FEMA may provide additional funds to eligible homeowners to make their homes more durable when rebuilding after a disaster. This is part of FEMA’s commitment to make communities more resilient.
Washington homeowners who are eligible for assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) because they were affected by the Nov. 5 - Dec. 2, 2021, severe storms, straight-line winds, floods, landslides and mudslides may receive additional funds from FEMA for specific mitigation measures. The additional funds may be available to residents of Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, the Lummi Nation, the Nooksack Indian Tribe, the Quileute Tribe and all tribes in the designated areas. Grants may assist with these mitigation measures:
- Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage.
- Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid future flood damage.
Furnace and Water Heater Mitigation Measures
Elevating a furnace or water heater above the floor may help reduce the likelihood of future flood damage. FEMA recommends elevating a damaged or destroyed furnace or water heater on a framed platform. Before elevating a furnace or water heater, homeowners should check with their local utility company to find out whether any measurements would limit elevation of these items.
Main Electrical Mitigation Measures
Elevating or relocating electrical panels may help reduce the likelihood of future flood damage. Utility company requirements and the National Electrical Code place limits on where electrical service equipment can be located. Before elevating an electrical panel, homeowners should check with their local utility company to find out if any requirements would limit elevation or relocation of an electrical panel.
For additional information
Homeowners can refer to FEMA Publication 312, Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting (2014), Chapter 9, “Protecting Service Equipment.”
State, tribal and local government requirements may be different from FEMA’s guidance and recommendations. Before including the recommended mitigation measures into home repairs, homeowners should work with their local building departments to make sure all state, tribal and local requirements are being met. For communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, homeowners should contact their local floodplain administrator to learn more about flood mitigation measures appropriate to the home type and geographic area.