Officials say FEMA eligibility is complex; register now and state will be ready to move quickly if approved

State emergency officials and the governor said FEMA eligibility for individual assistance is complicated and depends on multiple factors — primarily whether a structure is a primary residence and the household's insurance status — and urged residents to register if the declaration is approved.

Stacy McLean, assistant director for operations at the Washington State Emergency Management Division, said FEMA assistance typically targets the underinsured or uninsured and takes into account income and insurance levels. "The big thing that we really wanna put out there, if it gets approved, everybody should register," McLean said, adding that many people are eligible for assistance they might not expect.

Robert Ezell, director of the state emergency management division, told reporters the state is "front-loading" the process so that if FEMA approves the major disaster declaration, the state can move to contracting and debris-removal work "within days to weeks." Officials reiterated that FEMA makes final determinations about who receives funds but said the state has prepared assessments and logistics to act quickly when federal approval arrives.