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Last Chance to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Arkansas

Little Rock, Ark. – Survivors of the April 27 severe storms, tornadoes and floods have until 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, to visit the Disaster Recovery Centers in Mayflower and Vilonia.

The state and FEMA have closely monitored visitor traffic at the centers in Arkansas. Traffic to these centers has significantly decreased, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have been met.

Survivors can visit the remaining Disaster Recovery Centers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at:

600 Highway 365, Mayflower, AR 72106
1122 Main St., Vilonia, AR 72173

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources. Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible tornado survivors to get help as quickly as possible. In addition to state and FEMA personnel, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives are available at both centers to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

The registration deadline for Arkansas survivors is June 30, 2014.

Survivors can continue to register and check the status of their applications online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.

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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations 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 information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

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Last Chance to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Arkansas

New Hours for FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers; Closing Date Set

Little Rock, Ark. – Effective June 9, 2014, the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Mayflower and Vilonia will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday. The DRCs are also open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Survivors of the severe storms, tornadoes and floods have until June 14 to visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Survivors of the April 27 severe storms, tornadoes and floods have until June 14 to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Mayflower or Vilonia. The centers are located at:

600 Hwy 365

Mayflower, AR 72106

1122 Main St.

Vilonia, AR 72173

Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available at both DRCs to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

Survivors can continue to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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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 us on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov. For information on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger, visit fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation.

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New Hours for FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers; Closing Date Set

New Saturday Hours for Arkansas Disaster Recovery Centers

Little Rock, Ark. – Effective immediately, the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Vilonia and Mayflower will have new Saturday hours.

The centers will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The centers will continue to be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Disaster Recovery Center Locations:

600 Hwy 365

Mayflower, AR 72106

1122 Main Street

Vilonia, AR 72173

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources. Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible survivors from the severe storms, floods and tornadoes of April 27, to get help as quickly as possible. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives are available at both centers to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

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Original article –

New Saturday Hours for Arkansas Disaster Recovery Centers

Storm Survivors Have 30 Days to Register for FEMA Individual Assistance

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Residents of Faulkner, Pulaski, Randolph and White counties who suffered damages as a result of the flooding, severe storms and tornadoes of April 27 have until June 30 to register for state/federal Individual Assistance.

Disaster assistance can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. So far, about 1,340 Arkansans have registered for assistance, and more than $2.4 million in assistance has been approved, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors can continue to register for FEMA assistance online until June 30 at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Additionally, two Disaster Recovery Centers, in Mayflower and Vilonia, remain open to serve survivors. They are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Saturday.

Disaster Recovery Center Locations:

600 Hwy 365

Mayflower, AR 72106

1122 Main Street

Vilonia, AR 72173

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources. Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available at both centers to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

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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 us on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov. For information on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger, visit fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation.

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Storm Survivors Have 30 Days to Register for FEMA Individual Assistance

FEMA Mitigation Experts Continue Outreach in Conway and Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Rebuilding or repairing property damaged from the recent severe storms? Thinking about adding a safe room to your home? Have questions about flood insurance? Ask an expert from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA mitigation teams will be at home improvement stores in Conway and Little Rock to offer information and answer questions. The experts can provide advice on rebuilding after a disaster, offer tips to build hazard-resistant homes and provide information on building a safe room in your home.

It is estimated that every dollar spent on mitigation measures saves four dollars in the event of another disaster.

Homeowners and contractors can learn more at the following locations:

Ridout Lumber
1215 E. Oak St.
Conway, Ark. 72032
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. – noon

Lowe’s

1325 Highway 64 West

Conway, Ark. 72032

Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Home Depot

11 Mabelvale Plaza Lane

Little Rock, Ark. 72209

Sun.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In addition, FEMA and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) have created a “one stop” website for information to help Arkansans protect lives and property from tornadoes and floods: www.fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation.

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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 us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov. For information on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger, visit fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation.

Excerpt from:

FEMA Mitigation Experts Continue Outreach in Conway and Little Rock

After the SR 530 slide: long-term recovery in the Evergreen state

A visit to hurricane-battered Louisiana inspired prompt digital planning after the SR 530 Slide that will sustain communications needs for the long haul.

EVERETT, Wash. – A visit to hurricane-battered Louisiana in October 2013 gave seven members of the state of Washington’s Coalition of Recovery Planners a first-hand look at extensive long-term recovery projects taking place. At the time, at least one member of the tour group, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services Director Clay White, had no idea how quickly he would need to tap into his newly acquired knowledge. Then, the State Route 530 Slide happened in Oso. Everett, Wash. — June 10, 2014 – Members of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services, Planning and Technology Division, discuss their part in a larger public outreach and communications effort accomplished by Snohomish County officials after the SR 530 Slide. Immediately after the slide, Office Supervisor Lori Lollis, (left); Planner Eileen Canola, (middle) and Associate Planner Christina Ghan (right) quickly set to work organizing digital communications for Planning and Development Services that will help support long-term recovery. Photo courtesy of Snohomish County Planning and Development Services

“When I went to Louisiana, I never knew I would need this information,” White said, “but then, a few months later, the SR 530 Slide happened.”

