The Incident Period is the time span during which the disaster-causing incident occurs.  This period varies in length, depending on the  type of incident. For example, the incident period for a flood event could be several weeks, because the water has to crest and recede; while the incident period for a tornado would be one day, because  the damage occurs in a matter of minutes. Damage  that  occurs during the incident period, or damage  that is the  direct  result  of events that  occurred during the  incident period, is eligible.  Protective  measures  and  other preparation activities performed within a reasonable and  justified time in advance  of the  incident period may also be eligible. The incident period will be established by FEMA in the FEMA-State Agreement.

Incident Period

The declaration designates the incident period. The incident period is the span of time during which the federally declared incident occurs.15 This period varies in length, depending on the incident.

Designated Areas

The declaration designates which areas (e.g., county, parish, city, or Indian Tribal Government) are eligible to receive Federal assistance.16 FEMA may add additional areas after the initial designation. However, for FEMA to consider adding an additional area, the Governor or Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR)17 or, for Indian Tribal declarations, the Indian Tribal Chief Executive or Indian Tribal Authorized Representative (TAR) must request the addition within 30 days of the declaration date or the end of the incident period, whichever is later.18 FEMA may extend the deadline if the Governor, GAR, Indian Tribal Chief Executive, or TAR submits a written time extension request within the 30-day deadline with justification of the inability to meet the deadline.19

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