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Hundreds of Volunteers Return to Repair and Rebuild Homes

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The first teams of skilled volunteers arrived in Alaska earlier this week to continue rebuilding efforts in four Interior communities affected by the 2013 floods. The State of Alaska has been working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure a speedy recovery on all fronts, which includes bringing volunteers to the state.

“We anticipate more than 500 men and women will spend their two-week vacations installing windows, doors, roofs, plumbing and other essential components,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Willie G. Nunn. “The collective focus is to get displaced families home, make damaged residences safe and secure for occupancy, and complete our mission by September.”

According to State Coordinating Officer Bryan Fisher, this is the first housing disaster in 20 years that required two building seasons in Alaska due to the severity.

“The safety of survivors has always been our priority whenever responding to a disaster,” Fisher said. “In 2013, the volunteer groups helped us immensely by ensuring the majority of those affected were able to return home before winter.”

Following the disaster and during the gap in construction seasons, the state provided temporary housing in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Galena for those unable to return home.

Nunn stated that 116 homes were repaired or rebuilt by survivors and skilled volunteers in 2013. The work last summer was conducted in six rural Alaskan communities including Alakanuk, Circle, Emmonak, Fort Yukon, Galena and Hughes. This summer, 48 homes will be repaired or rebuilt in Alakanuk, Circle, Emmonak and Galena. The primary agencies involved with rebuilding these communities this summer are the Disciples of Christ, Lutheran Ministries, Mennonite Disaster Service, Samaritan’s Purse and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.

While many volunteers are paying their own way, the state and FEMA have partnered to help with in-state travel costs, as well as meals and accommodations while staying in affected communities. Faith-based organizations in Fairbanks and Anchorage are providing lodging, meals and local transportation for the teams before they travel to their designated communities.

Follow the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Twitter @AlaskaDHSEM and on Facebook. You can also follow the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Twitter @femaregion10.

FEMA recovery photos and videos can be found online by visiting www.fema.gov/disaster/4122, selecting “Blog, Newsroom, Videos and Photos,” and clicking on either “Photos” or “Videos” under the Multimedia Library section.

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Hundreds of Volunteers Return to Repair and Rebuild Homes

Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Totals More Than $24 Million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — More than $16 million has been approved through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $7 million through its low-interest disaster loan program.

The following numbers, compiled June 5, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved

$13.7 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs.
$2.9 millionfor Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
$7.6 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters or business owners.

Survivor recovery

12,194 damaged homes and property have been inspected (98 percent of requests).
3,976 visits have been made to the eight disaster recovery centers located in designated counties.
9 counties designated for Individual Assistance.
21 counties designated for Public Assistance. Most recently, Bullock, Houston and Washington counties have been added.

FEMA works with many volunteer agencies and the private sector to speed the recovery effort. Those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding need to register with FEMA for disaster assistance.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance status, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-3662 (FEMA) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Operators are multilingual. TTY 800-462-7585.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

County-by-County approved breakdown of Individual Assistance:

County	Approved Registrations	Housing Assistance	Other Needs Assistance
Baldwin	1,729	$6,596,255.81	$1,049,181.31
Blount	22	106,144.00	4,879.54
DeKalb	24	70,327.76	20,674.77
Etowah	49	419,199.49	38,049.04
Jefferson	394	1,030,823.74	164,657.17
Lee	50	255,097.11	53,860.11
Limestone	261	811,612.92	405,121.86
Mobile	3,134	4,254,685.70	1,111,002.92
Tuscaloosa	50	213,218.68	58,583.49
Total:	5,713	$13,757,365.21	$2,906,010.21

Recovery officials urge all Alabama residents who have registered for assistance to stay in close contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process. This is especially true during the first weeks after registering when FEMA housing inspectors must contact applicants to view damages. Those with mobile phones should provide that number to FEMA during the registration.

Affected survivors and business owners in the nine designated counties may apply for assistance. Those counties are: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

Alabama/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are located in Baldwin, Jefferson, Limestone and Mobile counties. These centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One of the DRCs in Jefferson County, located at the Lawson State Community College, 1098 9^th Ave., SW, Bessemer, AL, will close today, June 6 at 6 p.m. This center will transition from a DRC to an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center on June 7 with hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, then 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 12.

The deadline to register is Tuesday, July 1.

