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What to Expect During the FEMA Housing Inspection Process

SACRAMENTO – After residents in Lake and Calaveras Counties affected by the Valley and Butte Fires apply for federal disaster assistance for damage to their homes, the next step is a housing inspection.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment 7-10 days after registration. The inspection is needed to verify and assess damages listed in your application. The inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes and consists of a general inspection of the home. There is no fee for the inspection.

When a FEMA housing inspector meets with you, be sure they show you proper identification. All FEMA inspectors have prominent photo ID badges. If you are not shown photo identification, then do not allow the inspection. Beware of scams and scam artists. If you suspect someone is posing as a FEMA inspector, call our toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or call your local law enforcement officials.

It is important to note that throughout the recovery process, applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector. In addition to FEMA housing inspectors, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as well as state and local officials may visit neighborhoods in affected areas, as well as inspectors from insurance companies.

When a FEMA Housing Inspector visits your home, someone 18 years of age or older who lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment. The inspector will ask to see:

Photo identification.
Proof of ownership/occupancy of damaged residence such as: structural insurance, a tax bill, mortgage payment book or utility bill.
Insurance documents: home and/or auto (structural insurance/auto declaration sheet).
List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.
Disaster related damages to both real and personal property.

Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA and you will receive an eligibility determination letter within a week of the inspection.

Survivors are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using a web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 – deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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What to Expect During the FEMA Housing Inspection Process

Just one week left to register for FEMA assistance

SAIPAN, CNMI – Monday marks one week left for Typhoon Soudelor survivors on Saipan to register for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline is Monday, Oct. 5.

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and qualified aliens who have disaster-related damages on Saipan.
“People must register to get help,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. “We don’t want anyone to lose benefits just by not registering.”

Survivors can apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. People with speech or hearing disabilities and who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can also call 800-621-3362, but those who use TTY should call 800-462-7585.

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.

Source:

Just one week left to register for FEMA assistance

Disaster Recovery Center will have assistance for survivors with disabilities, seniors and families next week

Main Content

Release date:

September 24, 2015

Release Number:

DR-4235-CNMI-0033

SAIPAN, CNMI – The Disability Network Partners on Saipan will be at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Susupe on Sept. 28-30. They will be there to provide extra technical support and resources to individuals with disabilities, senior citizens and their families who are seeking FEMA and or other disaster assistance. They will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is within but not the same hours that the DRC is open.
Representatives from one or more of these groups will be available at the DRC:
-The Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD)
-The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
-The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
-The Center for Living Independently (CLI)
-The Independent Living Group (ILG)
-State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
-The Autism Society of the CNMI (ASCNMI)
-The Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems, Inc. (NMPASI)
-The VOICES Self Advocacy Group of the CNMI
-The Commonwealth Respite Service Program (CRSP)
-The Trankilu Alternative Financing Program (TAFP)
-The Commonwealth Coalition on Anti-Stigma of Mental Illness (CAMI).
-The CNMI Office of Transportation Authority (COTA)
-Commonwealth Advocates for Relief Efforts (C.A.R.E.)
Anyone needing reasonable accommodation at any time, please call 235-7273/4 or visit NMPASI.

Last Updated:

September 25, 2015 – 14:28

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Related Disaster:

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Typhoon Soudelor

Source:

Disaster Recovery Center will have assistance for survivors with disabilities, seniors and families next week

Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following July’s Storm Damage in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As important as it is to make home repairs as soon as possible following a natural disaster, it is also important to take some time to plan the project, consult with local officials and choose a contractor wisely.

Before You Start:

Contact the local permitting office. Follow all local and state requirements.
Check with your local building official to make sure your work is safe and meets all local and state codes and requirements.

How to Help Reduce Future Damage:

Consider using building materials that are more resistant to flood, wind, corrosion and decay.
If siding or roof sheathing needs replacement, consider installing hurricane/seismic connectors at the rafter-to-wall or truss-to-wall connections. Adding wall-to-foundation ties may also be necessary.
Windows, doors and skylights should be checked for leaks. If they need replacement, consider impact-resistant units.
Check your attic for adequate insulation. Straps should be added from rafters to wall top plates, and gable end-wall framing should be braced.
Inspect soffits to determine if structural upgrades are necessary.
If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate appliances such as air conditioners.

