We have now reached seven weeks since Hurricane Isaac tore through our region and an important deadline to file claims with the National Flood Insurance Program or independent insurance companies is looming.

Residents affected by the storm must file a claim within 60 days of the date of the actual loss. Because flooding from Hurricane Isaac affected different neighborhoods at different times, the actual deadline varies. The first deadline for homeowners experiencing damage on Aug. 28 is Oct. 28, and it is important for all residents with flood insurance to contact their insurance company to file a claim before this date to ensure eligibility for assistance.

We do not want any residents to overlook this date. It is imperative that all residents who have not contacted their insurance company do so immediately to avoid missing the deadline to file a claim.

Residents with specific insurance questions are invited to attend a House and Senate Insurance Committee Hearing Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the St. John Community Center, located at 2900 U.S. 51 in LaPlace. Representatives from the Commissioner of Insurance Office and the National Flood Insurance Program will be in attendance answering questions and addressing concerns related to Hurricane Isaac. 

Questions submitted early will be forwarded to the commissioner’s office for review before the meeting. Anyone interested in submitting questions, should contact St. John the Baptist Parish Communication’s Office at 985-652-9569.

FEMA has also opened a Hurricane Isaac Flood Insurance Call Center at 1-866-331-1679 for use by storm survivors who have general flood insurance questions or concerns. The toll-free number is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents can also visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Louisianians who received federal disaster assistance for damages to their uninsured home or business during previous hurricane or flooding disasters were automatically issued coverage under a Group Flood Insurance Program. GFIP is a three-year, nonrenewable group flood insurance policy funded by FEMA. After the GFIP expires, the property’s current renter or homeowner must purchase and maintain flood insurance.

Applicants who are not eligible for federal disaster loans or grants to repair property after Isaac may still be eligible to receive other assistance. Hurricane Isaac survivors who sustained uninsured or underinsured damages from Isaac should register with FEMA as other options may be available such as grants to help pay for rental assistance or serious disaster-related expenses, or Transitional Sheltering Assistance, which allows for a hotel or motel stay paid by FEMA for a limited period of time.