Storm Victims Encouraged To Document Repairs As State And FEMA Schedule Damage Assessments
Release Date: January 30, 2009
Release Number: R6-09-016
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourage winter storm victims to document any repairs to their homes as Arkansans begin to recover from the severe winter storm.
"As local authorities complete their response efforts and areas become accessible, we are sending teams throughout the impacted area to assess damages to the infrastructure," ADEM Disaster Management Division Chief Rich Griffin said. "Arkansans are resilient even during the worst of times. For those who may already be planning repairs to their homes and property, we encourage them to do so and ask that they document damages and keep receipts."
The recent federal emergency declaration is for direct federal assistance to the state as they respond to the storm. Any possible federal assistance to individuals and families would be based on damage assessments that may be conducted by the state and FEMA in the coming days.
"Assessment teams are the first step toward determining the extent of damages. The assessments help state leadership decide whether or not to request a Presidential Declaration," Mike Moore, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, said. "In the meantime, affected property owners should contact their insurance companies and proceed with repairs whenever possible."
Individuals who have suffered losses from the storm should:
- Contact homeowner and vehicle insurance companies to report any damage to their property.
- Document the damage to the home by taking photos or using video, and keeping a list of items that have been damaged or destroyed.
- After documenting the damage begin cleaning up and making repairs immediately
- Dispose of damaged property that presents a health hazard or that may hamper clean-up operations.
To facilitate filing of an insurance claim, property owners are encouraged to:
- Be sure to document fully all discarded items so that when the homeowner insurance adjuster examines the losses and the records, these articles are included.
- Compile a room-by-room inventory of damaged goods and include manufacturers' names, dates and places of purchase and prices, where possible. Try to locate receipts and proofs of purchase, especially for large appliances.
If there are immediate needs residents may want to contact the volunteer agencies in the area, such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, the United Way, or by calling 211 for a listing of organizations responding to the winter storm. Assistance may also be found through local churches.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 02-Feb-2009 10:37:45