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Deadline Extended a Fourth Time for Isaac-Related Flood Insurance Claims in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana property owners with flood insurance policies whose homes or other structures were damaged during Hurricane Isaac have an additional 60 days to file claims for their flood-related losses. This means most policyholders have until April 22 to complete their proof of loss claims.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) usually requires claims to be reported within 60 days from the date of loss. Four extensions have been granted.

With the latest 60-day extension on flood insurance claims, Louisianians have 240 days from the date of their insured losses to submit a claim, known as Proof of Loss. Hurricane Isaac first made landfall in Louisiana on Aug. 28, 2012, with heavy rainfall and flooding occurring within several days before and after it hit. For this reason the date of loss varies for property owners.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the program.

“A major storm like Isaac can make it difficult for survivors to gather information that will help adjusters determine their flood insurance loss,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “This extension eases the burden on folks who haven’t yet filed their proof of loss, and we continue to urge them to do so as soon as possible.”

Failure to submit the proof of loss could cause policyholders to miss out on benefits from their flood insurance policy, NFIP specialists said.

Policyholders with questions about flood insurance or concerns about their claims may contact their local insurance agent, call FEMA program experts at 1-866-331-1679 or 1-866-330-7286, or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Deadline Extended a Fourth Time for Isaac-Related Flood Insurance Claims in Louisiana

Survivors have until Wednesday to visit 2 disaster recovery centers in NY

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, to visit the disaster recovery centers at the Recreation Center and Ice Arena, 700 Magnolia Blvd., Long Beach, NY, 11561, and at the Freeport Recreation Center, 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport, NY, 11520.

The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York recovery centers. Traffic at the two centers has slowed, indicating the information needs of survivors in those areas have mostly been met. So far, there have been nearly 18,000 visits to the two centers.

Survivors who need help may still visit any of the other centers that remain open throughout New York, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

To find the nearest 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.

Individuals also can find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors who have questions or want to register with FEMA can also call the helpline, 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 until further notice.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until Feb. 27, 2013, to register for federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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.

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Survivors have until Wednesday to visit 2 disaster recovery centers in NY

FEMA, Federal Partners Monitoring Major Winter Storm in Central and Southern Plains

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continue to closely monitor severe winter weather impacting the Central United States. FEMA’s regional office in Kansas City, Mo., is in contact with state emergency management counterparts and with tribal emergency managers in the path of the storm. In coordination with state partners, FEMA pre-positioned state liaisons in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. FEMA’s National Watch Center in Washington, D.C., continues to monitor the situation and hold regular operational briefings with regional and federal partners as the severe winter weather continues.

According to the National Weather Service, the major winter storm will continue across much of the Central U.S. today, with heavy snow falling at times over the Central Plains, with accumulation of more than a foot expected in some locations. Snow, sleet and freezing rain are spreading across a large area of the Central and Southern Plains into the lower and middle Mississippi River Valley. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect for a large area of the Central and Southern Plains into the upper Midwest, while ice storm warnings are in effect for portions of Northern Arkansas, Southwestern Missouri and the Mississippi River Valley. In addition to winter weather across the Central and Southern Plains, severe storms are also possible across portions of the South this evening and overnight, with a risk of tornadoes and hail.

FEMA echoes the warnings issued by the National Weather Service and local, state and tribal officials in the affected region, and asks citizens and visitors in areas impacted by severe winter storms to avoid all travel both during and immediately following the storm. Individuals in the path of the storm should monitor NOAA weather radio and local weather forecasts or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional or changing weather watches and warnings.

Individuals in areas affected by the storm are reminded of these safety tips:

Stay indoors during the storm.
Walk carefully on snowy or icy walkways.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
Use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
Older adults and individuals who are dependent on life-sustaining medical equipment or other assistive devices, such as a ventilator or mobility devices, may need additional support in areas that have lost power.
Check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance or extra support.

