What You Need To Do After Harvey

For most of Houston, this week is one of bittersweetness as Hurricane Harvey moves on. Many are back to life as usual, but many more are dealing with the devastation that comes with rising flood waters. In an effort to help the community of Houston and surrounding areas move forward, my colleague Heather Anderson put together this list of tips and resources. If you have been displaced or your home flooded, here is what you need to do after Harvey.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

For up to date information on Disaster Assistance which includes FEMA, Shelters, Housing, Insurance, Legal, Health and Safety, and Home Repair, please visit Harris County Recovery Network: www.harrisrecovery.org

STEPS IF YOU FLOODED

Call your insurance company and file a claim. You will need:

• The name of your insurance company
• Your policy number
• A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. Make sure to ask for the adjuster’s contact information so you can reach them directly if you haven’t heard from them.

Separate damaged property from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.

• Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage and standing floodwater levels.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible
• Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home
• If you begin repairs or remediation prior to adjuster coming out, get an authorization in writing from the insurance company and keep all receipt
• Mark the water line on the exterior of your home with a marker and take a photo
• Your adjuster will assist you in preparing a Proof of Loss (which is your sworn statement of the amount you are claiming including necessary supporting documentation) for your official claim for damages. A Proof of Loss can be many things, but must contain the specific details set forth in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. You’ll need to file your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.
• You’ll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss. Since this is a major catastrophic flood, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.
• Flooded cars are resolved through your auto insurance
• FEMA DOES NOT cover additional living expense

You may have seen information on social media and in news articles about a new law effective Sept. 1, 2017 related to homeowner’s insurance.  You don’t have to rush and file before 9/1/2017. In an effort to clarify what this new law (HB 1774) actually does, see this great article from the Texas association of Realtors, posted here on the TAR blog.

Register with FEMA To register call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online to www.disasterassistance.gov

• You will be asked for the following: Your Social Security Number, Insurance Information, A Contact Number & Direct Deposit Information for Electronic Funds
• Be sure to have a pen in hand to record important information, such as the FEMA number you will be provided.

Begin scheduling contractors and remediation companies to get bids on the repairs

• DO NOT begin any work without consulting your insurance company.  Make sure that everything to your insurance company is in writing. It will be very important to communicate with all parties the plan of action prior to doing anything.
• DO NOT begin any work without confirming that the contractor is bonded and insured.  There will be numerous contractors that come into town to storm chase and we want to ensure that you use reputable companies that we know and trust.
• DO NOT begin any work without confirming that the contractor has received the property permit from the city and/or neighborhood if you are in an HOA.

If you, a family member, friend or colleague has been displaced due to the storm, I will be more than happy to assist with any relocation needs. My company is keeping track of the condition of the various apartment communities around the city and aware of those that have been damaged and those ready to take new tenants. If I can help get someone severely impacted by Harvey into new living quarters, it would be my great pleasure to do so. Please contact me quickly as available options are filling up fast!