How to Select Your Contractor Carefully:

You are advised to watch out for home improvement scammers saying they have left over materials or say they noticed your home was damaged and can repair it. Take your time to choose your contractor.

Look for a contractor with an established physical address.
Get bids from more than one person. Make sure they are in writing and specify exactly what will be done.
Beware of a low-ball price.
Ask for references and contact them.
Make sure the contractor has the proper licenses and insurance coverage required in Kentucky.
Never pay the full price in advance.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following July’s Storm Damage in Kentucky

FEMA Registration Deadline of October 6 Nears

PINE RIDGE, S.D. – The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are reminding those impacted by the May 8-29 storms that the deadline to register for disaster assistance is right around the corner. The deadline date is October 6.

Registration is the first step to receiving disaster assistance. Individuals can register in person at the Disaster Recovery Center at the SuAnne Big Crow Recreational Center, 1 Positive Pl. – E HWY 18, Pine Ridge. The DRC is open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Individuals can also register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 or going online to www.disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585; if you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) call 1-800-621-3362. The registration line is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until further notice.

Even if residents previously registered with the tribe, with a voluntary agency, or provided damage reports they must still register with FEMA to access federal disaster assistance programs. It is also important, when registering to provide an accurate count of the number of persons living in the home, so that FEMA can provide appropriate assistance; this includes persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Residents living in tribal housing should also register if they had disaster related damage to personal property.

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FEMA Registration Deadline of October 6 Nears

Hurricane Rita In Texas: 10 Years Later

DENTON, Texas – Texas faced multiple challenges in September 2005. Hurricane Rita made landfall in the state while it was also housing and sheltering Hurricane Katrina evacuees who were displaced less than a month earlier.
More than $1 billion in federal disaster assistance has fueled Texas’ recovery efforts in the last decade. The assistance includes funds to repair and rebuild infrastructure, housing for disaster survivors and mitigating against future disaster events.
A decade ago, many emergency management partners assisted FEMA with the disaster-related events. Local, state and federal government partners, voluntary agencies, private sector entities, nonprofits, community and faith-based groups and individuals made significant contributions.
“Texas benefited immensely from our government and non-government disaster recovery partnerships,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Hurricane Rita devastated southeast Texas and we successfully worked with our partners to rebuild communities to make them stronger.”
Funding includes more than $618.7 million in Individual Assistance grants provided to more than 252,000 individuals and families affected by Hurricanes Rita in Texas. The funds helped survivors by providing temporary housing and grants for disaster-related losses while they rebuilt their lives.
The total also includes approximately $361.9 million in Public Assistance reimbursements to the state and local governments, and eligible nonprofit organizations; and more than $89.4 million for mitigation projects to build stronger, safer and more resilient communities.
Some of this funding included:
•   Nearly $48.9 million for debris removal;
•   Almost $265.2 million for emergency protective measures, such as labor, equipment and materials to reduce threats to lives;
•   More than $134.2 million for permanent work, including the repair of roads, water control facilities, public and non-profit buildings and utilities and parks.
Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects, in conjunction with FEMA’s state and local partners, continue to move forward to help Texas storm-ravaged communities meet the challenges of repairing and rebuilding damaged and destroyed infrastructure.
While Texas was preparing for Hurricane Rita’s landfall, it also had begun assisting with emergency sheltering and housing for displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors. The state received more than $500 million from FEMA to cover costs including opening more than 200 shelters, transportation services, overtime costs for emergency operations centers and medical care.
“Texas has overcome so much since Hurricane Rita,” Robinson said. “The storm devastated so much here the same time it was helping survivors from other parts of the country following Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully, these federal disaster dollars have made Texas stronger than ever and make it better prepared for future disaster events.”

