Politics & Government

FEMA Offers Flood Recovery Tips

Disaster relief agency working out of the PAL Center reminds us that for many, rebuilding continues.

If you’ve registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and have not also filed a flood insurance claim, officials say don’t put it off any longer.

“Federal assistance can’t duplicate insurance benefits,” said William L. Vogel, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, “and failing to file an insurance claim could delay any disaster benefits you may be eligible to receive.”

In response to the suffering and property losses caused by Hurricane Irene last month, FEMA set up a Disaster Recovery Center in Parsippany. The office is inside the Police Athletic League building at 33 Baldwin Rd.

At the Parsippany DRC, residents can find information from FEMA specialists about different types of state and federal disaster assistance; apply for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans; find out the status of applications for federal help and more. 

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But FEMA warns that you must deal with your insurance company first.

The agency offers advice for those whose property has suffered flood damage:

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  • Call your insurance agent immediately.
  • Provide the name of your insurance company (if he/she represents more than one carrier), your policy number and contact information.
  • Ask the agent to give you an approximate time frame for the adjuster’s visit, so you can plan accordingly.

If you do not hear from the adjuster within a couple of days after the expected visit, the agency reccomends contacting your agent again.

“For sanitation reasons, you may be asked to dispose of damaged items before your adjuster arrives,” said Lt. Paul Miller, state coordinating officer with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. “Take photos prior to starting any cleanup; photos of any water in the house and of any damaged personal property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items.”

FEMA offers more tips:

  • Make a list of damaged or destroyed items and include each item's age and value when possible. If possible, have receipts for all items available for the adjuster.
  • Separate damaged items from undamaged items. If necessary, place damaged items outside the home.
  • Keep a sample of damaged items. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (examples: swatches from carpeting, curtains and chairs) to prepare your estimate.
  • If you have damage estimates prepared by a contractor, provide them to your adjuster since they will be considered in the preparation of your repair estimate.

If you're in need of help from FEMA and haven't done so, you must register, either online or by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with access or functional needs who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585, or they may use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

The DRC is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.


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