Types of Disaster Assistance Available to Flood Victims

11/16/2019 (Permalink)

Types of Disaster Assistance Available to Flood Victims

Flooding in Smith Village, OK, can severely damage your home. While flood damage is a major hassle for everyone, it can be particularly devastating if you do not have flood insurance. Fortunately, there are other sources of aid available.

FEMA Grants

If you are in a federally-declared disaster area and are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for a FEMA grant through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program. These grants can be used for disaster expenses, including the following:

• property repairs
• temporary housing
• disaster-related medical and funeral expenses
  

If you are eligible for a grant, you will receive a letter detailing exactly what the funds can be used for. Additionally, the grant money may be distributed to reimburse you for disaster-related expenses that you have already paid for out-of-pocket. In this case, it is important to have photo or video evidence of the damage before you began making repairs.

Other Assistance

If your flood insurance and any grant money are not enough to cover all of your expenses, you may qualify for a loan from the Small Business Association. Despite the name of the loan-provider, these low-interest loans are available to home owners and renters. Like grants, these funds are only to be used for disaster-related expenses and are only available to those in officially-declared disaster areas.
For individuals who need more immediate assistance or are not in a federally-declared disaster area, the Red Cross may be able to help. The Red Cross is a charitable organization that primarily helps with shelter, clothing, food and water.
Due to federal regulations, many people living in a flood plane will likely have flood insurance. However, some people may be uninsured or underinsured. In those cases, the federal government, the SBA and the Red Cross can all provide assistance. Whether your home-repair funds come from your insurance company or another source, a certified restoration company can help you get your home back to pre-flood condition.