South Carolina policyholders affected by the October 2015 severe storms in North Charleston, South Carolina, should be aware of two recent bulletins issued by FEMA.

FEMA Bulletin W-15051 dated October 9, 2015 provides:

The NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent has established a Flood Response Office (FRO) to service South Carolina policyholders impacted by the October 2015 Severe Storms. The FRO will coordinate with the WYO Companies and the NFIP Direct Servicing Agent to provide guidance, define the scope of coverage, and assist with the re-inspection of losses.

The FRO is operating at the following location:

NFIP Flood Response Office
3125 Ashley Phosphate Rd.
North Charleston, SC
29418

The FRO operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). The Bureau’s contact person at the FRO is iService
NFIP General Adjuster Jonathan Hardy.

The temporary telephone number at the FRO is 228-617-9657

FEMA Bulletin W-15052 dated October 14, 2015, indicates that FEMA is holding an Adjuster Briefing on Friday, October 16, 2015, to address “coverage, limitations and exclusions under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy forms, as well as prior losses, Increased Cost of Compliance, substantial damage and other issues that may be encountered in handling claims resulting from the recent flooding.” The briefing will take place at The Doubletree Charleston Airport Aileron Ballroom, 7401 Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston, South Carolina 29406 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you are a South Carolina policyholder, or you are handling a flood insurance claim on behalf of a policyholder, remember this: The Standard Flood Insurance Policy requires a proof of loss to be submitted within sixty (60) days from the date of loss, or an express written waiver must be obtained from FEMA’s Federal Insurance Administrator if that deadline cannot be met.

FEMA extended the time frame multiple times for Superstorm Sandy policyholders to file their proofs of loss. Time will tell if FEMA does the same regarding the October 2015 severe storms.

Our blog posts will keep you informed of future news and deadlines for flood insurance claims resulting from the October 2015 storms.