Categorizing Losses

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The focus of this issue is to define 2 and discuss each FEMA category in an effort to provide a snapshot of how FEMA views an Subrecipient’s recovery. It is important to keep these categories in mind, as oftentimes it will take several weeks — sometimes months — before an event is declared as eligible and FEMA is actually on site.

“… many decisions are made prior to FEMA’s arrival, so it becomes imperative to document and photo- journal all activities.”

Category A—Debris Removal

Public Interest Determination by FEMA

• Eliminate immediate threats to life, public health and safety; or
• Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public or private property; or
• Ensure economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large.

Private Property Debris Removal

Debris removal from private property is the responsibility of the individual property owner. When it is in the public interest for an eligible Subrecipient to remove debris, the following criteria exist:

• On urban, suburban and rural property, including large lots.
• Clearance of living, recreational and working areas is eligible, except areas used for crops and livestock, or unused areas.
• No assistance will be provided to individuals or private organizations for removing debris from their own property except for eligible private nonprofit Subrecipients.
• Right of Entry Agreement must be obtained to indemnify the Federal government against any claim arising from such removal.

Debris removal is typically a very controversial issue when dealing with FEMA. There are always concerns over where the debris came from, whether it was weighed properly, whether the contractor was procured in accordance with guidelines, etc.

Unfortunately, many decisions are made prior to FEMA’s arrival, so it becomes imperative to document and photo-...

2 Definitions in blue are provided from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) which can be found at fema.gov.