For more information on what to do before, during and after winter storms, visit www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

Taken from:

FEMA, Federal Partners Monitoring Major Winter Storm in Central and Southern Plains

FEMA Public Assistance in New York: By the Numbers

NEW YORK CITY — Since Hurricane Sandy struck New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved nearly $669 million in Public Assistance (PA) grants to reimburse state, tribal, local governments and eligible private nonprofits for some of the costs of emergency response, debris removal and repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities. More than 180 grants have been approved so far. Here are some of the reimbursements:

Emergency work expenses

$114 million to the New York University Langone Medical Center for patient evacuation, repairs and emergency restoration of critical services and facilities

$106 million to NYPD for personnel overtime and materials used for emergency protective measures

$103 million to the New York Health and Hospitals Corporation for emergency cleanup, temporary utilities repairs and temporary provision of emergency room services

$14 million to Nassau County Waste Water for taking immediate protective measures to continue operations of the water treatment system

$1,600 to the Mattituck Park District for material to prevent further erosion to a sidewalk

Permanent work expenses

$263,000 to the State University of New York (SUNY) for repairs, such as replacing concrete drainages and restoring campus lawns

$39,000 to the Richmond Fire Department to replace equipment that was damaged during emergency protective measures

$27,000 to Suffolk County Community College to repair or replace various damaged school buildings and grounds features

Debris removal

$34 million to Nassau County Public Works

$24 million to the City of Long Beach

$223,000 to the Hudson River Park Trust for the cleanup of an oil spill and debris

$197,000 to the Town of Lewisboro

$112,000 to the Town of Shelter Island

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses state, tribal, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of eligible costs of emergency and permanent work. The remaining 25 percent is provided by non-federal funds. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

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.

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FEMA Public Assistance in New York: By the Numbers

Federal Disaster Aid in Connecticut Following Hurricane Sandy Tops $45.4 Million

Federal Disaster Aid in Connecticut Following Hurricane Sandy Tops $45.4 Million

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $45.4 million in federal disaster grants and loans has been approved for Connecticut survivors of Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today.

As of close of business Feb. 14:

More than 12,380 Connecticut residents in the counties of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London County have registered for federal disaster assistance;
More than $11,552,000 has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs;
More than $920,000 has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions;
More than 6,322 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted statewide;
More than $32,189,000 in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;
More than $9,380 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been approved as a result of Sandy; and
More than $808,000 in Public Assistance grants has been obligated to municipalities statewide for Sandy-related expenses. Under the PA program, FEMA expects to reimburse the state, local governments and tribal nations for $52,465,131 in storm-related expenses, which represents the 75 percent federal share of such projects.

Additionally, 3,761 flood insurance claims totaling $135,433,203 have been paid to date, representing nearly 70 percent of total National Flood Insurance Program claims in the state of Connecticut following Hurricane Sandy.

Although the deadline has passed for hurricane survivors to register for assistance, survivors may check status of applications or receive other assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Check status online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web device.

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. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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Federal Disaster Aid in Connecticut Following Hurricane Sandy Tops $45.4 Million

FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have a useful tool at their fingertips: their phone.

FEMA urges all applicants to stay in touch with FEMA, especially to keep contact information up to date. This can be done by phone or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web device.

Survivors creating a profile online may view application status or FEMA documents sent to them, but cannot submit new information other than contact data. However, via the Helpline, survivors may:

Update insurance information;
Receive information on the home inspection process;
Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant;
Find out if FEMA needs more information about the claim;
Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision; and
Get answers to any other questions they might have about their application.

Insured applicants should not wait on FEMA to file an insurance claim. They should provide FEMA a copy of the insurance settlement as soon as it is available. FEMA does not duplicate insurance benefits, but applicants may discover their insurance does not cover as much as they thought it would and the settlement could prompt reconsideration for an applicant declared ineligible for assistance. The Helpline can provide answers to any question regarding insurance and its impact on FEMA assistance.

Any decision of FEMA can be appealed within 60 days of the determination. The Helpline can provide details on where to file a written appeal.

Applicants with questions regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration loan application may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY users, call 800-877-8339). Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefing Scheduled for Philadelphia County

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation applicant briefing is scheduled for Philadelphia County, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia. The address is:

Municipal Services Building, 16^th Floor, Room Z

1401 JFK Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

At the briefing, officials from state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations will receive information about applying for federal assistance to recover from Hurricane Sandy during the period from October 26 to November 8, 2012.

