Assistance Possible for Fire-Damaged Wells, Septic Systems
Posted/updated on: October 4, 2011 at 12:58 pm
AUSTIN – Wildfire survivors in 22 Texas counties, including several in East Texas, are reminded that disaster assistance may be available to help repair wells or septic systems that were damaged during the blazes. Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) say survivors who are unsure whether their insurance covers fire damage to a well or septic system may want to confirm with their insurance company. In many cases, water storage tanks, well pumps and septic systems are not covered by homeowners insurance. In these situations, FEMA may be able to help.
Homeowners in all 22 counties designated for disaster assistance for the wildfires on or after Aug. 30 may be eligible for aid to repair or replace damaged septic systems and private wells that are the sole source of water for the home. This assistance may be available even if the home itself was not affected. “The health and safety of survivors is important to us,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “Survivors who have damage to their wells or septic systems are encouraged to inform FEMA even if they have already registered.”
Survivors should notify FEMA if their private well or septic system was damaged or contaminated due to the wildfires. Homeowners are encouraged to call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 even if a housing inspector has visited the home. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments can call TTY at 1-800-462-7585. Multilingual assistance is also available by phone. Applicants can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center in their area to speak with a FEMA representative in person.
The counties designated for Individual Assistance (IA) under the Texas wildfire disaster declaration are Anderson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Cass, Colorado, Fayette, Gregg, Grimes, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Leon, Marion, Montgomery, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Upshur, Walker, Waller and Williamson. The IA program provides grants to eligible survivors to repair or rebuild homes to a safe, sanitary and functional state. Grants are not intended to restore a home to its predisaster condition.
