With the fall rainy season fast approaching, Washington's Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is urging property insurers to tell their customers in King County's Green River Valley how to get flood insurance.

State and local officials are concerned about the Howard Hanson Dam, where a weakened abutment may require the Army Corps of Engineers to release more water than usual. This heightens the risk of flooding downstream in the heavily developed Green River Valley, including parts of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila.

Kreidler sent a letter to insurers, asking them to immediately contact their customers in the Green River Valley and suggest that they strongly consider buying flood coverage. Flood coverage doesn't take effect until 30 days after the policy is written, making it important to act now.

"I recognize that reaching out to these customers will be an additional expense for insurers," Kreidler said. "But it's also a chance to show their commitment to their customers' well-being. Flood coverage in this area is critical."

The letter to insurers is posted on the Office of the Insurance Commissioner Web site.