Generally, FEMA does not provide assistance for emergency sheltering in non-congregate environments. In limited circumstances, such as when congregate shelters are not available or sufficient, FEMA may reimburse costs related to emergency non-congregate sheltering, but the Applicant must submit its request for funding and obtain FEMA approval prior to sheltering survivors in non-congregate facilities. The Applicant demonstrated that it pursued prior approval and documents its justification for utilizing non-congregate sheltering. As such, FEMA’s Assistant Administrator for Recovery has approved the policy exception allowing for sheltering in non-congregate environments. Increased costs of operating a facility or providing a service are generally not eligible, even when directly related to the disaster. However, meal costs associated with operating an EOC may be eligible. The Applicant has not demonstrated how renting a refrigerated truck related to an eligible emergency protective measure and the cost is an ineligible increased operating expense. The 156 excess departure travel meals provided to the EOC, on the other hand, are eligible EOC operating costs.

The Applicant demonstrated that work and costs associated with evacuating and sheltering students and staff were reasonable and necessary to eliminate or lessen an immediate threat to lives, public health, and safety. In addition, the Applicant demonstrated that the travel meals provided to the EOC are eligible costs. However, the costs for renting a refrigerated truck are ineligible. Accordingly, the second appeal is partially granted for $7,281.45.

Stafford Act § 403(a)(3). 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.223(a), 206.225(a). PAPPG, at 19, 42, 60-61, 63, 66-67.