Release Date:
June 13, 2018
- Puerto Rico residents whose septic systems or wells were damaged by Hurricane María could be considered for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
- Funding is available to pay for cleaning out septic tanks and repairing or replacing the entire system, as needed. Damaged private wells that are the sole source of water for your home could also be considered for federal funding.
- If you have not yet registered with FEMA, you can register online with any computer, smartphone or tablet. Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time seven days a week.
- If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have not had a home inspection, you should let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system.
- If you have registered and your house has already been inspected, you can call the FEMA Helpline and ask for another inspection.
- Home-repair grants are available to qualified applicants to restore your home to a safe, sanitary and functional condition. You must own your home and it must be your primary residence. Other types of grants are available for both homeowners and renters.
- Grants are not intended to completely restore dwellings to pre-disaster conditions and cannot be used for cosmetic work or repairs already covered by insurance.
- The deadline to register is for FEMA assistance is June 18.
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