WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new federal resource is making it easier to prepare for the upcoming flood season.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced this week that it’s launched a new self-service tool to buy a National Flood Insurance Program policy online.

The federal program was created in 1968 and offers property owners both building coverage and contents coverage against losses from flooding.

Residents in all areas of Whatcom and Skagit counties are eligible to purchase a policy.

With the new online tool, property owners can get a free quote in less than 10 minutes after providing basic information about their building. They can then choose to buy a policy online or through an insurance agent.

“I’ve seen firsthand how floodwaters devastate American communities,” FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said in a news release. “We are making it easier for people to reduce their financial risk and protect what they’ve spent their lives building. With this new digital tool, you can get a quote and buy a flood insurance policy in a matter of minutes. This innovation demonstrates how FEMA is working to cut bureaucracy and deliver results to the American people.”

The National Flood Insurance Program is separate from insurance offered by private companies, which can offer different coverage options and pricing.

FEMA encourages residents to research and compare various flood insurance offerings to find the best fit for their needs.