Free Help is Available to Flood Victims

Source: Instagram@979TheBox / Instagram@979TheBox

Last week, I got a call from one of my law clients, a victim of the recent flooding. I was told that the family had to move because they had more than a foot of water in their home.  Questions began to fly about what to do, especially since the family had no flood insurance.  Looking forward, I would encourage everyone to get flood insurance.

Flood Insurance Covers Your Losses

Flood insurance is a federal program and is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters. Your cost will vary depending on how much insurance you purchase, what the insurance covers and the property’s potential flood risk.

Coverage for buildings and contents is available in all policy forms. However, contents coverage is optional. Generally, your policy will not go into effect until 30-days from the date of purchase.  Therefore, now is the best time for you  to buy flood insurance.

Free Help Available to Flood Victims

For those who may have been affected by recent floods and severe weather, more  help is available to you.   The Houston Bar Association members and other volunteers will be available to answer your questions by phone beginning Monday, May 2nd through Friday, May 6th.  You can call 713-759-1133 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to talk directly with an attorney who is  knowledgeable in matters related to “insurance, property, landlord/tenant law, contracts, disaster assistance and other consumer issues. “

Free Monthly Legal Advice

The HBA also offers LegalLine, the first and third Wednesday of each month  from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. On these dates volunteer attorneys will answer your legal questions and provide brief legal advice.  Be prepared. Make a list of your questions before you call.  Also, get peace of mind by purchasing flood insurance today.

* J Thomas Smith is host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 am). He is an attorney, author, keynote speaker and mental health consultant. Your comments are welcome: jtsmith@radio-one.com. Follow on Twitter @drjtsmith102.