News - femacontract.com

Don’t Be Victimized by Fraudulent Contractors or Disaster Workers

JACKSON, MS – Mississippians whose homes were damaged in the recent storms and tornadoes may encounter people attempting to cheat them by posing as inspectors, government officials or contractors. These persons may try to obtain personal information or collect payment for disaster assistance or repairs.

Please keep in mind that FEMA employees DO NOT solicit or accept money from disaster survivors. Many legitimate disaster assistance employees may visit your property such as insurance agents, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams and inspectors.

Here are some tips to remember to safeguard against fraud:

Ask to see ID badges. All FEMA representatives will have a laminated photo ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter, please contact local law enforcement.
Safeguard personal information. Be cautious when giving personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone. FEMA will only request an applicant’s bank account numbers during the initial registration process. However FEMA inspectors will require verification of identity.
Beware of people going door-to-door. People knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be con artists, especially if they ask for personal information or solicit money.
Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help to fill out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages, but do not involve themselves in any aspect of the repair nor recommend any contractor.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in your community providing information and assisting people in registering with FEMA or updating their files. The teams coordinate their activities with local emergency managers and make local law enforcement agencies aware of their presence. The teams always consist of at least two people, and may include employees of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) as well as FEMA. They will always be wearing FEMA (or MEMA) shirts and laminated photo IDs. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams never ask for or accept payment for their services.

Always use licensed and bonded contractors and ask for credentials. Use Mississippi contractors if you can. You can verify a Mississippi contractor’s license online at msboc.us. If you have a complaint about anyone soliciting your business, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office toll-free number at 800-281-4418.

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

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’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.

###

Continued:

Don’t Be Victimized by Fraudulent Contractors or Disaster Workers

Completing SBA Disaster Loan Application Keeps the Recovery Process Moving

JACKSON, MS. — If disaster survivors in Mississippi apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration, it’s important for them to submit a loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues and they keep their options open.

FEMA and SBA encourage homeowners, renters and businesses to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund their losses:

Many survivors who register with FEMA will be contacted by the SBA. Survivors need to choose the option to receive a disaster loan application packet from SBA.
Survivors can submit their SBA disaster loan applications one of three ways: online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela, in person at a disaster recovery center or by mail.
Survivors should complete and return the applications as soon as possible. Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept an SBA loan. However, failure to complete and submit the home disaster loan application may stop the FEMA grant process. Homeowners and renters who submit an SBA application and are declined a loan may be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs that could include assistance for disaster-related car repairs, clothing household items and other expenses.
Next to insurance, an SBA loan is the primary funding source for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster like a tornado or flooding. Homeowners may be eligible for low interest loans up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding.
SBA can help renters replace their essential items. 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.
Loans for businesses and private non-profit organizations are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
Do not wait on an insurance settlement before returning an application. Insurance may not pay for all of the disaster-related damage. Survivors can begin their recovery immediately with an SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the insurance settlement.

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.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click 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.

###

Follow this link:

Completing SBA Disaster Loan Application Keeps the Recovery Process Moving

FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Nine Mississippi Counties Hit by Storms

JACKSON, MS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended federal disaster aid in nine Mississippi counties to help the state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits cover disaster-related expenses and the repair or rebuilding of critical infrastructure.

The state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Newton, Rankin, Wayne and Winston counties can now request funding through all categories of the Public Assistance grant program to help pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Itawamba, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Rankin, Wayne and Winston counties were previously designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken before, during and after the disaster.

“The additional federal infrastructure funding is intended to help Mississippi’s hard-hit communities recover from the devastation left by the tornadoes of April 28,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry.

Supplementary funding under the Public Assistance program goes to the state and its agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Under the program, the federal share of a project’s expenses typically cannot be less than 75 percent of eligible costs. The remaining 25 percent of eligible cost is usually split by the state and applicant. The state manages the program and forwards the federal funds to eligible applicants that incurred costs.

Individuals cannot apply for FEMA Public Assistance program funding. However, survivors who sustained damage in any of the 12 Mississippi counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance can register for that program. Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties are all eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

All Mississippi counties are eligible to apply for funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is partially funded by FEMA and managed by MEMA.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

###

Read this article:

FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Nine Mississippi Counties Hit by Storms

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Jones County

RIDGELAND, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Jones County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

The Jones County 361 Saferoom

1425 Ellisville Blvd.

Laurel, MS 39440

Specialists from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be on hand to answer questions. By visiting the center, survivors can:

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists with completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering 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.

Disaster survivors can visit any of the nine open disaster recovery centers in Mississippi. To locate the nearest center, survivors can visit FEMA.gov/DRCLocator or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585.)

