Hurricane Francine proved to be a true reminder that hurricane preparedness is critically important. With this unique weather event, Hurricane Francine formed in the southern Gulf and within 48 hours was knocking on the Louisiana coastline as a Category 2 hurricane. As seen below, once Hurricane Francine came ashore, she proved to be unpredictable and turned a primary wind event into a historic rain event for Southeast Louisiana and Mississippi.
Hurricane Francine is a stark reminder of the importance of preparation and vigilance during the hurricane season.
While the storm did not experience rapid intensification into a major hurricane, it caused significant damage, disruption and inconvenience to the effected communities. Now with her passage, many individuals and businesses are faced with the familiar post-storm recovery process.
We take this opportunity to remind you of some key checklist items to consider as you turn your attention to restoring your property and businesses.
FEMA
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) can help safely house hurricane victims and cover necessary expenses and serious needs following a disaster. This can include temporary housing; repair of structural damage and home components and semi-permanent and permanent home construction; repair, replacement, and cleaning of personal property; and coverage for medical, dental, and funeral expenses.
FEMA Checklist
- Register with FEMA online or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
- Document all extraordinary expenses you would not have incurred but for the disaster. Keep all receipts associated with these expenses.
- Follow FEMA instructions.
Insurance
Any homeowners, renters, or auto insurance you possess will be primary to recovery from FEMA or other federal assistance.
Insurance Checklist
- Call your insurance agent immediately to start the claim process. Don’t wait to assess the damage. If you have excess insurance or umbrella coverage, then be sure to ask your agent to notify your excess carrier.
- Separate the damaged and undamaged things in your home right away. If possible, do not destroy the damaged items until your claims adjuster has had an opportunity to inspect them.
- Take close-up photographs of damaged rooms, furnishings, personal property (including automobiles), etc., especially for those damaged items you cannot retain until your claims adjuster inspects them.
- Prepare an inventory of the damaged contents in your home.
- Record serial and model numbers of appliances and household equipment.
- If you have prior pictures of your home, gather those to document your losses. Remember, relatives and friends may have taken photos of holidays, birthdays, etc., in your home.
- Save receipts for things like lodging that will document your living expenses while you were out of your home.
- Save receipts from repair, replacement, or clean-up costs. Also, include receipts for rented equipment and contract labor.
IRS Relief Post-Francine
The IRS announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in the Louisiana affected by Francine, which began on September 10. Taxpayers have until February 3, 2025, to file various individual and business tax returns, and to make tax payments. More information can be found on the IRS website.
SBA Loan Program
For uninsured, non-reimbursable losses, the Small Business Administration provides long-term, low-interest loans to individuals for personal property (up to $40,000) and real property (up to $200,000).
The types of loans available and links to apply can be found on the SBA website.
These loans include:
- Home and Personal Property Loans
- Business Physical Disaster Loans
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
- Military Reservist Economic Injury Loans
If you have damage to your home, business, or personal property, do not wait to settle your insurance claims before you fill out the form. FEMA and other federal programs may use the information you provide when making decisions regarding aid. Also, the SBA may disperse funds more quickly than your insurance company.
Based on our experience handling these matters during events like Hurricane Francine, we anticipate that there will be additional programs and funding to address the needs of the affected communities.
About the Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Team: Thanks to our regional footprint across the Southeast, our team is familiar with a host of natural disasters that can strike, both with advance notice and without warning. Our team members have helped businesses and individuals with proactive disaster planning for events such as hurricanes, and our experience includes post-natural disaster relief counseling in the event of an unanticipated weather event such as a tornado or flood. We address issues including insurance claims, business interruption, liability, employment issues, and related litigation that may arise following a severe weather event.