BY RUSS ZIMMER, ASBURY PARK PRESS -
 
Thousands of superstorm Sandy victims didn't know where to turn when they ran into issues with their flood insurance providers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is announcing today that a new, independent consumer advocate will be activated next week for just that purpose.

The Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate was established as part of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 that was passed earlier this year, but hadn't yet been opened. An expedited installment of the advocate's office was one of four major changes to FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program that was announced by a group of New Jersey federal lawmakers earlier this month in Secaucus. It will open on Monday, according to a statement from the agency to the Asbury Park Press

David Stearrett will serve as the acting Flood Insurance Advocate. According to FEMA, Stearrett has worked inside the NFIP for 17 years. He has spent the last eight years as chief of the program's Floodplain Management Branch.

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The advocate's office is intended to help policyholders navigate the NFIP, which was designed to provide flood insurance protection for flood-prone communities. The insurance is backed by the federal government but administered by private insurance companies. Countless New Jerseyans have complained about what they perceive as lowball insurance payouts for their flood-damaged property.

The advocate will also educate the public on regional flood zone maps, the periodically-updated maps that dictate the expected flood risk in a given area.

"FEMA's establishment of the Flood Insurance Advocate is long overdue and desperately needed by National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders," said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., in a prepared statement. "It's why we passed legislation specifically calling for a FEMA Advocate. Regrettably, in assisting my constituents with NFIP casework, it is clear that the program has not met the minimum standards for treating policyholders—i.e. Sandy victims—in a fair, equitable, and timely manner."

Until funding is secured for a permanent office — FEMA is operating under a continuing budget resolution from Congress — the agency will reassign a number of FEMA employees to the advocate's office.

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The public can contact the advocate's office by email at insurance-advocate@fema.dhs.gov. Within a month, a phone number will be established.

"As FEMA begins the process of finalizing and implementing preliminary flood maps in New Jersey, an effective, independent advocate within FEMA is critical," Smith said. "The flood maps can have a huge financial impact on homeowners and their communities, who deserve a fair and transparent appeals process and an explanation of all mitigation options."

FEMA recommends that policyholders continue to work with their insurance agents to resolve any flood insurance-related concerns or with their local floodplain manager on questions about flood maps. Floodsmart, the NFIP's information arm, can be contacted at 1-888-379-9531.

Originally published at: 
 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/18/advocate-to-help-sandy-victims-with-flood-claims/20620881/ 
 http://www.app.com/story/news/local/2014/12/18/fema-flood-insurance-advocate/20594383/