The Public Assistance program is for infrastructure recovery. Unlike Individual Assistance, through which individuals and households may apply for federal funding to help recover from disasters, Public Assistance provides funding for eligible projects to recover elements of the infrastructure. As an example, public roads, bridges and culverts are elements of the infrastructure.

FEMA manages the Public Assistance program, approves grants and provides technical assistance to the Commonwealth and applicants. The Commonwealth educates potential applicants, works with FEMA to manage the program and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants and managing each project funded under the program.

For more specifics about the Public Assistance process, including frequently asked questions, see: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-frequently-asked-questions.

Federal funding is also available through the Public Assistance program on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all counties of the Commonwealth.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefing Scheduled for Philadelphia County

Don’t Let Winter Storms Catch You Off-Guard

CHICAGO – You can’t always predict severe weather, but you can prepare. As a powerful winter storm continues to develop in the Central U.S., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to get ready now to weather the storm for at least three days by having all the supplies you and your family need on hand.

“Snow and ice storms can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It’s important to know your risk, have a plan and put it into action when confronted with severe weather,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III.

Protect your family and prevent damages with these easy to follow tips:

Create an emergency supply kit that includes a three-day supply of food and water for each person, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, and any items to meet the unique needs of your family.
Purchase rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction and snow shovels or other snow removal equipment.
Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date.
Maintain adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Make sure to also put together a winter survival kit for the time you spend on the road. Don’t run the risk of being stranded in your vehicle without proper emergency equipment and supplies.

Valuable information on preparing for severe winter weather can be found at www.ready.gov/winter. Visit the site today so you can be confident you have done all you can to be prepared.

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Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, 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.

FEMA Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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Don’t Let Winter Storms Catch You Off-Guard

FEMA Awards $1.1 Million Grant to the City of Madison: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a Tornado Safe Room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $1,176,158 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Madison, Wis., for the construction of a safe room at the Highland Manor Mobile Home Park.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The construction of this safe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

The Highland Manor Mobile Home Park has experienced numerous powerful storms in recent years. This safe room will provide a shelter for 806 residents during a severe weather event. The structure has been designed to accommodate the special needs of the residents, providing space for five wheelchair occupants. The shelter will have the capability to be unlocked for use by the either the onsite manager or remotely by the City of Madison Parks Division. To assure maximum use of the safe room, the Madison Fire Department will conduct an education campaign, including emergency drills, within the mobile home park.

“This is an important project that we believe can help save lives during severe weather,” said Brian Satula, administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management. “This is the second safe room at a mobile home park in Dane County for which we have provided hazard mitigation funding.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $1,176,158 or 75 percent of the project’s total cost. Wisconsin Emergency Management and the city of Madison will both contribute 12.5 percent of the funds, or $196,026 each.

“This has been a successful collaboration between the City of Madison, the property owners, the State of Wisconsin and the federal government,” said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. “The safety of our residents is a number one concern, and this building will provide a safe shelter during Wisconsin storms.”

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FEMA Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

Original article:

FEMA Awards $1.1 Million Grant to the City of Madison: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a Tornado Safe Room

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Petal

PEARL, Miss. – A new Disaster Recovery Center is open in Petal, giving disaster survivors in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties a third location for meeting face-to-face with recovery specialists. The center is located at:

Petal Civic Center (Forrest County)

714 South Main St.

Petal, MS 39465

Disaster survivors can also visit Disaster Recovery Centers in two other locations:

Ben McNair Recreation Center (Forrest County)
300 North 12^th Ave.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Lamar Park (Lamar County)

226 Pinewood Drive

Hattiesburg, MS 39402

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

Disaster Recovery 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 can meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

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.

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.

The presidential disaster declaration makes funds available to individuals and families in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties who were affected by the Feb. 10 storms and tornadoes. Funds are also available to the state of Mississippi to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the affected areas.

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 Petal

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