FEMA 322
Categorizing Losses
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demonstrating the pre-disaster condition of the channels.
Natural Streams
Debris removal from natural streams is not normally eligible for assistance. Only debris that causes a threat to lives, public health and safety, or damage to improved property from a 5-year flood event, is eligible. Work to protect improved property must have a favorable ratio of benefits to costs. Any work in natural streams must also be closely reviewed and monitored to minimize undesirable environmental effects.
Seeding and Sodding
Seeding, grass, and sod will be eligible only when necessary to stabilize slopes and minimize sediment runoff.
Debris
Disaster-caused debris in catch basins and channels is eligible for removal when the pre-existing condition can be established.
FEMA is particularly interested in category D, as flooding is one of the costliest forms of disasters in the United States. Oftentimes, however, they will deny reimbursement for clearing and repairing those facilities that an applicant does not keep maintained. A good example of this would be a drainage ditch that is laden with storm debris. Applicants would like FEMA to provide funds to clear all of the debris out, however, if the ditch is not routinely maintained, much of the debris can be pre-event, and due to negligence. If the applicant can show that they normally keep the ditch clean through a normal maintenance schedule, then they typically find the debris eligible.
Natural Streams
Debris removal from natural streams is not normally eligible for assistance. Only debris that causes a threat to lives, public health and safety, or damage to improved property from a 5-year flood event, is eligible. Work to protect improved property must have a favorable ratio of benefits to costs. Any work in natural streams must also be closely reviewed and monitored to minimize undesirable environmental effects.
Seeding and Sodding
Seeding, grass, and sod will be eligible only when necessary to stabilize slopes and minimize sediment runoff.
Debris
Disaster-caused debris in catch basins and channels is eligible for removal when the pre-existing condition can be established.
FEMA is particularly interested in category D, as flooding is one of the costliest forms of disasters in the United States. Oftentimes, however, they will deny reimbursement for clearing and repairing those facilities that an applicant does not keep maintained. A good example of this would be a drainage ditch that is laden with storm debris. Applicants would like FEMA to provide funds to clear all of the debris out, however, if the ditch is not routinely maintained, much of the debris can be pre-event, and due to negligence. If the applicant can show that they normally keep the ditch clean through a normal maintenance schedule, then they typically find the debris eligible.
When approaching category D work, as with damage to federal-aid roadways, jurisdiction for repairs may reside with other agencies such as the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). More information on these agencies can be found at:
USACE
www.usace.army.mil
NRCS
http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov
Category E - Buildings and Equipment
Restoration
Buildings are to be restored to pre-disaster design capacity in accordance with present codes and standards.
Use and Occupancy
The building must have been in active use prior to the disaster. If only part of the building was occupied at the time of the disaster, or if the building was being used for a less demanding function than its original purpose, then replacement will be made at the
USACE
www.usace.army.mil
NRCS
http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov
Category E - Buildings and Equipment
Restoration
Buildings are to be restored to pre-disaster design capacity in accordance with present codes and standards.
Use and Occupancy
The building must have been in active use prior to the disaster. If only part of the building was occupied at the time of the disaster, or if the building was being used for a less demanding function than its original purpose, then replacement will be made at the
reduced size, or restoration will be limited to that required to resume the immediate pre-disaster use.
Extensive Damage
If repairs to a facility would cost 50% or more of the cost of replacing the facility to its pre-disaster design, then the facility is eligible for replacement. This is known as the &ldquo:50% Rule,” and is discussed in detail in the Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322.
Insurance
Check on insurance presently in force. Insurance coverage pays first. Uninsured losses are eligible. If repair costs exceed $5,000, a general hazard insurance commitment will be required equal to the amount of eligible damages. Repair costs for flood damages occurring to buildings and/or contents within the 100-year flood zone will be reduced by the amount that would have been available from a standard NFIP flood policy whether or not the facility was actually insured.
Equipment
Office equipment and furniture should be replaced with used or surplus, if available. Repair if feasible.
Extensive Damage
If repairs to a facility would cost 50% or more of the cost of replacing the facility to its pre-disaster design, then the facility is eligible for replacement. This is known as the &ldquo:50% Rule,” and is discussed in detail in the Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322.
Insurance
Check on insurance presently in force. Insurance coverage pays first. Uninsured losses are eligible. If repair costs exceed $5,000, a general hazard insurance commitment will be required equal to the amount of eligible damages. Repair costs for flood damages occurring to buildings and/or contents within the 100-year flood zone will be reduced by the amount that would have been available from a standard NFIP flood policy whether or not the facility was actually insured.
Equipment
Office equipment and furniture should be replaced with used or surplus, if available. Repair if feasible.
