Major Disaster Declaration
“Major Disaster” means any natural catastrophe or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, that the president determines causes such severe damage that it warrants major disaster assistance to supplement the efforts and available resources of states, local governments and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.
Declaration may include all or some of the programs, depending on the governor’s request and the amount of damage. Possible programs include: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation. Triggers assistance programs of other federal agencies.
Public Assistance
May include:
- All Categories A through G or may be limited to emergency work (Categories A and B). *
- Direct federal assistance may be provided by other federal agencies with our without reimbursement from FEMA.
- Coordination role.
- Technical assistance.
- FEMA reimburses 75 percent of the eligible costs; state/local governments pay 25 percent.
Individual Assistance
May include:
- Individuals & Households Program
- temporary housing
- repairs
- replacement
- permanent housing construction
- medical, dental, funeral expenses
- personal property & transportation.
- Sometimes direct federal assistance is provided by other federal agencies with or without reimbursement from FEMA.
- Crisis counseling.
- Disaster unemployment assistance.
- Legal services.
- Food coupons & distribution (USDA).
- Food commodities (USDA).
- Transportation Assistance.**
- Case Management Services.**
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is eligible to all areas of the state specifically requested by the governor. The program provides grants to state and local governments for sustained mitigation measures that will reduce or permanently eliminate the long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects.
** Added by the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, P.L. 109-295.
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 11:39:58 EDT