Flood Relief: What Comes Next

Houstonians know the fear, pain, and loss that occurs after a natural disaster. Hurricane Harvey has passed, but has left its mark indefinitely on our community. As we begin to rebuild our lives and our city in the coming weeks and months, it’s extremely important that you know the next steps, and more importantly, your rights when it comes to flood damage.

I’ve Just Been in a Flood- What Do I Do Now?

There are several safety precautions that must be taken in order to move forward after a flood. Ideally, you should not return to your home until authorities have deemed it safe, and a qualified electrician should assess your home in case of any detrimental damage to your main electrical panel. After you’re given clearance, use extreme caution when entering your home, and check the foundation to make sure that the walls are still sturdy and safe. The flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants, which can cause sickness and infections. It’s of the utmost importance that you do not drink the water until it has been tested, and discard any household items that have been flood-damaged according to the local regulations.

What Will My Insurance Company Typically Require?

Regular home insurance does not typically include flood damage. The most common flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), where you can either purchase a policy that covers your building property (actual home) for up to $250,000 in damage or one that covers personal property for up to $100,000. For more information on what is and is not covered through NFIP, you visit this link to learn more information.

Does FEMA Offer Relief?

Victims from Hurricane Harvey can apply for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Applicants can apply and possibly “receive rental payments for temporary housing, unemployment payments, loans to cover residential losses not covered by insurance, and grants for home repairs and replacement of personal property, as well as other disaster-related needs.” If you are looking to apply, you can register on the website DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800)-621-FEMA (3362).

If you are looking to give any kinds of resources to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, please consider giving to the American Red Cross. Monetary donations can be given here. We at the Camberg Law Firm are dedicated to helping our community in this time of need, and hope that we can all come together to rise up and rebuild.