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FEMA funds

Every time I stopped along the road at a gas station or restaurant during my evacuation from New Orleans, I'd always end up talking with other evacuees. Everyone always reminded me to keep every single receipt so that I could submit everything to FEMA when I got back.

But now I'm reading conflicting reports in newspapers about just what will be covered and what won't. One story said that you have to return to New Orleans, find your home unliveable and THEN go stay in a FEMA-approved hotel before they'll pay your expenses.

I just don't see how the government can't give us something, considering we were under mandatory evacuation to leave. But I also understand that there was some FEMA abuse after Hurricane Katrina -- especially when the agency handed out those $2,000 gift cards. I'm hoping that everything will get straightened out soon. While I obviously don't expect the federal government to pick up my tab for my little vacation here in Destin, Fla., right now, I'd be very pleased if the feds would at least pay for my gas to and from Chattanooga and my hotel.

I know from having covered the big 2007 flood in Wichita Falls, though, that applying for FEMA aid is a long, tedious process, something I"m not looking forward to experiencing firsthand. But, if it means I'll get a little money back, then I'm all for it.

Posted by Lara Richards at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)