FEMA helping Leander wildfire victims
FEMA helping Leander wildfire victims
19 September 2011
published by www.kxan.com
USA — Even those who didn’t have damage can get help.
Chris and Julie Reinhardt are busy trying to get their lives back in order after the Labor Day fire in Leander.
Its kind of been chaos around here, said Chris Reinhardt.
On Monday he, his wife, Julie, and a friend were busy installing new fence posts in their backyard to replace the fence destroyed by the fire.
The rest of the damage was, for the most part, limited to smoke damage inside their home.
We feel very blessed considering what’s going on in Bastrop and some of our neighbors who lost everything, Chris Reinhardt said.
With the help of friends, family and their church, the Reinhardts said rebuilding wont be that difficult.
But some need the help of the federal government.
Every situation is different, said Ray Perez with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We want to make sure everyone is attended to.
On Monday and Tuesday FEMA set up shop inside the Leander Public Library offering assistance to anyone affected by the wildfire.
Eleven homes were destroyed by the wildfire and almost as many others suffered damage.
To be eligible for assistance doesnt mean a home needs to be damaged or destroyed, according to FEMA. Even those who had to be evacuated and stayed at a hotel may be eligible for assistance.
You don’t know what assistance you may be eligible for if you don’t register, Perez said.
Those affected by the wildfires can register online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1 800-621-FEMA (3362).
