• Critical Actions
• Organize Documents into Damage and Cost Report

Take these critical actions to improve your chances of getting reimbursed. You need to thoroughly document both the damage and any repairs. Use sample forms to help with recordkeeping.

Contact your local emergency management agencies

• View a list of state emergency management agencies

Document all damage with damage assessment forms

• Utility Response On-the-Go
• Water System Status Report
• Wastewater System Status Report
• Suggested Questions for Water and Wastewater Utilities
• Natural Disaster Incident Report Form

Take photos of ALL damage

• Photolog

Document emergency repair work

• Emergency Repair Form

Document hours worked, equipment and vehicles used (including miles or hours used), materials purchased, contractors used, and mutual aid requests

• Mutual Assistance Cost Estimate Development Worksheet

Consider Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for a Presidentially-Declared Disaster

• Determine if your jurisdiction is included in a presidentially-declared disaster
• Review the information in FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program to determine eligibility
• Contact your state emergency management agency for more information
• Attend the applicant briefing
• Complete the Request for Public Assistance form within 30 days of a Declaration
• Document labor, materials, equipment used and rented, and contractor support