Tropical Disturbance FAQ

[Lady Christabel]

I've seen a few "why" questions and linuxgeek and I have fielded quite a few via PMs. Here's a quick FAQ...

What do the letters mean?

TW - Tropical Wave - minor tropical disturbance
TD - Tropical Depression - exudes formation characteristics
TS - Tropical Storm - a tropical formation with winds of 39-73mph
TC - Tropical Cyclone (hurricane/typhoon) - a tropical formation with winds of 74mph

mb - millibars - a measure of barometric pressure
mph - miles per hour - a measure of speed
kts - knots - a measure of speed


How are hurricanes rated?

TC category ratings use the Saffir-Simpson Scale measuring wind speed, barometric pressure, storm surge, and damage potential:

Cat 1: Weak
wind: 74 - 95 mph; 65 - 82 kts
pressure: 28.94" or more; 980.02 mb or more
surge: 4.0' - 5.0'; 1.2 m - 1.5 m
damage: Minimal damage to vegetation

Cat 2: Moderate
wind: 96 - 110 mph; 83 - 95 kts
pressure: 28.50" - 28.93"; 965.12 mb - 979.68 mb
surge: 6.0' - 8.0'; 1.8 m - 2.4 m
damage: Moderate damage to houses

Cat 3: Strong
wind: 111 - 130 mph;96 - 113 kts
pressure: 27.91" - 28.49"; 945.14 mb - 964.78 mb
surge: 9.0' - 12.0'; 2.7 m - 3.7 m
damage: Extensive damage to small buildings

Cat 4: Very strong
wind: 131 - 155 mph; 114 - 135 kts
pressure: 27.17" - 27.90"; 920.08 mb - 944.80 mb
surge: 13.0' - 18.0'; 3.9 m - 5.5 m
damage: Extreme structural damage

Cat 5: Devastating
wind: 156 mph or greater; 136 kts or greater
pressure: Less than 27.17" or less; 920.08 mb or less
surge: 18.0' or greater; 5.5m or greater
damage: Catastrophic building failures possible

How long does hurricane season last?

01 June to 30 November. The height of the Atlantic season is August/September.


Why do hurricanes have numbers and names?

TDs are given a number, beginning with #1 at the beginning of each storm season. Not all TDs become TSs. Once a TD becomes a TS, it gets a name. So far in 2004, TD numbers and TS names match. That is, "I" for Ivan is the 9th letter and 9th TD. That's not always true. Therefore, a storm will commonly be listed with its TD number and TC name.

Before 1950, storms were referred to by various means. Some used the number and year, some the area affected, saints names, location, but all of these identifiers had various problems with consistency. 1950-52, the government named the storms, but used military-speak, so the storms had names like Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog, East. Not only was this boring, but didn't allow for a long-term naming solution. In 1953, storms were given female names. In 1978, male names were added to the list. The letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are not used.


Are names ever reused?

Yes. Names are often reused if the TS/TC caused little or no damage. TCs that caused major damage, like Donna (1960), Hugo (1989), Mitch (1998), are retired and not used again. Any country majorly affected by a particular storm can ask the name be retired. This year's names were first used in 1986, although that A was Andrew. When Andrew devastated South Florida in 1992, the name was retired. Six lists are now used in rotation, and are maintained by the World Meteorological Organisation.


Why do they start again with A each year?

No fuckin' clue. If the previous season ends with an L named storm, logic assumes they'd move to M and finish the alphabet. But this is the government and logic isn't exactly their forté.





If you have more questions, post them and we'll get them answered.

 

[linuxgeek]

hurricane computer models

I was going to make the contents of this page a post, but it would not format well. So here is the link:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutmodels.shtml

It give a good discription of what the different computer models are that NHC uses for hurricane forecasting.

 

[Paendragon]

Re: hurricane computer models

I was going to make the contents of this page a post, but it would not format well. So here is the link:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutmodels.shtml

It give a good discription of what the different computer models are that NHC uses for hurricane forecasting.

*Update: Your wife is hot. End update*

 

[freakygirl]

<snip>


Why do they start again with A each year?

No fuckin' clue. If the previous season ends with an L named storm, logic assumes they'd move to M and finish the alphabet. But this is the government and logic isn't exactly their forté.

I'm assuming because they rotate the names every 6 years.

This years "M" isn't the same as next years "M".. so to keep things straight.. they start over anew each year.

 

[Silverlily]

My youngest is named after a hurricane. Not suprisingly, both girls are on the list of names.

 

[linuxgeek]

conversions

knots * 1.1507771555 = mph
mph / 1.1507771555 = knots

mph * 1.609344 = km/hr
km/hr / 1.609344 = mph

 

[Lady Christabel]

Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

I'm assuming because they rotate the names every 6 years.

