Threat of Snow and Ice Means Prepare Now Before You Travel

CHICAGO – With an ominous mid-week forecast that includes snow, high winds, rain and the potential for a wintry mix including sleet and ice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared for all weather conditions.

“If you must leave home in dangerous weather conditions, take precautions to get to your destination safely,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Taking simple steps to prepare before the storm not only keeps you safe, but others as well.”

Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home, and when it is safe, check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance or extra support.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe winter weather at www.ready.gov/winter-weather  or download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device. Visit the site or download the app today so you have the information you need to prepare for severe winter weather.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Threat of Snow and Ice Means Prepare Now Before You Travel

Disaster Survivors May Get Tax Deadline Postponement

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi taxpayers living in counties that were designated as major disaster areas as a result of recent storms and tornados may be able to postpone filing their federal tax returns and paying what they owe.

This would apply to residents of Forrest, Lamar, Wayne and Marion counties. Under Internal Revenue Service rules, taxpayers in these counties whose returns and payments are due Monday, April 15, can hold off on filing until April 30. Businesses who must file by March 15 or on any date after that can also postpone filing.

IRS rules and regulations tend to be very complicated. Taxpayers should talk to their tax preparers to make sure they qualify for relief under Section 7508A of the Federal Tax Code and what any new deadlines might be.

Taxpayers who don’t use a tax-preparing service or a tax accountant can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for individual taxpayer help or 800-829-4933 for business help.

For personal service, visit any of the six IRS offices in Mississippi. There is a list of these offices with their addresses and phone numbers at www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Mississippi.

Assistance grants from state or federal sources do not count in a taxpayer’s gross income, nor do they affect the amount of Social Security he or she receives.

The IRS will forgive any penalties for late filings (as long as they are filed before any new deadline) for individuals and businesses in the declared counties. In addition, any individual or business whose necessary records are in those counties might also get relief.

According to the IRS, “If an affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice from the IRS, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate any interest and any late-filing or late-payment penalties that would otherwise apply.”

In some cases, taxpayers who reside or have a business outside the disaster-declared counties can also seek relief.  Phone the IRS Disaster Help Line at 866-562-5227. Residents within the declared areas are identified by IRS computers and don’t have to file relief requests.

Losses that were not covered by insurance or state and FEMA grants can be deducted from a taxpayer’s gross income on either their 2012 or 2013 tax return. If anyone wants to claim a loss deduction on his or her return that was already filed and wishes to have any refund sent, he or she should note “Mississippi/Tornado and Flooding” at the top of the tax form.

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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Disaster Survivors May Get Tax Deadline Postponement

Mississippians: Tips to Speed Up Your Disaster Assistance

PEARL, Miss. — Mississippi residents and businesses recovering from the recent storms and tornadoes can help speed the process of obtaining federal assistance by starting as soon as possible and following some simple steps.

FEMA can’t help if you don’t apply. Registration is simple and can be done:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.

  • By phone or video relay at 800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.
  • By TTY at 800-462-7585.
  • C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
  • By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov.
  • Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

After registration: It’s about follow-up

  • Keep critical appointments. A FEMA-contracted inspector will make an appointment to visit your damaged home.  Make every effort to be at home, or authorize someone 18 or older who lived in the residence at the time of the disaster to stand in during the inspection.
  • Stay in touch with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to change an appointment, to update an address or telephone number or to provide additional information.
  • Visit a Disaster Recovery Center: Get face-to-face-guidance and answers to questions at recovery centers. Five are open in four counties in Mississippi from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until further notice:

     Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg, 39401

     Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St., Petal, 39465

     Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg, 39402

     Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth 39483

     Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St., Waynesboro, 39367

  • Return forms promptly. After registering, survivors may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application package in the mail. Fill out and return these forms promptly. You don’t have to accept a loan but this application may open new doors of assistance. SBA representatives at Disaster Recovery Centers will assist in completing your home or business disaster loan application as well as answer any of your questions.
  • Read all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants deemed eligible for disaster assistance will receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance on their disaster relief grant. It will explain ways the money can be spent for recovery and explain that federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or other assistance received.

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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Mississippians: Tips to Speed Up Your Disaster Assistance

Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

PEARL, MISS., – Mississippians rebuilding from the recent storms and tornadoes should be aware that disasters often bring out phony contractors and rip-off artists who try to take advantage of storm survivors in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest ways people can protect themselves.

Before allowing anyone to do work on your home, get a written contract. The contract should detail the work to be done, the agreed-upon costs, a project schedule and a completion date. This is one of the best ways homeowners can protect themselves from contractor fraud.

The contract should also detail procedures to cancel the contract, negotiate changes and settle disputes. All guarantees should be in writing.

Before signing a home repair contract, homeowners should:

  • Get three written estimates.
  • Check each contractor’s credentials and references.
  • Check with the Mississippi Board of Contractors at www.msboc.us to make sure the contractor is licensed.
  • Make sure the contractor carries liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage.
  • Check the website of the contractor, if there is one. If the site is unfinished or unprofessional in appearance, it may be that it was quickly constructed to give the impression of being in business, when in fact, the contractor is not. A website does not verify the existence of a business.
  • Confirm instructions for project clean up and construction debris removal.

Don’t pay any more than 10 percent or $1,000 down on proposed work and don’t pay with cash.