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

###

See original article:

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Jones County

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Madison County

PEARL, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Madison County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

Madison County Road Department

3137 S. Liberty St.

Canton, MS 39046

Specialists from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions. Survivors will be able to:

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering 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.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

###

Link to original:

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Madison County

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Wayne County

PEARL, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Wayne County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

City #4 Voting Precinct Building

810 Chickasawhay Street

Waynesboro, MS 39367

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering 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.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

###

Source article:

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Wayne County

Another Disaster Recovery Center Open in Mississippi

PEARL, Miss. – An additional disaster recovery center is open in Lowndes County to assist survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Mississippi.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

East Columbus Gym

222 Lawrence Drive

Columbus, MS 39702

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification. documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health also has representatives at the center to provide crisis counseling assistance.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

###

Link to original:

Another Disaster Recovery Center Open in Mississippi

Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

CLANTON, Ala. – State and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in thirteen additional Alabama counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses.

Blount, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa counties were added Tuesday to the May 2 major disaster declaration for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that overwhelmed parts of Alabama from April 28 through May 5.

The thirteen additional counties are now eligible to apply for all seven categories listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

Categories A and B cover debris removal and emergency protective measures, 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.

The five counties previously designated for Public Assistance for categories A and B are now eligible to apply for all seven categories. These counties are Baldwin, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone and Mobile.

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

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

For more information on Alabama disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4176. Visit the Alabama Emergency Management Agency website at ema.alabama.gov/ or Facebook page at facebook.com/AlabamaEMA.

Visit site:

Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

FEMA/Alabama Recovery Centers Help Recovery Begin

CLANTON, Ala. — Disaster Recovery Centers operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency are open in Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, and Limestone counties to help survivors of the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding begin recovery.

Recovery Centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday in the following locations:

Baldwin County:

Elberta Town Hall, 10352 Main St., Elberta, 36530
Fairhope Civic Center (Delchamps Room), 161 North Section St., Fairhope, 36532

Etowah County:

Sardis City Hall, 1335 Sardis Drive, Boaz, 35956

Jefferson County:

Maurice C. West Community Center, 171 Second St. SW, Graysville, 35073
Kimberly Senior Center, 8013Warrior-Kimberly Rd., Kimberly, 35091

Lee County:

Smith’s Station Government Center, 2336 Lee County Road 430, Suite 101, Smith’s Station, 36877

Limestone County:

Ripley Woodmen of the World Hall-11281 Ripley Road, Athens, 35611

Specialists from AEMA, FEMA and the Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions. Survivors will be able to:

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as phone bills or letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.
Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate needs.
Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering 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. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Alabama residents should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card.

Applicants will be asked for the following information:

Social Security number.
Address of the damaged home or apartment.
Description of the damage.
Information about insurance coverage.
A current contact telephone number.
An address where they can receive mail.
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

Link:

FEMA/Alabama Recovery Centers Help Recovery Begin

FEMA Specialists Reach Out to Survivors in Hard-Hit Alabama Communities

CLANTON, Ala. – Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are reaching out to survivors in Alabama’s hardest hit communities to help individuals register for assistance. Survivors may meet a specialist in their neighborhood or speak to one on the phone.

Crews of FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists and FEMA Corps members are canvassing affected areas to provide on-site registration assistance, address immediate and emerging needs, and answer any questions specific to the registration process. Specialists can also provide referrals to additional resources.

FEMA crews are visiting homes, businesses, local organizations and churches in Baldwin, Blount, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone and Tuscaloosa counties.

Using tablets, crew members can help a survivor fill out an application for assistance on the spot – collecting information in person. Crew members can be identified easily by their photo badges and either FEMA or FEMA Corps clothing. Alabama residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

Survivors in designated counties may also receive a phone call from FEMA Individual Assistance specialists if they have already registered for disaster assistance.

If called, applicants could be asked to verify their identity with some of the following information:

The last four digits of their Social Security number.
The address of their damaged home.
The applicant’s current mailing address.
The applicant’s current phone number.

If applicants receive a phone call from FEMA representatives and question the validity of the caller, they can contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the source of the call. The FEMA representative will then make another attempt to call the applicant back. FEMA will not call applicants to request any banking information.

Those who suspect anyone of committing fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and through the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs at 800-392-5658.

Survivors in the counties currently designated for Individual Assistance can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

See the article here –

FEMA Specialists Reach Out to Survivors in Hard-Hit Alabama Communities

Page 185 of 386 « First ... « 183 184 185 186 187 » ... Last »