(1) Flooding of large areas of this Commonwealth like that which occurred during the winter of 1996 destroys private and public property, adversely affects means of livelihood and economic resources and disrupts commerce, communication, utility and governmental services.

(2) Damage to property caused by flooding is ordinarily excluded from coverage under standard homeowners insurance policies and must be purchased separately.

(3) Flood insurance coverage may be purchased for any insurable property, even if it is not located in a flood plain.

(4) Flood insurance may be purchased to cover almost any building and its contents, including rental property and condominiums.

(5) Despite the advantages of purchasing flood insurance, many Commonwealth residents sustained significant property loss during the floods of 1996 because they did not have flood insurance protection.

(6) A comprehensive and coordinated plan to educate Commonwealth residents as to the advantages and availability of flood insurance coverage is essential to ensuring that economic losses such as those sustained in the floods of 1996 do not recur.