NEW YORK – Survivors of Hurricane Sandy, who received a loan application from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA), should take the time to fill it out and return it promptly. This includes homeowners, renters, business owners, and non-profit organizations that have called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to register for disaster assistance.

“SBA is our partner in disaster recovery. If you received an application from the SBA, whether you are a business, homeowner or renter, you need to return the application.” said Michael F. Byrne, coordinating officer for the federal recovery operations in the affected area. “Filling out the application is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of assistance.”

An SBA disaster loan can help homeowners, renters and businesses cover any repair or rebuilding costs not covered by private insurance or cover disaster-related damage costs that exceed the initial estimate. Homeowners can receive loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residences. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property including vehicles.

“The SBA has approved more than $96 million in Disaster Assistance Loans in the state of New York with almost $89 million for homeowners and renters,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta. “We are pleased to be able to get these loans approved so residents and businesses in the disaster area can start to rebuild and resume their normal lives.”

Businesses and private nonprofits can apply for loans of up to $2 million. Interest rates for businesses are as low as 4 percent to cover physical damage and economic injury caused by the disaster. For private nonprofits, interest rates are as low as 3 percent and for homeowners and renters the rates are as low as 1.688 percent with terms as long as 30 years.

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 19 SBA business recovery centers. 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.

Help also can be obtained by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and assistance is offered in most languages. 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.”  Individuals can register 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 operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

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 (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/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Urges Prompt Return of SBA Disaster Loan Application

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have a new Disaster Recovery Center in Rockland County to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

The center’s location and hours are:

River View Park
Beach Road (Rt. 110) and E. Main St. (Rt.108)
Stony Point, NY 10980
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sun., Dec. 9

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get face-to-face help as quickly as possible.

In addition to the new site in Rockland County, about 30 other Disaster Recovery Centers remain open throughout New York to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Anyone who sustained damage in counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any of the centers. 

To find the one nearest you, 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, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register 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 operate 24 hours a day 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.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

This article is from – 

New Disaster Recovery Center Open in Rockland County

SAN JUAN, PR –If new generations are raised with emergency preparedness awareness as an inherent part of their early education, communities will become smarter and more resilient sooner. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports this approach since dependable preparedness plans equal a swifter recovery for individuals, local, state and federal governments after a disaster.

“Our communities need to get better prepared to rapidly respond to emergencies and if we reach this younger audience earlier, emergency preparedness will be a familiar subject, but most importantly, they will be ready sooner. Youngsters have a significant influence on their peers and families, which may drive this preparedness message further on,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director, Alejandro De La Campa.

For this reason, FEMA established the first Youth Preparedness Council to discuss and promote steps meant to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters. This Council is comprised of 13 youth leaders (ages 13 – 17) from each of FEMA’s 10 regions, which will develop and conclude their emergency preparedness projects in two years.

13-year old Humacao resident, Gabriela Rodriguez-Boria, is FEMA’s Region II Youth Council representative. Puerto Rico is one of the jurisdictions under Region II, which also includes New York, New Jersey and the US Virgin Islands.  With her project, Gabriela seeks opportunities to prepare youngsters to be ready before and after a disaster strikes, making communities in Puerto Rico more emergency resilient through its budding members. She is organizing a Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) of approximately 15-20 students at her school and plans to replicate this program in other schools in neighboring communities, and eventually to all Region II jurisdictions.

The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Youngsters can involve their schools, neighbors, churches, families and friends in similar initiatives where they can acquire surviving tools for future emergencies. Young minds bring fresh eyes and new perspectives to any preparedness endeavour, therefore FEMA encourages their contribution in emergency planning and readiness for our communities.

There is additional information about the Youth Council at www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex. If you are interested in becoming a CERT member, locate the nearest CERT team or check for upcoming training opportunities, visit www.citizencorps.gov/cert. Learn more about emergency preparedness and how to improve your community resiliency to emergency situations by visiting www.fema.gov or www.ready.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.

View article:  

Proactive Approach to Preparedness: Getting Ready Younger

WINDSOR, Conn. — Public Assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency help Connecticut communities recoup much of the costs for Hurricane Sandy response and recovery.

The grants reimburse eligible jurisdictions a minimum of 75 percent of the costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and replacement of disaster-damaged infrastructure – such as utilities, hospitals and city halls – to pre-disaster condition.  The state and its agencies, local jurisdictions, tribal nations and certain nonprofit organizations may apply for reimbursement under the program.

