FEMA Reimbursement for Standby Time During Disasters

When disaster strikes, having essential personnel on standby can be lifesaving. FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program may reimburse applicants for labor costs associated with this standby time, but certain criteria must be met.

What is Standby Time?

Standby time refers to intermittent periods when staff are on hold, ready to respond to emergencies. They may not be actively working but are available for immediate deployment during critical situations.

When Does FEMA Reimburse Standby Time?

FEMA may reimburse standby time costs if all these conditions are fulfilled:

• Aligned with Labor Policy: The use and pay for standby time should be consistent with the applicant's pre-disaster labor policy or contractual obligations. This policy should also reflect past practices during non-disaster emergencies.
• Necessity for Life-Saving Actions: Standby time is only eligible if it was essential to have resources readily available for critical life-saving actions, such as evacuation or medical care.
• Reasonable Use of Resources: The number of personnel on standby and the duration of standby time must be reasonable and justified based on the life-saving needs of the situation.
• Direct Involvement: Employees on standby should be directly involved in the life-saving actions for which they were on hold.
• Meeting Other Criteria: All other FEMA labor cost eligibility criteria must also be met for reimbursement.

Reimbursement Limit?

Unfortunately, the document doesn't specify a concrete reimbursement limit for standby time. It's advisable to consult directly with FEMA or refer to their latest guidelines and policies for clarification on this aspect.

Key Takeaway:

Standby time can be crucial during disasters, and FEMA may reimburse associated costs under specific circumstances. By ensuring your labor policies and practices align with FEMA's criteria, you can increase your chances of receiving reimbursement for this essential emergency response measure.

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