Key Points
This Quick Guide explains updates to the process FEMA uses to deliver the Public Assistance Program. The Public Assistance Program provides federal grant assistance so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President.
Detailed Discussion
Category B: Emergency Protective Measures
FEMA Category B covers emergency actions taken before, during, and after a disaster to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent additional damage to improved property.
Eligibility Overview
- Reduce immediate threats to life, health, or safety
- Prevent significant additional damage to improved property in a cost-effective manner
FEMA may require certification from Federal, State, Tribal, Territorial, or Local officials confirming the existence of an immediate threat and the necessity of the work.
Life, Health & Safety Measures
Protecting Improved Property
Emergency Measures on Private Property
- Legal authority to enter private property
- Documentation that a public threat existed
- Rights-of-entry and indemnification agreements
Private Nonprofit Organizations
Emergency services are typically a government responsibility. Private nonprofits are eligible only when acting at the request and certification of the responsible government entity.
Eligible Nonprofit Emergency Services
- Fire and rescue
- Animal control
- Emergency ambulance services
- 911 call services (incident-related)
Eligibility Exceptions
- Medical or custodial care facilities (patient evacuation)
- Volunteer fire departments with formal designation
- Life-safety components of essential facilities
Common Emergency Protective Measure Cost Categories
Eligible when necessary and incident-specific.
Eligible only for emergency life-safety functions.
Short-term solutions when vital services are disrupted.
Eligible to reduce immediate threats, even for Corps facilities.
- Routine patient care
- Administrative activities
- Food services
- Alternate utility sourcing
- School make-up days