Insured Rhode Islanders May Qualify for FEMA Aid

WARWICK, R.I. — Insured Rhode Islanders with Hurricane Sandy losses related to their primary homes may benefit from registering for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, because insurance may not cover all storm-related costs.

If you’re insured, you must file a claim with your insurance company and let FEMA know what your policy covers before you can be eligible for federal aid. By law, federal disaster assistance cannot duplicate insurance benefits.

When insurance doesn’t cover all your disaster related expenses FEMA may be able to help. Here are some examples:

  • You have Additional Living Expenses (ALE) your insurance doesn’t cover. If you were displaced from your home due to disaster damage, you may have additional living expenses for temporary housing until you are back in permanent housing (your repaired home or a new rental). Some policies–and this includes National Flood Insurance–do not provide benefits for Additional Living Expenses. Other policies may provide some coverage, but not enough.  FEMA may be able to help.
     
  • You have losses that were not insured, such as: Sandy may have damaged your vehicle and you have no  coverage for that. You may have been injured by the hurricane and have uninsured medical or dental expenses. You may be a student who lost your books and computer or a worker who lost tools that your insurance doesn’t cover.

After registering, many insured applicants will initially receive a letter from FEMA stating they are ineligible because they have insurance. FEMA can reconsider this determination after you provide information about storm-related losses your insurance didn’t cover. You will receive instructions on how to do this with your letter from FEMA or call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, for more information.

It’s important not to put off registering even if you don’t yet know whether insurance covers all your losses. Registration is open only until January 14. After that, even if you later discover uninsured losses, it will be too late to ask FEMA for help.

FEMA evaluates each situation on a case-by-case basis. By registering before the deadline, you will be assured of access to all available FEMA aid even if you do have insurance.
 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.govor completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

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Insured Rhode Islanders May Qualify for FEMA Aid

Don’t Let Misconceptions Get in the Way of Sandy Disaster Aid in R.I.

WARWICK, R.I.–Some Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy have not registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples.

 

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA because I have insurance.

If you had storm damage or other disaster losses due to the storm, you should register with FEMA. You may now or in the future have storm related costs that your insurance doesn’t cover.

 

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.

FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

 

I thought it was too late for me to register, since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.

You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

 

I don’t want a loan from FEMA.

FEMA makes grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid.

 

I’m a renter. I heard FEMA is just for homeowners.

FEMA helps homeowners and renters with disaster-related losses.

 

I received disaster assistance from FEMA in 2010. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.

If you had damage from another federally declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

 

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.

There is no income test for FEMA aid. Anyone with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

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Don’t Let Misconceptions Get in the Way of Sandy Disaster Aid in R.I.

Help For Businesses Facing Economic Losses Caused By Hurricane Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. — For businesses struggling with losses from evacuations, power outages, damaged inventory and general economic loss caused by Hurricane Sandy, a variety of federal and state resources can help.

Small Business Administration

Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration provide working capital to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations. The loans help meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.

These loans are intended to assist the business or nonprofit through the disaster recovery period. The money may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid if the disaster had not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace profits.

  • The loan amounts and terms are determined by the SBA.
  • The law authorizes a maximum term of 30 years.
  • Interest rates for loans for small businesses can be as low as 4 percent.
  • Interest rates for loans for eligible nonprofit organizations can be as low as 3 percent.
  • Businesses of all sizes are also eligible to apply for loans to cover their physical losses. The deadline for this type of loan is Dec. 31, 2012.

For additional information, call 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, email DisasterCustomerService@SBA.gov or visit SBA.gov. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

Farm Services Agency

The Farm Services Agency offers a number of loans and grants to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flood, other natural disasters or quarantine. The FSA maintains 10 programs covering crop losses, livestock losses and damaged farm property. See disaster.fsa.usda.gov for more information.

Disaster Unemployment Insurance

The State of New Jersey requested and was granted federal unemployment insurance funds for Hurricane Sandy survivors. Self-employed entrepreneurs may qualify for disaster-related unemployment benefits. Survivors must first file a regular unemployment insurance claim with the state at njuifile.net. When and if that claim is denied, a claim may be filed for disaster-related unemployment benefits which have a different funding source. Read these FAQs for details.

