SANTA FE, N.M. – As a result of the FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office’s continued improvements in the processing and payment of claims, the Office has now paid more than $770 million to claimants. And in an unprecedented coordination with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the Claims Office paid nearly 2,800 insurance premiums for claimants affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding. These milestones represent significant achievements by the Claims Office and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to maximizing compensation to claimants.
Those who opted into flood insurance coverage through the NFIP will receive five years of flood insurance protection, with premiums paid by the Claims Office. This is the first time FEMA has provided 5-year flood protection coverage in response to a disaster, which will help cover costs of potential future damages at no cost to the claimant.
“We recognize that because of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, community members face a significant risk of future flooding,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “With FEMA’s flood protection for the next five years, we hope that homeowners and renters feel safer knowing that their homes and contents will be covered should any flooding occur.”
NFIP coverage is one way the Claims Office is supporting individuals through risk reduction. This milestone comes alongside Claims Office improvements that have significantly increased the speed of payments to claimants. As of June 7, more than $770 million has been paid to more than 4,300 claims have been paid.
Individuals can learn more about other risk reduction and mitigation activities by contacting their claims Navigator or reaching out to the Claims Office at 505-995-7133.
FEMA’s Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible.
Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to visit any one of our three Claims Offices. Visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak/contact-us for locations and hours.
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.