St. Mary’s County Government and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency are assessing damages sustained during the November 11-15 flood event. Citizens who realized damages to homes or properties during this time period should contact Land Use and Growth Management at: (301) 475-4200 ext. 1500 or the Department of Public Safety at: (301) 475-4200 Option 6, Option 3. The following resources are offered to help citizens and businesses affected during this weather event.   

File Insurance Claims
Report property damage to your insurance agent immediately. Your agent can provide claim forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit your property and assess the damage.
*                    Make emergency or temporary repairs and document them. Keep all receipts and take photographs of the damages, before and after an emergency repair, to submit your claim.
*                    If the damages require you to leave your home, secure your property, remove valuable items, lock windows and doors and leave contact information with your insurance agent.
*                   Check with the Land Use and Growth Management Department to determine if repairs require a permit.
 
Know Your Rights
Criminals may prey on your vulnerability after a storm. Know your rights as a consumer and don’t let your eagerness to make repairs leave you a victim.
*                     Be cautious of anyone coming to your home uninvited and offering to do home repairs and be alert to individuals canvassing your neighborhood in an unmarked van or truck.
*                     Insist on a written estimate and get estimates from several companies.
*                     Be sure the contract or business card has an address, telephone number and license numbers.
*                     Ask for references and check them out.
*                     Insist on start and completion dates in the contract.
*                     Do not pay the final balance for work performed until it is completed to your satisfaction. 
 
If you are in need of further assistance, please contact these agencies responsible for specific recovery efforts:
 
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Individual Assistance for citizens
FEM

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