BATON ROUGE, LA — July 24, 2019 — Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is providing an online resource for parish residents to report any damage that occurred as a result of Hurricane Barry. The survey covers storm-related damage occurring between the dates of July 10 through July 14, 2019.

Citizens can report any weather-related damage to their property via the following link: http://brla.gov/damageassessment.

The survey gathers information about the extent of damage incurred and documents the impact of this event on individuals, families, businesses and public infrastructure. This information will identify specific recovery needs and continued efforts for debris removal around the Parish.

The online survey is a product that was first utilized earlier this year following the severe weather and flash flooding on June 6, 2019. The East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Information Services Department engaged this process to proactively collect initial damage assessments. That data was provided to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for assessment teams to conduct official Preliminary Damage Assessments to determine eligibility for recovery assistance in accordance with federal regulations.

While assistance is not automatic or guaranteed, East Baton Rouge Parish is committed to exploring all available resources for recovery and future mitigation projects.

Mayor-President Broome’s office will again partner with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library to provide citizens computer access to complete the survey. In addition, hard copies are available at local libraries across the parish. Any citizen unable to access either the online or hard copy forms, can call the City-Parish at 225-389-2855 for assistance in filling out the application.

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 policy's 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.