(Washington D.C., Wednesday, May 11, 2022) – Red River Valley basin residents recently experienced significant flooding that forced many to have to evacuate their homes and caused damage throughout neighboring communities. As a result, thousands of people may be wondering how to begin the recovery process for the flooding in their homes, especially if this is their first time filing a flood insurance claim.

​Mary Beth Caruso, Mitigation Division Director, FEMA Region 5, explains what residents can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IF YOU HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE THROUGH THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM, AND SUFFERED A LOSS DUE TO RECENT FLOODING, CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FROM A SAFE LOCATION TO FILE A CLAIM. THE NFIP WILL PAY EVERY PENNY YOU ARE OWED FROM YOUR COVERED FLOOD LOSS. WITH FLOOD INSURANCE, YOU’LL HAVE ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT.

SOUNDBITE #2:

RESIDENTS IN THE RED RIVER VALLEY RECENTLY EXPERIENCED SEVERE FLOODING DUE TO MELTING SNOW AND RAIN. IF YOU SUSTAINED FLOOD DAMAGE, BE SURE TO REACH OUT TO YOUR INSURANCE AGENT. THEY CAN HELP YOU FILE A FLOOD INSURANCE CLAIM TO GET YOU ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY.

Visit floodsmart.gov/flood for information on documenting your damage, re-entering safely and rebuilding stronger, and where to go if you need additional assistance.