FEMA offers Free Advice On ‘Building Stronger, Safer, Smarter’

TRENTON, N.J. — Visit your area home improvement store to get free advice on how to repair or rebuild your home to minimize future disaster damage. Specialists from Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer their expertise on building techniques that can help protect your home, business or other property.

This free service also offers information and publications on topics such as:

  • Elevating or anchoring utilities.
  • Eliminating mold and mildew from your home.
  • Using flood- and wind-resistant building methods.
  • Understanding flood insurance.

FEMA specialists are available daily from Tuesday, Jan. 22, to Saturday, Jan. 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following home improvement stores:

  • Atlantic County –
    • Home Depot, 421 E. Absecon Blvd., Absecon, NJ 08201    
    • Home Depot,  6 Tower Ave., Egg Harbor Township , NJ 08234                
  • Hudson County –
    • Lowe’s, 400 Bayonne Crossing Way, Bayonne, NJ 07002
    • Home Depot, 440 Route 440, Jersey City, NJ 07302
  • Middlesex County –
    • Home Depot, 1090 Route 9 S., Old Bridge, NJ 08857
  • Monmouth County –
    • Home Depot, 3700 Highway 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730
    • Home Depot, 310 Highway 36, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
  • Ocean County –
    • Lowe’s, 1375 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753 
  • Union County –
    • Home Depot , 977 W. Grand St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202

For additional information, visit fema.gov/SandyNJ and click on “Mitigation Resources.”

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 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.

Credit: 

FEMA offers Free Advice On ‘Building Stronger, Safer, Smarter’

Improve Protection Of Home Or Business With SBA Loan

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jerseyans may use low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration to better protect their home or business structures from future disasters.

Home and business owners can choose to borrow up to an additional 20 percent of the approved loan amount for mitigation improvements including building elevation, retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps and relocating utilities.

Survivors can indicate on their SBA loan applications that they want to apply for additional mitigation funds and specify how they would protect their home or business.

Homeowners can receive loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged property while businesses can receive loans up to $2 million.

SBA disaster loans for building code requirements can increase the total of the loan up to 100 percent.

The deadline to apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan is Jan. 30.

SBA is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. In most cases, Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will not cover all of the repair needs of homeowners. Money for a temporary rental home is the form of help FEMA largely provides so obtaining a low-interest SBA disaster loan is a survivor’s best option for repairing their home, replacing property and mitigating their home.

For additional information on 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. SBA customer service representatives are available at all disaster recovery centers throughout the state. Centers can be found online at fema.gov/DRC.

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 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.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program provides long term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. All SBA’s program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

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Improve Protection Of Home Or Business With SBA Loan

Nearly $1.5 Billion Provided by FEMA, SBA to New York Hurricane Sandy Survivors

Nearly $1.5 Billion Provided by FEMA, SBA to New York Hurricane Sandy Survivors

Main Content

Release date:

January 18, 2013

Release Number:

NR-143

NEW YORK — Federal disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy totals almost $1.5 billion.

FEMA continues to reach out to all 13 counties designated for Individual Assistance, focusing on the hardest-hit areas. Assistance to residents in affected counties includes:

  • Bronx                $2.3 million
  • Kings                $188 million
  • Nassau              $277 million
  • New York         $12.8 million
  • Queens              $218 million
  • Richmond         $87.9 million
  • Suffolk              $63.9 million

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved almost $1.5 billion for Hurricane Sandy survivors. FEMA has approved more than $855 million for individuals and households, including nearly $753 million for housing assistance and more than $102 million in assistance for other needs.

  • SBA has approved more than $590 million in disaster loans to homeowners and renters and nearly $40 million in disaster loans to businesses. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center and 17 Business Recovery Centers in the New York area to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance.
  • More than 263,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance, including nearly 143,000 who have applied through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.
  • 20 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the affected areas. These include mobile sites as well as fixed sites. To date, nearly 133,000 survivors have been assisted at Disaster Recovery Centers in New York.         
  • 59 inspectors are currently in the field. To date, 172,727 home inspections have been completed, making a 99.4 percent completion rate.
  • 13 New York counties are designated for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. These are Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Greene County has been designated for Public Assistance only.
  • More than $1.4 billion has been paid to National Flood Insurance Program policy holders in New York for losses resulting from Sandy. The National Flood Insurance Program, administered by FEMA, offers flood insurance to all homeowners, renters and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP.
  • Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA has provided more than $413 million in Public Assistance grants in New York State. The FEMA PA program reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. In order to qualify, damage must be a direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

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 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week.

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.

Last Updated:

January 18, 2013 – 16:42

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

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Nearly $1.5 Billion Provided by FEMA, SBA to New York Hurricane Sandy Survivors

Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefings Scheduled for 15 Pennsylvania Counties

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Hurricane Sandy Public Assistance (PA) briefings have been scheduled for

15 counties in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Initial meetings are scheduled for Bedford, Bucks, Cameron, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Pike, Potter, Somerset and Sullivan counties.

