If you live in a flood-prone area and do not have federal flood insurance, you may be taking a dangerous gamble -- even at this time of year.

That's what many homeowners discovered in the Midwest during flooding there last week.

And KIRO 7 Consumer Investigator Amy Clancy says for some, the risk is high here, too.

The days are getting longer, warmer and a bit drier, but in fact, spring is a dangerous season for flooding in the Northwest -- especially as our record winter snowfall begins to melt in the mountains.

And as many local families have already learned, one flooded river can change their lives forever.

It's a Saturday last December following heavy rains and flooding of the Chehalis River in Lewis County. Flooding left five feet of water in the home of Bob and Luana Bue, of Boistfort, destroying everything inside.

On this day, an army of young volunteers has arrived to help clean up.

"They're tearing out drywall, carpets, removing garbage, shoveling mud. These kids have been all over it all day long and they do it with a smile and they laugh and they won't even take any thanks," said Bob Bue.

Luana Bue is also grateful.

"In a time of lost faith, they're there to help restore it. We're very lucky, we're very lucky," she said.

But in at least one respect, the Bues were not lucky. Flood events here are rare, but the Bues do live on a flood plain, and they did not have federal flood insurance.

"The time to consider flood insurance is now," said Karl Newman of the Northwest Insurance Council.

Newman says flood insurance does not take effect until 30 days after signing up for it. And that may be just about the time the heavy mountain snows start melting.

"The snowpack is at record levels in the mountains in many areas. So when the rain starts, it may be something that causes more severe flooding than you might have found in previous years," Newman said.

Depending on where you live, that could prove disastrous, because standard homeowner's insurance will not come to your rescue.

"Your home is arguably your most valuable asset. At least it is for most of us. And if that were to be destroyed by a flood, you have no coverage under your homeowner's policy."

The Bues found that out the hard way. Their home has been declared a total loss, and will have to be demolished.

To help keep that from happening to you, first find out if you live in a flood plain and are therefore eligible for federal flood insurance. Then you can work with your insurance broker to get the level of insurance that's right for you.