JIC Recovery Release No. 33 - FEMA Update; Commercial Haulers Prohibited at Typhoon Debris Waste Sites; No Burn Notice Remains

FEMA Inspections Launched:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspections have begun for those that applied for disaster assistance for damages caused by Typhoon Mawar. 

FEMA inspections will help determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and livable. To determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance, FEMA considers the home’s interior and exterior structural soundness; whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems are functional; and whether the home is livable and can be entered and exited safely. FEMA inspections will also consider damages to personal property. 

If you need accommodations for language translations or a disability, call 1-800-621-3362 in advance of the inspection and let FEMA know your needs.

The first step for a FEMA inspection starts with a phone call, text message or email from a FEMA inspector to the applicant to schedule an appointment. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may come from an unknown number. The inspector will try to make contact up to three times over three days. The case will be locked if the inspector cannot reach you after three attempts.

The inspection process usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. If you were able to take photos or video of interior or exterior damage to the home, show them to the inspector.

Those who are unable to meet with the FEMA inspector for an inspection can have a friend or relative act on their behalf to meet with the inspector. But first they must submit to FEMA a written and signed request for third-party involvement, which is a legal document, authorizing another person who is at least 18 years of age to meet with the inspector and to provide and receive information from FEMA on their behalf.

Important to Know:

• The inspector will not be collecting any documentation and will never ask for personal information like a Social Security number.

• FEMA never charges for an inspection.

• If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop all further processing on the application.

• A fraudulent application could be a sign of identity theft. For information on what to do if you suspect identity theft, please visit identitytheft.gov.

• If you wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the FEMA Helpline will need to assist you in creating a new application. Call 1-800-621-3362.

FEMA May Be Able to Help with Transportation Repairs:

FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provides financial help after a disaster to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. This may include repair or replacement of a vehicle. You must first apply to FEMA (disasterassistance.gov, FEMA mobile app, 1-800-621-3362), then submit an application for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you are denied a loan, or if the loan does not cover all expenses, you may be referred to FEMA for ONA consideration.

For assistance to repair or replace a vehicle, the damage must have been caused by the disaster and the vehicle must no longer be operable or safe to drive. Cosmetic repairs will not be covered. Other conditions include:

• The vehicle must have been damaged by Typhoon Mawar.

• Assistance is usually limited to one vehicle. If there is a second functional vehicle in the household, the applicant must certify in writing that the damaged vehicle is essential for the household’s daily use.

• The vehicle must be in compliance with motor vehicle division’s registration and insurance requirements.

• The vehicle must be owned or leased (not a rental) by the applicant, co-applicant, or household member.

• The damaged vehicle must be an approved vehicle type, such as a car, truck, SUV or van.

• The amount provided for repair or replacement is based on the degree of damage and the amount the motor vehicle division has determined for the maximum repair and replacement value.

Documentation required for consideration, includes, but is not limited to:

• Proof of insurance policy showing the type of coverage or proof of vehicle meets the territory’s requirement.

• Insurance provider settlement or statement that insurance coverage does not exists, for vehicle repair.

• A verifiable estimate, bill, or receipt confirming the damage was caused by the disaster, with labor and parts/replacement costs. For vehicle replacement, additional documentation is necessary from the motor vehicle division confirming the vehicle was salvaged due to the disaster.

Guam homeowners and renters who were affected by Typhoon Mawar can also register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362, visiting disasterassistance.gov or downloading the application on the FEMA App. For more information about registration, processing and FEMA’s Individual Assistance Programs, visit fema.gov.  

When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:  

• A current phone number  

• Address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying  

• Social Security number  

• List of damage and losses  

• Banking information if you choose direct deposit 

• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name 

Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Typhoon Mawar. If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance. 

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses. 

To date, over 10,000 Guam residents have applied for disaster assistance. 

Disaster Recovery Centers:

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open at the Guam Community College, Building E and the Dededo Sports Complex, seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. The DRCs are open to assist island residents impacted by Typhoon Mawar with disaster relief programs. 

A DRC may be able to help you:

• Apply for FEMA Assistance online 

• Learn more about disaster assistance programs

• Learn the status of your FEMA application

• Understand any letters you get from FEMA

• Find housing and rental assistance information

• Get answers to questions or resolve problems

• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance

• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs

Please have the following available when you arrive:

• Valid form of identification: Driver’s license, Guam ID or Passport  

• Proof of home address (i.e. utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)

• Condition of your damaged home 

• Insurance information, if available 

• Social Security card or number 

• Best contact number 

• Mailing address or email address 

UPDATE – Typhoon Debris Waste Sites: Commercial Haulers Prohibited:

Commercial Haulers are prohibited from using the Typhoon Debris waste sites at Ypao Point, Oka; the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada and the former Dededo transfer station. The sites are for residential use ONLY.

The DYA Cottage Home debris site in Talofofo remains open for GREEN WASTE disposal only. A site for all other typhoon debris for the southern region is being determined and will be announced when details are available.

No Burn Notice Remains in Place:

The Guam Fire Department (GFD) maintains a No Burn Notice for the entire community due to ongoing recovery efforts. GFD is focusing efforts on life and property preservation. 

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

• GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

• GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

• JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam 

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.