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Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Totals More Than $24 Million

More Than $14 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

JACKSON, Miss. – Federal assistance approved for disaster survivors in 12 Mississippi counties has reached more than $14.3 million.

Here is a summary through Thursday, June 5, of all federal assistance to individuals and households in the 12 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. The severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014.

More than $14.3 million in total federal disaster assistance has been approved by FEMA and SBA.
Nearly $9.7 million in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by SBA for 143 homeowners, renters and businesses.
Nearly $4.7 million in FEMA Individual Assistance grants has been approved to help Mississippi disaster survivors recover, including:
- More than $3.5 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- More than $1.1 million approved to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and household possessions. Included is approval of assistance with funeral expenses for nine disaster-related deaths. Other funeral expense requests are pending.
More than 4,900 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.
- In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration and other partner agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA refers some survivors to those agencies.
- All businesses that contact FEMA also are referred to the SBA.
- Others may be interested in other programs such as disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.

2,568 home inspections completed.
More than 4,500 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews have visited 10,454 dwellings and assisted 7,143 survivors.

Monday, June 30, 2014, is the deadline to register with FEMA for individual assistance and submitting an SBA disaster loan application.

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages. FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs such as Social Security, SNAP or Medicaid and is not considered taxable income.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster. SBA customer service representatives are available at ALL disaster recovery centers. Disaster recovery center locations can be found online at FEMA.gov/DRCLocator.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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More Than $14 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

FEMA Rebuilding Specialists to Provide Advice in West Point

JACKSON, Miss. – Residents in the West Point area can learn how to build or rebuild to reduce the likelihood of damage the next time severe storms, tornadoes or floods hit. Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists know how and they are sharing their knowledge.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be at Phillip’s Hardware in West Point Monday and Tuesday to discuss specific methods with anyone who stops by. They will have free booklets and pamphlets with additional details.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10

Phillip’s Hardware829 U.S. Hwy. 45 AlternateWest Point, Miss. 39773

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. The deadline to register is Monday, June 30, 2014.

Individuals and households in those counties can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to FEMA.gov/Disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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 800-621-3362. If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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FEMA Rebuilding Specialists to Provide Advice in West Point

Bullock County in Alabama Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – County and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Bullock County, Alabama may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses related to this spring’s violent weather.

Bullock County was added Thursday to the May 2 major disaster declaration issued by President Barack Obama for the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama.

Bullock County and local governments and certain nonprofit entities located in the county are now eligible to apply for all seven categories (Categories A-G) listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

Categories A and B cover debris removal and emergency protective measures such as search and rescue and provision of shelters or emergency care, while categories C through G include more permanent work on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings and contents, as well as water facilities, public utilities and parks.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA reimburses applicants a minimum of 75 percent of their eligible expenses. The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

The 21 total counties in Alabama now eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G are Baldwin, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

More information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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Bullock County in Alabama Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Child care costs following a presidential disaster declaration have been added as a reimbursable expense in some cases.

The child care program falls under the Individuals and Households Program within Individual Assistance. Child care costs will be subtracted from the applicant’s total grant amount.

To be eligible, survivors must live in a declared county and use a licensed child care service (center-based, group home, in-home or other provider). The children can be up to age 13, disabled children, as defined by federal law and who need assistance in caring for themselves, may be up to age 18. They also must be occupants of the household, are listed on the Application for Disaster Assistance and are dependents of the applicant.

Costs per child may be awarded for a total of eight weeks, which may or may not be consecutive. Eligible expenses include child care expenses, one-time registration fee, plus health inventory fee if the applicant must change child care providers.

“We know that many households rely on child care and that it can take a big chunk out of their budget,” said Albie Lewis, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama. “If you have a disaster-related impact on your income, you may want to explore child care assistance.”

The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1.

For more information or to register for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Applicants who apply for the benefit will receive a letter outlining documentation FEMA needs to evaluate the request for disaster-related child care assistance.

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Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama storm survivors should register for disaster assistance even if they may believe insurance will cover their losses from the recent storms.

“Insurance is an important part of the recovery process,” said Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama storm recovery, Albie Lewis. “But, insurance may not meet all your needs, so registration with The Federal Emergency Management Agency and staying in touch with FEMA is very important.”

After an insurance claim has been paid, there could be uninsured losses that could be eligible under disaster assistance programs or SBA loans.

