Ask FEMA # 4
Release Date: November 18, 2005
Release Number: 1603-161
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- This is the fourth in a series of columns answering commonly asked disaster recovery questions. Additional "Ask FEMA" columns will be released weekly as the response and recovery effort continues.
Why would the FEMA inspector take photos of the undamaged areas of my home and not the damaged area?
Answer: The inspector usually looks at the damaged areas of the home and records that information in the computer as part of the inspection process. There may be times when photos of the undamaged areas are helpful in assessing the overall safety and livability of the home.
If you have received a letter from FEMA with a decision and are not satisfied with the decision, follow the appeals process as outlined in the letter.
If you have not yet received a decision, you will receive a letter explaining the details about your eligibility and award. Please review the letter carefully and if you have any questions, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or if you do not agree with the decision follow the appeals process as outlined in the letter.
I was told FEMA would reimburse me up to $800 for the purchase of a generator; is that true?
Answer: FEMA reviews requests for reimbursement of the cost of a generator on a case-by-case basis. The maximum eligible reimbursable amount is based on a determination of the median cost of a generator sufficient to power an average-sized home. You will not be eligible for reimbursement if you purchased the generator after your power was restored.
I heard FEMA is calling people to provide additional assistance because of damaged property. Should I expect to receive a call?
Answer: FEMA has begun a callout program to people who live in the hardest-hit areas of Louisiana (Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Tammany and St. Bernard parishes) and Mississippi (Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties). If you resided in one of those areas and you reported flood damage, you should be receiving a call. Please allow at least three weeks to receive your call.
If called, you can expect a short interview and review of your case. The interviewer will update your case file if needed and advise you of any award decision that has been made. The interview will gather details of your current housing situation, future housing plans, and ask if you have any interest in FEMA’s Mobile Home or Travel Trailer Program.
The callouts are not about new or additional assistance. They are a way to gather important applicant information and explain how FEMA assistance is being awarded using an alternative inspection and verification process.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-Nov-2005 13:17:20