $5,000 to $100,000; the endorsements range in cost from $40 to $100.

        Many insurance companies also offer coverage for back-up sewers and drains as riders to a homeowners policy.

        Mr. Eveleigh added that people need to remember that flooding can occur anywhere — whether a house or business is in a low-lying area, in a flood plain or on a hilltop — and that flood damage is costly to repair.

        Despite the potential for flooding damage, flood insurance isn't common. Of the 35,000 flood insurance policies written in Ohio as of 1999, only about 3,500 of those policies were in Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont counties.

        Gary Miller, director of disaster services at American Red Cross in Cincinnati, said other steps Tri- staters could take to avoid flash flooding problems include:

        • Be aware of what's happened where you live, going back 20 to 30 years, by talking to neighbors. Ask what happened before in your neighborhood — and the potential for it happening again.

        • Document the contents in your home at least every other year. Make a list of possessions such as clothing, tools and televisions. Use video or photographs to document your possessions.

        • Have an escape plan, particularly if you live in a low-lying area or flood plain. Determine where water surfaces might form, and have a plan to escape.

        • Keep your insurance policy up to date. Make sure you know what is and is not covered for flood damage. Keep a copy of your insurance policy outside your home, such as in safe deposit box or at a friend's or relative's house across town, for safekeeping.

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