The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has put together a list with answers to questions frequently asked by Hurricanes Irma and Maria survivors.<\/p>\n
Q:<\/strong>\u00a0Where can I get true, reliable information about FEMA\u2019s disaster aid programs?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Straight answers and plain facts are available from the disaster assistance program experts on FEMA\u2019s Help Line. Call\u00a0800-621-3362<\/strong><\/p>\n (TTY 800-462-7585)\u00a0<\/strong>to learn about the programs and to register for disaster assistance. You can speak with multilingual experts from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time seven days a week.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong>\u00a0Is it hard to register for FEMA disaster assistance?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0 Not at all. You may register at\u00a0www.DisasterAssistance.gov<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0800-621-3362\u00a0<\/strong>(TTY 800-462-7585).\u00a0<\/strong>Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services may call\u00a0800-621-3362<\/strong>. Virgin Islanders who live on St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas (including Water Island) should register as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong>\u00a0I don\u2019t have power or phone service yet. Is there any other way to register?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Yes, there are two avenues. You can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to speak directly with a FEMA recovery specialist and get registered. One DRC is open at the Old Post Office in St. Croix and additional DRCs will soon open in St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams also are making their way through the islands to visit survivors in person and help them register.<\/p>\n Survivors with access to the internet can locate a DRC in their area at:\u00a0https:\/\/asd.fema.gov\/inter\/locator\/home.htm<\/a>.<\/p>\n Q: What kind of help does FEMA provide?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with emergency home repairs, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. It also helps cover other disaster-related expenses and other needs. FEMA is working to match our assistance to the specific needs of U.S. Virgin Island disaster survivors. If you have registered with us, you will be contacted about your options.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong>\u00a0Why does a FEMA housing inspector need to visit me?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0 The FEMA inspector will verify your disaster-related damages in order to determine how FEMA and\/or our partners can best assist you in your recovery. The inspector will call you to set up an appointment. If they are unable to reach you by phone due to the current communications outages, they may visit your residence without a confirmed appointment. They have FEMA badges, so ask to see it if the inspector does not show it. Inspectors already have each applicant\u2019s nine-digit registration number so there should be no need to ask you for it.<\/p>\n Q: Should I wait to clean my home or begin repairs until after an inspector sees it?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: \u00a0<\/strong>No, you should not wait to clean your home or begin repairs. Save your repair receipts. You may take pictures of the damage for your records, however FEMA does not require them for an inspection, and will not reimburse you for photo supplies.<\/p>\n Q: I already have insurance, should I register for assistance with FEMA?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0 You should register as soon as possible, regardless of whether you have homeowners or flood insurance. Survivors may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid for their uninsured and underinsured losses and damage.<\/p>\n Q: Will FEMA pay my insurance deductible?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:\u00a0<\/strong>No, FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles.<\/p>\n Q: Is it true that FEMA is giving U.S. Virgin Island survivors $500 when they register for assistance?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0No, FEMA does not provide money upon registration. However, because of the unique situation in the Virgin Islands, FEMA is providing some additional assistance to eligible survivors: Critical Needs Assistance may be available to applicants who have immediate or critical needs due to displacement from their primary dwelling. FEMA provides this assistance on a case-by-case basis depending on the need.<\/p>\n Q: I was living in a rental unit that was damaged during the hurricane. Can renters get FEMA aid?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0 Renters whose homes were made uninhabitable by a disaster may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants, rental assistance and other disaster-related needs.<\/p>\n Q: Are Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans\u00a0only<\/em>\u00a0for businesses?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0 SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to eligible homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation. You should complete and return the SBA loan application if one is provided. You do not need to accept a loan, but if you are not approved for the loan you may be eligible for additional assistance from FEMA. Applicants may apply online using SBA\u2019s secure website at\u00a0https:\/\/disasterloan.sba.gov\/ela<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or call SBA\u2019s Customer Service Center at\u00a0800-659-2955<\/strong>. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call\u00a0800-877-8339<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Q: Can I get a generator from FEMA or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to power my residence.<\/strong><\/p>\n A: \u00a0<\/strong>FEMA is working closely with USACE to provide industrial-size generators to power critical facilities such as hospitals and schools. FEMA does not provide generators for home use. FEMA has specific criteria for reimbursement of generators for home use and we review all requests for covering this cost on a case-by-case basis. You should apply and submit your receipts to see if the cost is covered.<\/p>\n Q: My family and I evacuated and stayed in a hotel until we could get back to our house. Can I get any money to cover the hotel cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: \u00a0<\/strong>Maybe. You should register with FEMA and submit your receipts to see if the cost is covered. FEMA reviews each request on a case-by-case basis, and in some situations we do provide some reimbursement for these costs.<\/p>\n Q<\/strong>:\u00a0I lost my food because of the power outage. Will FEMA pay for lost food?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0FEMA’s disaster assistance program does not cover food losses. However, voluntary organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with your immediate need for food.<\/p>\n