Homeowners May Qualify for FEMA Assistance

7/21/2018 (Permalink)

Homeowners Should Know Disaster Assistance Options

When a community is hit by a tornado, hurricane, tsunami or other storm and suffers from devastating flooding, the U.S. president may officially declare Raleigh, NC, a disaster area. This declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to offer federal assistance to those affected by the disaster.

Federal assistance is available to you when certain eligibility requirements are met: the home is in an area the president has officially declared a disaster; someone in your home is a US citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien; the damage is to your primary residence; you cannot access or live in your home in its present condition; and expenses incurred related to the disaster are not covered by insurance or other sources.

Qualified Households May Be Eligible To Receive Federal Assistance

When you meet the federal requirements, FEMA may be able to provide assistance in the following ways:

• The cost of a hotel/motel room may be covered when flood waters make it impossible for you to access your house or live in it for a short time, or rental assistance may be available for an extended period of time while repairs are made or other housing is established.

• If your home and belongings have water damage and need repair by a professional restoration service provider, financial support may be available.

• Other expenses as a result of the flood may be covered as well: medical/dental, funeral, childcare, vehicle repair/replacement, and moving expenses.

Casualty Survivors May Apply for Assistance

You may apply for federal assistance before you file an insurance claim, but don’t forget to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. After you apply for federal assistance, a home inspection may be needed to assess your property damage; an inspector should schedule an appointment with you. Inspectors, wearing official photo identification, make an assessment of the property but do not decide if you will receive assistance.

Homeowners Should Know Disaster Assistance Options

When you survive a major storm, the resulting damage may cause devastating consequences, but being well informed of your options for assistance can lessen the turmoil. FEMA assistance may be one of the options that you can depend upon. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROeastraleighzebulon.com/.