Rather than responding by going directly to the site of the slide, White gathered staff with Snohomish County Planning and Development Services at their office in Everett. Among other things, they started organizing a digital information portal to help streamline digital communications for Planning and Development Services needs.

Within four days after the slide, the team established a Web page on the Snohomish County site that addressed the influx of public records inquiries they were receiving while filing digital information in one spot that would provide access to the public for the long term.

The informational Web page includes maps showing where building permits were issued in relation to the slide, as well as key facts and important dates that will remain available to the public in the future. The Web page is just one piece in the digital communications efforts accomplished by many groups and officials with Snohomish County after the SR 530 Slide.

“The building and land use documents that we gathered and posted provide a glimpse into historical decisions and processes that can help inform future policy decisions,” said Planner Eileen Canola.

The team’s digital communications planning was just one example of how long-term recovery has been a priority – even since the very first hours after the slide. The team also worked together to create an organizational chart related to responsibilities for assignments. They made sure departmental responsibilities were covered and then started assigning tasks. Together, they developed a strategy for going forward.

“Looking back, I think the training Clay received in St. John the Baptist Parish during his visit to Louisiana really helped,” said Barb Mock, a division manager with Snohomish County Planning and Development Services. “First, immediately after the slide, he remained calm, called a select team to a conference room and, even though we had numerous meetings that day, he added one first thing in the morning, one at lunch, and one at the end of the day. He had learned that communications and chain of command and roles and responsibilities are important.”

The trip to Louisiana was a collaborative effort between the state of Washington; the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Disaster Recovery Support (NDRS) group; the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development; and representatives from St. John the Baptist and Terrebonne parishes.

During the tour, seven emergency managers from Washington listened in on long-term recovery teams as they collaborated and discussed funding proposals and other important planning aspects.

“To see officials working together so well allowed us to see how the community had faced adversity and how they could come out on the other side,” White said.

White and the others who visited Louisiana long-term recovery groups soon realized that, while long-term recovery begins immediately after a disaster, the process continues for years to come.

“While dealing with today, focus on what you’re going to be doing in a few months,” White said. “The visit to Louisiana helped me understand how the long-term response is just as important as the initial response. There is a need to think ahead, to prioritize the recovery. There is recovery, and then there is something called long-term recovery.”

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After the SR 530 slide: long-term recovery in the Evergreen state

Be Prepared; Have a Family Emergency Plan

Montgomery, Ala. – Severe weather can happen any time of the year. The best way to prepare for it is with a family emergency plan. If you don’t have one, develop one. If you have an emergency plan, review and update it, then go over it with your family at least once a year.

An emergency plan should include how everyone will contact each other, where to go, how you will get back together and what to do in different situations. A good place to begin is Ready.Gov, the disaster preparedness website managed by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Forms are available at that site for contact information on each family member, phone numbers of out-of-town contacts, work locations and other important phone numbers.

Also inquire about emergency plans in places where your family spends time, such as work, school and daycare. Incorporate this information into your plan.

Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as a contact person for your family members. During an emergency each member of the family will call the contact and let them know they are safe. An out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

Decide where to go in an emergency. Plan for different scenarios, such as where to go if there is a fire. Where in the home is the safest place if a tornado hits? If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, decide whether to evacuate or stay. Plan several evacuation routes, if possible, in case some roads become impassable. Identify where you will stay until it is safe to return home. If you have pets, find, in advance, places to board them or hotels and shelters that are pet friendly.

During a wide-scale disaster, such as tornado or hurricane, prepare for power outages. Keep fresh batteries for flashlights, keep cell phones fully charged. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing a cell phone charger for your vehicle. Also, keep your gas tank full.

During hurricane season, keep a basic disaster supply kit of nonperishable food, water, first aid supplies, medicines, disposable diapers, formula and baby food (if necessary), plus extra food and water for pets. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Keep these items in a waterproof container and include enough food and water for several days.

A battery-operated weather radio will be invaluable in an emergency. These radios can be programmed to your local weather service office and will provide information on approaching severe weather in your area. Heed their advice if you are directed to evacuate.

Keep enough cash on hand to get through several days. Banks will likely be closed and ATMs won’t function during a power outage.

Several government agencies work together to help you and your family stay safe. If you would like additional information, try these links:

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Be Prepared; Have a Family Emergency Plan

Gulf Breeze Disaster Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Loan Outreach Center on Wednesday

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The State/FEMA disaster recovery center located at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center is transitioning Wednesday, June 11, to a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan outreach center.

SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the loan outreach center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and explain the application process. Survivors can get help applying for or closing low-interest disaster loans. The center is located at:

Gulf Breeze Recreation Center

800 Shoreline Drive

Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

The disaster recovery center will continue normal operating hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, June 6, through Tuesday, June 10. The center is closed Sunday.

Beginning Wednesday, June 11, the SBA disaster loan outreach center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice.

The Gulf Breeze disaster recovery center opened May 10 to help survivors who sustained damage during the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 6. The center has received more than 900 visits in nearly four weeks.

