Residents must provide proof that the generator provided power for medical equipment like a kidney dialysis machines, apnea monitors for infants, oxygen concentrators, respirators, ventilators or feeding pumps.

FEMA reimburse the cost of rented or purchased generators if they were already paid for by other sources including Medicare, Medicaid or insurance.

“We know life is extremely difficult for residents following this disaster, especially if they don’t have power,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “We want to ensure that people with medical needs receive assistance and are not put in danger because they don’t have a generator.”

Residents must live in a federal disaster parish like Terrebonne or Lafourche, or provide proof-of-purchase or rental receipts dated between the date the disaster was declared, which is Sept. 2, 2008, and the date that power was restored to the applicant’s home or the end of the disaster period, whichever occurs first.

FEMA and the state will not reimburse costs for generators rented or purchased outside of this timeframe.