Disaster Recovery Center, FEMA in town to help with damage claims
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ALPENA -- People who have had damage done to their home during flooding in April will have a chance to apply for federal funding or reimbursement. A local Michigan Disaster Recovery Center will open in Alpena to help people who want to make a claim.
The center will be located at the Alpena Township office building today through Monday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The deadline to apply is Aug.31.
Kim Elkie, director of Alpena County Central Dispatch, said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives will be in Northeast Michigan to help people apply for assistance for home damage that occurred from local flooding this past spring.
She said not all applicants are guaranteed funding from the federal government, but people who made repairs out of their own pocket, denied insurance claims, or only received a portion of the needed insurance money to cover damage costs could be eligible.
Elkie said so far 45 residents have applied for funding, but she expects there are many more who may be eligible and don't realize there may be help available.
In order to make a claim, Elkie said a person must provide proof of income, an email address, proof of residence, a Social Security number, and photos of the damage. She said documentation from insurance claims made because of the flooding may also be needed.
Elkie added the Small Business Association will be on hand at the disaster relief center to assist small business owners who had damage done to their business.
People who are unable to visit the recovery center can apply for federal relief by calling 800-621-3362 or by visiting disasterrassistance.gov.
Before applying, Elkie said there are things people should consider and review to be sure they know the extent of the damage to their property.
1. Check heating systems
Check that furnaces and water heaters are operating safely and aren't damaged by the April storms and flooding. FEMA grants may be available to help repair those items and replace them if they were destroyed by floodwater, but you have to apply before the Aug. 31 deadline to be considered.
2. Disaster damaged wells and septic systems
If a private well or septic system was damaged by the disaster, be sure to report the damage to FEMA.
Applicants may be reimbursed for the cost to have a professional licensed technician prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs or replacement of disaster-damaged systems. In addition to the technician's estimate, FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of a septic system or well.
3. You must submit your insurance settlement or denial to FEMA
FEMA needs proof of insurance settlements or denials to process an application to make sure applicants are not receiving money for the same damage twice. By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the disaster that insurance already covers.
4. Help with mold removal may be available
FEMA may provide funds to address damage from mold. Homeowners may receive money for cleanup, removal, or remediation of disaster-caused mold. To be eligible for this assistance, FEMA must verify that applicants are unable to live in their home because the disaster caused mold damage. Limited funds may also be available to homeowners and renters to prevent additional losses or potential health and safety concerns from mold growth.
5. If you already made repairs, FEMA may still be able to assist
If applicants need financial help to recover, but home repairs are complete or underway, they may still apply for FEMA assistance. Photographs, receipts, and other documentation can demonstrate disaster-related costs or essential needs to move an application forward.
For more information visit michigan.gov/april storm.
Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.