Survivors will still be able obtain disaster related information after the center transitions. Disaster survivors can continue to register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

To apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan, survivors can find the electronic loan application on SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Questions can be answered by calling the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955/(TTY) 800-877-8339 or visiting www.sba.gov.

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4177, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or the Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

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FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Gulf Breeze Disaster Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Loan Outreach Center on Wednesday

Deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Approaching

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who were unemployed as a result of the April 28 to May 6, 2014, severe storms and flooding, have until Monday, June 9, to apply for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits.

Residents of Okaloosa and Walton counties have until Thursday, June 12, to apply, and Jackson County residents have until Monday, June 23, to apply.

Recovery officials advise storm survivors that these deadlines apply to disaster unemployment only. Other forms of disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency still may be available until July 7. To be eligible for disaster aid, however, storm survivors must register with FEMA by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call TTY 800-462-7585.

The disaster unemployment assistance program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, extends coverage to self-employed individuals, part-time workers, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster and do not qualify for regular re-employment assistance benefits.

To be eligible for either regular state re-employment assistance or federal disaster unemployment assistance, the applicant must be a legal resident. An individual must not be entitled to regular state re-employment assistance, must have been working in or residing in a county, for which the disaster has been officially designated, or the individual was scheduled to start work and the job no longer exists, or the job became inaccessible as a direct result of the disaster.

To file a disaster unemployment claim, call 800-681-8102, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday.

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Deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Approaching

Disaster Assistance in Florida Panhandle Nears $50 Million a Month after Storms

PENSACOLA, Fla. – One month after severe storms, tornadoes and flooding hit parts of the Florida Panhandle, almost $50 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved as survivors continue to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities.

More than $28.8 million has been approved for Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for qualified homeowners and renters. This includes more than $24.2 million in rental costs and essential home repairs, and nearly $4.6 million to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.

Nearly 5,700 survivors and households in five designated counties have been approved for FEMA Individual Assistance following the storms and flooding from April 28 to May 6. The designated counties are Escambia, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, a partner in Florida’s recovery effort, has already approved nearly $20.8 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations. These loans will finance significant repairs or rebuilding of damaged primary residences and businesses, allowing communities to build back from the storms and flooding.

Public Assistance grants may also be available to reimburse state agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in four designated counties for eligible costs associated with emergency response, debris removal and repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities. Public Assistance is a cost-sharing reimbursement program with FEMA paying at least 75 percent. The remainder is the responsibility of the state and local governments. The counties designated for Public Assistance are Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance programs, survivors have benefitted from a wider array of disaster services and resources, including disaster unemployment assistance, free legal services and disaster-related stress help.

Several voluntary agencies, local community- and faith-based organizations and other nonprofit groups are working with survivors who need extra help and they will continue to assist with their longer-term

needs. These voluntary agencies include the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, Volunteer Florida, Operation Blessing, Florida Baptists, Santa Rosa Baptist Association, Samaritan’s Purse and Hammers and Hearts.

Below is a snapshot of the assistance dollars and milestones reached in the past month:

$50 million

To date, almost $50 million in state and federal assistance has been approved to help eligible survivors and their communities.

$28.8 million

More than $28.8 million in disaster assistance has been approved under the Individuals and Households Program for qualified homeowners and renters.

$24.2 million

The total includes more than $24.2 million for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and essential home repair costs.

$4.6 million

The total also includes nearly $4.6 million to help cover essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.

$20.8 million

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved nearly

$20.8 million in low-interest disaster loans for more than 470 homeowners and business owners throughout the disaster area.

12,500

More than 12,500 people have contacted FEMA for help or information following the storms and flooding. Survivors can register for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

27,800

The American Red Cross has served more than 27,800 meals and snacks to survivors affected by the storms and flooding. Additionally, more than 28,500 items have been handed out – including water, trash bags, bleach, mops, brooms and other supplies.

9,500

FEMA housing inspectors have completed more than 9,500 home inspections – an important first step in determining eligibility for disaster assistance.

4,800

Several crews of FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists and FEMA Corps members arrived in the affected area just days after the major disaster declaration to provide on-site registration assistance, as well as on-the-spot needs assessments and referrals. Crews met with more than 4,800 survivors and registered 616 individuals and households.

4,300

More than 4,300 visits have been made to a total of five disaster recovery centers and a temporary registration intake center to get information and apply for disaster assistance. To find the nearest center, survivors can visit FEMA.gov/DRCLocator or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

1,300

More than 1,300 Floridians have met with FEMA mitigation specialists at disaster recovery centers and home improvement stores for advice and tips on how to rebuild safer and stronger.

110

More than 110 homeowners and business owners have visited SBA’s business recovery center in Pensacola to get information or receive help applying for low-interest disaster loans.

So far, 28 requests have been made for FEMA’s Public Assistance program by eligible state agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofits. Requests for public assistance start the process of getting their eligible costs reimbursed, which helps get communities back on track following a disaster.

The deadline for Florida survivors to apply for disaster assistance is July 7. Residents who sustained damage from the storms and flooding from April 28 to May 6, can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Survivors may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, survivors can visit fema.gov/disaster/4177, the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or the state’s Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

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Disaster Assistance in Florida Panhandle Nears $50 Million a Month after Storms

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