Detroit – As temperatures drop in the coming months, your furnace will become the most important appliance in your home. FEMA suggests residents of Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties who suffered damage from June’s severe storms and flooding make sure their heating systems and water heaters are in good working condition before the cold weather arrives.
Michigan residents may be at risk for flood-damaged furnaces and other electrical appliances. If the floodwaters reached your home heating systems, you should have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel.
Scott Burgess, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Michigan disaster recovery operation, reminded Michigan homeowners that FEMA grants may be available to help repair damaged furnaces or water heaters and replace those destroyed by floodwaters.
“Turn on your heat now to check that there isn’t a leak, or the blower isn’t working,” Burgess said. “If there is a problem, call a licensed professional to have it inspected. If you need to repair or replace the appliance, FEMA may be able to help.”
Homeowners who receive a FEMA grant for repairs and later discover their furnace or water heater needs replacing must use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. Homeowners have 60 days to appeal and must submit a letter with a verified contractor’s estimate for replacement of the furnace or water heater. To learn more about FEMA’s appeal process, visit fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/appeals.
Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. You can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App. During the application process, make sure to report any damage to your furnace, water heater or other electrical appliances as a result of the storms and flooding.
For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607. The deadline to apply is November 12, 2021.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.