close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

    • Does FEMA cover generators? How flood victims in North Carolina can use FEMA funds
    Utah

    Does FEMA cover generators? How flood victims in North Carolina can use FEMA funds

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

    With homes and businesses in Asheville and across Western North Carolina in ruins after Hurricane Helene, many residents whose lives have been upended are wondering what assistance from the federal government will look like.

    Fortunately, FEMA is offering assistance to both homeowners and small business owners impacted by Helene. While payment can take the form of a check in the mail or direct deposit, the money can only be used for certain purposes approved by FEMA.

    Here’s exactly what you can and can’t spend FEMA aid money on.

    Generators, accommodation? How much can FEMA reimburse me for the Helene disaster?

    Temporary accommodation: If you were forced to temporarily move to a hotel, motel, or other short-term accommodation, FEMA will reimburse you for the days away.

    Generators: If you purchased a generator while the power was out, FEMA will issue a refund under certain circumstances. If electricity was required to power medically needed equipment or refrigerators used to store items such as insulin, buyers must provide documentation from a medical provider stating that the equipment is medically necessary. In some cases this requirement may be waived.

    Other recent purchases: Purchases of generators that were necessary to support the recovery, such as dehumidifiers and chainsaws, are covered.

    Can FEMA money help with home repairs?

    General repairs: Even if there was already a problem with your home and it suffered major damage from Helene, FEMA can provide funding for repairs.

    Accessibility: Whether you already have a disability and your home’s accessibility has been damaged, or you have suffered a disability caused by Helene, FEMA can fund the repair or installation of features such as ramps, grab bars, paved paths and more.

    Private roads, bridges, docks: FEMA will fund these repairs if they are the only means of access to the home.

    FEMA hotels? Can FEMA provide housing?

    Direct temporary housing assistance: For those displaced by flooding, temporary housing units, multifamily rentals and repairs, or direct rentals are available.

    Moving assistance: This money will help those displaced by floods meet their immediate housing needs while looking for longer-term rental housing.

    Personal Property Support: These funds are provided to replace essential items lost in floods, such as kitchen appliances, computers and other equipment, and home furnishings, as well as books, uniforms and tools needed for school or work.

    Moving and storage costs: If you would like to keep your possessions in a safe place such as a storage unit while you search for a rental property, FEMA can help.

    What other Helene-related expenses can FEMA help with?

    Help if urgently needed: Immediate needs such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, formula, nursing supplies, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel.

    Burial: FEMA can assist with payments for funerals and reburials caused by Helene.

    Transport: This money is used to repair a private vehicle when there is no other way to get around. You do not have to live in an officially designated disaster area to qualify.

    Childcare assistance: This money is intended for new disaster-related child care costs.

    Group insurance against floods: If your home has suffered flood damage in a particularly flood-prone area, FEMA can purchase group flood insurance on your behalf. This policy gives you three years of insurance coverage.

    Help with cleaning and disinfecting: This pays for minor damage to a home if the FEMA inspector determines the home is still habitable.

    Can renters apply for FEMA funds?

    Renters can apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. If you already have renter’s insurance, start by calling your insurer to file a claim. If you have insurance, provide information from your insurance company, which may include a declaration page and a comparison or denial page. Don’t worry, if you have renter’s insurance, you are still eligible for FEMA assistance.

    Tenants are entitled to assistance with temporary housing, as well as the cost of essentials and replacement of personal property. Additional costs such as cable and internet bills are non-refundable.

    Where and how do I apply for FEMA assistance?

    Call the toll-free application number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at http://www.fema.gov. FEMA will ask questions about your income, insurance, and damage to your residence/housing needs. Be sure to save the application number.

    A FEMA inspector will arrange a visit to the home and sign a document certifying that you or someone in your home was a U.S. citizen, non-citizen, or qualified alien at the time of the disaster. You must present ID. If approved, you will receive a check or direct deposit with instructions on what to use the money for. Remember that these are grants and not loans. This means you don’t have to pay back FEMA.

    For more information on FEMA-approved temporary hotels, click here.

    Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at [email protected].

    Tagged:

    LEAVE A RESPONSE

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Caradoc Wyn
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like

    ads