I Need to Replace My Household Items, Dispose of Debris

In the midst of Hurricane Ike, those that have been able to return to their homes are assessing the damage, weighing their options, and looking for help.

If there is a great deal of damage to your household items but your home is still standing, you may still qualify for assistance through FEMA. If you have homeowners insurance you must file a claim with your insurance company first. Not doing so may affect your eligibility for assistance. Click here to find out more about insurance.

FEMA Non-Housing Assistance covers:

  • Medical or dental expenses due to the disaster
  • Disaster related funeral/burial costs
  • Clothing   
  • Furniture
  • Appliances
  • Tools
  • Educational materials: computers, school books, supplies
  • Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier)
  • Disaster damaged vehicle (non-insured damages)
  • Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
  • Other serious needs as determined by FEMA

To qualify for non-housing assistance:

  • You must live in a federal disaster area
  • Your losses are not covered by insurance or other means
  • You have exhausted all other sources of assistance
  • You or someone living in the household must be a citizen of the United States, non-citizen national, or qualified migrant.

Have the following information ready to register for assistance:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Current and pre-disaster address
  • A telephone number where you can be contacted.
  • Insurance information
  • A description of your losses caused by the disaster

Mobile FEMA units are being setup throughout Texas where household damage can be reported and you can register for assistance:

  • Visit a local FEMA mobile unit in your county:
  • Bridge City High School (2690 Texas Ave.)
  • Webster Recreation Center (311 Pennsylvania)
  • American Legion Post 490 (11702 Old Galveston Rd.)
  • Call FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
  • The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585
  • Visit the FEMA website

Once you have returned to your home, made the necessary insurance claims, and registered with FEMA, it’s time to begin the process of getting rid of anything moldy or destroyed. Each county is asking that debris be separated into three piles, bundled, and placed on the curb (do not leave debris in street) for pickup.

Debris Piles:

  • Green waste: limbs, branches, etc.
  • Appliances: Items such as ovens, refrigerators, freezers, etc.
  • Building and Damaged materials: carpet, wall board, furniture, etc.
  • Debris piles should be no longer than 8 feet
  • Do not block traffic or drainage
  • Cut limbs to lengths of no more than 6 feet and stack at the curb
  • Appliances must be duct taped closed to avoid accidents.

 

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