Victims of recent floods in western Pennsylvania are finding out that they may not be covered for damages to their property.

Floods are not covered by homeowners' insurance. Homeowners can purchase flood insurance, but there is a limit to what it covers.

The National Flood Insurance Program covers:

• damage to buildings and items that is caused by surface water flooding
• the cost of moving and storing items for up to 45 days
• expenses for removing debris that is left by flooding

The insurance does not cover:

• damage caused by high groundwater, sewer backups, sub-surface flows, wind-driven rain or local drainage problems that are not considered a general condition of flooding
• damage to property outside the home, including pools, driveways and fences
• carpeting, furniture or contents in finished portions of basements

The average cost of the insurance is about $300 per year.

Some non-covered damages are tax-deductible. Contact the Internal Revenue Service for more information on Publication 547, which deals with loss due to disasters.