Costs of Generators and Chainsaws May Be Reimbursable

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Arkansans may be eligible for reimbursement for generators or chainsaws they bought or rented. Residents are asked to exercise caution as you clean up from the May 24 to 27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.

If you purchased or rented a generator or chainsaw because of the recent severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 24 to 27, you may be able to get reimbursed by FEMA for those expenses. The maximum reimbursement for a chainsaw is $219 and the maximum reimbursement for a generator is $629.

You may be eligible if:

• You purchased or rented a generator or chainsaw after May 24.
• You meet the general eligibility requirements for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
• The home is your primary residence and is in a county designated for FEMA Individual Assistance: which currently includes Benton, Boone and Marion counties.
• You purchased or rented the generator due to a need caused by the disaster.
• Proof-of-purchase or rental receipts for the items are submitted.

Note that FEMA cannot reimburse equipment paid for by another source, such as homeowner’s, flood, or other types of insurance.

As you clean up from severe storms, be cautious while using chainsaws to clear debris or generators to power your homes. Generators and chainsaws present serious risks. Keep these important safety tips in mind.

Generator Safety Tips

Improperly used or malfunctioning generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and electrocution.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator.
• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors – at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
• Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Generators emit carbon monoxide: a colorless, odorless gas that can build up and kill you, your family and pets.
• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Never touch a wet generator or devices connected to one: they can cause electrical shock.
• Only connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
• Do not hook up your generator directly to your home power supply. It could cause a surge in electricity that might injure you or an unaware utility line worker.
• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

More information about generators and carbon monoxide

• Generator safety video from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FEMA which includes American Sign Language: FEMA Accessible: CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - YouTube
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration information about how to use portable generators safely: Using Portable Generators Safely (osha.gov)

Chainsaw Safety Tips

• Operate within your skill level.
• Always wear personal protective equipment, including eye protection, leg protection such as chaps or work pants, head protection such as a hard hat, work gloves, protective footwear and hearing protection.
• Before you turn the saw on, ensure that there are no people in the immediate area.
• Check controls, chain tension and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not operate a chainsaw that is damaged or has disengaged safety devices.
• Look for nails, spikes, or other metal objects prior to cutting.
• Start the saw on the ground or another firm support with the brake engaged.
• Keep both hands on the handles and maintain secure footing.
• Never work alone.
• For more chainsaw safety tips, visit Working Safely with Chainsaws (osha.gov).

Apply with FEMA

If you are interested in generator or chainsaw reimbursement you must first apply for FEMA assistance.

If you live in Benton, Boone or Marion counties, you can apply for assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish), by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. Calls are accepted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4788. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.