TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida survivors of Hurricane Irma and its aftermath are probably aware that FEMA provides financial and direct assistance for disaster-caused housing and personal property needs not covered by insurance or provided by any other source. But they need to know that FEMA assistance could also include reimbursements for generators and chainsaws to help with safety and clean-up.
Generators
Applicants who owned a generator prior to the disaster that was damaged as a result of the disaster may be eligible to receive financial assistance to repair or replace the generator.
Those who purchase or rent a generator to power a medically required piece of equipment are eligible if the generator was purchased or rented due to a disruption in electrical utility service caused by a Presidentially-declared emergency or major disaster and:
- The registered dwelling is the applicant’s primary residence and is located in an area designated for Individual Assistance;
- Proof-of-purchase or rental receipts for the generator are provided; and
- A statement from a medical services provider is provided, the generator is medically necessary.
Chainsaws
Any owner of a chainsaw that was damaged as a result of the disaster may be eligible to receive financial assistance to repair or replace the chainsaw.
Chainsaws purchased after the disaster must be needed to provide access to or from the home and/or to remove imminent danger to the home caused by the hurricane. The rules on proof of purchase and home ownership also apply.
FEMA does not duplicate benefits if reimbursement for equipment was paid for by another source.
To register for FEMA disaster assistance visit DisasterAssistance.gov. For more recovery information visit FEMA’s Hurricane Irma web page at www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma.
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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.