FEMA: Prepare your furnace for winter

FEMA News Desk: (262) 780-3271

NEW BERLIN, Wis. — Winter is around the corner. Homeowners should ensure home heating systems are in good working order.

Federal disaster assistance may cover furnace repairs that are related to severe storms and flooding July 20-24.

“Homeowners sometimes determine furnace repairs are required after storms and flooding,” said Paul Ricciuti, Federal Coordinating Officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “If you live in Grant or Milwaukee County, where a federal disaster has been declared and you had water damage to your furnace, register for assistance.”

To register for assistance, log onto http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA/3362. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Federal inspectors who are canvassing the area will not check furnace efficiency. Check your furnace before an inspection.

Federal assistance in the disaster-declared counties may be available for cleaning and testing the flood-damaged furnace, repairs or replacement if the furnace is destroyed. If the need for repair or replacement surfaces after a homeowner receives federal aid to cover cleaning and testing expenses, the resident has the option of filing an appeal for additional disaster funds within sixty days of the date of their award letter.

“People can ask for more federal aid by writing to the FEMA appeals officer. The address is included in the letter individuals received about how to apply for assistance,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Michael Hinman. “Remember it’s always a good idea to keep receipts and copies of contractor estimates for any work on your flood-damaged furnace. You may receive disaster aid.”

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.