What You Need to Know About Applying for FEMA Assistance and Insurance After Hurricane Ida

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (BRPROUD) – Residents of southeastern Louisiana are trying to replenish their homes in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

For many, this may require federal assistance.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​said to contact your insurance first and take photos of the damage for documentation.

“. They’re going to send an insurance adjuster and you may have to make decisions to save your property, but you want to make sure you have documents proving what really happened, ”BBB President Carmen Million explained. .

After you file a claim with your insurance, FEMA has said that you may also be eligible for federal assistance to cover costs.

“After you file a claim with your insurance, follow up by registering with FEMA as it could turn out that you are underinsured. Of course, if you don’t have insurance, you can be looked at on a case-by-case basis, ”FEMA Representative Nate Custer said.

He said that these disaster funds are not only for those who suffer major damage, but also for minor damage.

“What we want to try to do is make your home safe, secure and functional so that you can continue to live there or come back to it,” Custer said.

“Don’t delay doing it. Do it as soon as you can. People have 60 days to sign up, ”he said.

“There really is no condition, as long as you use the money to repair the damage. Use it to deal with what happened with Hurricane Ida, ”Custer said.

You can register by phone, on the FEMA app or online.

Other BBB tips on safe recovery are included below:

• Check your insurance policy – Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowner or tenant insurance policies. In some high-risk areas for flooding, home and business owners may be required by law to carry flood insurance. To learn more about your state’s requirements, consult your insurance commissioner.
• Repair the damage – Do not make any permanent changes to your property until you get approval from your insurance provider. They may not reimburse you in full for repairs made without their permission. Take pictures of the storm damage to show your insurance company.
• Ask for proof of liability, workers’ compensation and license – Be aware of crooks. Verify that the contractor has the appropriate license to perform work in your state. This protects you in case something happens while you are working on your property.