Grants may be used to repair privately-owned access roads, bridges

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Federal Emergency Management Agency will set up a mobile registration trailer in Inez to serve victims of the recent destructive floods.

Martin County Emergency Management Director Kayla May announced the mobile disaster recovery center would be open Aug. 18-20 and Aug. 25-27 in the parking lot behind the Martin County Business Center (welfare office). Hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Martin County has been approved for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance,” May said. “Individuals will be able to come into the center to apply for help, check application status and also be able to turn in any paperwork that may be requested.”

FEMA teams have been in the area.

“They are working to get the individuals that were affected registered to begin the process to apply for assistance,” said May.

“Our county was very blessed not to receive the kind of damage that our neighboring counties suffered, but that does not mean that our damages should be overlooked. I am doing everything in my ability to ensure that our residents have the opportunity to receive any help they are entitled to.”

Residents can call May at her office at 606-298-2088.

Privately-owned access 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.

Proof of ownership

As part of the disaster assistance process, FEMA must determine ownership and occupancy of damaged primary residences. The agency has taken steps to make it easier for disaster survivors to verify ownership and occupancy.

FEMA now accepts a broader range of documentation. Homeowners may provide official documentation such as:

•The original deed or deed of trust to the property

•A mortgage statement or escrow analysis

•Real property insurance; homeowners or flood Insurance

•Receipts for major repairs within the last five years

•Property tax receipt or property tax bill

•Manufactured home certificate or title

In addition, FEMA will accept a public official’s letter or receipts for major repairs or improvement. The public official’s statement (e.g., police chief, mayor, postmaster) must include the name of the applicant, the address of the disaster-damaged residence, the period of occupation and the name and telephone number of the official providing the verification.

Survivors with inherited properties, mobile homes or travel trailers who do not have the traditional documentation of ownership may self-certify ownership as a last resort.

Homeowners with the same address from a previous disaster only need to verify ownership one time. FEMA has also expanded the date of eligible documents from three months to one year before the disaster.

Proof of occupancy

Homeowners and renters must document that they occupied the dwelling at the time of the disaster. Applicants may provide official occupancy documentation, such as:

•Utility bills, bank or credit card statements, phone bills, etc.

•Employer’s statement

•Written lease agreement

•Rent receipts

•Public official’s statement

•Identification card, driver’s license, state-issued ID card

FEMA will also accept motor vehicle registration, letters from local schools (public or private), federal or state benefit providers, social service organizations or court documents.

Applicants can also use a signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner, or self-certification for a mobile home or travel trailer as a last resort.

Ways to apply

If you cannot visit the mobile center, you can apply for assistance, homeowners and renters can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

•A current phone number where you can be contacted

•Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

•Your Social Security Number

•A general list of damage and losses

•Banking information if you choose direct deposit

•If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name