Skip to main content

Rep. Payne, Jr. Encourages Residents to Get Assistance for Flood Damage from Tropical Storm Ida

September 14, 2021

Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. encourages all district residents with flood damage from Tropical Storm Ida to apply for assistance immediately to avoid delays in restitution. If you have insurance, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim for disaster-related damage. If you do not have insurance, you can apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make your home sanitary and livable again.

"I encourage everyone to apply for help as soon as possible so you can get the money necessary to help you recover from the storms," said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. "When I toured the district after Tropical Storm Ida, I saw the damage that flooding has done to many homes and businesses. If you want to get reimbursed for your damages, it is important to document your losses. Be sure to take photos and videos of your damage to account for all the items you have lost, show the extent of the damage, and submit it to receive the necessary funds you need to rebuild."

FEMA assistance is different from insurance in that it provides funding for emergency and health-related damage only. It will cover basic needs to help make a home safe and functional. But it will not compensate victims of flood damage for personal items or damage that does not create a health issue for residents. Examples of health-related storm damage covered by FEMA includes heating and air conditioning systems, electrical systems, ceilings and rooftops, floors, and windows. In addition, FEMA assistance could include temporary expenses for lodging, if a victim's home is unlivable, and items deemed essential to the household.

For more information on FEMA assistance and how to apply for a grant, click here.

xxxx