When HOAs are affected by natural disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a resource.

– State or local government are responsible for removal of debris and FEMA may reimburse for these expenditures. FEMA may cover costs to remove fallen trees, large branches, silt, sand, mud and building materials from private roadways to create an emergency access and egress in the community.

– By meeting certain requirements, a HOA can seek reimbursement for the costs to repair facilities related to educational, medical, custodial, emergency, and facilities.

– FEMA’s mandate is “eliminate (any) immediate threat to lives, public health and safety,” damaged structures maybe eligible for removal by FEMA..

Removal of Debris and Repair

The removal of debris from private property and the repair to damaged private property is still the responsibility of the individual homeowner.

Per FEMA’s Public Assistance Policy Digest, disaster debris can be placed adjacent to or on a public right-of-way, and the local government may be reimbursed for curbside pickup and disposal. This publication states that when debris or damage “is so widespread that public health, safety or the economic recovery of the community is threatened,” FEMA may fund debris removal from private property.

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