Because you are an agent, people will turn to you for flood insurance information not only after a flood, but also for other reasons, and it’s great to be prepared as anyone can become a prospective client. For example, map changes, levee issues, community flood and disaster outreach programs, and other events and concerns put flood awareness and flood insurance top of mind. At such times you can be a valuable flood insurance resource to groups and organizations community-wide.
Working With Community Groups
To help educate your community about flood risk and flood insurance, you’ll find fact sheets, toolkits of materials, videos, sample presentations, and more in the Flood Insurance Outreach Toolkit.
The American Red Cross, Regional FEMA Representatives, and other officials providing on-the-ground assistance and services after a flood may need your help getting information about flood insurance and claims to affected residents:
- Work with agencies assisting in recovery to disseminate materials and tips. This will help people understand what flood assistance and relief is available and how to access it. Some of our helpful post flood materials include the After the Flood fact sheet, After a Flood infographic, NFIP Claims Handbook, and the Building Back Stronger and Safer brochure.
- Make your contact information and claims numbers available at shelters, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), or Joint Field Offices (JFOs). This way, your clients can reach you to discuss their situation, and other residents will know how and where to file a flood claim.
Working With the Media
As a FloodSmart agent, you probably can answer most media questions about flood insurance, what flood insurance policies do and do not cover, and how residents can get coverage. But if there’s something you don’t know, direct the reporter to the Press Room at FloodSmart.gov or to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of Public Affairs:
Telephone: (202) 646-4600
Website: www.fema.gov/office-external-affairs
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