This years "M" isn't the same as next years "M".. so to keep things straight.. they start over anew each year.

Yeah, but I think they've only gotten to R once, Roxanne. So they never use the gobfuck of S and T names. They just sit there for nothing. It makes more sense to start where you left off the previous year and give a break to names like Anna, Debbie, and a few others than have been used 4, 5, 6 times. Silly gov't.

 

[Lady Christabel]

NHC Tropical Cyclone Name List

This is an interesting page with all the world-wide name lists.

 

[LukkyKnight]

I thought the F name was Frances, not FAQ, and from here Frances seems a LOT easier to pronounce.

 

[Lady Christabel]

Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

I thought the F name was Frances, not FAQ, and from here Frances seems a LOT easier to pronounce.

lol Stop it, you!

 

[linuxgeek]

Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

I thought the F name was Frances, not FAQ, and from here Frances seems a LOT easier to pronounce.

Ya know, if you are going to be difficult, I can summon up more natural disasters to disrupt your political threads. I got crazy Ivan in the Atlantic and all kinds of fault lines on the west coast.

 

[LukkyKnight]

Re: Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

Ya know, if you are going to be difficult, I can summon up more natural disasters to disrupt your political threads. I got crazy Ivan in the Atlantic and all kinds of fault lines on the west coast.

I've got your crazy Ivan right here, pal, so bring it on.

 

[linuxgeek]

Florida Division of Emergency Management Disaster Preparedness Maps

Florida's Storm Surge Zones, Evacuation Routes,Evacuation Zones

http://floridadisaster.org/publicmapping/index.htm

 

[linuxgeek]

Color satellite photos of Atlantic hurricanes:

http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Tropical/Atlantic/

 

[gypsywitch]

You're alive!

 

[linuxgeek]

You're alive!

amateur radio operators never die, we just QSY to a new frequency

 

[gypsywitch]

amateur radio operators never die, we just QSY to a new frequency

So how many inches have ya got down there?

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

I've seen a few "why" questions and linuxgeek and I have fielded quite a few via PMs. Here's a quick FAQ...

If you have more questions, post them and we'll get them answered.

If a hurricane plays with a sharp stick, can it poke out its eye?

 

[linuxgeek]

So how many inches have ya got down there?

*Mt.Dew Spew* now there's a loaded question....

 

[linuxgeek]

Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

If a hurricane plays with a sharp stick, can it poke out its eye?

Only if the stick is proportional in size to the hurricane's eye.

 

[linuxgeek]

Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

Hmm. I don't get how that double posted, I know I only clicked once... maybe I'll find something more interesting to put here later.

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Why doesn't anybody attempt to help these disturbed tropicals?

It might cut down on the violence and destruction and stuff...

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Re: Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

Only if the stick is proportional in size to the hurricane's eye.

Uh, a stick will always be proportional.......Its a matter of what proportion.

Lady C is gonna fry you for that one....

 

[linuxgeek]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Tropical Disturbance FAQ

Uh, a stick will always be proportional.......Its a matter of what proportion.

Lady C is gonna fry you for that one....

She has to wake up long enough to worry about it first. She got less sleep than I did over the last 3 days we were shelter assigned.

 

[linuxgeek]

FEMA info.

I figured this was a good spot since this info isn't isolated to just one storm and didn't make sense to make a new thread.


Am I Eligible For Disaster Assistance? How Do I Apply?
Source: http://www.fema.gov/rrr/apply.shtm

How Can I Apply For Disaster Assistance?

Individuals, families, farmers and businesses are eligible for federal assistance if they live or own a business in a county declared a Major Disaster Area, incur sufficient property damage or loss, and, depending on the type of assistance, do not have the insurance or resources to meet their needs.

To apply for Assistance to Individuals and Households, all you have to do is call the special tollfree telephone number, 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) and register. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Centers will process your application. This assistance includes housing assistance (grants or services for home repairs, rental of another place to live temporarily, lodging expenses reimbursement, home replacement, and in special circumstances, permanent housing construction). It also includes grants for other needs, such as medical, dental, funeral, and transporation expenses. SBA and FSA applications may be made at locally-announced locations.

Your rights: Each Federal agency that provides Federal financial assistance is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination in the use of its funds. If you believe that you or others protected by Civil Rights laws have been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact one of FEMA's Equal Rights Officers (ERO), who has the job of ensuring equal access to all FEMA disaster programs. The ERO will attempt to resolve your issues. You can read more about your civil rights on the FEMA site.

