Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters

Some sources of emergency water:

• Water from your water heater tank (part of your drinking water system, not your home heating system)
• Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated
• Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables

Tap water may be contaminated and not safe to use or drink after a disaster.

• Follow your state, local, or tribal health department for specific recommendations regarding boiling or treating water in your area.
• Do not drink, wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or mix baby formula with water you think -- or have been told -- is unsafe.
• If water in your area is contaminated, use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.

To learn more, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s guide on Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water

If you are unsatisfied with the amount of your claim or receive a denial letter for some or all of your claim, you can:

• Work with your insurance company to find a resolution.
• File an appeal with FEMA.
• Seek an appraisal.
• File a lawsuit.

Through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), FEMA may provide funds to address damage from mold.   If you are a homeowner, you may receive Home Repair funds for clean up, removal, or remediation of disaster-caused mold. To be eligible for this assistance, FEMA must verify that you are unable to live in your home because of the disaster-caused mold damage. 

If your home received minor damage from the disaster and FEMA determines you can still live safely in your home, renters and homeowners may be eligible for Clean and Sanitize Assistance.  This assistance is only available in certain disasters and is intended to provide you with limited funds to prevent additional loss and potential health and safety concerns, such as mold growth.  

National Flood Insurance Program flood insurance policies will not cover damage from mold.

There may be considerations made if:

• An authorized official has banned entrance to the area (for safety reasons).
• Floodwaters remain around the home or in the area that prevent you from inspecting or maintaining the property.

However, if you can access your property, you are strongly encouraged to begin cleanup and documentation immediately after a flood to prevent the growth and spread of mold.

Yes. After taking photos and documenting damage, you should immediately throw away flooded items that pose a health risk, such as perishable food items, clothing, cushions, and pillows.

An eligible medical or dental expense must be a result of the disaster. Eligible expenses may be related to:

• Injury or illness caused by the disaster
• A pre-existing injury, disability or medical condition that was made worse by the disaster.
• Replacement of prescribed medication.
• Loss or damage to medical/dental equipment or medically required modified vehicle.
• Loss or injury of a service animal.

Yes. You will need to provide the following:

• An insurance settlement or a denial letter or a written and signed statement explaining you do not have medical or dental insurance.
• Proof the expense was a result of the disaster (such as medical statement, etc.).
• Itemized bills, receipts, or estimates showing medical or dental expenses

Yes.

• Newly prescribed medication related to an injury or illness caused (or made worse by) the disaster is an eligible expense.
• Replacement of prescribed medication lost or damaged during the disaster.

No. However, the following types of expenses may be covered for service animals:

• Veterinary expenses for disaster-caused injuries.
• Replacement and/or training costs for a new service animal
• Lost or damaged equipment (such as specialized leash, harness or vest).

*Additional documentation such as written statements from the applicant or co-applicant and medical provider(s) will be required to verify the loss or injury of a service animal.

Applicants with uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused medical or dental expenses. You may be eligible if:

• Your medical or dental expense was a direct result of the disaster.
• You are uninsured or underinsured for the medical or dental expense.

*Expenses covered by insurance or other sources are not eligible for FEMA reimbursement