Get a human on the phone

Call in this order. Say these words. Write down every number they give you.

Home / Tools / NFIP and FEMA phones

Confirm numbers on the official site before you dial.

Numbers change. If a number below fails, start at DisasterAssistance.gov or your declarations page, never a search-ad result. FEMA never demands gift cards, wire transfers, or full cash up front.

Call in this order

Your carrier first, same day. The number on your declarations page. Flood policy and homeowners may be different companies. Open both claims if both policies exist. TDI help line 800-252-3439 if you cannot find your carrier.
FEMA second, if a declaration covers Harris County. FEMA 1-800-621-3362 or DisasterAssistance.gov. Aid cannot duplicate insurance.
Your adjuster, after you have a claim number. Photos before demo. Keep every receipt.

Same-day carrier script

Hello, I am opening a flood claim. My name is [name], policy [read from dec page], property [address]. Water entered on [date] about [depth] deep in [rooms]. I have photos and I am mitigating further damage. What is my claim number, my adjuster assignment timeline, and the exact email for my photo set?

Adjuster visit: say this, not that

Say measurements, dates, and what you did to stop further damage. Show the photo set and receipts.
Do not guess causes, do not sign scope you do not understand, do not discard anything until the adjuster signs off.
Ask: what is covered, what is excluded, what is the next step and its deadline, and how do I appeal.

FEMA registration script

Hello, I am registering for assistance after the Houston flood. My address is [address], county Harris. My contact number is [number]. I carry [flood insurance yes/no, homeowners yes/no]. What is my registration number, what documents do you need uploaded, and what is my deadline?

If the answer is no

Ask for the denial in writing with the exact reason and the appeal deadline.
Appeal with new evidence: photos, receipts, contractor scope, insurance letters. Keep it factual, one page.
SBA disaster loans are separate from FEMA grants. Apply at the SBA desk if referred.

Scam shield

FEMA inspectors carry ID and never charge for an inspection or demand payment.
Report impersonation to the Texas Attorney General.
Read scam callers pretending to be FEMA before you call anyone back.

Official claim desks

Status, maps, and claim portals change by the hour. Open the org site. Do not trust a screenshot from last night.

DisasterAssistance.gov Apply when a declaration covers your county. Aid generally cannot duplicate insurance.
FEMA.gov Declarations, DRC locator, and scam warnings. FEMA will not demand gift cards.
FEMA flood insurance claims NFIP claim steps. Deadlines are policy- and disaster-specific. Do not reuse a Harvey date.
FloodSmart / NFIP Policy education. The carrier on your dec page is the claim route.
Texas Department of Insurance storm resources Claim FAQs and complaints. Help line 800-252-3439 if you cannot find your carrier.
SBA disaster loans Home and business loans after a declaration. Separate from FEMA grants.

Do this next 1. Build your claim packet tonight.
2. Read the rough NFIP timeline.
3. If a declaration is pending, read what to do while it is pending.