For those directly impacted by the flooding across Eastern Kentucky, there are still many questions. And finding answers isn’t always easy.
That’s why we’ve put together some information on some important information as our families and communities continue to pick up the pieces.
Privately owned roads and bridges
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program grants may be used to repair disaster-damaged privately-owned access roads and bridges. To qualify, the survivor must meet all the basic eligibility criteria outlined for the Individuals and Households Program. They must also be the homeowner and the home serves as the primary residence.
A FEMA inspection is necessary to determine if repairs are necessary for a vehicle to access the property. In addition, the applicant must meet at least one of the following conditions:
The road and/or bridge is the only access to the property.
- No one can access the home due to damaged infrastructure.
- The applicant is responsible (or shares responsibility with other homeowners) for maintaining the privately-owned access route to their primary residence.
- The safety of the occupants could be adversely affected because emergency services vehicles, such as an ambulance or fire truck, cannot reach the residence. However, this will only be considered if access was available before the disaster occurred.
- When multiple households share a privately-owned access route, assistance is shared among applicants, requiring additional coordination and documentation between FEMA and each applicant.
For those not eligible for FEMA’s individual and Household Assistance, you may qualify for a Disaster Loan through the Small Business Administration. Learn more about that program here.
FEMA has also put together a Fact Sheet for privately owned roads and bridges.
Home inspections
If you report that you cannot, or may not be able to, safely live in your home, FEMA may need to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. The inspection helps FEMA verify disaster-caused damage and loss. Inspectors do not determine eligibility for FEMA assistance.
FEMA will call you to meet at the address where the damage was reported. The inspector’s phone number may be from out of state or show up on caller ID as “unavailable”. The inspector may ask you to verify personally identifiable information by phone.
When the FEMA inspector calls, write down:
- The inspector’s name
- Date of call
- Date and time of appointment
- Inspector’s telephone number
If you are contacted by a FEMA home inspector, but no one in the household applied for FEMA disaster assistance, inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance and ask the inspector to withdraw the application. Also notify FEMA by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Find more information on what to expect during and after the inspection here.