Hurricane Isaac flood insurance call center is open - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

Hurricane Isaac flood insurance call center is open

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BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened a Hurricane Isaac Flood Insurance Call Center for use by Louisianians who sustained flood damage as a result of Hurricane Isaac.

Call center staff can answer general flood insurance questions and direct survivors to Web-based resources.  Representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 1-866-331-1679, a toll-free number. Spanish-speaking representatives are also available. Additional information can be found at www.floodsmart.gov.

Louisianians with flood damage are urged to first call the agent who manages their national flood insurance policy to file a claim. Claims must be completed and signed, and in the hands of the insurance company within 60 days of the loss. The following information should be handy when placing the call:

  • The name of their insurance company and the policy number;
  • Telephone numbers or email addresses where policyholders can be reached.

Policyholders are urged to take photos of any standing water in their house and any damaged personal property. An adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items to prepare the repair estimate. They should also keep a list of damaged or lost items and include the date of purchase and value of those items when possible.

"We understand that hurricane survivors have questions about flood insurance and filing their claims, and this call center is a step toward getting them fast and accurate answers," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. "We want to help relieve some of the stress Louisianians will encounter as they work to recover from this disaster."

Survivors with specific questions about their flood insurance policy can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center in their area. They should have proper identification and their policy information. A list of open recovery centers is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.