Some useful information about how FEMA works with communities after a disaster and throughout recovery.
How does FEMA support a community recovering from a disaster?
FEMA undertakes a number of roles in disaster response and recovery, including providing some assistance for individuals and households. After the Marshall Fire, FEMA worked alongside multiple local partners in the Disaster Assistance Center to organize resources for the immediate needs of residents.
FEMA also works with the State, County, and local governments to set up other services for those impacted by disaster, such as Disaster Legal Services, Crisis Counseling, and Disaster Case Management.
For the public infrastructure, including parks and other community-owned spaces, FEMA is a primary funding partner to local governments and organizations for rebuilding and reopening these spaces to a community.
FEMA’s Individual and Households Program provides some financial and direct services for serious needs for eligible individuals. For more about FEMA’s Individual and Households Program, see https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual
In all cases, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits provided by insurance proceeds or assistance for an identified need that is covered by another federal, state or voluntary agency.
Individuals with questions about their case can always call 800-621-3362 or go to disasterassistance.gov for more information or to provide updates on their status and continued needs. The toll free number has multilingual operations and is available to 711 or other relay service users.
For long-term recovery FEMA works through the Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) group to support the state’s efforts to help local/community recovery needs These efforts are tailored to the individual needs of each community and involve all levels of government, voluntary agencies and the private sector.
Does FEMA undertake debris removal, repairs, and rebuilding?
No. Cities, counties and individual property owners undertake the work and under specific conditions may be considered eligible for reimbursement from FEMA. To find out about debris removal and rebuilding in Louisville, visit LouisvilleCO.gov/Recovery.
Does FEMA bill residents?
No. FEMA distributes funds, and does not bill anyone. Individuals or organizations billing or asking for payment from residents to FEMA or any other suspected fraud can be reported to the FEMA Fraud Branch at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, by fax: (202) 212-4926, or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
