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o!*}v 5 Tft,P u_'__' /- Cbeck on Financial Assistance 30 p Check on Financial Assistance HOW much you rebuild and replace depends on what you can afford. Four sources of financial assistance can help you through recovery: insur- ance, government disaster programs, volunteer organiza- tions, and businesses. If you are fully insured (80 percent of the replacement cost of your home), you may only have to pay the deductible and your flood insurance policy will pay for professional cleaning and reconstruction. Even if you are insured, the other sources of assistance can help with expens- es that your insurance policy doesn't cover. Volunteer Organl.atlons Private volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and church groups are usually on the scene during or right after a flood. These groups help with things people need right away, such as new clothing, groceries, shelter, medical aid, and counseling. Some private organizations can help you restore your house. They may offer supplies or even volunteers to help you clean up and rebuild. The ser- vices are usually provided free of charge regardless of a person's eligibility for government aid. The American Red Cross pro- vides emergency assistance to people affected by disasters, whether or not the affected area has been declared a disaster area by a governor or the President. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free and is provided as a gift of the American people. The Red Cross does not receive funding from the government to provide this assistance. The American Red Cross can help by providing you with a voucher to purchase new cloth- ing, groceries, essential medi- cations, rent, bedding, essential furnishings, and other items to meet emergency needs. The Red Cross can also provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies. Listen to news reports to find out where to go for this assis- tance, or look up Amertcan Red Cross in the telephone book and call. Busln....s Your local Tv, radio, and news- papers will usually publicize the ways that businesses are contributing to the recovery process. Some businesses may offer reduced prices, but be wary of "flood sales" of flood- damaged items. Some insurance companies and lenders may let you delay your monthly payments. Sometimes banks will offer low- interest toans for reconstruction. While these may seem easier to get than government disaster loans, their interest rates are usually higher.