FEMA: Fallacies and Facts

I have been a first responder under contract to FEMA and Dept Homeland Security for many years with deployments to various parts of the U.S. and its territories. I am often asked about what FEMA does and what part DHS has regarding disaster operations. Some questions are truly appropiate and others are jaw droppers of comedic expectations.

To answer the question about Dept Homeland Security' role vis a vis FEMA I'll make it simple. Prior to the attacks on 9-11 on the World Trde Center and the Pentagon, FEMA was the primary government agency tasked to respond to disasters and other emergencies. After 9-11, and with the creation of the DHS, FEMA became a subordinate entity to Dept of Homeland Security. In other words, DHS is the boss of FEMA and shares resources during emergenies and disasters.Those resources are pulled from a myriad of sources from the Federal Government, Civilan Contractors, and local resources.

The President of the United States, with the cooperation of a state's Governor, holds the authority to mobilize FEMA during emergency or disasters. On some occasions, as in Hurricane Katrina, some state governments are reluctant to allow FEMA into their jurisdictions for whatever reasons. The delay in sending in FEDERAL assistance to Louisiana after Katrina was caused, for the most part, by a lack of immediate cooperation between state and federal government. In Katrina, neighboring states received Federal aid almost immediately due to rapid decision making by their state governments and cooperation with the Federal Govt.

So what can FEMA do for us after last month's floods? Below are some basic questions and answers I hope will assist you in deciding whether you wish to apply for FEMA assistance.

Q: Will FEMA replace everything I lost?

A: Nope. The taxpayers are NOT going to bring your home, vehicle, or business back to the same standard it was prior to the disaster. You will be assisted in obtaining basic essentials as well as repairs to make your dwelling safe, sanitary, and secure (now refferred to as "livable")

Q: Will FEMA replace my car if it was damaged beyond repair?

A: Nope. Taxpayers will not foot the bill for a new car. If your family household has at least one working vehicle, then you do not receive vehicle assistance. If your only transportation was destroyed, and if your insurance will not cover it, then you may receive assistance to replace or obtain transportation. This financial assistance may be in the form of a low interest loan from the Small BUsiness Administration or a grant from either FEMA or the State you live in. But basically, FEMA and the taxpayers ain't gonna' buy you no darn Corvette!

Q: My tools for work were destroyed in the flood, what help can I get to replace them?

A: If you are self employed, then the taxpayers do not assist directly with grants to replace your tools. However, the Small Business Administration may assist you in the form of a low or no interest loan. Should you be declined for a loan, you will be refferred to FEMA or your state resources for consideration of a grant. However, if you need your tools for work as an actual employee (mechanics, construction workers, etc) then the taxpayers may assist with a FEMA grant or an SBA loan.

Q: What's the difference between a grant and a loan?

A: Grants are not paid back while loans are. REMEMBER: the data on your SBA application is used to help determine whether you qualify for a grant, a loan, or a combination so FILL OUT YOUR SBA APPLICATION! You do not need to own a business for these types of SBA loans, nor do you have to accept the loan if you are approved.

Q: How do I get these loan applications?

A: Your FEMA IHP (Individuals and Households Program) inspector will provide you with those forms or they may be filled out online or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Q: But I was told that if I apply for FEMA help I'll have to buy flood insurance, true?

A:False. FEMA flood plain maps are drawn up for preparedness reasons.

Q: I don't live near water so I didn't get flooded. My drains backed up though so do I qualify for assistance?

A: Yep. Sewage back-up is a chief concern. Unfortunately, some Emergency Managment Agency personnel are unaware of this. The actual determination of the cause of damage will be made by the IHP Inspector, NOT your local EMA. FEMA's definition of flood may differ from what local definition is. If you have sufferd sewer or drain back-up, make sure you inform your Inspector about it. If they declare the cause of damage "flood", you may appeal that decision later.

Q: I rent my home, can I apply for assistance?

A: Absolutely! You may receive assistance to replace essential personal possesions. However, repairs and damages to the rental property itself are   considered "Landlord Owned" as are appliances provided by the landlord. Your Landlord must file for assistance seperately. CAUTION: Landlords may NOT demand FEMA money from their tenants. In other words, the landlord may not take your FEMA funds and apply them to repairs without your consent. If they try to do so you must report them to FEMA for prosecution.

Q: How much money will I get?

A: Dunno. The formula is complex and ever changing. Your FEMA IHP Inspector has no way of knowing the amount and are fobidden from discussing that subject....so don't ask! Let them do their job and get on to the next applicant.

Q: Is there a charge for FEMA assistance?

A: NO! There are no inspection fees. Your FEMA Inspector will have an ID that has their name and ID Number. If you encounter an Inspector that does not have their credentials you should not admit them onto your property. If the Inspector attempts to charge you a fee, you should excuse yourself and call local police. The Inspector is required to take measurements throughout your house and do a thorough visual inspection of your property, however. (they are NOT allowed to go up on your roof!) They are also required to perform the inspection ONLY DURING DAYLIGHT.

Q: What happens if I miss my inspection appointment?

A: You will be re-cheduled. If you miss 3 set appointments the Inspector will send your application back to NIMS (National Information Management System) for re-processing. The inspector has a 72 hour time period to perform your inspection once it is assigned to them. They can try to accomodate your schedule but are under time restraints so it may not be possible. The best soluton is to be present or have a household member over 18 present at the designated appontment time.

Q: Our power was out so we had to buy a generator. Does FEMA cover that cost?

A: Nope...The exception is where there is a DOCUMENTED medical need, such as a person on a respirator. In those cases a generator is deemed essential. However, you must have documentation from your doctor and the receipt for the generator must be dated within the allowable time frame.DO NOT TRY TO DEFRAUD on this matter...or any matter as it will go badly for you....very VERY badly for you.

Q: How do I get re-embursed for all the food I lost in the flood?

A: That gets handled differently for each  disaster. In some cases, victims are issued a food card via their state. In other cases, they may receive emergency funds for essential items (food, clothes, shelter).

Q: How long does it take for my funds to arrive?

 A: It depends. In some cases funds may be issued almost immdiately, while others may take a few days or even longer. To expedite the receipt of FEMA funds, have your banking information on hand for direct deposit.

Q: When will I know FEMA's decision?

A: The time period varies, but processing is normally done in a few days. However, while FEMA does try to qualify their inspector's damage assesment abilities, occasionally unqualified Inspectors sneak in via civilia contractors' ovesight. If you get a "bogus" inspection result, you should immediately appeal to FEMA and demand a re-inspection.

As a local contractor (Harrison Architectural/Harrison Residential Support Services 630.264.2320) I have opted out of responding to this disaster under FEMA or DHS. It may be considered a conflict of interest. I find myself in the unusual situation of having to apply for FEMA Assistance with the SBA due to losses incurred by the flood. However, we will be happy to assist others in navigating the course to recovery.

I hope you find this information helpful and would uggest you read my previous blog of BEWARE: Storm Chasers and FEMA Scams from last month.