FEMA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sources: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs
www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/faq
- What does a federal disaster declaration mean for our county?
- It means the President has approved federal help for people and communities affected by this disaster. That can include money to help people repair homes, grants to local governments to fix roads and public buildings, and funding to reduce future disaster risk.
- What kinds of help might be available?
- Individual Assistance (IA): Help for homeowners and renters, like temporary housing or money to fix your home.
- Public Assistance (PA): Funds to help local governments repair roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings.
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Funding to help communities reduce future risks, like elevating homes or improving drainage.
- Who can apply for help? How?
If your home or things were damaged, you may be able to apply for FEMA help:
- Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
- By phone: FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585)
- In person: At a Disaster Recovery Center (we’ll share locations as they open)
- What information do I need to apply?
- Your address and contact info
- A description of the damage
- Insurance information (if you have any)
- Your Social Security Number (for the head of household)
- Banking info if you qualify for direct deposit
- When will Disaster Recovery Centers open?
- We’ll post updates on locations and opening dates. Check our website and social media pages often.
- I have insurance. Can I still apply?
- Yes. FEMA may help with things your insurance doesn’t fully cover. But you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance first.
- What if my home wasn’t destroyed? Can I still get help?
- Yes. You might get help for serious damage that makes your home unsafe or unusable, even if it wasn’t a total loss.
- How long does it take to get help?
- Every case is different. Apply as soon as you can. FEMA will usually schedule a home inspection quickly, and then let you know if you qualify. The process can take days to weeks.
- How do I know if my home is in the declared area?
- You can find information on our website and social media. You can also check your address on DisasterAssistance.gov.
- I got a letter saying I’m ineligible. What can I do?
- Don’t give up. Many times, FEMA just needs more documents (like insurance paperwork or proof of ownership). You can appeal the decision —ask FEMA (or at the DRC) what you should do.
- How do I appeal a decision?
- Write a letter explaining why you disagree, include any extra documents FEMA asked for, and send it by mail or upload it online within 60 days. We can help you write the appeal if needed.
- What repairs or building costs are covered?
- FEMA helps pay for damage to make your home safe, sanitary, and livable. It may not cover everything or bring your home back to the way it was before.
- What help is there for renters? Businesses? Farmers?
- Renters may get help replacing belongings or paying for temporary housing.
- Small businesses may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA.
- Farmers and ranchers can check USDA disaster programs.
- When will Disaster Recovery Centers close?
- We’ll post updates on locations and closing dates. Check our website and social media often. Try to visit as soon as you can.
- What are the deadlines to apply for help?
- Deadlines vary by program. We’ll share them on our website, social media, and press releases.
- What help is there for debris removal and cleanup?
- Local governments may announce debris pickup schedules. FEMA may help pay for debris removal if it threatens health and safety.
- How do I get help if I speak a foreign language or have trouble communicating?
- Our state and local team, along with FEMA, provide help in many languages and accessible formats. You can ask for sign language interpreters, materials in Braille, or other help.
- How do I avoid scams and fraud?
- FEMA staff always carry official ID. They never ask for money. If you’re unsure, call the FEMA Helpline.
- Where can I get mental health or crisis counseling?
- Disasters can be stressful. Free help is available: call or text 988, or ask at a Disaster Recovery Center.
- What is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)?
- It helps communities fund projects to reduce future disaster risks — like floodplain buyouts, drainage improvements, or elevating homes.
- Can I get help protecting my home from future disasters?
- Maybe. Some homeowners may be eligible for mitigation help if their home is damaged and in a high-risk area.
- How long does recovery take?
- Recovery is a long process — often months to years. We’ll share updates as projects move forward.
- Who is leading recovery locally in Ohio?
- Wheeling Ohio County Emergency Management Agency works closely with FEMA, the state, local governments, nonprofits, and the community.
- How do I stay updated? Where do I look for updates?
- Follow us on social media, check OVFlood.org, or sign up for alert updates at OhioCountyWV.gov. We’ll keep posting new info as it becomes available.
- Where can I find trustworthy information about a disaster?
- When disaster strikes, it’s crucial to rely on verified information to stay safe and make informed decisions. Here are some reliable sources:
Official Government Websites and Agencies
- FEMA
- State and Local Emergency Management Agencies
- Local Governments
- Trusted News Outlets
Look for well-established, credible news sources like major news networks, newspapers, and online news outlets.
Social Media
- Follow the official social media of government agencies, emergency responders, and reputable news organizations.
Tips
- Cross-reference information and check multiple sources to confirm accuracy.
- Verify the source and ensure the information comes from a credible source.
- To learn more, visit FEMA.gov to find the latest information about a disaster in your area.
- How is an emergency declaration different from a presidential declaration?
- Emergency declarations can be issued at the local, state, territorial, tribal, and federal levels to activate resources and coordinate responses to disasters.
- State and local officials can issue emergency declarations to immediately mobilize local resources and implement emergency plans. This can occur before, during or immediately after the disaster occurs. If a disaster overwhelms state and local capacity, officials may request a presidential declaration.
- If approved, a presidential declaration triggers a federal response, providing additional resources and support. Federal agencies work with state and local governments to assess damage, determine needs, and allocate aid. This coordinated effort ensures a comprehensive response to large-scale disasters. Unlike an emergency declaration which can be issued before or immediately after a disaster, a presidential declaration can take a few days or even weeks to be issued.
- To learn more, visit How a Disaster Gets Declared: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared
Volunteers and Donations
- How can I volunteer or donate? I want to help!
- Money is the best way to help disaster survivors. Cash donations allow the voluntary agency to quickly address urgent needs. If you want to volunteer, you can find trusted organizations that are operating in affected areas by visiting National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.
- For more information on how you can help, visit our Volunteer and Donate page.
- How do I know if my area is eligible for assistance?
- The disaster declaration designates which areas are eligible to receive Federal assistance. To see if your area has been declared:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Enter your city or zip code into the look-up box.
- Find your county/parish under “declared counties.”
FEMA disaster assistance applications are typically accepted for 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration, but the application deadline may be extended further in some disasters.
- What basic information will I need when I apply?
- To apply for FEMA assistance, you will need to provide your:
- Your address with zip code
- Condition of your damaged home, if known
- Insurance information, if available
- Social Security number
- Phone number where you can be contacted
- Address where you can get mail or email address to receive electronic notifications
- Annual household income
- Account information, if you would like your assistance provided through direct deposit
- Where do I update my information and check on the status of my application?
- You can apply or update your information online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or through the FEMA mobile app.
- If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or other communication services, give FEMA your number for that service.
