FEMA Funds May Aid Lower Township Residents

VILLAS — Lower Township Emergency Management Director Art Treon told Township Council on Monday there is a possibility the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may offer reimbursement for damages from flooding for homeowners here.
The township emergency management office does an assessment, which travels to the county, state and Region 2, which sends FEMA representatives to the local area, said Treon.
“An assessment was done for the floodwaters for March 12, 13 and 14,” he said.
The township met the threshold for that to be declared an emergency event, said Treon. He said reimbursement could be sought for the township and individuals.
Treon said there are two types of declarations: public and private.
Public reimburses government; in this case a snowstorm and a November storm for overtime and equipment. He said the December storm was not eligible for reimbursement which the township is appealing.
The township was eligible for reimbursement for a February storm, but not individuals, said Treon. Individual assistance would only apply to March 12, 13, and 14, he said.
Whether or not a homeowner has flood insurance, they must notify their insurance company to get partial payment or a denial, said Treon.
“If you have not done that, you cannot apply for FEMA reimbursement,” he said.
Treon said it is helpful to take photos of damage and keep all receipts. He said mold abatement for homes could also be eligible reimbursement once the water recedes.
The township must wait for President Obama to declare a disaster and for Congress to set aside the money, said Treon.
Lower Township Manager Kathy McPherson is assembling a list of names and addresses of those impacted by recent flooding. Call 886-2005 extension 112 or 132.
Mayor Michael Beck said some absentee homeowners may find a house full of mold when they arrive in late April. Treon said only primary residences would be eligible for FEMA reimbursement, not second homes.