BALTIMORE - Due to widespread flood damage suffered by National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders in Maryland, the time period that policyholders have to submit their sworn proof of loss statement has been extended an additional 60 days. The normal period for sending a sworn proof of loss due to flooding is 60 days from the date of loss. With this extension, policyholders now have 120 days from the date of loss to submit claims. For example, a policyholder who suffered a flood loss on September 18, 2003, would normally have until November 16, 2003 to submit the proof of loss. With the extended deadline, the same policyholder now has until January 16, 2004, an additional 60 days, to submit the proof of loss form. "We wish to alleviate the concerns of NFIP policyholders who are worried that their flood insurance claims could be denied or delayed by late filing of their claims," said Bill Lokey, federal coordinating officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The 60 day extension will give policyholders ample opportunity to present their statement of claim." "I am very pleased to learn the deadline has been extended for the National Flood Insurance Program," said Maryland Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Redmer, Jr. "The widespread damage from Hurricane Isabel has made it difficult for Marylanders to recover enough to make claims within the time period set. We appreciate that FEMA is sensitive to the serious problems experienced by our citizens." On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. | 
