(Detroit, MI, Tuesday, August 3, 2021) – A presidential disaster declaration has been issued in Michigan following the significant June flooding that occurred in southeastern Michigan. 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.

Anita G. Fox, Director of Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services, 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, WIDESPREAD FLOODING, THE VERY FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO IS CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY 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 WAYNE AND WASHTENAW COUNTIES RECENTLY EXPERIENCED WIDESPREAD FLOODING AFTER MULTIPLE DAYS OF HEAVY RAINFALL. 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.