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Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

PURVIS, Miss. – There will be changes this week at Disaster Recovery Centers in Mississippi.

The State of Mississippi and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change hours or be considered for possible closure.

The last chance to visit two centers will be Sat., March 2 until 6 p.m.:

Marion County

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth

Wayne County

Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St Waynesboro

Survivors can still meet face-to-face with disaster-recovery specialists at three centers where hours and days of operation will change this week. Effective Sat., March 2, these disaster recovery centers will serve storm survivors 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Effective Sun., March. 3, these centers will be closed Sundays.

Forrest County:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg

Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St., Petal

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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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Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

PURVIS, Miss. – As Mississippians clean up from the recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding, some will have to deal with mold before returning home. Mold can be a health hazard; it can also cause structural damage.

It’s important to recognize mold and to remove it safely before moving back into or repairing a residence.

Mold needs three things to spread: a food source (paper, wood, leaves etc.), moisture, and a place to grow. People can have severe reactions to mold. Those with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold. People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to infections caused by mold.

Mold also can cause structural damage. When wood gets wet and moldy and then dries, it can warp. Walls can crack and the building can weaken.

Quick action can minimize health risks and damage caused by mold – and stop its spread:

Open windows and doors and use fans to dry out the building. If possible, use wet vacuums to remove water and use dehumidifiers in closed spaces.
Remove baseboards and soaked drywall to a foot above the watermark and discard. Drain walls by drilling holes or pulling non-porous paneling away from the studs. Check the inside of wallsfor mold.
Wash hard, non-absorbent surfaces (metal, glass, solid wood, plastic) with non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Scrub rough surfaces such as concrete. Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a solution of water and bleach; rinse with water after 10 minutes.
Remove absorbent materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. That includes carpets and padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, leather, wood, paper, food and clothing.
When in doubt throw it out!

If the area to be cleaned is larger than 10 square feet or if assistance is required to complete cleanup, consult a professional contractor.

The basic rule is: if you can see or smell mold, eliminate the excess moisture then, cleanup and remove the mold.

Be safe during cleanup:

Never mix bleach with ammonia; the fumes are toxic.
Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Air out the working area by opening doors and windows and using fans.
Protect your lungs. Use an N-95 respiratory mask that can be purchased at most hardware stores for about $10.

For more information, see:

Mississippi Department of Health: http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/43,0,230,331.html

Centers for Disease Control: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/

Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html

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Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – While the destruction of large parts of Vermont’s road system by Tropical Storm Irene received much attention, the state’s railroad network was also heavily damaged.

Now, federal and state officials say that more than $22 million has been put into repairs of damaged railroad tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure, including almost $20 million worth of Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

“Vermont’s roads took a significant hit during Irene, but many residents may not have been aware how much of the rail infrastructure was also damaged or destroyed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s mission in Vermont. “Restoring these bridges and rail lines has been an important part of the recovery effort.”

“The Rail Division of the Vermont Agency of Transportation did a remarkable job restoring service immediately after Irene, and their work in making permanent repairs to the rail system has been a success story that deserves recognition,” said Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Joe Flynn.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program has approved funding for a total of 80 projects related to the repair or replacement of damaged rail infrastructure, including 16 for bridges and 64 for the repair of damage to various segments of track, including the rail bed and associated culverts.

Total estimated project costs to date are as follows:

Project	Cost	Est. federal share

16 Bridges	$18,272,212	$16,444,990

Repairs to rail beds and small structures	$3,740,920	$3,366,829

Total estimated project costs to date:	$22,013,132	$19,811,819

For projects related to Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 90 percent of the eligible costs and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 10 percent.

To date, FEMA has provided Vermont with more than $23 million in grants to individuals and households for losses related to Irene, and another $133 million in grants to cover the cost of emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities.

FEMA has also obligated nearly $13 million for hazard mitigation efforts including home buyouts to remove damaged or destroyed homes from harm’s way.

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Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for San Bernardino County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining the city of Fontana, the city of Ontario, the city of Rancho Cucamonga, and San Bernardino County, Calif., to update flood hazard risk information. FEMA released preliminary flood maps which will help community officials, individuals and business owners identify flood risks, and when finalized be used for flood insurance, land use and development decisions. The revised maps are digital, incorporating the latest available technology to identify flood risk based on detailed engineering models, decades of rainfall and storm gauge information, and current topographic data.

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States. Individuals and business owners in the areas along the San Sevaine Channel and East Etiwanda Creek are urged to look at the preliminary maps to become familiar with their flood risks. These maps can help make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures.

If individuals and business owners believe the preliminary flood maps contain errors, they may submit appeals by sharing additional scientific or technical information through their community officials for FEMA review. Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will make any necessary updates and notify community officials of any further changes. Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing.