The following is a list of dates, times and locations for the applicant briefings:
 

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Sullivan County, 9 a.m.

Sullivan County Department of Emergency Services

6864 Route 220

Laporte, PA 18626

Monroe County, 7 p.m.

Stroudsburg Junior High School

(Auditorium)

1198 Chipperfield Drive

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Wednesday, Jan. 23

Huntington County, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Huntingdon County Courthouse
223 Penn St.
Huntingdon, PA 16652

Bucks County, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Bucks County Emergency Services

1760 S. Easton Road

Doylestown, PA 18901

Thursday, Jan. 24

Somerset County, 9 a.m.

Somerset County Department of Emergency Services

100 E. Union St.

Somerset, PA 15501

Potter County, 6 p.m.

Gunzburger Building

1 N. Main St.

(Water St. Entrance)

Coudersport, PA 16915

Friday, Jan. 25

Cameron County, 10 a.m.

Cameron County Courthouse

20 E. Fifth St.

Emporium, PA 15834

Northampton County, 10 a.m.

Northampton County Emergency Management Services

100 Gracedale Ave.

Nazareth, PA 18604

Bedford County, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bedford County Emergency Management Agency

200 S. Juliana St.

Bedford, PA 15522   

Monday, Jan. 28

Northampton County, 1 p.m.

Northampton County Emergency Management Services

100 Gracedale Ave.

Nazareth, PA 18604

Fulton County, 6 p.m.

Fulton County Emergency Management Agency

116 W. Market St.

Suite 102
McConnellsburg, PA 17233

Tuesday, Jan. 29

Franklin County, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Franklin County Department of Emergency Services

390 New York Ave.

Chambersburg, PA 17201

Pike County, 11 a.m.

Pike County Emergency Operations Center

135 Pike County Blvd.

Lords Valley, PA 18428

Wednesday, Jan. 30

Juniata County, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Juniata County Courthouse Annex

11 N. Third St.

Mifflintown, PA 17059

Thursday, Jan. 31

Dauphin County, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency

911 Gibson Blvd.

Steelton, PA 17113

Friday, Feb. 1

Montgomery County, 2 p.m.

Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus

1175 Conshohocken Road

Conshohocken, PA 19428

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

FEMA manages the PA 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 specifics about the PA process, including a list of frequently asked questions, see http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-frequently-asked-questions.

Federal funding is also available through the PA program on a 75 percent 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 Briefings Scheduled for 15 Pennsylvania Counties

FEMA Call Centers Return to Normal Operating Hours

NEW YORK – Federal Emergency Management Agency call centers will return to their normal operating hours of 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. EST, seven days a week effective Sun., Jan. 20, 2013.

The helpline number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA operators are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to Hurricane Sandy survivors.

Survivors may check the status of their registration or register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. In addition, survivors may check the status of their application through the automated Interactive Voice Response system by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).

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 Call Centers Return to Normal Operating Hours

No Discrimination in FEMA Disaster Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. — Storms don’t discriminate and neither does FEMA, federal officials emphasized today.

“Everybody’s circumstances are different and people won’t all be helped the same way. But our promise is to treat everybody equally,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “We are not a law enforcement agency; we are a helping agency. That’s why we’re here.”

FEMA has a mission to ensure disaster assistance is made available to all people in the whole community. That means reaching out to everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

Those areas are written into federal law as an equal rights statement of policy that permeates FEMA’s approach to providing fully inclusive disaster recovery services.

FEMA may provide assistance in many ways, not all of them financial, to disaster survivors through connections with its state and local partners. But to help survivors, FEMA needs to know who they are through FEMA registration.

FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaison works specifically with voluntary and faith-based organizations, which provide case management support for applicants, whether they are citizens or not.

An applicant’s information is confidential. FEMA does not share anyone’s information with other agencies unless an applicant wants us to do so and that agency’s purpose is to provide assistance to those in need after a disaster.

“Disaster recovery includes everyone,” Lewis added. “The individual, the community, FEMA, the state, voluntary agencies and faith-based partners—everyone has a role. We may not be able to help you directly, but we’ll know what’s available. There may be other programs to get you where you want to go.”

The deadline to register is Jan. 28. Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone 24 hours a day at 800-621-3362. Effective at 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, hours will be 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. the following day. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available during the same hours at the close of the English message.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance, nor does it disqualify anyone from applying for assistance. Flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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 (SBA) 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.

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.

 

Source article:  

No Discrimination in FEMA Disaster Assistance

Somerset County Disaster Recovery Outreach Centers to Open

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – The Disaster Recovery Center in Crisfield will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 18, but survivors of hurricane Sandy still can get help.

