Federal Agencies To Begin Flood Damage Assessments Beginning Tuesday
(WWJ/AP) -- Starting Tuesday, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local officials in the Metro Detroit area will be conducting joint preliminary damage assessments due to the flooding that occurred the week of August 11.
After the completion of initial local damage assessments, Gov. Rick Snyder called for FEMA to conduct preliminary damage assessment following the flooding.
Snyder declared a "state of disaster" on Aug. 13 for the three counties. That designation means the state will make available all resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the disaster area.
Six teams will be covering Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties to assess and validate damages and disaster impacts against federal assistance eligibility criteria.
Preliminary information shows that more than 94,000 people and 35,000 homes were affected by the flooding there, and $12 million in damage was reported at publicly owned buildings.
Once the damage assessments are complete, state officials use the damage totals and impact data to determine whether the disaster meets established criteria and can warrant the governor requesting a federal declaration and assistance. The criteria will include:
- Size and scope of damage as well as threat to public safety.
- Number of primary homes requiring extensive repairs or with structural damage.
- Duplication of benefits.
- Number and length of time people are displaced.
- Ability of the community to recover.
- Extent of the business losses.
- Voluntary agency/state program assistance available.
To find more information about FEMA's declaration process or disaster assistance programs, visit www.FEMA.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov.
MSP/EMHSD, FEMA and SBA team members will be wearing shirts with agency names and logos prominently displayed and personnel will also have their credentials visible.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
List of help lines for flood recovery
How To Avoid Flood Repair Scams
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