3 Steps for Getting FEMA Assistance

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

FEMA resources are available to homeowners who have been affected by flooding

3 Steps for Getting FEMA Assistance

When tornadoes and other natural disasters bring flooding into your home, it's important to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance, even if you have insurance, and if you aren't sure you will qualify for help. As you move through disaster assistance recovery processes, keep a few things in mind.

Insurance and FEMA won't provide double coverage for any damages.
The federal agency may cover grants for rent, emergency repairs, and disaster-related medical costs.
You may get coverage for funeral and burial costs if the events were related to the disaster.

Remember that federal disaster assistance doesn't pay for any costs that other organizations have already covered, but they may contact other companies, such as home reconstruction and flood remediation companies, to carry out repairs.

One: Register

The first step in getting FEMA assistance after a flood or other natural disaster is to register with the agency. You can contact them by phone or online. They even have a smartphone contact address. Be prepared with your social security number, your mailing address, and address of the property, insurance policy numbers, name of your insurance agent, and a phone number where the federal representatives can get in touch with you.

Two: Schedule Inspections

A housing inspector from the federal agency will set up an appointment to visit your home. You must have proof that you own the property to get assistance. You can use a deed, a mortgage payment receipt, a tax bill, or an insurance policy with the address on it. You should also make sure the inspector can read your home number clearly from the road. Keep a photo ID, such as a driver's license handy.

Three: Reach Out With Changes

If you change your phone number or move to a new location after the flood starts to recede, contact the agency right away. Too many homeowners don't get federal assistance because the agency can't get in touch with them.
FEMA resources are available to homeowners who have been affected by flooding. Use these three steps to get the help you need for the recovery of your South Oceanside,CA, home.