N.J. Economic Development Authority

The N.J. Economic Development Authority can provide disaster survivors with access to capital, including tax-exempt and taxable bond financing, loans, loan guarantees, and business and tax incentives. For more information, visit www.njeda.com.

N.J. Business Action Center (One-Stop Shop)

This “One-Stop Shop” serves as an information clearinghouse for Hurricane Sandy business recovery assistance. The storm call center number is 866-534-7789. Visit www.state.nj.us/njbusiness/ for further information.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Help For Businesses Facing Economic Losses Caused By Hurricane Sandy

Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. —  If you had losses because of Hurricane Sandy you are encouraged to register for disaster assistance. You may be eligible for grants or assistance programs from federal, state, local or voluntary agencies. Here are several facts you should know:

FACT:  A FEMA grant does not affect social security benefits or any government benefit, including Medicare, Medicaid or food stamps. 

FACT:  Disaster assistance has no bearing on decisions about a senior’s need for nursing home care. FEMA and its state and local partners work to keep survivors in their own homes.                     

FACT:  Specially trained FEMA staff and volunteers are available to help anyone who has a physical limitation or other problems registering. You will not have to fill out a form. The telephone specialist will input your information for you when you call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585.

 FACT:  You can check the status of your application online or speak to a disaster representative in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). If you need assistance getting to a DRC call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585 and FEMA will arrange to have someone take you to the nearest DRC.

FACT:  If English is not your first language, FEMA telephone specialists can speak to you in almost any language. For languages other than English or Spanish press option “3”. You will be able to choose from more than 250 languages available.

FACT:  Registering with FEMA is a simple process. There is no paperwork involved. Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

FACT:  Depending on the information you provide, FEMA may ask you to fill out an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. You are automatically considered for other federal grant programs if the SBA application shows you cannot repay a loan. That’s why it is so important to fill out and return the SBA application.

FACT:  FEMA funding is available to all eligible survivors who had disaster losses. Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with losses your insurance does not cover.

FACT:  Income is not a consideration when you apply for FEMA assistance.

FACT:  Even if you received disaster assistance in the past, following Hurricane Irene, for example, you may be eligible for assistance if you suffered changes from Hurricane Sandy. 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions about FEMA Disaster Assistance

NEW YORK – State and federal disaster officials urge survivors of Hurricane Sandy to come forward and ask questions they may have about registering for disaster assistance. Accurate information is readily available and can help dispel misleading rumors.    

Here are some questions that are commonly asked:

Q. How do I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
A. You can apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Q. What happens after I apply for disaster assistance?
A. FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and a copy of Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program that will answer many of your questions.

  • If you do not have insurance: An inspector will contact you after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home.
  • If you have insurance: You need to file your insurance claim and provide FEMA with a decision letter (settlement or denial) from your insurance company before FEMA issues an inspection.
    • There is an exception for damages caused by flooding; if you have flood insurance, FEMA will issue an inspection before receiving a copy of your flood insurance decision letter to evaluate your eligibility for temporary living expenses since these are not covered by flood insurance.
  • About 10 days after the inspection FEMA will decide if you qualify for assistance. If so, FEMA will send you a check by mail (or direct deposit) with an explanation of what the money covers (i.e. rent or home repair).
  • If FEMA determines that you are ineligible for any reason, you will receive a letter and be given a chance to appeal. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of the determination. Read the letter carefully for the reason of ineligibility before filing your appeal.
  • If you get a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan application in the mail, you must complete and return it to be considered for a loan or certain types of grant assistance, such as transportation, personal property, and moving and storage.

Q. Why didn’t I receive rental assistance when my home can’t be lived in?
A. If you cannot live in your home because of disaster damage and you did not receive rental assistance, please contact FEMA to check on your status.  It could be that during the inspection you indicated that you were unwilling to relocate. If so, FEMA would not move forward to issuing a rental assistance check for you to move to another location. 

Q. I received a rental assistance check, how do I find a new place to rent?
A. The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families, who have been displaced by a disaster, find a place to live. The portal consolidates rental resources to help individuals and families find available rental units in their area.  This information can be accessed by visiting www.fema.gov and searching “Housing Portal,” or by calling 800-621-3362.

