Necessary Expenses, Including Moving and Storage Costs, May Be Reimbursable to Oregonians under FEMA Guidelines 

Release Date: January 22, 2008
Release Number: 1733-059

» More Information on Oregon Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Salem, Ore. -- Certain items purchased or rented by individuals recovering from the severe storms and flooding that swept through northwest Oregon in early December are eligible for reimbursement under set guidelines released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Under the reimbursement guidelines, individuals may be allowed one dehumidifier and humidifier; one chainsaw if required to restore access to a home or to remove any safety hazards; and a generator only if there is a serious medical need.

"Under dire circumstances, these items are considered as essential to the safety and health of affected individuals," said Glen R. Sachtleben, federal coordinating officer. "We want those who have an emergency need to have these products and not suffer undue financial setbacks."

Anyone who applied for FEMA assistance may be eligible.  All items must have been purchased between December 1,2007, and January 16, 2008.  The applicant needs a dated receipt or credit card statement to validate the purchase or rental of the approved equipment.

Moving and storage assistance, which can help qualified applicants for up to 18 months, is available to cover the expense of moving eligible items from a damaged dwelling, plus the storage costs, to avoid further damage to the items while the home is being repaired. In order to qualify, the applicant must be denied an SBA loan or never have been referred to SBA by FEMA.

The applicant will need to provide receipts and may either fax them (s) to: 1-800-827-8112, "Attention: FEMA Appeals Officer" or mail copies of the receipts to:

FEMA Appeals Officer
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD  20782 - 7055

"DR-1733-OR" and a FEMA registration number must be on all receipts and correspondence.

Registration details and further information are available at the Disaster Recovery Center in Vernonia Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-Jan-2008 08:20:26