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Letter: FEMA drops the ball again

March 19, 2009

Dear Editor,

President Obama declared Boyle County a disaster area. Money was made available to the state for help in the clean-up process but not for individual homeowners.

When my homeowner's policy contained a ceiling of $5,000 for water seepage and my damages were closer to $10,000 for sewage cleanup, lost items, damage to furnace, hot water heater, washer, dryer and other items, I assumed I would be able to rely on FEMA to help with some of the financial horror, similar to a hurricane. However, I was told FEMA was not helping individuals and that I should contact my state and local disaster centers for help.

Why did FEMA opt to only help on the state and local levels and leave badly traumatized homeowners to tread water and figure out the issues for themselves?

Moreover, just who are these state and local disaster centers that FEMA was referring to?

When I asked that question, I was told to try the phone book, because they didn't keep a list of those places. I am assuming the location of these state and local centers is not a closely-guarded secret. Yet, I haven't a clue where to find them.

FEMA, once again has displayed less than adequate help to individuals desperately in need. Is there no one with enough common sense to manage this program so that it doesn't take weeks to get help, or even worse, no help at all for families?

I am thankful for the help FEMA has provided in the cleanup of our town, but I fear that more than one family has very dangerous black mold growing in their basements that can be life threatening. Contaminated floors from sewers that backed up into their basements can make people very ill. Thousands of dollars have been lost for expensive appliances and computer equipment because of nasty power surges.

I am sure there are a host of other issues related to items being partially submerged in water for days. What about help for these personal losses? FEMA has dropped the ball yet again.

Linda LussierDanville

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