More than 12,000 claims related to Hurricane Florence have been received by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, with NFIP paying out more than $29 million in advance payments to policyholders as of Monday.

As of the end of February, 134,306 NFIP policies were in effect in North Carolina, with in-force insurance (whole) in the amount of $33.7 million and in-force premiums (written) at $110.4 million, according to NFIP data. In Beaufort County (including its municipalities and unincorporated areas), there were 4,171 policies in effect at the end of February, with in-force insurance (whole) in the amount of $810 million.

FEMA wants to ensure policyholders have all the information and resources possible to quickly move through their recovery process. Specifically, policyholders need to know how to file an NFIP claim, how to document damages, and how to request additional federal disaster assistance if available.

NFIP policyholders who have not yet filed a claim should call their agent or insurance company and file immediately. Policyholders who need assistance contacting their insurance company can contact the NFIP Call Center at 1-800-427-4661.

“Please contact your agent or insurance company to start a claim if you have a flood insurance policy with the National Flood Insurance Program and you have experienced flood damage from Hurricane Florence,” said FEMA’s Paul Huang, assistant administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate, in an interview with media outlets. “Policyholders who need assistance contacting their insurance company can contact the NFIP call center at 1-800-427-4661. Even if you have not returned home, you can start this process today. When you call make sure you have your flood insurance policy number and provide contact information where you can be reached. Ask your agent if you are eligible for an advance payment to jumpstart your recovery. You can receive up to $5,000 without an insurance adjuster visit.”

Huang continued: “Once it is safe to enter your home, document your flood loss by taking photos and/or videos of the damage, including the make, model and serial number of major electronics or appliances. Save samples for items like flooring, wallpaper and drapes. Only after documenting, move damaged property outside–particularly perishable items like food, clothing or linens.”

Huang also offered this advice: “A flood-insurance adjuster should contact you within a few days of starting your claim to schedule an inspection. Your insurance adjuster will work with you to submit an accurate estimate of your loss. This will help ensure you receive a claim payment that reflects your flood loss, within your policy limits. National flood insurance policyholders may also be eligible for additional funds and are encouraged to register for federal disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.”