Jackson Free Press

PEARL – National Flood Insurance Policy Holders who experienced flooding due to Hurricane Isaac are reminded that NFIP policies do not cover rental assistance.

Displaced residents should check their homeowner’s insurance policy to see if rental assistance is covered. Contact your insurance agent for specific answers about your policy.

According to www.floodsmart.gov, flood insurance covers:

The insured building and its foundation.

Electrical and plumbing systems.

Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces and water heaters.

Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances such as dishwashers.

Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring.

Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases and cabinets.

Window blinds.

Detached garages (up to 10 percent of building property), detached buildings (other than garages) require a separate building property policy.

Debris removal.

A flood insurance contents policy covers some personal items like:

Personal belongings, such as clothing, furniture and electronic equipment.

Curtains.

Portable and window air conditioners.

Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers.

Carpets that are not included in building coverage.

Clothing washers and dryers.

Food freezers and the food in them.

Certain valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500).

Some items not covered are:

Damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner.

Currency, precious metals and valuable papers such as stock certificates.

Property and belongings outside of an insured building such as trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs and swimming pools.

Living expenses such as temporary housing.

Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of insured property.

Most self-propelled vehicles such as cars, including their parts.

For a complete list of items covered, and not covered, by flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov, or contact your flood insurance provider.

Affected residents in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties could be eligible for FEMA rental assistance, as well as other federal assistance programs. To apply, call1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) or visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

For more information, visit us online at www.msema.org. You can also follow us on Twitter using keyword MSEMA and on Facebook under Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.