How FEMA Can Provide Assistance Following a Storm

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid further Storm Damage in your Property. Trust FEMA Specialists.

As its name implies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, aids Americans who are struggling after a disaster. If a storm floods your Black Forest, CO, home, the agency can help you in several ways.

Types of Assistance the FEMA Provides After a Flood

1. Temporary Housing

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may not be able to stay in your home immediately after the storm. You may instead have to rent a hotel room, apartment or Airbnb. The Federal Emergency Management Agency can assist you with these rent payments.

Federal government funds can also reimburse you for other lodging expenses, such as taxes charged by a hotel owner. You can only obtain this money if your current home is inaccessible, unlivable or affected by an extended storm-related power outage. Transportation and food costs are not included.

2. Home Repairs

Federal money can also help you pay for storm damage restoration. However, the government will not cover the costs of repairing and replacing every broken item. The funds can only be used for basic repairs that will make your house functional, clean and safe.

For instance, the funds will not cover floor coverings such as carpet or tile. The money will not pay for replacement drapes or blinds, either. Yet you can use the money to fix damaged subfloors and broken windows.

Vital home appliances, including stoves and refrigerators, are covered by government assistance. The federal money also may pay for repairs to damaged HVAC and utility systems. However, you will need to use either your insurance money or your personal funds to replace damaged non-essential items, including home-theater systems and dishwashers.

3. Other Needs

The government additionally provides funding for other essential expenses that result from the disaster. For instance, FEMA money can help you pay for a moving company that can transfer your belongings from your home into your new temporary residence. If you decide to put certain items in a storage facility during the restoration, the government funds may pay for this expense, as well.

The storm might also force you to purchase certain items that you would not otherwise buy, such as a chainsaw. You or a loved one may also need to replace a damaged insulin pump or another medical device. Government money can be used for these costs.

Applying for Assistance

If your house has been affected by flooding, you can apply for government assistance online. You can also call the agency’s toll-free number if you do not have internet access.

Keep in mind that the Federal Emergency Management Agency programs do not replace insurance. You should thus first contact your insurance provider and see how much coverage you have. If you do not have any insurance, or if your provider will only pay for some of your damages, you can then seek aid from the government.

Dealing with the aftermath of a storm is especially difficult if your home is uninsured or underinsured. Instead of dipping into your savings to pay for remediation, contact FEMA. Whether your home has wind or flood damage from a storm, the agency can assist you.