(AP/CSi)  Officials in North Dakota say it’s time for property owners in flood-prone areas of the Red River Valley to think about buying flood insurance. The state Water Commission has scheduled flood preparation meetings next week in Fargo, Grand Forks and Jamestown that will focus on insuring homes and other structures.

The push comes as early signs suggest a heightened risk of flooding this spring. The National Weather Service says the precipitation totals for the fall and winter period in the Red River Valley Basin are the wettest on record. The average flood insurance policy in North Dakota is about $700. Residents in low to moderate risk areas will pay about $200 less.