07/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2024 10:23
This fact sheet identifies next steps for those impacted by the cascading effects from the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding.
Recent flooding in San Miguel and Mora Counties and other areas affected by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire burn scar has prompted questions about available compensation for the new damages/losses through the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office ("Claims Office"). Resources are available for impacted individuals.
Options are available for individuals impacted by flooding and other cascading effects as a result of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
I have flood insurance and have filed a claim through my insurance provider. Unless otherwise stated by your insurance provider, no further action is necessary at this time if you hold a flood insurance policy for damaged structures and/or building contents and have already filed a claim through your provider.
If you are not fully covered for eligible losses, the Claims Office may be able to supplement losses not protected by insurance. You must provide documentation to show you were denied insurance benefits or that your losses exceed what is covered by insurance.
I do not have flood insurance and have not previously filed a claim through the Claims Office. If you have not yet filed a claim with the Claims Office, you can begin the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon claims process by submitting a Notice of Loss (NOL) in person by visiting one of our offices, sending an email to [email protected], or by mailing it to FEMA Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office at P.O. Box 1329, Santa Fe, NM 87504.
NOLs must be submitted before November 14, 2024, as outlined by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.
The FEMA Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office paid insurance premiums for claimants who filed for NFIP flood insurance through the Claims Office and provided all necessary information to determine a policy premium by April 8. Those who opted into flood insurance coverage through the NFIP received up to five years of flood insurance protection, with premiums paid by the Claims Office.
NFIP flood insurance policy details for claimants who opted into this benefit include the following:
If you have an active NFIP policy and need to begin an insurance claim through the NFIP, you can visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim. You can also call the NFIP at 800-638-6620.
Individuals who missed the deadline for the Claims Office to pay for up to five years of flood insurance premiums can still purchase flood insurance at their own expense by contacting NFIP directly. Additionally, while new requests for the Claims Office to pay for up to five years of premiums are no longer being accepted, individuals can learn more about other risk reduction and mitigation activities that may be compensable by reaching out to the Claims Office or by contacting their claim Navigator.
Anyone impacted by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to start a claim with the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office if they haven't already. Per the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, the deadline to submit a Notice of Loss is November 14, 2024. The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides that compensation through the Claims Office is not taxable income and will not impact eligibility for other federal benefits including social security or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.
For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.