Frequently Asked Questions

Many FEMA publications are available in our library. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, there are three ways to get FEMA publications.  You can call the toll-free number at 1-800-480-2520 or You can write to: FEMA P.O. Box 2012, Jessup, MD 20794-2012 -or-  FEMA Distribution Center P.O. Box 430 Buckeystown, MD 21717  You may also fax your request to 240-699-0525 Requesting publications through e-mail is not allowed at this time and FEMA is unable to send material outside the United States.  

For those who wish to help, cash donations offer voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover.  National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) members including voluntary, non-profit and faith-based organizations also are working closely with the affected states and communities to assist with supporting with temporary roofing for disaster survivors.

This message means your response to the question asked did not match information on record.  You can re-establish your internet connection and try again or, for questions about your application, please contact our Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  If you have speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, call 1-800-427-5593 directly. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) call 1-800-621-0243 If you continue to experience difficulty accessing your application online, please contact the FEMA Technical Assistance line at 1-800-745-0243 for questions regarding online access issues only. 

In order to be considered for reimbursement for generator purchased after federally declared disaster, there must be an existing medical condition which requires you to have medical equipment/appliance for medical purposes. In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Individuals and Households program, the following criteria will apply to generators: Generator is purchased or rented to power medically-required appliance or piece of equipment Generator is purchased or rented on or after the Governor's Declaration of State of Emergency up to the end of the incident period or the date power is restored to the applicant's home, whichever occurs first Applicants will need to send FEMA: copy of the proof-of-purchase or rental receipts for the generator Proof that the appliance or equipment is required for medical purposes (e.g. letter from physician on letterhead that the applicant/occupant has medical need for the appliance or equipment). You may fax your documents to 1-800-827-8112, upload to your online account,  or physically mail correspondence to: FEMA Individuals Households Program National Processing Service Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 Please write your name ast four digits of your social security number disaster number and registration number on all pages of your correspondence and keep copy for your records.

Please, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  NOAA  web site or your local news station for weather related incidents.

FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security do not issue badges to CERT members. It is up to each local program and jurisdiction to determine if badges will be issued to local CERT members. Please check with your local CERT Program Coordinator about whether or not the program issues badges. 

DHS recommends that individuals allow ten square feet of floor space per person in order to provide sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide build up for up to hours assuming normal breathing rate while resting. Many chemical releases would be diluted within few hours, so the direction to shelter-in-place would likely be made for short time period while chemical cloud dissipates.

If the release is outdoors and you are near the contaminated area, seek shelter inside building. If you are not in the contaminated area, move away from suspected areas of contamination and avoid moving downwind of the area of the attack.

If decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than thirty (30) days from the time you filed the claim you may be eligible for an insurance advancement from FEMA.  These funds are considered loan and must be repaid to FEMA once you receive your settlement from your insurance company.  Contact FEMA if your insurance settlement is delayed. FEMA will send you Request for Advancement and Signature letter.  You must complete and return this letter before FEMA can evaluate your request for assistance.

No We do not accept any printed versions of the electronic applications that are mailed in.