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If storm aid becomes available, be prepared
To the editor:
There is a possibility that because of the tremendous amount of rain, high winds and flooding, the federal government may provide damage assistance for qualifying property owners. Please note I am using terms such as "possibility," "may" and "qualifying."
This is not an announcement of assistance but rather an attempt to help a person, family, business or agency prepare for applying for assistance, should it become available. If assistance becomes available, it could be in the form of small grants, small payments, reimbursements on insurance deductibles or very low interest loans. We will not know until those types of decisions are made by whatever federal or state agencies involved make their announcements.
If you have damage you feel is directly the result of rain, winds and flooding (note the word "directly"), there are steps you can take now to prepare yourself.
1. Make a pictorial record. Take pictures of the damage and its effects.
2. Make a written record. While fresh in your mind, write down what happened, date it, note steps taken or needed to correct the problem, and keep it in a safe place. Help may not be realized for some time (some damage from tornadoes, high winds and flooding from 2008 is just now being funded).
3. The government, in most cases, prefers to review damage then provide funds. However, if damages require immediate attention, then perform due diligence. Take three bids or quotes on company letterhead -- if you can't get three, then get what you can and note why, get them signed. Keep copies of payments/checks/transactions for repairs. Take pictures of progress. Note reason immediate repair was necessary (inconvenience is not a good reason.)
4. If you have damage to equipment or property, record serial numbers and other identifying information (name, model, age, cost at purchase, copies of receipts if available, etc.) Take pictures. If you have the room and the affected property will not cause additional damage to other property, keep it.
5. Be honest. Don't add claims; note any other reimbursements you have received, particularly insurance.
6. For the record, if you receive calls, e-mails or postal notices informing you of help, be very cautious. If they guarantee funds, walk away from them. If they ask for any money up front, walk away from them. If the guy is wearing a stupid coat with dollar signs on it, run away from him.
For the record, I am writing from experience. I have been professionally writing, managing and administering federal, state and local grants for over 30 years and am familiar with many programs and how the government works. I live among you and am part of the community. Since I am writing this letter on company time, please consider this a public service announcement from your Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority.