By Jacob Sorensen
The recent California storms has everyone worried about protecting their homes and property in the event they are affected by a flood. It should be well known that your standard home insurance policy does not provide coverage in the event of a flood. Only 15% of homes across the nation have adequate flood insurance. That leaves 85% of homeowners wondering what to do when flood waters knock on their door. It’s a little too late to buy flood insurance when the flooding starts. Private flood insurance has a 30 day waiting period and NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) flood insurance has a 10 day waiting period, which is not the life jacket you were hoping for. Luckily, in the event of a declared disaster, there is limited relief for families who have been damaged by flood through federal assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides assistance to individuals and families who have been affected by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. One of the programs offered by FEMA is the Individual Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to people who have suffered losses due to a disaster.
One of the major components of the Individual Assistance Program is the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). The IHP provides financial assistance to individuals and households who have been affected by a disaster and have uninsured or underinsured losses.
What is a Flood Disaster?
A flood disaster is an event that occurs when water overflows or inundates land that is normally dry. Flood disasters can be caused by a variety of factors such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surge, or dam failure. Floods can cause significant damage to homes, buildings, infrastructure, and personal property. Floods can also result in loss of life and serious injury.
Flood disasters can be particularly devastating because they can occur quickly and with little warning. Floods can also cause long-term damage to the affected area, making it difficult for people to return to their normal lives for months or even years.
What is the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)?
The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is a FEMA program that provides financial assistance and other forms of aid to people affected by disasters. The program is designed to help individuals and families recover from the impact of a disaster and return to their normal lives as quickly as possible. The IHP program is available to individuals and families who have suffered losses as a result of a disaster and have uninsured or underinsured losses. The program is also available to people who have insurance but the insurance does not cover all the losses incurred as a result of the disaster. The program has a maximum limit of $36,000.
The IHP program provides the following financial assistance:
Temporary Housing Assistance
The IHP program provides financial assistance for temporary housing for individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes due to a flood disaster. The program can provide assistance for rent, hotel/motel expenses, or a temporary housing unit. The assistance is provided for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster.
Home Repair Assistance
The IHP program provides financial assistance for home repair or replacement for individuals and families who have suffered damage to their homes as a result of a flood disaster. The assistance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement of essential components of the home such as the roof, walls, floors, and windows. The assistance is limited to the cost of repairs or replacement that is necessary to make the home safe, sanitary, and functional.
Other Needs Assistance
The IHP program provides financial assistance for other needs such as medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and personal property losses. The assistance is provided to individuals and families who have suffered losses as a result of a flood disaster and have uninsured or underinsured losses.
How to apply for the IHP program?
Individuals and families who have been affected by a flood disaster and have uninsured or underinsured losses can apply for the IHP program by visiting FEMA IHP or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
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