Category B of FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) Program reimburses state, tribal, and local governments, along with certain private non-profits, for eligible  emergency protective measures taken to save lives, protect public health and safety, or lessen further damage to property in the face of a declared disaster.

Here's a breakdown of what's eligible under Category B:

• Measures Taken:
  • The actions must be necessary to address an immediate threat caused by the disaster.
  • These are typically short-term actions taken in the immediate aftermath of the event, focusing on preventing further harm rather than permanent repairs.
• Eligible Activities (Examples):
  • Evacuation and sheltering:  Costs associated with moving people out of harm's way and providing temporary housing in shelters.
  • Search and rescue:  Efforts to locate and evacuate people who might be trapped or injured.
  • Debris removal that poses an immediate threat:  Removing debris blocking roads, emergency routes, or posing a health hazard (e.g., hazardous materials, contaminated food)
  • Sandbagging to prevent flooding
  • Structural shoring to prevent building collapse
  • Traffic control and road closures
  • Firefighting measures (in some cases)
  • Medical care and transport for sheltering populations
  • Security measures to protect public property and prevent looting
  • Disseminating public information about dangers and safety measures
• Cost Eligibility:
  • Costs must be necessary, reasonable, and directly related to the emergency protective measures taken.
  • Proper documentation, including justifications for the actions and detailed records of expenses, is crucial for reimbursement.

Important Considerations:

• Focus on Immediate Threats:  Category B addresses immediate threats, while permanent repairs or replacements typically fall under FEMA's permanent work programs.
• Public vs. Private Property:  The focus is on public property; however, limited actions on private property might be eligible if they address an immediate threat to public health or safety (e.g., removing debris blocking a public road).
• Documentation:  Maintain detailed records of the emergency protective measures taken, the threats addressed, and the costs incurred.

Resources for More Information:

• FEMA Public Assistance: Category A - Debris Removal including Private Property Debris: This fact sheet offers details on debris removal as an emergency protective measure: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_pa-category-a-debris-removal-ppdr-factsheet.pdf
• FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG): Chapter 2: Public Assistance Policy, Section V Cost Eligibility ([invalid URL removed]) (This comprehensive guide details eligibility criteria for various cost categories)
• FEMA Eligible Emergency Protective Measures - Fact Sheet: While superseded by a more recent policy document, this fact sheet provides a general overview of eligible measures: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/eligible-emergency-protective-measures

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