Disaster Archive
Hurricanes 2005
FEMA Assistance Process for Hurricane Katrina and Rita Victims
FEMA is covering 100% of the cost of debris removal [Category A] and emergency measures [Category B], including rental and purchase of equipment, work performed on contract, work performed on an hourly basis, and stabilization of collections. You must document all your expenses for these reimbursements, maintain accurate records and photograph the damage [e.g., flooded basements, etc.].
Familiarize yourselves with two policies related to Public Assistance titled Private Nonprofit Museum Eligibility and Collections and Individual Objects Policy. We want to emphasize the criticality of any facility being eligible for FEMA assistance. For example, if it’s a cultural institution not open to the general public, we won’t be able to provide any assistance.
Then, download, fill out and send the Request for Public Assistance Form (also available as a PDF) along with any required attachments [tax exempt certificate, organization charter or bylaws], as stated at the bottom of the form. This form does not require specific damages—you may file it even if you haven't been able to perform a damage assessment. And if you’re a nonprofit, also send a copy of the PNP Facility Questionnaire (also available as a PDF). We recommend that you refer to FEMA’s Environmental and Historic Preservation Web site where you can download the Public Assistance Policy Digest, especially since it also addresses eligibility issues.
It is our intention to provide assistance at the earliest possible time, but you should proceed with these measures to protect and stabilize your collections and structures as soon as possible. For more information, visit the FEMA Web site.
Alan Z Aiches
Historic Preservation Specialist
Museums and Library Collections Liaison
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Joint Field Office - 1603-DR-LA
1500 Main Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
alan.aiches@dhs.gov
FEMA Process for Libraries and Museums after a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) has been filed
Many members of the Heritage Emergency Task Force and institutions damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have asked about the FEMA process after a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) has been filed.
When the RPA is filed, an identification number is issued for each applicant. Applicant Briefings are held for multiple applicants to advise them about the basics of the program. Each RPA is assigned to a FEMA project officer, who is then responsible for setting up a kick-off meeting with each applicant. At this time information is gathered about the damage. It is important that an applicant have documentation of the damage, including among other things—
- statements, invoices, time sheets, and any other documentation of costs incurred (it speeds the process to have this documentation summarized, if possible) and
- photographs of the damage, work in progress addressing the damage, and any completed work.
Libraries and museums owned by state and local governments, as well as private non-profits qualify for FEMA support.
If the RPA is filed within the deadline established by the relevant state, FEMA is authorized to reimburse for the following support for libraries and museums that have experienced damage by Hurricane Katrina and Rita—
- 75% to 100% of costs incurred for FEMA Category “A” work (debris removal),
- 75% to 100% of costs incurred for FEMA Category “B” work (emergency protective measures, collections stabilization and treatment), and
- 75% of costs incurred for FEMA Category “G” work (permanent building repairs).
Those interested in the FEMA policy regarding collections are urged to read it carefully. Examples from the policy are reproduced below—
Example 1: A wagon in a living history museum, possessing significant cultural value and functioning as a wagon for educational purposes, should be minimally restored to a condition in which the institution may again use the wagon for this purpose. However, if the wagon's intended use is to be part of a display or exhibit, then FEMA will take the minimum steps necessary to stabilize the wagon so that it may return to the display.
Example 2: A damaged painting of significant cultural value, which functioned prior to a disaster as part of an exhibition, may require additional treatment measures beyond stabilization. These measures may be necessary in order to restore the aesthetic qualities that convey the value of the painting so that the painting may be returned to public display.
CAVEAT: This was prepared by Heritage Preservation and should be considered a best effort. No warranty is given or implied. 10/24/05
