(Washington, D.C., Thursday, September 24, 2020) – As survivors of Hurricane Sally’s torrential rains and floods begin the recovery process, there may be many questions about what to do next. For anyone with flood insurance there are several immediate steps they should follow once they return home.

David Maurstad, Senior Executive of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, explains what residents can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IF YOU EXPERIENCED FLOOD DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE SALLY AND YOU HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE, THE FIRST STEP IS TO CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT OR COMPANY TO START A CLAIM. YOU’LL NEED YOUR POLICY NUMBER, PROPERTY LOCATION, NAME OF YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY, AND CONTACT INFORMATION. BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT ADVANCE PAYMENTS. THE SECOND STEP IS TO PREPARE FOR A FLOOD DAMAGE INSPECTION. YOU CAN REQUEST AN INSPECTION BE DONE IN PERSON OR REMOTELY. IF YOU CHOOSE A REMOTE INSPECTION, ASK YOUR INSURANCE AGENT OR COMPANY FOR MORE INFORMATION. AS YOU BEGIN CLEANUP, SAFELY DOCUMENT YOUR FLOOD DAMAGE BY TAKING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS.

SOUNDBITE #2:

IF YOU EXPERIENCED FLOOD DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE SALLY, FEMA’S NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM OFFERS THESE FLOOD RECOVERY TIPS TO HELP WITH THE CLAIM PROCESS.  TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CLAIM INSPECTION IT’S IMPORTANT THAT YOU TAKE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF FLOOD-RELATED DAMAGE BEFORE THROWING OUT ITEMS. FOR APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS, TAKE PHOTOS OF THE MAKE, MODEL, AND SERIAL NUMBER. ALSO KEEP SAMPLES OF CARPET AND OTHER FLOORING, OR CURTAINS. WHEN YOU MEET WITH YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE ADJUSTER IN PERSON OR REMOTELY, ASK THEM FOR OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION. YOUR ADJUSTER CAN HELP SUBMIT AN ESTIMATE FOR YOUR COVERED LOSS AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE.

For more information about recovery, visit FloodSmart.gov/start or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627.