Key Points
Category B: Temporary Relocation
Common Emergency Protective Measure 16
If the applicant provides essential community services at a facility that is unsafe, inaccessible, or destroyed as a result of the incident, temporary relocation of these service to another facility is eligible.
- Essential community services are those services of a governmental nature that are necessary to save lives, protect property and the public, and preserve the proper function and health of the community at large.
- The regulatory time limitation for temporary facilities is six months from the declaration date
Eligible temporary relocation of essential services includes, but are not limited to:
- Essential community services provided by a State, Territorial, Tribal, or Local government Applicant are eligible
- E.g., Police, Fire protection, Emergency services, Medical care
- Essential community services provided by private nonprofit Applicant are eligible (provided they own and operate the facility)
- E.g., Alcohol and drug rehabilitation, child care, fire protection and emergency services
Eligible work associated with the temporary relocation of essential services includes but is not limited to:
- Lease, purchase, or construction of a temporary space
- Construction of safe room for temporary school facilities
- This is only eligible if the permanent facility had one as well
- Relocation work and costs
Detailed Discussion
When buildings that house essential community services, such as school classrooms, police and fire department facilities, government offices, and certain private nonprofit functions, such as critical health facilities, are damaged extensively enough that they cannot be used until repairs are made, Temporary Relocation of the essential services may be necessary. Criticality of the service and safety of the facility are the factors used to determine the need for temporary relocation. The costs associated with temporary relocation are eligible but are subject to cost comparisons of alternate methods of providing facilities. Maintenance, utilities and operating costs of the temporary facility are not eligible.
The decision whether to rent or purchase space and equipment must be based on cost effectiveness. The length of time that rental or purchase costs are eligible will be based on the time estimated to complete repair work that will bring the damaged facility to pre-disaster design. Normally, the period of time for which temporary relocation assistance may be provided is 6 months, based on the regulatory time limitation for the completion of emergency work (44 CFR 206.204(c)). Extensions are possible if the applicant can document extenuating circumstances and the progress required by FEMA policy (see Time Limits).
References: Section 403(a)(3)(D) of the Stafford Act
Provision of Temporary Relocation Facilities, FEMA Policy 9523.3, dated July 16, 1998
Medical Care and Evacuations, FEMA Policy 9525.4, dated August 17, 1999
Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, pages 38-39, 73, 138-139