More here:

Hurricane Rita In Texas: 10 Years Later

Aransas County, Texas Flood Maps Become Final in February

DENTON, Texas ––In mid-February, new flood maps for Aransas County will become effective and be used for rating flood insurance policies. Local, state and federal officials encourage residents to view the maps before Wednesday, February 17, 2016, in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. People without flood insurance, whether through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), risk uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. The NFIP is a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),

Flooding is the most frequent natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “We all need to prepare for the hazards and risks in our communities. The first step in taking the appropriate actions to prepare for flooding is to know your risk,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.

Contact your local floodplain administrator to learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps. FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer your questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.

•   To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://maps.riskmap6.com/TX/Aransas/
•   To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•   To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
•   NFIP Helpline – 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), press “2” for Flood Insurance questions

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. The purchase of insurance should be considered for those newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area before the maps become effective. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

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Aransas County, Texas Flood Maps Become Final in February

Revised Preliminary Flood Maps in St. Mary Parish in Louisiana Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters, and business owners in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana are encouraged to review newly revised preliminary flood maps to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Local officials from St. Mary Parish, the state of Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the revised preliminary maps to communities in order to help leaders and residents identify flood risks. This information can then be used to make decisions about buying flood insurance. These data also help the community move forward with any future development plans.

“We hope everyone reviews the maps to understand what their flood risks are,” said Region 6 Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “The community’s active participation in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To view the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) or follow the links below:

•   To view the preliminary maps online visit: http://maps.riskmap6.com/LA/StMary/
•   To use a live chat service visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•   To contact a FEMA Map Specialist call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Contact a local insurance agent to learn more. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

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Revised Preliminary Flood Maps in St. Mary Parish in Louisiana Ready for Public View

Last Day to Request a Review of Hurricane Sandy Flood Insurance Claims is Three Weeks Away

Three weeks remain for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance policyholders to submit their Hurricane Sandy Claims for review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The last day to submit claims is Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced that any additional flood insurance proceeds up to $20,000 will not be treated as duplicative, and will not be recouped by HUD or its grantees. To date, approximately three out of four NFIP claimants have received less than $20,000 in additional compensation from FEMA, and will not face any possible repayment of HUD-funded grants.

Policyholders can call the NFIP’s Hurricane Sandy claims center at 866-337-4262 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Monday through Friday, to request a review. It is important to have your policy number and insurance company name ready when you call. As of Sept. 16, more than 14,000 policyholders have requested reviews of their Sandy flood insurance claims.

Policyholders also can go online to www.fema.gov/hurricane-sandy-nfip-claims to download a form requesting a review. The downloaded form can be filled out and emailed to FEMA-sandyclaimsreview@fema.dhs.gov or faxed to 202-646-7970 to begin the review process. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use 711 or VRS, please call 866-337-4262. For individuals using a TTY, please call 800-462-7585 to begin the review process.

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.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Original source:

Last Day to Request a Review of Hurricane Sandy Flood Insurance Claims is Three Weeks Away

Federal aid to Saipan passes $25 million

SAIPAN, CNMI – Federal aid to Typhoon Soudelor survivors on Saipan has passed $25 million.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved just over $20 million in Individual Assistance to households on the island, and the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved nearly $5.9 million in low-interest disaster loans to Saipan homeowners, renters and businesses.

FEMA provides grants while SBA lends money at below-market rates to survivors.

FEMA has approved nearly $14.1 million in Household Assistance (HA) and more than $5.9 million in Other Needs Assistance (ONA). HA provides help such as rental assistance, reimbursement for lodging, and repairs to the damaged home. ONA may provide help, on a case-by-case basis, for miscellaneous personal property needs such as uninsured damage to an essential vehicle, disaster-related moving and storage expenses, and certain medical and dental expenses.

SBA approvals include 70 loans to homeowners and renters totaling nearly $2.3 million and 25 business loans for more than $3.6 million.

Saipan survivors can still register for disaster assistance until Oct. 5. Registering with FEMA starts the process toward both FEMA and SBA help. Survivors can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-321-3362 (FEMA). Those with speech or hearing disability and use 711 or Video Relay Service can register through the regular 800 number, and those who use TTY can call 800-462-7585.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Federal aid to Saipan passes $25 million

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