Develop a Rebuilding Plan: Knowing your program and funding options is vital

DISASTERRECOVERY TODAY .COM D I S A S T E R R E C O V E R Y T O D A Y 2 (“Loss Measurement”) of Disaster Recovery Today , the foundation of any valuation or measurement in scope is based on two key valuation criteria: “as it was” and “as it has to be.” As It Was The basis for all FEMA reimbursement claims (regardless of whether insurance applies) is “ as it was .” What was there immediately prior to the event provides the basis for evaluation. Ideally an applicant will have a set of plans, drawings, or at the very least photo-documentation that predates the triggering event. In addition, any maintenance records, documentation of changes that occurred after the original data was compiled, and other related data should be assembled for review. It is recommended that an applicant not provide their original documents, but rather copies, and that they are aware that any documents provided could at a later date be subject to a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request made to FEMA. If such documents provide sensitive data, it is recommended that discussions commence immediately with FEMA so accommodations can be made. In some instances, FEMA has asked an applicant to stamp sensitive materials with “ not subject to FOIA requests ,” based on their internal policies and regulations. As It Has To Be Due to code compliance issues raised by requirements such as the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), floodplain management (Executive Order 11988), and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, among others, an applicant must also demonstrate “ what has to be .” Under the FEMA public assistance program, additional funding is available to bring public facilities up to code. It’s important to note that only the portions of the facility affected by the event qualify for this additional reimbursement. What is allowable varies and is subject to FEMA scrutiny on the following basis: Building codes and local standards may be used to allow the funding of a repair to a damaged facility as long as specific criteria are met. Building codes and local standards must: ► Apply to the type of repair or restoration required ► Be appropriate to the pre-disaster use ► Be in writing and formally adopted before project approval or be a legal federal or state requirement applicable As an applicant, you have several options: you can replace the original facility, improve upon it, or direct the money toward another project.