Generator, Chainsaw Costs May be Reimbursable Following Katrina

For those who purchased a generator or chainsaw in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, they may receive reimbursement say disaster recovery officials.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have established guidelines concerning eligibility for reimbursement for these and other disaster-related purchases.

Under these guidelines, anyone seeking reimbursement for a purchased, rented or leased chainsaw or generator must provide a receipt for the expenditure and it must have been made between Aug. 27 and Sept. 26, 2005.

Chainsaws must have been acquired to provide access to or restore egress from a home and/or to remove imminent danger to a home caused by the hurricane.

Generator costs will be reimbursed only if used to support a dwelling located in a declared area that suffered a verified power interruption. In order to be reimbursed for these costs, an applicant must provide proof of purchase when an inspector visits the damaged property. At that time, the inspector must also make note that power has not yet been restored.

Other disaster-related costs may be covered by FEMA’s Individual and Households Program provision for Other Needs Assistance. In order to receive this and other types of assistance, Mississippians who suffered damage or loss from the hurricane are urged to register with FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 as the first step toward getting help.