For more information about flood insurance, premium estimates or to find a local agent, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

For specific questions about flood maps and FEMA’s flood hazard mapping program, call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627), email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com or visit http://msc.fema.gov.

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FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for San Bernardino County

Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey have five days remaining to register for recovery assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Survivors can register by phone until 10 p.m. March 1 or online until midnight.

March 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding.

The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is to fill out an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

New Jerseyans who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

To date, more than $361.7 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance and other needs. Another $495.7 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans has been approved for nearly 7,300 homes and businesses.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov until midnight March 1. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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.

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Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

PURVIS, Miss. – Some people who have registered for federal assistance were sent an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and many are wondering why they got one.

Although nobody is required to accept an SBA loan, filling out the application is an important step in being considered for certain forms of disaster assistance. There is no need to actually take out a loan.

“The SBA disaster loans are the primary source of long-term recovery aid,” according to SBA spokesman Jack Camp. “The application gives us and FEMA the information we need to get the proper aid for each applicant.”

“We encourage anyone who received an SBA loan application to return it as soon as possible,” Camp said. “Filling out the loan application carries no obligation to accept a loan, but it does help speed the disaster-assistance process.”

SBA representatives are on duty at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help individuals complete and submit disaster-loan applications and answer any questions. The locations of the centers are available at fema.gov. Click on the link “Apply for Assistance” and then “Disaster Recovery Center locations.”

The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955; TTY is (800)-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the Web site at www.sba.gov.

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Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

FEMA Team At Lowe’s With Tips On Smart Building

PURVIS, Miss. – An outreach team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Lowe’s home improvement store in Hattiesburg this week to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from high-wind events. The team will also offer tips on rebuilding stronger and safer after the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding.

A FEMA advisory team is staffing a table at Lowe’s, 6004 U.S. 98, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 to provide free “how-to” information about wind-resistant building methods, and guidance to help prevent damage to a business or home in the face of another natural disaster. The team will be present from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 and continuing daily until further notice.

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

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FEMA Team At Lowe’s With Tips On Smart Building

FEMA registration deadline extended for Hurricane Sandy survivors in N.Y.

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the State of New York, has approved a 30-day extension for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance.

As one of the most densely populated areas in the country, New York presents FEMA with many unique challenges. The agency – along with state and federal partners and voluntary organizations – is extending the registration period for an additional 30 days in order to best serve Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York.

The new registration deadline in New York is March 29, 2013, which is also the deadline to complete and return low-interest SBA disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The extension allows survivors in the 13 New York counties designated for federal individual assistance more time to register with FEMA. The designated counties are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

People living in these counties who sustained losses due to Hurricane Sandy should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Applying by the deadline may help survivors avoid a funding shortfall if they later find that they are underinsured or have additional damages.

Survivors who register may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

By returning the SBA disaster loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property. Businesses and private nonprofits may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

How to register with FEMA

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors can also register by calling the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The line is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice.

Anyone with questions regarding the FEMA registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs is encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center or contact FEMA.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

SBA disaster loan application

A simple and fast way to complete the disaster loan application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and

SBA business recovery centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. To locate the nearest center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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.

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FEMA registration deadline extended for Hurricane Sandy survivors in N.Y.

New Jersey Recovery From Hurricane Sandy: By The Numbers

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster assistance to New Jersey survivors of Hurricane Sandy by the numbers as of Feb. 21:

$361.7 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
$314.1 million for housing assistance
$47.6 million for other needs
$495.7 in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
$169.6 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
$54.6 million in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
8 million cubic yards of debris have been collected (96 percent)
256,777 people contacted FEMA for help or information
122,643 housing inspections completed
76,036 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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.

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New Jersey Recovery From Hurricane Sandy: By The Numbers

Stay In Touch With FEMA To Continue Temporary Housing

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors need to complete the application for continued temporary rental assistance and avoid interruptions of funds for an apartment, house or other temporary home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency mails forms to survivors receiving temporary rental assistance that must be completed and returned to remain eligible. Survivors can request new forms by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-877-8339 if the original is lost.

Temporary rental assistance may be provided while displaced survivors are working to find a permanent housing solution. Although it is not automatic and available in three month increments, assistance may be available up to 18 months from the Oct. 30, 2012 federal disaster declaration or the program maximum, whichever comes first. That’s why it is important for survivors to develop permanent housing plans. Returning to a permanent home is a significant recovery milestone.

The application for continued rental assistance must be filled out completely, signed and returned along with the following documents:

A copy of the lease agreement signed by the applicant and applicant’s landlord
Rent receipts showing that the funds have been used for rental assistance
A current income statement, such as a paycheck stub or bank statement

Survivors should mail packets to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

They also can fax requests to: 800-827-8112

The registration and disaster numbers should be clearly visible on each page.

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.

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Stay In Touch With FEMA To Continue Temporary Housing

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