The division issued the warning this week, pointing to the recent remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel that soaked the region as a reminder of what a single storm can do. Standard homeowners, renters and commercial insurance policies do not include flood damage, the agency said, leaving many households exposed heading into the rainy season.

"Even in the event of a federal disaster, aid is typically provided in the form of low-interest loans which must be paid back and are likely to only cover a portion of your costs," Insurance Commissioner Ned Gains said in a statement.

The division noted one common exception: the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy may cover damage if a vehicle is submerged or soaked.

For homes and businesses, residents must buy separate flood coverage. Several private insurers now offer flood policies, and coverage is also available through the National Flood Insurance Program. The division directed residents to FloodSmart.gov to compare options, and posted flood insurance guidance and a consumer's guide on its own website.

Officials also urged households to adopt a "30 Days Ready" mindset, noting that major storms can bring extended power outages, evacuations or stretches when families are told to stay home. Building a supply of water, food, medications and other essentials ahead of time, they said, is far easier than scrambling once a storm is forecast.

The push comes as climate-driven extremes increasingly test Southern Nevada, where flash flooding along washes and urban streets can arrive with little warning and where many residents have never filed a flood claim. Consumer advocates say the gap between what people assume their policy covers and what it actually covers is one of the most costly misunderstandings in home insurance — and one that tends to surface only after the water recedes.

Residents with questions about their policies can contact the Nevada Division of Insurance or review its flood insurance resources before the next storm arrives.