As temperatures rise in New Brunswick, insurance companies are reminding residents that damage caused by floods is not covered by most policies.

"Just about every other risk imaginable is covered by insurance but that one just isn't because of the obvious fact that only those who would experience flooding on a regular basis would purchase the insurance coverage and that would make it prohibitively expensive," said Don Forgeron, spokesman for the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

People living in areas prone to flooding should be taking extra measures to protect their property this spring, Forgeron said.

"What we are talking about is trying to prevent any damage from occurring in the first place," he said.

New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization has already warned residents living along the St. John River basin of the potential for flooding.

In Fredericton, more than 300 centimetres of snow has fallen since November.

For Lee and Bea Leger of Maugerville, east of Fredericton, it's a reminder of the spring of 1973, when Fredericton experienced the worst floods in its recorded history.

The city received 343 centimetres of snow over that winter, followed by 200 millimetres of rain during the thaw.  The resulting floodwaters nearly destroyed the Legers' home and store.

"We had to close the store for four months and clean it all up and start all over again," said Bea Leger.

The Legers said they aren't taking any chances this spring and are moving valuables out of their garage and basement to higher ground.

Those are the kinds of proactive measures that people need to take if they expect flooding in their area, Forgeron said.

Homeowners should also be clearing snow away from their houses, especially windows, he said.

He also recommends that residents check to ensure catch basins in their street are clear of snow and debris so water can move through.