“It is important to know what your policy covers,” said Art Faulkner, Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. “For example, if insurance does not include the expense of being displaced from your home, FEMA disaster housing assistance may help,” Faulkner said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration offer assistance programs for homeowners, renters, and business owners in nine Alabama counties designated for Individual Assistance.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for uncompensated losses. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

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Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

It has been 75 days since the SR 530 slide took the lives of dozens and left thousands without access to their normal routes traveled for work, medical purposes and other critical life necessities. As recovery continues, here is a look back at 10 stories about the work of tireless emergency workers, volunteers and community organizers.

$1.7 million	Almost $1.7 million in state and federal disaster assistance funding has been approved for individuals and families who were affected by the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
$1.2 million	The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance has approved approximately $1.2 million in low-interest disaster loans. SBA provides disaster loans for qualifying homeowners, renters, business owners and private nonprofits throughout the disaster area.	(Photo courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration)
$10 million	So far, FEMA has approved more than $10 million to help state, local and tribal communities cover costs such as emergency response operations and removing debris to help communities recover from the SR 530 slide. More funding is forthcoming as the state and FEMA continue reviewing requests.	(Photo by Chelsea Kneeland/FEMA Corps)
$7 million	A total of more than $7 million in donations from across the U.S. was received by three nonprofit organizations: American Red Cross, United Way and the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation, which is based in Arlington, Wash.	(Courtesy of American Red Cross)
80 People served by Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe	On April 24, the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe hosted a traditionally prepared salmon dinner for 80 people who were involved in the SR 530 slide response and recovery. Attendees included residents of Darrington, first responders and volunteers, as well as representatives with Snohomish County and FEMA.	(Photo by Timara Timmens/FEMA)
600 National Guard soldiers	Nearly 600 National Guard soldiers were deployed to assist with the response efforts at the site of the SR 530 slide. Washington National Guard members sorted donations at a Joint Resource Center and managed other critical needs.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
37,000 meals	Nearly 37,000 meals have been provided by volunteers. Among them were American Red Cross members who provided more than 29,000 meals and snacks; the Soup Ladies who served 6,655 hot, homemade meals to disaster relief crew members at the site of the SR 530 Slide; and a group of students from Darrington who made more than 1,300 sandwiches for the first responders.	(Courtesy of The Soup Ladies)
150 Oso Strong Flags	The Oso Proud Oso Strong Flag Fundraiser sold 150 flags, 38 of which have been donated to local businesses and community members of Oso. The proceeds go to the communities affected. So far, $750 has been raised.	(Courtesy of Oso Proud Oso Strong Fundraiser)
29 local voluntary organizations	Approximately 29 local voluntary organizations have provided assistance, including firefighters from the Oso Fire Department and members of the Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 7.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
45 Search and Rescue Dogs	More than 45 search and rescue canines were active in the response to the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marty Bahamonde/FEMA)

Help is still available. Those directly impacted by the SR 530 slide may call a help line operated by the state of Washington. The number is (800) 688-3469. Hours of operation for the help line are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time.

SR 530 slide survivors can also continue to speak directly with FEMA representatives by calling the FEMA help line. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) is available through this number. Survivors who use TTY, may call (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, seven days a week.

For more information, click: www.emd.wa.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4168.

Additional information and links to multiagency resources can also be found on the Snohomish County website, http://snohomishcountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide.

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75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

Ahead of the Game: New Jersey’s Hazard Mitigation Initiative Will Pay Off in Future Storms

LINCROFT, N.J. – New Jersey’s 21 counties are following the state’s lead in developing hazard mitigation plans that will ensure all of the state’s 565 municipalities will be eligible for federal funding for mitigation projects.

On April 25, 2014, the State of New Jersey’s Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and adopted by Governor Chris Christie. The acceptance of the statewide plan enables governmental entities to apply for federal funding under programs such as: Fire Management Assistance Grants, Public Assistance (Categories C-G), the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance.

The federal Stafford Act requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including mitigation funding. It was amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which provided a new set of standards for coordinating the development and implementation of mitigation plans at the state and local levels.

With the approval of the state’s plan, the 21 counties in New Jersey must also have plans in place to be eligible for the same sources of funding. All 21 counties either have plans in place or are in the process of updating their plans, FEMA’s Howard Wolf said.

