FloodSafe Minute

Time to Get Prepared for Flooding and Funding

Terrebonne residents may have additional time to obtain flood insurance to be eligible for grants for between 75% and 100% of the cost to elevate or demolish and reconstruct a home or business. Structures that have flooded may be eligible for 90% to 100% of the costs through the FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program. Grant applications that are typically open in September have been delayed due to FEMA’s focus on the Congressional Budget timing and response to recent hurricanes.

If you have a home or business at risk of flooding, elevation or reconstruction grants may be available. We do not know when the yearly grant application from FEMA will open this year, but we do know that an active flood insurance policy will be required to be eligible to apply.

Severe Repetitive Loss properties can receive 100% and Repetitive Loss properties damaged by flood can receive 90%. 90% may also be available to structures in a low-income area. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sponsors the grants, so they are only available to people who have an NFIP flood insurance policy. Call an insurance agent for insurance questions/a quote if you do not have flood insurance now.

When should I get a quote?

Now! The formal grant application period will open in September, and the policy is required. A flood insurance policy takes 30 days to be in effect. Get your flood insurance in place today!

How much flood insurance do I need?

A full house value policy is not needed to be eligible for the grant. While the Parish recommends full coverage, this is not always affordable. Discuss your coverage options with your agent based on the funds you have available for the current year and the following year if you have a pending application. It will take at least twelve months for an application to be approved. Any NFIP policy meets the eligibility requirement. 

The time to prepare is now. Spread the word to get flood insurance and get above the flood!

Call your insurance agent now, or call the Parish at 985-873-6565 for grant information

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Visit the link to watch a video on how make a flood claim and the benefits of flood insurance.

youtube.com/watch?v=OeaI973gFjo

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