Widespread outages: Can you be reimbursed for spoiled food, no internet?

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Many people in Northeast Ohio are having to clear their refrigerators after losing power for days, and it’s costing hundreds of dollars.

“Unfortunately, FirstEnergy does not reimburse customers for equipment damaged or food lost during a weather-related outage. Customers should contact their renter’s or homeowner’s insurance carrier to determine if their policies cover such losses, ” said the company in a statement Monday.

However, AEP Ohio’s website allows customers to file a claim for food that was spoiled during a power outage.

People need to submit an itemized list of the spoiled food, along with photos in order to get a possible reimbursement.

“In some instances you can get back money on food that was lost in a power outage. Normally we see these claims on larger refrigerators where people are storing meats,” said Dave Phillips, a spokesperson with State Farm.

Phillips said people with homeowners insurance need to consider their deductible.

“Let’s say your deductible is $1,000, did you experience that amount of loss with your food?   However, you also want to see if other damages have occurred in the home and perhaps it is applicable,” said Phillips.

Families with SNAP benefits who lost food due to the power outages are eligible for food assistance replacement benefits.

People must submit a form within 10 days after the food was lost. That form can be submitted with the county department of job and family services.

As for cable and internet, people can contact their provider and ask for partial credit for the days they were not able to use the services.

Meanwhile, State Farm has set up mobile customer sites to help people recoup some of their losses.

“Both are at Lowes. One is in Rocky River, the other in Willoughby. It’s for folks that want to get their claims started that way because of limited power and accessibility,” said Phillips.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.