FREE ACCESS: FEMA specialist shares grant spending rules

More than $1.8 million in Federal Emergency Management Administration grant money have been awarded to help pay for disaster related needs in 10 Southern Missouri counties.

On Aug. 15, a news release was issued by FEMA External Affairs Specialist Barb Sturner detailing how survivors should spend the grant money awarded.

It was learned grant recipients receive a determination letter detailing how to spend the money on FEMA-identified related purposes.

Sturner said, “Pay attention to that letter.”

In case of a random audit, it is recommended to save receipts for 3 years. If the money was misused, then a repayment is triggered and loss of future disaster assistance may occur.

The grants do not have to be repaid if the money is spent properly.

Residents of Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas counties are eligible to apply for FEMA grants. The first step is registration. Assistance is available by applying online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA.

After applying, the next step often requires a FEMA inspector to verify occupancy and document damages. The inspection is free.

For more FEMA related information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4803.