Wildfires that swept through Creek County, Okla., left more than 400 families without homes and some with contaminated wells and damaged septic systems.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set up a disaster recovery center to help affected citizens. Residents who own septic systems or wells damaged in the wildfires may be eligible for assistance for repair or replacement, which may not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

“When an applicant calls or registers online with FEMA for disaster assistance, they are asked about their damages and insurance coverage,” says Patricia Brach, FEMA, external affairs. “FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. Assistance is for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.”

Once an applicant has registered with the agency, a FEMA contracted inspector verifies the damage or loss.

FEMA can provide a maximum grant of $31,400 for total losses, which in addition to well and septic systems can include repair or replacement of homes and personal property, moving and storage costs, disaster-related medical and dental expense, and other necessities. “If they qualify for a loan, the U.S. Small Business Administration may provide a low-interest loan to help with their recovery,” says Brach.

The agency does not endorse any local contractors but recommend applicants use reputable and licensed contractors and receive estimates. “The applicant is free to use the money to hire whoever they like,” says Brach.

As of Sept. 17, FEMA had 569 registrations for applicants seeking assistance in Creek County. Under the Individuals and Households program to help people rebuild after a disaster, FEMA had disbursed $4.3 million, of which $3.6 million went toward the maximum grant amount of $31,400. That means many of the homes, including septic systems or wells, were completely destroyed in the wildfires.

Homeowners seeking assistance can call the FEMA Helpline at 800/621-3362.