Detailed Discussion

Normally, damaged trees requiring removal are cut flush at the ground. However, when a disaster uproots a tree or stump (i.e., 50% or more of the root ball is exposed) on a public right-of-way, improved public property, or improved property owned by certain private nonprofit organizations, and the exposed root ball poses an immediate threat to life, public health, and safety, FEMA may provide assistance to remove (i.e., extract, transport, dispose of, and provide fill for the root cavity of) an eligible uprooted tree or stump.
When eligible, stump removal must be accomplished by the most economical means.
Damaged trees on private property rarely meet the public interest standard because they do not affect the public at large and generally are not the legal responsibility of a State or local government. Trees are the responsibility of the property owner.
There are size requirements. Those requirements and other limitations on the eligibility of stump removal are described in FEMA Policy 9523.11, Hazardous Stump Extraction and Removal Eligibility.
(See also Trees, Shrubs, and Other Ground Cover.)
References: Hazardous Stump Extraction and Removal Eligibility, FEMA Policy 9523.11, dated May 15, 2007
Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, pages 68-69

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

Emergency Protective Measures are eligible when they:

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

Evacuation & Sheltering

Medical Care & Transport

Search & Rescue (People & Service Animals)

Fire Fighting

Security & Law Enforcement

Emergency Communications

Public Information & Warnings

Mass Mortuary Services

Protecting Improved Property

Emergency Berms & Temporary Levees

Temporary Roof Coverings

Structural Shoring & Bracing

Temporary Slope Stabilization

Water Extraction & Debris Removal (Immediate Threat)

Emergency Mold Remediation

Removal & Storage of Contents

Work performed solely to restore a facility is considered Permanent Work, not Emergency Work.

Emergency Measures on Private Property

Legal authority to enter private property
Documentation that a public threat existed
Rights-of-entry and indemnification agreements

If these criteria are not met, assistance may fall under FEMA Individual Assistance programs.

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

Pre-Positioning Resources

Eligible when necessary and incident-specific.

Operating a Facility

Eligible only for emergency life-safety functions.

Emergency Transportation & Communication

Short-term solutions when vital services are disrupted.

Flood Fighting

Eligible to reduce immediate threats, even for Corps facilities.

Common Ineligible Costs:

Routine patient care
Administrative activities
Food services
Alternate utility sourcing
School make-up days

This website is intended as a national source of information about the delivery of financial recovery services. It includes resources on eligibility, procurement, grant management delivery, and issues related to various Federal Programs currently supporting FEMA Public Assistance program financial recovery for governments and non-profits. This website is not affiliated or endorsed or sponsored by FEMA or any other Federal grant program. The information provided in various webpage documents is derived largely from Federal published materials. In general, under section 105 of the Copyright Act, such works are not entitled to domestic copyright protection under U.S. law and are therefore in the public domain. The goal is to help navigate the various Federal websites and summarize grant information and requirements. It does not constitute legal advice or grant management advise and is provided for general informational purposes only. Only the Federal Agency responsible for grants can make determinations on eligibility and grant amounts. You should consult with your professional services advisors and State and Federal Grant Coordinators for more detailed guidance on specific FEMA Public Assistance financial recovery issues.

Please review the Terms of Use and Disclaimers and your continued use confirms your acceptance

Debris Removal

Stumps