Scam artists also look for other ways to part people from their money using a storm survivor’s information. Don’t give out personal information such as your Social Security number or FEMA registration number. Credit card numbers should not be given out unless the contractor’s legal status has been verified.

If you are a victim of contractor fraud, notify the Mississippi State Board of Contractors in writing by completing the complaint form found online at www.msboc.us. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection can investigate allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a Mississippi business. Contact them at 800-281-4418.

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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Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

Disaster Legal Services Available to Storm Survivors

PEARL, Miss. – Feelings of loss after a disaster can be compounded by frustration – frustration in dealing with insurance claims, home repair contracts, or drawing up legal documents to replace those lost.

Disaster Legal Services provides legal assistance to low‐income individuals who, as a result of the disaster, are unable to secure adequate legal services. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, provides free legal help for survivors of a presidentially declared major disaster if they are unable to pay.

Disaster legal assistance that local lawyers typically provide covers:

  • Help with insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, for loss of property, loss of life.
  • Drawing up new wills and other legal papers lost in the disaster.
  • Help with home repair contracts and contractors.
  • Advice on problems with landlords.
  • Preparing powers of attorney.

The Young Lawyers Division of The Mississippi Bar has provided a toll free number, 877-691-6185, that is staffed Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. When staff steps away or during all other hours of the day, a caller may leave their name, and a good daytime contact number. A legal representative will return an applicant’s call as soon as possible.

Legal help in any area of law is only available if the legal issue is directly related to a declared major disaster. Disaster legal advice is limited to cases that will not require a fee.

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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Disaster Legal Services Available to Storm Survivors

Calling All Landlords: Storm Survivors Need Your Help

PEARL, Miss. –Landlords with available rental properties in Mississippi are urged to contact a housing locator service to list their available rental properties.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are working together to find housing for those displaced by the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding. In support of that, they encourage Mississippi landlords in or near the four counties affected – Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne – to list their available rentals properties online at www.socialserve.com or to call SocialServe.com toll-free at 877-428-8844, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. -7 p.m. with property details.

To post online with SocialServe.com, landlords must click the orange ‘List a Property’ rectangle on the right side of the web page and follow the prompts to enter information about a rental.

Whether they call or go online, landlords should have details readily available about the rental unit such as:

  • Type of dwelling.
  • Number of bedrooms and baths.
  • Handicapped accessibility.
  • Pet policy.
  • Monthly rental and deposit amount.
  • Whether utilities are included.
  • Other need-to-know information.

Socialserve.com offers assistance in English and Spanish.  All vacant rental properties will be added to FEMA’s list of housing units for disaster survivors.

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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Original article:

Calling All Landlords: Storm Survivors Need Your Help

More Federal Assistance to Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne Counties

PEARL, Miss. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that the four counties in the Mississippi federal disaster declaration – Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne – are eligible to receive additional disaster assistance in recovering from the storms and tornadoes of Feb. 10.

In an amendment to the original presidential declaration, Forrest and Lamar counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance in Categories C through G: 

Category C – Roads and Bridges

  • Category D – Water Control Facilities,
  • Category E – Public Buildings and Equipment
  • Category F – Utilities,
  • Category G – Parks, Recreational Facilities, and other items.

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, tribal organizations and certain private nonprofit entities at least 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

Forrest and Lamar counties were already designated as eligible for assistance with debris removal and emergency protective measures (Public Assistance Categories A and B).

Marion and Wayne counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance in all categories.

All four counties had been designated as eligible for Individual Assistance. FEMA’s individual assistance program helps eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses 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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More Federal Assistance to Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne Counties

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Foxworth

PEARL, Miss. – With the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center today in Foxworth, disaster survivors in Marion, Forrest, Lamar and Wayne counties can meet face-to-face with recovery specialists in five locations.

The centers are staffed with recovery professionals from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

All centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

Marion County:

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth 39483

Forrest County:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg, 39401

Petal Civic Center, 714 S. Main St., Petal, 39402

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Dr., Hattiesburg, 39402

Wayne County:

City of Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St., Waynesboro, 39367

The first step to receiving federal disaster aid is to register with FEMA. Registration is simple and can be completed several ways:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.

By phone or video relay at 800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.

  • By TTY at 800-462-7585.
  • C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
  • By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov. Select “Disaster Survivor” then “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents can meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Survivors are encouraged to register before visiting a center if possible. Specialists at the center can explain the disaster assistance process, describe the types of help available, and answer survivors’ questions.

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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Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Foxworth

New York Recovery By the Numbers

New York Recovery By the Numbers

Main Content

Release date:

February 22, 2013

Release Number:

NR-177

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy:

  • $2.4 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
  • Nearly $909.9 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
    • $788.5 million for housing assistance
    • $121.4 million for other needs
  • $1.07 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
  • $669 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
  • 5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed (95 percent)
  • 268,290 people contacted FEMA for help or information
  • 179,516 housing inspections completed
  • 160,131 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
  • More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
  • 25 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585.

The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

February 22, 2013 – 16:00

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

See the article here:

New York Recovery By the Numbers

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Louisiana Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Louisiana Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

February 22, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-12-XXXFactsheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Louisiana.

Assistance for the State, Tribes, and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
     
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Related Links:

President Declares Disaster for Louisiana

Last Updated:

February 22, 2013 – 13:01

State or Region:

Louisiana

and

Region VI

Related Disaster:

Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding

Original article:  

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Louisiana Declaration

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