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The Disaster Process and Disaster Aid Programs
Source: http://www.fema.gov/library/dproc.shtm


Response and Recovery

First Response to a disaster is the job of local government's emergency services with help from nearby municipalities, the state and volunteer agencies. In a catastrophic disaster, and if the governor requests, federal resources can be mobilized through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for search and rescue, electrical power, food, water, shelter and other basic human needs.

It is the long-term Recovery phase of disaster which places the most severe financial strain on a local or state government. Damage to public facilities and infrastructure, often not insured, can overwhelm even a large city.

A governor's request for a major disaster declaration could mean an infusion of federal funds, but the governor must also commit significant state funds and resources for recovery efforts.

A Major Disaster could result from a hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado or major fire which the President determines warrants supplemental federal aid. The event must be clearly more than state or local governments can handle alone. If declared, funding comes from the President's Disaster Relief Fund, which is managed by FEMA, and disaster aid programs of other participating federal agencies.

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help disaster victims, businesses and public entities.

An Emergency Declaration is more limited in scope and without the long-term federal recovery programs of a Major Disaster Declaration. Generally, federal assistance and funding are provided to meet a specific emergency need or to help prevent a major disaster from occurring.

The Major Disaster Process

A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:
Local Government Responds, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies. If overwhelmed, turn to the state for assistance;


The State Responds with state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies;


Damage Assessment by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations determines losses and recovery needs;


A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the governor, based on the damage assessment, and an agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery;


FEMA Evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state's ability to recover;


The President approves the request or FEMA informs the governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.

Disaster Aid Programs

There are two major categories of disaster aid:

Individual Assistance - for damage to residences and businesses or personal property losses, and

Public Assistance - for repair of infrastructure, public facilities and debris removal.

Individual Assistance
Immediately after the declaration, disaster workers arrive and set up a central field office to coordinate the recovery effort. A toll-free telephone number is published for use by affected residents and business owners in registering for assistance. Disaster Recovery Centers also are opened where disaster victims can meet with program representatives and obtain information about available aid and the recovery process.

Disaster aid to individuals generally falls into the following categories:

• Disaster Housing may be available for up to 18 months, using local resources, for displaced persons whose residences were heavily damaged or destroyed. Funding also can be provided for housing repairs and replacement of damaged items to make homes habitable.
• Disaster Grants, are available to help meet other serious disaster related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs. These may include replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental and funeral expenses.
• Low-Interest Disaster Loans are available after a disaster for homeowners and renters from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover uninsured property losses. Loans may be for repair or replacement of homes, automobiles, clothing or other damaged personal property. Loans are also available to businesses for property loss and economic injury.
• Other Disaster Aid Programs include crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security and Veteran's benefits. Other state or local help may also be available.
• Assistance Process -- After the application is taken, the damaged property is inspected to verify the loss. If approved, an applicant will soon receive a check for rental assistance or a grant. Loan applications require more information and approval may take several weeks after application. The deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days following the President's major disaster declaration.
• Audits are done later to ensure that aid went to only those who were eligible and that disaster aid funds were used only for their intended purposes. These federal program funds cannot duplicate assistance provided by other sources such as insurance.
• After a major disaster, FEMA tries to notify all disaster victims about the available aid programs and urge them to apply. The news media are encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center, meet with disaster officials, and help publicize the disaster aid programs and the toll-free teleregistration number.

Public Assistance
Public Assistance is aid to state or local governments to pay part of the costs of rebuilding a community's damaged infrastructure. Generally, public assistance programs pay for 75 per cent of the approved project costs. Public Assistance may include debris removal, emergency protective measures and public services, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.

Hazard Mitigation
Disaster victims and public entities are encouraged to avoid the life and property risks of future disasters. Examples include the elevation or relocation of chronically flood-damaged homes away from flood hazard areas, retrofitting buildings to make them resistant to earthquakes or strong winds, and adoption and enforcement of adequate codes and standards by local, state and federal government. FEMA encourages and helps fund damage mitigation measures when repairing disaster damaged structures.

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Individual Assistance Programs
Source: http://www.fema.gov/rrr/inassist.shtm

The Disaster Assistance Process

FEMA and other federal, state, local and volunteer agencies offer disaster assistance in several forms:

Low-Interest Loans. Most, but not all, federal assistance is in the form of low interest loans to cover expenses not covered by state or local programs, or private insurance. People who do not qualify for loans may be able to apply for a cash grant.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), offer low interest loans to eligible individuals, farmers and businesses to repair or replace damaged property and personal belongings not covered by insurance.

