BATON ROUGE, LA — June 7, 2019 — Our community experienced excessive rainfall, heavy wind, and flooding on Wednesday, June 5, through Thursday, June 6. As a result, East Baton Rouge Parish has received numerous reports of damage in our area. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome encourages the entire community to assist in gathering damage reports to aid in the recovery process.

Due to the severe weather this week, citizens can report any weather-related damages to their property through the following link: http://brla.gov/damageassessment.

Individuals in need of computer access may visit any library in East Baton Rouge Parish to complete the form. Additionally, hard copies will be made available at local libraries beginning Monday, June 10. The Parish is initially setting a deadline of Monday, June 17, for both electronic and hard copies of damage assessment forms.

Damage Assessment Tips

• Insured Property
  • Remember: Flooding generally is not covered under homeowners’ policies. Flood insurance is a separate policy offered through the National Flood Insurance Protection Program (NFIP) or through private insurers.
  • Notify your insurer to start the claims process.
  • Document the damage by taking pictures of your property and the contents.
  • Coordinate with your insurance adjuster in filing a Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood.
• Uninsured Property
  • Document the damage by taking pictures of your property and the contents.
  • If your property is flood damaged and you do not have flood insurance, help may be available from the federal government through small grants and larger low-cost loans.
• Renters
  • If you have renter’s insurance, storm damage is covered.
    • Your personal property damaged by the storm will be covered according to your policies limits.
    • You will have to pay a deductible before your losses will be paid out.
  • If you are unable to occupy your rented house or apartment due to storm damage, your renters insurance coverage may help pay for additional costs you incur, such as hotel bills.
• Vehicles
  • Notify your insurer to start the claims process.
  • If you only have liability coverage, it is possible that you will not be covered for any flood damage to your vehicle.
  • Keep in mind you may have to pay a deductible.
  • If your vehicle is declared a total loss because of flooding, you cannot buy it back.
    • Louisiana law states that the insurance company has to send the certificate of title to the Office of Motor Vehicles along with the application for a Certificate of Destruction.

 For additional tips on claiming damage please visit the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s website at: www.ldi.state.la.us or by phone at (225) 342-5900.