ALBANY, New York, May 3 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following news release

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that he has directed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Emergency Management to deploy emergency resources to help protect against localized flooding issues from the Saranac River and other water bodies near the Village of Saranac Lake where a local state of emergency was issued this afternoon. Throughout the North Country, water levels remain elevated due to ongoing snow melt in the higher elevations and could continue to rise as the spring storm season begins. Widespread rain is expected through Friday, however most flooding will be minor, occurring in areas that experience heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

"As the cold weather fades, we expect to see spring flooding from snow melt and rain," Governor Cuomo said. "While we are prepared and stand ready with resources to respond in communities in need, I encourage anyone who lives in areas prone to flooding to take any precautions necessary before flooding occurs and heed any warnings from local officials should conditions worsen."

As part of this deployment, the State Office of Emergency Management has equipped Franklin County Emergency Management Officials with 5,000 sandbags, one sandbagging machine, and 200 feet of Aquadam temporary dam system from the State's Plattsburgh regional stockpile. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has been in contact with county emergency managers and regional staff is monitoring conditions along the river that are prone to flooding.

Saranac Lake Mayor Clyde Rabideau said, "On behalf of the entire Saranac Lake community, I thank Governor Cuomo for his unyielding support and resources in combatting extreme weather. As we prepare for potential flooding, I urge all residents to remain vigilant and take any added precautions necessary to stay safe."

While flooding can occur any time of year, Spring rains and snowmelt can cause overflows of creeks, rivers and streams and storms and heavy downpours can cause flash flooding quickly. New Yorkers should take steps to prepare homes, businesses, and vehicles before flooding occurs.

Below are flood preparation safety tips:

* Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.

* Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.

* Make an itemized list - as well as potentially photo and video documentation -- of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.

* Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.

* Plan what to do with your pets.

* Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.

* Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

* Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.

* Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water-proofing.

* Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners' insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.

Travel with care during flooding

* Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads.

* Make sure you have enough fuel for your car.

* Follow recommended routes. DO NOT sightsee.

* As you travel, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local radio broadcasts for the latest information.

* Watch for washed-out roads, earth-slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.

* Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.

* DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.

* DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

* If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NY Alert at https://users.nyalert.gov to get immediate alerts on flood warnings and severe storms.

For a list of complete list of weather terms and preparation ideas before during and after a flood, visit the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/flood/floodprepare.cfm.

The following information was released by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance:

State Auditor James Brown is kicking off National Life Insurance Awareness Month by connecting Montanans to a free tool that helps beneficiaries find unclaimed life insurance policies.

The Life Insurance Policy Locator, hosted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) with the support of the State Auditor's Office, helps identify unclaimed life insurance policies and annuity contracts by searching records of participating insurance companies on behalf of a potential beneficiary. This service is performed at no cost to the consumer.

The numbers evidence the importance of this tool from December 2016 through July 2026, the tool matched more than $34.5 million in policy for Montanans, including more than $6.4 million so far this year.

"Nationally, there are billions of dollars out there in unclaimed life insurance policies. Montanans should take advantage of this excellent and free tool to determine if they are an unidentified beneficiary entitled to payment, Auditor Brown said. Life insurance is meant to provide financial security after a loved one's passing. Don't let the money you're rightfully owed sit there unclaimed and unused.

The secure, encrypted tool is easy to use:

visit the Life Insurance Policy Locator portal;

submit a request with the deceased's information, including their Social Security number, legal name, date of birth, and date of death;

searches may take 90 business days or more to complete;

if a match is found and the requester is confirmed as the beneficiary, the insurance company will contact you directly;

a response is only sent if a match is found and the requester is the beneficiary.

The more information you can input into the tool, the better it can serve you. However, the service is still effective even if you do not have key information like the policy number or the name of the insurance company.

Should you suspect you might be a life insurance beneficiary, you are strongly encouraged to submit a request and see what may be owed to you.