Understanding FEMA Help and Flood Insurance Claims After Hurricane Helene

In St. Pete’s Shore Acres neighborhood, flood insurance claims are seeing an unprecedented surge following Hurricane Helene's devastation. Many residents, like Craig Williams, are facing significant losses as floodwaters inundated their homes. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of homeowners have flood insurance, leading others to seek FEMA help for recovery.

Understanding the Claims Process

With flood insurance being a separate policy from homeowners insurance, many are caught unprepared. Karyn Roeling of Seibert Insurance explains that most calls she receives are for flood claims, emphasizing a swift processing time for federal-backed policies. To expedite your flood insurance claims, follow these steps:

• Mitigate damage as much as possible.
• Contact your insurance agent immediately.
• Keep receipts for any expenses incurred.
• Document everything with photographs and videos.

These details will assist adjusters in processing claims smoothly. Despite these precautions, be aware of limits on reimbursements and the risk of scams targeting vulnerable homeowners.

Seeking FEMA Assistance

For those without flood insurance, FEMA may provide necessary relief. Recently, President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, including Pinellas County, offering a lifeline for affected families as they begin the arduous journey of rebuilding.