Wells, Septic Systems, and Privately-Owned Roads and Bridges
WVEMD Reminds Storm Impacted Families of Additional Damages Eligible for Disaster Assistance
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As storm and flood recovery continues in North Central West Virginia, West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) reminds impacted individuals of additional damages that could be surprisingly eligible for Disaster Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Damaged Wells and Septic Systems
For private wells and septic systems, FEMA may reimburse you for the cost of a professional, licensed technician to visit your home and prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs or replacement of your disaster-damaged systems. In addition to the technician’s estimate, FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or well, which typically are not covered by homeowner’s insurance.
Privately-Owned Road and Bridges
A FEMA inspection is necessary to determine if repairs are necessary for a vehicle to access the property. In addition, the applicant must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- The road and/or bridge is the only access to the property;
- No one can access the home due to damaged infrastructure;
- The safety of the occupants could be at risk because emergency services vehicles, such as an ambulance or a fire truck, cannot reach the residence.
To be eligible, the damages must have occurred during the storms on July 21-22 in the eligible counties.
The deadline is rapidly approaching for residents in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Upshur counties to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance. The deadline for registration is October 3, 2026 at 11;59 p.m.
To apply for Disaster Assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, download the FEMA App or visit an in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. You can find available centers at fema.gov/drc.
For more information, contact the West Virginia Emergency Management Division at 304-558-5380, online at emd.wv.gov or via the official WVEMD social media sites.