Reminders for homeowners filing claims with FEMA

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — More than a week after Hurricane Florence made landfall leaving behind a path of destruction and flooding, residents across the Carolinas are still struggling to clean up and rebuild their lives.

As of Wednesday, FEMA Spokesman John Mills told WWAY that $33 million in grants has been distributed by FEMA to storm victims in the counties under the disaster declaration in North Carolina, mostly by direct deposit.

In Pender County alone FEMA representatives have conducted 2,000 home inspections.

FEMA says you should check your bank account to see if it has been deposited and look for a letter or email from FEMA explaining what the money is for. Don’t forget to save all receipts.

Here are additional reminders for those affected by flooding:

• If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home because of disaster damage, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
• The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week.
• A FEMA contract damage inspector may call and visit your home. Please stay in touch with FEMA if you need an inspection. Answer your phone when the inspector calls, sometimes from an out-of-state area code.
• If you have a homeowner’s or flood insurance policy (or both), file your insurance claims immediately before applying for disaster assistance. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. Take photos and videos of all damage before you start cleaning up. If you’ve already cleaned up, make a list of your damages and save your receipts.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is allowing advanced payments to policyholders on their flood insurance claims. When a policyholder contacts their insurer, the policyholder can receive an advance payment of up to $5,000 on a flood claim, without an adjuster visit or additional documentation.
• Although disaster assistance from the federal government cannot make you whole, it may help move your recovery forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, sanitary and secure. Disaster assistance may also provide temporary help with a place for you and your family to stay while you build your own recovery
• After registering for disaster assistance, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In times of disasters, SBA offers low-interest loans for businesses, homeowners and renters. SBA will contact you with information on how to apply.