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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 13, 2007
No. 07-191
SUMMARY OF FEDERAL DISASTER PROGRAMS FOR DECEMBER ICE STORM; HOW TO
REQUEST HELP
The following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that
can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's emergency
declaration issued for Kansas.
Public Assistance:
- At this time, Public Assistance for county government or for individuals
is not available, but may be requested at a later time following
preliminary damage assessments.
- Categories A and B are not eligible yet – Counties are
not eligible for reimbursement for debris removal, emergency protective
measures, etc.
- Grants and loans to individuals are not eligible.
Direct Federal Assistance:
The current federal declaration provides only direct federal assistance
for debris removal and emergency protective measures. This means FEMA
will provide direct federal assistance through a mission assignment to
another federal agency — upon request of the state — when the
state and local government certify they lack the capability to perform
or contract for the requested work.
- Debris Clearance and/or Removal: This is when FEMA directs
another federal agency to accomplish debris clearance and/or removal.
This work includes whatever clearance, pick up, hauling, processing
and disposal activities FEMA authorizes.
- Food, Water, Ice and Other Consumable Commodities: FEMA will
provide commodities and the work necessary to distribute them if requested
by the state. Currently, the state has requested and received bottled
water.
- Other Emergency Protective Measures (applies to federal agencies
only): Examples of these measures include: installation of generators,
installation of large plastic sheet roofing, and shoring or demolition
of unsafe structures. Currently, the state has requested and received
from FEMA generators for use for critical infrastructure needs only
(hospitals, water systems), but these are not authorized for individual
home use.
- The state agrees in advance to reimburse FEMA for the appropriate
non-federal share of the work including the overhead of the federal
agency assigned the task.
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.
How to Request Help
Individuals:
- Individuals without power during the ice storm may go to a local shelter
for heat, food, water and a place to stay, or may contact the American
Red Cross or Salvation Army in their local community. For emergencies,
individuals should call 911.
Local Governments:
- Counties and cities needing help must contact their county emergency
manager and the county emergency manager will then contact the State
Emergency Operations Center in Topeka for specific needs. Do not contact
FEMA directly because all requests for assistance must be coordinated
with the state.
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