DES MOINES, IA – August 18, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — A key goal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to help disaster victims in counties receiving a presidential disaster declaration get into livable homes and begin the process of recovery.
Seven more counties, now eligible for individual assistance, were added to the disaster declared due to the tornadoes, storms and flooding from May 25 through Aug. 13. They are: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Grundy, Guthrie, Henry and Winnebago counties.
Assistance from FEMA and other federal and state programs differs from household to household, depending on circumstances. Each case is treated individually, and every situation is different.
But all the programs are reached by a single phone call. Any individual or business that suffered injury, physical damage, or economic damage from the tornado, storms and floods can find out what assistance may be available by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, or registering online at www.fema.gov.
Below are examples of the kinds of damage people in Iowa may have suffered and the kinds of assistance that may be offered in each example.
Home damaged, not insured
Perhaps a homeowner has several thousand dollars in flood damage to her property, but does not have flood insurance. She has to stay in a motel a month while the home is repaired. She may be eligible for a grant from FEMA to cover the costs for making her home livable. (Homeowners who have already started repairs should save their receipts, along with photos or other proof of the damage.) She may be eligible for a grant to pay the cost of living in the motel while the repairs are made.
Imagine that just a few blocks away, however, the water submerged homes. FEMA grants will probably pay for temporary housing elsewhere, as well as give some money for repairs. But it will not be enough to pay all the cost of repairing those homes, which may have to be completely rebuilt. In those cases, owners may be eligible for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help repair or replace the homes and personal property.
No grants or loans are available for second homes or vacation homes.
Home damaged, insured
Suppose a homeowner has damage to his property, but flood insurance covers all the expenses that are necessary to make it livable. During the time that the home was uninhabitable, he was able to stay with friends. Even though he does not need FEMA assistance for emergency expenses, he may be eligible for a low-interest loan from the SBA for losses not covered by insurance, such as damaged personal property.
This is an example of a homeowner who took the right steps to protect himself, said Bill Vogel, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Iowa disaster recovery. We urge everyone homeowners and renters alike to buy flood insurance. It’s the only sure way to be protected because it pays benefits whether or not a federal disaster is declared.
Home damaged, underinsured
Another homeowner also has flood insurance that covers the cost of repairs to the home, and the contents as well. However, the family has had to move out of the building for two months while the repairs are made, and the policy does not cover the cost of the rent. FEMA may provide a grant to cover the rent.
Apartment
Renters face other circumstances. If their building is damaged, and they have to move out, they may be able to get a grant from FEMA to cover rent at a new location. Each case can be reviewed on an individual basis to see if the rental assistance should be extended beyond one month. Renters are also eligible to apply for a low-interest loan from the SBA to repair or replace their personal property.
The owner of the rental property may have protected himself by buying flood insurance for the building. Whether he did or not, he cannot receive a grant from FEMA for repairs to the building. It is treated as a business. He may be able to get a low-interest business loan from the SBA for repair costs and loss of rents that were not covered by insurance.
Injuries
Suppose someone was injured by the storms, and insurance does not cover all the cost of her medical or dental treatment. She may be eligible for a federal/state grant to cover those expenses.
Cars
Suppose someone’s car was damaged by the flooding, and his insurance does not cover the loss. He may be eligible for a low-interest loan by the SBA so he can repair or replace his car. If he does not qualify for a loan and the car is needed to get to work or for other necessities, he may be eligible for a federal/state grant.
It is important to note that federal law prohibits FEMA from paying for a benefit that is covered by insurance. For many people, insurance will prove to be the primary form of assistance. Those affected by the storm and floods should be sure to contact their insurance agent.
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.
