Week 1: Disaster Recovery Grants, Private Insurance, Federal Loans.

By Murray Wennerlund

FEMA and Disaster Recovery

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) takes on the primary responsibility of coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts. For individuals and households, FEMA is the primary hub for gathering important documents, collecting information, and assessing the extent of damage. Registering with FEMA is a prerequisite if you plan to apply for and receive FEMA Individual and Household Program (IHP) Grants and HUD CDBG-DR Grants. This step is important because grants, unlike loans, do not need to be repaid as long as the funds are used for approved activities outlined in your grant award documentation.

How to Secure Financial Assistance Following a Presidentially Declared Disaster

1. Register with FEMA: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to register online. This step is crucial. With your FEMA registration number, you can apply for FEMA grants, temporary housing, other needs assistance, and HUD CDBG-DR long-term recovery grants. It's recommended to apply online; otherwise, you'll have to wait until FEMA sets up a registration location in your area.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Promptly initiate the claims process. Document the damage by taking photos and keeping records of all communication with your insurer.
3. Seek Local Assistance: Local government agencies, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits often play a significant role in disaster recovery efforts. Reach out to your local emergency management office or community organizations for guidance and support.
4. Explore Grant Options: After March 2024, FEMA's policy changes mean SBA loan applications won't be required. If your household income is below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), explore HUD CDBG-DR Grants before considering SBA loans as a last resort for post-disaster rebuilding funds.
5. Maintain Vital Documents: Keep copies of vital documents, such as insurance policies, home inventory, and any correspondence related to the disaster and recovery efforts.

Initial Steps Post-Disaster

1. Ensure Safety: The safety of you and your family should be the top priority. If the damage is severe and your home is not safe to inhabit or you are unsure, evacuate immediately and seek temporary shelter with friends, family, or at a designated emergency shelter.
2. Contact Authorities: Report the damage to your primary residence to local emergency services. Use resource links provided by FEMA disaster declarations and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) State Resource library, Disaster Relief - Emergency Management contact information.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your private insurance company about the damage as soon as possible. This includes auto, RV, boat, home, garage, and accessory buildings that have insurance policies. They will guide you through the claims process and assess the coverage for your losses.
4. Register for Federal Assistance:Once the disaster is declared by the president, register for disaster assistance with FEMA. You can apply online through DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Have your Social Security number, insurance information, and a description of your damages ready when registering.
5. Document the Damage: As soon as it's safe to do so, take time-date stamped photos and videos of the damage to your property. This documentation will be crucial when filing insurance claims and applying for disaster assistance.
6. Follow Official Instructions: Stay informed about updates and guidance from local authorities, FEMA, and other relevant agencies. They will provide information on available resources, recovery centers, and assistance programs.
7. Mitigate Further Damage: Take necessary steps to prevent further damage to your property, if possible and safe to do so. This may include covering broken windows, tarping damaged roofs, or turning off utilities if necessary.
8. Keep Records: Maintain a record of all communication with authorities, insurance companies, and agencies involved in the recovery process. Note down names, dates, and the content of conversations for future reference.
9. Seek Local Assistance: Reach out to your local emergency management office, nonprofit organizations, or community groups that may offer additional support and resources during the recovery process.
10. Stay Patient and Persistent: Recovering from a major disaster is a long and challenging process. Be patient and persistent in seeking assistance and support. There may be bureaucratic hurdles, but perseverance is key to accessing the help you need.

Additional Resources

• Lookup Your FEMA Disaster Identifying Number: Search for your Declared Disaster. Your disaster will now be issued an identifying number in a format like DR-1234-LA or EM-1234-LA.
• Visit Your Disaster’s Main FEMA Page: Find updated information provided by your local municipality and state.

Your first week after a declared disaster will be more than just a normal week. It's best to delegate tasks to household members, friends, family, and community groups. Your personal and household networking skills will be crucial within 72 hours after the declared disaster.

Recovering from a major disaster is a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and local authorities, as well as community support. Reach out for help when needed, and take advantage of available resources to aid in your recovery.