Take precautions with basement flooding

  • Published
  • Minot Air Force Base Legal Office
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Recently, a small number of on-base housing units have experienced basement flooding. With warmer weather approaching, there is a possibility that melting snow and spring precipitation may cause flooding for area residents, to include on-base residents. Consequently, it is important for on-base residents to be aware of the Air Force claims service process should a resident experience any loss or damage to his or her property.

First and foremost, it is important for base residents to take preventive measures to avoid the potential for flooding. The base housing office recommends the basement not be used for storage or living space, as seepage may occur and water damage to personal items are the resident's responsibility. While the Air Force may reimburse claimants for property damage caused by the Air Force, recovery may be less than expected or perhaps barred if the claimant was negligent in preventing the damage. Therefore, if a base resident is informed that flooding is likely, it is best to remove items on the basement floor that could be damaged.

The Air Force claims process has changed significantly in the past few years. The Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps has initiated significant changes to claims processing. One of these improvements is the creation of a centralized claims center called the Air Force Claims Service Center (AFCSC). Filing claims directly with the Air Force claims center is now the primary method of settling claims. It is no longer necessary to go to the base legal office to file a claim. However, the base legal office stands ready to assist Airmen and dependents with claims, to include conducting inspections, documenting damage or loss, and uploading forms and photos to the AFCSC for adjudication and settlement. The base legal office is located on the second floor, west side, of the PRIDE building on Minot AFB.

To file a claim with the AFCSC an Active Duty sponsor should visit the AFCSC website at https://claims.jag.af.mil/ to receive a user name and password, or stop by the base legal office. Sponsors can authorize their spouse to file on their behalf. They can even do so while deployed as long as the sponsor has access to a computer. Once on the website, easy-to-follow instructions are available for filing a claim. In a basement flooding scenario, choose the tab that states, "Begin a new other type claim." This tab covers all claims that are not for household good moves. Once the claim has started, a list of different types of claims will be given; choose "All Other Types of Claims" and "Weather Related" underneath it.

If there are any questions at any point in the process, call the Claims Service Center 24/7 at DSN 986-8044 or toll-free 1-877-754-1212.

If local assistance in filing a claim or communicating with the AFCSC is required, contact the base legal office at 723-3026.

Residents are advised to take preventive measures to avoid the potential for damage to personal property and not rely on the Air Force claims process for reimbursement. Failure to take preventive action can in many cases result in denial of a claim.