Those who already have registered with FEMA can call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. There will be outreach centers open beginning January 22, at the following locations:

 

 

DATE

Location

Hours of Operation

January 22 – 24, 2013

Seton Center

30632 Hampden Ave

Princess Anne, MD 21853

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

January 22 – 24, 2013

Woodrow Wilson Community Center

119 South 7th Street

Crisfield MD 21817

3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

January 25 – 26, 2013

Deal Island Chance Fire Department

10090 Deal Island Road

Deal Island, MD 21821

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

January 25 – 26, 2013

Fairmount Fire Company

27407 Fairmount Road

Westover MD 21871

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

January 27, 2013

Rehobeth Presbyterian Church

5757 Coventry Parish Road.

(Corner of Old Rehobeth Rd & Coventry Parish Rd.)

Westover, MD  21871.

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

January 27, 2013

St Elizabeth Church

8734 Old Westover Road

Westover, MD

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

Centers are staffed with emergency management experts from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

February 12 is the deadline to apply for assistance. There are three easy ways to begin the application process.  You may call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Both numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual operators are also available to answer your call. Residents with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at www.disasterassistance.gov  or web-enabled mobile device or smartphone visit m.fema.gov.

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.

Link to article: 

Somerset County Disaster Recovery Outreach Centers to Open

There Are Plenty of Reasons to Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan

NEW YORK – The very reasons Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York find for not applying for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration are the very reasons they should apply – on or before the Jan. 28 deadline.

“Oh I’m not eligible and I don’t own a business.”

Most SBA disaster loans go to individuals and families, and interest rates may be as low as 1.688 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loans to homeowners help pay for repair or replacement of their disaster-damaged primary residence. The loans also help homeowners and renters pay to replace disaster-damaged personal property.

“I don’t want a loan or can’t qualify for one.”

Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept the loan, but individual and family applicants must still complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs that could include assistance for disaster-related medical and dental expenses, disaster-related car repairs, clothing and household items. Completing the SBA application assures that the federal disaster recovery process continues and that you’re keeping your options open.

“It’s just too much trouble to fill out an application.”

It takes less than 30 minutes to fill out an application. Applicants can also receive one-on-one assistance at any Disaster Recovery Center or SBA Business Recovery Center. A simple, fast, and very available way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Plus, you can receive an update on the status of your application by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing).

“But I’m a renter not a homeowner.”

Renters who need to repair or replace essential items lost in Hurricane Sandy can get help from the SBA. Renters may qualify for long-term, low-interest SBA loans to repair or replace personal property items, such as clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

“I’m going to wait for my insurance settlement.”

Survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance companies before applying for SBA disaster loan assistance. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan. 

“I own the property but it’s not my primary residence.”

If your property is used as a normal part of your business, such as rental property, you may be eligible to apply as a business owner. We suggest you submit your application and let SBA make that determination.

“Why bother with SBA when I also need to raise or elevate my home.”

If your disaster loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect your property against future damage. Examples of improvements include elevating your house, retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps, etc.

“Our neighbors were turned down for an SBA loan and they make more than we do.”

Don’t make the mistake of eliminating yourself.  Everyone’s situation is unique to them and SBA will work with you if you feel you may have a problem qualifying for the loan.  Remember, if a homeowner or renter cannot qualify for the SBA loan, they will be referred back to FEMA for additional grant consideration.

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. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing).

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. You may also text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example, if you lived in Staten Island, you would text:  “DRC 10301.” Or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing). 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.

Original source – 

There Are Plenty of Reasons to Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan

New Jersey Disaster and Business Recovery Centers to Close for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster and business recovery centers in New Jersey will close for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday, Jan. 21.

The centers will return to normal hours of operation on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Disaster recovery centers are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Six business recovery centers in Monmouth, Hudson, Essex, Passaic and Union counties are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • The Ocean County center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  • The Cape May County center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • The centers in Atlantic and Bergen counties are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Business recovery centers are staffed by SBA customer service representatives who provide help to businesses who suffered losses caused by Hurricane Sandy. To find a business recovery center visit SBA.gov.

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, the following options are available:

Survivors can visit any of the disaster recovery centers to meet with recovery specialists who can answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

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 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.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program provides long term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. All SBA’s program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Source article:  

New Jersey Disaster and Business Recovery Centers to Close for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Montgomery County Added to Hurricane Sandy Disaster Declaration

Montgomery County Added to Hurricane Sandy Disaster Declaration

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Montgomery County has been added to the Public Assistance (PA) declaration for Hurricane Sandy recovery in Pennsylvania, according to officials from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

This announcement makes categories A-G of the federal Public Assistance program available to eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County.

FEMA manages the PA 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.

Through the PA program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private nonprofit organizations. The PA program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

The addition of Montgomery County brings the total number of counties in Pennsylvania eligible to apply for federal assistance for Hurricane Sandy recovery to 17. The 16 counties in the major disaster declaration when it was signed by President Obama on January 10 include: Bedford, Bucks, Cameron, Dauphin, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Potter, Somerset, Sullivan and Wyoming. 

All counties within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Mitigation may lessen the impact of disasters.

For a list of frequently asked questions about the federal PA process see http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-frequently-asked-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. 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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Montgomery County Added to Hurricane Sandy Disaster Declaration

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