Assistance for Individuals and Households. This program, which may include cash grants of up to $25,000 per individual or household, includes:
Housing Assistance

• Lodging expenses reimbursement (for a hotel or motel)
• Rental assistance (cash payment for a temporary rental unit or a manufactured home)
• Home repair cash grant
• Home replacement cash grant
• Permanent housing construction in rare circumstances

Other Needs Assistance

• Medical, dental, funeral costs
• Transportation costs
• Other disaster-related needs

Veterans Benefits. The Department of Veterans' Affairs provides death benefits, pensions, insurance settlements and adjustments to home mortgages for veterans.

Tax Refunds. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows certain casualty losses to be deducted on Federal income tax returns for the year of the loss or through an immediate amendment to the previous year's return.

Excise Tax Relief. Businesses may file claims with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for payment of Federal excise taxes paid on alcoholic beverages or tobacco products lost, rendered unmarketable or condemned by a duly authorized official under various circumstances, including where the President has declared a major disaster. Read more, (445 Kb Word Document)

Unemployment Benefits. Disaster Unemployment assistance and unemployment insurance benefits may be available through the state unemployment office and supported by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Crisis Counseling. The purpose of the crisis counseling program is to help relieve any grieving, stress, or mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster or its aftermath. These short-term services, provided by FEMA as supplemental funds granted to State and local mental health agencies, are only available to eligible survivors of Presidentially-declared major disasters. Those who may require this confidential service should inquire about it while registering for disaster assistance. Or they may contact FEMA's toll-free Helpline number 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY 1-800-462-7585) to find out where these services can be obtained. Crisis counselors are often on-hand at Disaster Recovery Centers (when they are established). Eligible survivors may also learn more about where crisis counseling services are available via the media, and FEMA's Recovery Times newsletters. Crisis counseling services are also offered by the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, other voluntary agencies, as well as churches and synagogues. Additional mental health information may be found on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Mental Health Services' website, www.mentalhealth.org.

Free Legal Counseling. The Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, through an agreement with FEMA, provides free legal advice for low-income individuals regarding cases that will not produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid part of the settlement which is awarded by the court). Cases that may generate a fee are turned over to the local lawyer referral service.

Individuals, families and businesses may be eligible for federal assistance if they live, own a business, or work in a county declared a Major Disaster Area, incur sufficient property damage or loss, and, depending on the type of assistance, do not have the insurance or other resources to meet their needs.

To apply for Assistance for Individuals and Households, all you have to do is call the special toll free telephone number, 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) and register. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Centers will process your application.

Your rights: Each Federal agency that provides Federal financial assistance is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination in the use of its funds. If you believe that you or others protected by Civil Rights laws have been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact one of FEMA's Equal Rights Officers (ERO), who has the job of ensuring equal access to all FEMA disaster programs. The ERO will attempt to resolve your issues. You can read more about your civil rights on the FEMA site.

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Individuals And Household
Fact Sheet
Source: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=5404

Release Date: September 30, 2003
Release Number: 1497-01-FactSheet

The purpose of the FEMA Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is to help your household be safely housed and to cover necessary expenses and serious needs following the effects of a disaster. This fact sheet outlines the various forms of IHP assistance available from FEMA and explains the general conditions and limitations of this assistance. To be initially considered for any type of FEMA IHP assistance, the affected home must be your primary residence, the home must be located in the declared disaster area, your necessary expense or serious need must have occurred in the declared disaster area, and you (or an adult household member) must be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or a qualified alien.

Types Of Fema Ihp Assistance
Housing Assistance (includes Temporary Housing, Repair, Replacement, and Permanent Housing Construction); and
Other Needs Assistance (includes personal property, medical, dental, funeral, and other items).

Housing Assistance

(1) Temporary Housing (Rent and Lodging Expense): Money to rent a different place to live or a temporary housing unit, when rental properties are not available

(2) Repair: Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to repair the home to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition. FEMA may provide up to $5,000; then the homeowner must apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan for additional repair assistance. FEMA will not pay to return a home to its condition before the disaster. Flood insurance may be required if the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Repair and replacement items include:
Structural parts of a home (foundation, outside walls, roof)
Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinetry
Septic or sewage system
Well or other water system
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system
Utilities (electrical, plumbing, and gas systems)
Entrance and exit ways from the home, including privately owned access roads
Blocking, leveling and anchoring of a mobile home and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical and fuel lines and tanks

(3) Replacement: Money to replace a disaster-damaged home, under rare conditions, if this can be done with limited funds. If the home is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the homeowner must comply with flood insurance purchase requirements and local flood codes and requirements.