This is the second wave of mitigation plans for the counties. Development of the initial plans under the terms of the Disaster Mitigation Act started in 2003, and the first of those plans were approved in 2008. Hazard mitigation plans are valid for five years.

A total of 19 counties are in the process of updating their original mitigation plans. The state has approved a plan update for Somerset County as well as Ocean County’s very first hazard mitigation plan. Currently, the state is reviewing Burlington County’s plan, and Monmouth County is expected to submit its plan update for state review later in 2014. Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties are still working on updating their plans. To date, 14 counties, funded under DR-4086, will receive a total of $2,212,000 in FEMA funds to update their plans before they expire.

The process of creating a mitigation plan can take up to three years. The county mitigation plans are designed with a strong focus on local conditions and hazards. This information is incorporated into the construction of the state mitigation plan.

There are six goals within the state hazard mitigation plan: Protecting life, protecting property, increasing awareness and preparedness, developing and maintaining an understanding of risks and hazards, enhancing mitigation capabilities to reduce hazard vulnerabilities and supporting continuity of operations. These are recurring themes for past, present and developing county plans. A county plan requires the active participation of its municipalities, and when a plan is approved and adopted, it is posted on the county’s website, usually in an area related to emergency management.

Natural hazards (flooding, coastal erosion, drought, hail, extreme temperatures and even earthquakes) are the focus of New Jersey’s plans. Because of the stark differences in the state’s population density, geography and ecology, the process of risk assessment and identifying natural hazards varies from county to county and community to community. Coastal counties such as Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and Monmouth have to protect against flooding and storm surge from the Atlantic Ocean. Heavy rains can cause the Delaware River to crest, causing potential problems for Mercer, Hunterdon and Warren counties. Flooding on the Passaic, Raritan and Millstone rivers has caused repeated flooding in Somerset, Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties. The Pine Barrens and other forested areas are vulnerable to fire. Man-made hazards (pandemic, animal diseases, nuclear accidents) are also included in planning.

Wolf says FEMA’s role in the planning process is mostly advisory. “There is constant communication between FEMA and the state,” he said. “A lot of it is coordination and technical support; responding to changes in legislation and funding.”

“The goal is to have all of the municipalities covered,” Wolf said, a goal that he expects will be reached when all of the counties’ plans are approved.

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http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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 application.

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Ahead of the Game: New Jersey’s Hazard Mitigation Initiative Will Pay Off in Future Storms

Federal Help May be Available for Vehicles Damaged in the Mississippi Storms

JACKSON, Miss. – Anyone who had a car damaged or destroyed by the April 28 through May 3 storms in any of the 12 Mississippi counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance may be eligible for federal help. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is Monday, June 30, 2014.

Those who may be eligible include not just residents of the designated counties, but also those who were working or visiting those areas and had disaster-related damage to their vehicle during the tornadoes.

The damaged vehicle must have complied with applicable state laws regarding title, vehicle registration and insurance requirements at the time of the damage.
Only those who maintain at least liability insurance will be considered to receive federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their vehicle. Liability coverage is the minimum insurance requirement for Mississippi drivers. Liability insurance policies do not cover storm-related damage. Survivors who register must submit proof to FEMA that they maintain liability coverage to be considered for federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their car.
Survivors who have a comprehensive policy should first file a claim with their insurance company. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a car. However, federal disaster assistance may help fill in the gaps for those whose comprehensive insurance coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
Survivors need to return a completed U.S. Small Business Administration disaster-loan application. After registering with FEMA, the SBA will contact many survivors concerning disaster loan applications. It’s important for survivors to submit their application. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
FEMA grants to repair or replace a vehicle must clear the SBA disaster loan process. A survivor may receive a grant from FEMA to repair or replace their car if insurance is insufficient and they were declined for an SBA home loan. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Keep documents. Federal disaster assistance is reimbursed to survivors only if their car had damage during the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding April 28 to May 3. Survivors must submit an itemized document that shows damage to the car is storm-related and a receipt, estimate or verifiable bill of the repair or replacement costs.

FEMA officials advise anyone whose vehicle was damaged during the tornadoes to register for assistance. Survivors who sustained damage to their property, including vehicles, in the following Mississippi counties should register: Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston.

Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or register with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

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Federal Help May be Available for Vehicles Damaged in the Mississippi Storms

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