Q. Will my family get assistance faster if we each apply separately?
A. No. If two members of the same household apply for the same damaged home, FEMA assistance could actually be delayed. If more than one member of a household has applied, the additional registrants should call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 to withdraw their applications. Once this occurs, the original registration for the household can be processed for assistance.

Q. If I received a settlement from my insurance but still have additional needs, what can I do?
A. As soon as you receive an insurance settlement, you should provide a copy to FEMA and identify any unmet needs you have. Although FEMA cannot duplicate benefits that your insurance provided, FEMA may be able to assist you with lost essential items not covered by insurance and can also help you find resources through other recovery partners.

Q. Why did I get a different amount of home repair assistance than my neighbor?
A. Each survivor’s case is unique. There are several factors involved, including insurance status and the extent and type of damage found during the home inspection.

If you feel that the assistance you received does not cover your needs – for example, the funding you received for repairs are less than the estimates you’ve received from contractors and you have not yet met the FEMA maximum grant – you can appeal.

Q. Will FEMA provide additional rental assistance beyond the initial assistance period if I still cannot return to my home?
A. Rental assistance can be provided for up to 18 months from the date of declaration while you are setting up your permanent housing plan. After your initial period of assistance, you will be sent a letter on how to “recertify” if you need additional rental assistance.  

Q. Could FEMA assistance affect my Social Security benefits, federal taxes, food stamp (SNAP) eligibility, or Medicaid?
A. No. FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.

Q. I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and made repairs. Is it too late to register once the work is done?
A. No. You may be eligible for reimbursement of your cleanup and repair costs, even if repairs are complete. The important thing is to document the expenses you incur. It is a good idea to take before-and-after photos for your records.

Q. If I received disaster assistance last year, could I get it again this year?
A. Assistance may be available if you also suffered damages from a previously federally declared disaster. 

Q. My child is a U.S. citizen, but I am not. Can I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
A. If anyone in an affected household is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien (a “Green Card” holder), they are eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. If a minor child is eligible by these criteria, even when other members of the family are not, the family can file an application on the child’s behalf.

In this case, all identification documents have to be in the child’s name and Social Security number. The copy of the child’s Social Security card and birth certificate are acceptable verification. This information can be mailed to FEMA or brought to a Disaster Recovery Center.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Link: 

Frequently Asked Questions about FEMA Disaster Assistance

Sandy Survivors Should Submit Insurance Settlement Information

Trenton, N.J . — Hurricane Sandy survivors who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and indicated they had insurance coverage should send in their insurance settlement information as soon as they receive it.

The insurance settlement documents allow FEMA to determine if survivors have uninsured or underinsured losses eligible for federal assistance. By law FEMA cannot provide financial assistance for losses covered by insurance. FEMA cannot pay deductibles either. Decisions on FEMA aid are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

To submit insurance documentation, here’s what applicants can do:

  • Gather insurance documents and any settlement information.
  • Write the applicant’s name, FEMA registration number and 4086-DR-NJ on each page.
  • Send a copy of these documents to FEMA by:

 Fax:    800-827-8112

Mail:   National Processing Service Center 

           P.O. Box 1005 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 

Survivors can call FEMA with questions at 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice and assistance is available in many languages.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Original article:  

Sandy Survivors Should Submit Insurance Settlement Information

Sandy Survivors: Ask Questions About Letters From Fema

Trenton, N.J. — Survivors who received letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after contacting FEMA for assistance should ask for help if they have questions.

FEMA sends every applicant a letter explaining the status of their application.

Sometimes a letter from FEMA indicates a status of ineligibility. This may simply mean that more information or documents are needed to better help FEMA process your application. Eligibility statuses can change when new information is provided. Survivors may need to:

  • Provide records that showed the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Give their insurance or other documentation to FEMA.
  • Provide proof of ownership or residence.
  • Return the Small Business Administration disaster loan application.
  • Sign all essential documents.

FEMA cannot duplicate any aid that may have come from other government sources or insurance.