(4) Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of assistance occurs only in very unusual situations, in remote locations specified by FEMA where no other type of housing assistance is possible. Construction shall follow current minimal local building codes and standards where they exist, or minimal acceptable construction industry standards in the area. Construction will aim toward average quality, size, and capacity, taking into consideration the needs of the occupant. If the home is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the homeowner must comply with flood insurance purchase requirements and local floodplain management codes and requirements.

Other Needs Assistance (ONA)

(1) Personal Property: Money to repair or replace damaged and destroyed personal property as a result of the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is help with the cost for the necessary expenses and serious needs. All applicants must apply for an SBA disaster loan for personal property before being considered for ONA. FEMA will not pay for all damaged or destroyed personal property. Flood insurance may be required if the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Repair and replacement of personal property include:
Clothing
Household items (room furnishings, appliances)
Specialized tools or protective clothing and equipment required for your job
Necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies)
Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, air purifier, dehumidifier)

(2) Transportation: This money is intended to pay for the repair and/or replacement of an individual's primary means of transportation that is no longer usable because of disaster-related damage or for the increased cost of using public transportation.

(3) Medical and Dental expenses: This money is intended for an individual's medical and/or dental treatment costs or the purchase of medical equipment required because of physical injuries received as a result of the disaster.

(4) Funeral and Burial costs: This money is intended for the individual to pay for funeral services, burial or cremation, and other funeral expenses related to a death caused by the disaster.

(5) Other Items: This money is intended for specific disaster-related costs that FEMA approves that are not listed above, and generally will include:
Fuel (fuel, chain saw, firewood)
Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
Other necessary expenses or serious needs (e.g., towing, or setup or connecting essential utilities for a housing unit not provided by FEMA)
The cost of a National Flood Insurance Program Group Flood Insurance Policy

Conditions & Limitations Of Fema Ihp Assistance

(1) Non-discrimination. All forms of FEMA disaster assistance are available to any affected household that meets the conditions of eligibility. No Federal entity or official (or their agent) may discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or economic status.

(2) Residency status in the United States and its territories. To be considered for disaster assistance, the individual or an adult household member must provide proof of identity and sign a declaration stating that you/they are a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or a qualified alien.

(3) Supplemental Assistance. Disaster assistance is not intended to substitute for private recovery efforts, but to complement those efforts when needed. FEMA expects minor housing damage or the need for short-term shelter to be addressed by homeowners or tenants. Furthermore, IHP is not a loss indemnification program and does not ensure that applicants are returned to their pre-disaster living conditions.

(4) Household Composition. People living together in one residence before the disaster are expected to continue to live together after the disaster. Generally, assistance is provided to the pre-disaster household as a unit. If, however, the assistance provided to the household is not shared, or if the new residence is too small or causes the individual undue hardship, the individual may request assistance separate from their pre-disaster household.

(5) Type of Assistance. Generally, more than one type of IHP assistance may be provided to the household. Only FEMA has the authority to determine which type of assistance is most appropriate for the household and the period of assistance to be covered.

(6) Proper Use of Assistance. All financial assistance provided by FEMA should be used as specified in writing: to rent another place to live, to make the home repairs identified by FEMA, or to prevent eviction or foreclosure. Failure to use the money as specified may make the individual ineligible for additional assistance. All money provided by FEMA is tax-free.

(7) Documentation. It is the individual's responsibility to provide all documentation necessary for FEMA to evaluate their eligibility. The individual may need to provide proof of occupancy, ownership, income loss, and/or information concerning their housing situation prior to the disaster. The individual should keep all receipts and records for any housing expenses incurred as a result of the disaster. This includes receipts for repair supplies and labor, and rent payments.

(8) Insurance. If the individual has insurance, any assistance provided by FEMA should be considered an advance and must be repaid to FEMA when they receive their insurance settlement payment. If their settlement is less than FEMA's estimated cost to make their home habitable, the individual may qualify for funds to supplement their insurance settlement, but only for repairs relating to the home's habitability. FEMA does not provide replacement value amounts or assistance with non-essential items.

(9) Duration of Assistance. Repair Assistance is provided as a one-time payment. Temporary Housing Assistance (or a mobile home/travel trailer) is provided for an initial period of 1, 2, or 3 months. To be considered for additional assistance, the individual must demonstrate that they have used any previous assistance from FEMA as instructed, and they must demonstrate their efforts to re-establish permanent housing. Additional assistance is generally provided for 1, 2, or 3 months at a time. The maximum period for IHP assistance is 18 months.

(10) Appeal Rights. If the individual disagree with FEMA's determination of eligibility or the form of assistance provided, they have the right to appeal within 60 days of the date of their notification letter.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, please call the FEMA disaster helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
The hearing- or speech-impaired, may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.