Government Entities
Here is a list of government agencies that you might come into contact with during and after a flooding event. There is a lot of information and overlap of information. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with website links and information. This will hopefully break things down a bit make it easier to find the information you need.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA is a Federal agency that responds to natural disasters. The manage and oversee The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s (DAIP) and National Food Insurance Program (NFIP). If your area is declared a Federal Disaster, they will be in the area to assist.
Helpful FEMA Links
- Main Site
- Declared Disasters
- Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference (This is a very helpful booklet that is used by government officials to determine what can and can’t be done in a flooded area. Which can include your home. Plus more helpful information.)
- Flood Insurance Info
- Flood Plain Management
- Flood Maps
- Know Your Risk
Things To Know
- Check the declared disasters link to see if your area has been declared a Federal Disaster.
The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP)
DAIP will be the entity you’ll be in contact with after a Federal Disaster has been declared. You’ll notify FEMA that your home has been damaged through DAIP. You can create an account on their website where you can apply for and keep track of disaster assistance. Assistance can include employment, financial, food, housing, legal, and medical.
Things To Know
- After creating your account, you’ll likely be contacted by a FEMA inspector. The inspectors live across the country and will call from different area codes.
- When meeting an inspector, be sure to ask for ID
- The inspection will consisted of them taking measurements, pictures, and asking some questions.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
After a flood, you will need to contact the NFIP if you have flood insurance. They will guide you though the claims process.
Things To Know
- While you may pay for flood insurance through your homeowner’s insurance, NFIP will be the ones handling the claim.
- Be sure you know what type of flood insurance you have and what it covers. Some may cover property but not possessions.
Local Building Code Enforcer
Depending on where you live, you might be under the jurisdiction of a building code enforcer. Some areas might be under the jurisdiction of the closest municipality even if they’re not within the city limits.
Helpful Building Code Links
- Building Codes by State (Local communities may have different or amended codes)
- Floodplain Manager Search
Things To Know
- Building codes and enforcement vary wildly by state, county, and municipality. What you will be allowed and not allowed to do post flood will depend on what local building code jurisdiction you’re under.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. The amount you can qualify for will depend on the amount of loss, type of flood insurance you had, and ability to payback the loan.
Helpful SBA Links
Things To Know
- The DAIP will provide this option for you and then connect you with SBA if you decide to accept.
- An SBA loan officer will be your main contact.
- There will be a lot of paperwork and electronic signatures to sign.
- Payback will be for a very low interest rate and for a certain amount of years determined by the loan officer.