Answers to questions about the letter can be found by:

  • Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center near you, use the online locator at www.fema.gov/drc. You may also text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) For example, if you lived in Atlantic City, you would text: DRC 08401.
  • Calling the FEMA Helpline by phone or 711/VRS at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-7585.
  • Reviewing the “Help After Disaster” guide mailed to each applicant. The information also is available online in many languages at http://www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster

Don’t be discouraged: read the letter, ask questions, and ask for help.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

 

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Sandy Survivors: Ask Questions About Letters From Fema

Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

ATLANTA – Today marks the end of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, but disasters aren’t limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year.  Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and it’s important to be prepared year round.

“While today is the end of an active hurricane season, it serves as an important reminder of just how critical it is for all of us to be prepared so that we can protect our families, homes, businesses and communities from the potentially devastating effects of a disaster,” said Phil May, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV Administrator. “There are some simple steps we should all take, such as make a family communications plan and put together a disaster supplies kit, which will help keep us safe when we’re faced with an emergency.”

Emergencies can range from natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes, to events such as power outages. Visit www.Ready.gov to learn about different hazards, and how to prepare for them.

Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

  • Most communities may be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime–be informed about the hazards that exist in your area.
  • When tailoring your family communications plan, consider working with others to create networks of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers who will assist each other in an emergency.
  • Among the items in your basic disaster supplies kit, include enough food for at least three days, and one gallon of water per person per day.
  • Since you can’t predict where you will be for disasters, it’s important to have plans and supplies for the locations you and your household go to regularly.
  • Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, but standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. To protect your property, consider getting flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
  • Check out opportunities to get involved  in programs and activities to make your family, home and community safer from risks and threats. 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Link: 

Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

Schedule Changes for Disaster Recovery Centers

WARWICK, R.I. – Saturday is the last day of operation for the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Center in South Kingstown. The Recovery Centers in Westerly and Middletown  remain open, but with new operating hours.

The new schedule, starting Saturday, December 1, is as follows:

  • Union Fire Station (Community Room), 131 Asa Pond Road, South Kingstown, R.I.
    Saturday, 8 A.M.-4 P.M. Permanently closed after Saturday.

  • Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly, R.I.
    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

  • Middletown Police Station (Community Room), 123 Valley Road, Middletown, R.I.
    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are at the Disaster Recovery Centers to answer questions, check application status, provide information about rebuilding to lower the risk of damage from future floods, and offer referrals to other programs.

Also at the Recovery Centers are representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist both individuals and businesses with applications for low interest disaster recovery loans.

If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. To register, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or to m.fema.gov if using a smartphone or call 800-621-FEMA (3362), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585.

To register you will need:

  • Current and pre-disaster address

  • Current phone number

  • Social Security number

  • Insurance information, if insured

  • Total household income

  • Description of losses caused by Hurricane Sandy

  • Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit of assistance funds)

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Link – 

Schedule Changes for Disaster Recovery Centers

FEMA Urges Quick Filing of Insurance Claims

NEW YORK – Property owners who sustained flood damages and are insured by policies underwritten by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are strongly urged to file claims immediately.

“The faster the claim is filed, the sooner the settlement process can begin,” said David Passey of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. “Individuals start the claim process by calling their insurance agent or company.”

The policyholder should provide the name of the issuing agent or company, the policy number and a phone number or email address where he or she can be reached, Passey said. After filing a claim, an adjuster will contact the policyholder within a few days to schedule an appointment for the initial inspection.

A “Proof of Loss” statement is required, which includes the detailed estimates of the cost to repair or replace damaged property. In most cases, the adjuster will provide a suggested Proof of Loss, but the ultimate responsibility for making sure the document is complete, accurate and filed on time is with the policyholder.

Should further damage be discovered after the adjuster has made an inspection, policyholders can file a supplemental claim.

“It is a good idea to separate damaged items from those that are OK,” Passey said. “And if possible, take lots of photographs of water in the property and things that are damaged. In case you are required to dispose of certain things, the photos will provide a record of what was ruined and removed.”

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program representatives can be reached at 800-427-4661 should policyholders have questions that cannot be answered by agents. More information is available at www.floodsmart.gov.

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FEMA Urges Quick Filing of Insurance Claims

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