GOFFSTOWN – As the threat of flooding this spring looms, officials are urging residents to be prepared.

Some Goffstown families that were forced out of their homes during previous floods are still waiting for help.

State officials and residents are keeping a wary eye on towering snow banks and the spring season that have raised concerns of flooding this year. Officials and rescue organizations urged residents to be prepared.

"It is going to happen again," said Kathy Hoyt of Red Cross AmeriCorps Vista. "In the last 10 years, we've had 10 federally declared disasters in New Hampshire."

"People think that when a disaster happens, the state of New Hampshire is going to come in and save them, but the truth is they really need to save themselves," said Tim Dubre, executive director of Volunteer NH.

Officials offered several steps families can do to prepare for a flood. 

• Buy flood insurance early because it takes 30 days to kick in.
  
• If your home gets flooded, start cleaning up the water quickly. 
  According to experts, there is a window of 24 to 48 hours to dry out wet carpeting and furniture before mold sits in. Once water gets into the walls, it is difficult to stop mold.  Running fans blows mold around and insulation absorbs water, which helps mold to grow.
  
• Installed a permanent sump pump with bilge alarm. 

Officials said most of the help flood victims receive is from volunteers and after the past three floods...resources are spread thin.

"After 2 1/2 years of giving and sweating, people are tired," Dupre said. "We are running very low on supplies, resources and cash."

Volunteer NH is a clearinghouse that coordinates donations and manpower with those in need.  Dupre said he is taking his own advice and preparing now for what could be another flood season.

The state of New Hampshire is not obligated to help offset personal damages and loss from flooding. The only chance for financial aid for flood victims is if the federal government declares a state of emergency, and even then, the funding is limited.

The total amount of individual assistance for flood victims who fully qualify for aid is $28,000. For a family who loses a $200,000 home, that aid won't go very far, so officials said flood insurance is important.