“Public Assistance helps communities overwhelmed by the cost of response and recovery efforts,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis of FEMA. “It’s vital that critical services and facilities that contribute to the life of the community be restored.”

Eligible work is divided into two categories:

  • Emergency work, which includes emergency protective measures, and removal and disposal of disaster-related debris; and
  • Permanent work, which includes repair or replacement of roads and bridges; water control facilities; public buildings and contents; public utilities; and parks, recreational and other facilities.

Emergency work must be completed within six months of the disaster declaration, and permanent work within 18 months.

The state of Connecticut, with FEMA support, is conducting Applicants’ Briefings for local jurisdictions interested in applying for Public Assistance. The applicants can ask questions, clarify issues and submit their formal Request for Public Assistance to the state.

After the request is submitted, FEMA and state program officials meet with each applicant individually to discuss damage and prepare applications. To qualify for Public Assistance, applicants must document eligibility of the facilities and work, and the costs must be reasonable.

Under the program, the state is the grantee, and state agencies, local and tribal governments, and eligible nonprofit organizations are the subgrantees. In other words, FEMA grants the money to the state, which then distributes the funds to the applicants after all documentation is received.

The deadline for applicants to submit a Request for Public Assistance is Dec. 30.

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.

Jump to original:

FEMA’s Public Assistance Dollars Help Rebuild Connecticut Communities

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hours for all Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers change beginning Saturday, Dec. 8. The center in Old Saybrook will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. The schedule is as follows:

Now through Friday, Dec.7, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

After the Old Saybrook Disaster Recovery Center closes and beginning Dec. 10, hours for the remaining centers will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Centers are closed on Sundays.

Disaster Recovery Center locations are:

Housatonic Community College

900 Lafayette Blvd.

Bridgeport, CT 06604

 

Western Greenwich Civic Center

Room 203

449 Pemberwick Road

Greenwich, CT 06381

 

Department of Police Services

Conference Room

6 Custom Drive

Old Saybrook, CT 06475

(Closes Dec. 8)

 

Senior Center

100 Mona Terrace

Fairfield, CT 06824

 

Simon Lake Elementary School (former)

65 Devonshire Rd.

Milford, CT 06460

Homeowners or renters who suffered damages in counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any of the centers.

The deadline to register is Dec. 31. 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 anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

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; 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.

Read more: 

Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers Hours Change, Old Saybrook DRC Closing

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $75 million in Public Assistance (PA) funding to the New York Police Department to help cover some of its costs for saving lives and protecting property of New Yorkers before, during and after Hurricane Sandy. FEMA reimburses 75 percent of the cost for overtime and compensatory time expenditures.

“In times of crisis New Yorkers pull together,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “The work performed by the NYPD saved lives and helped countless people. I am pleased to announce this award and thank the men and women of the NYPD for all their hard work.”

Between Oct. 25 and Nov. 11, 2012, more than 200,000 uniformed and civilian personnel employed by the NYPD were involved in responding to emergency needs prior to, during, and after the hurricane and subsequent nor’easter. Their actions included:

  • Preparing for the hurricane and evacuating residents living in flood prone neighborhoods;
  • Distributing food and water to survivors;
  • Patrolling and conducting door-to-door checks on residents;
  • Assisting residents in obtaining emergency medical care; and
  • Removing fallen trees, regulating traffic and monitoring gas distribution.

Under FEMA’s PA program, the agency obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, the remaining 25 percent will be provided by non-federal funds. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs, in this case the NYPD. While FEMA reimburses most eligible disaster response and recovery costs, local officials must identify, document and justify disaster-related expenses.

FEMA continues to provide PA funding for projects throughout New York. In addition to the $75 million grant to the NYPD, FEMA has previously provided $39 million for debris removal in Long Beach and Nassau County. Today, the agency also announced that $114 million has been awarded to New York University Medical Center.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085,
http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog

View this article: 

FEMA Awards More than $75 Million to New York’s Finest

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it has approved more than $114 million in Public Assistance (PA) funds to reimburse the New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center for emergency repairs, patient evacuation and other expenses incurred as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

“When Hurricane Sandy struck New York, workers quickly evacuated and safely relocated 250 patients,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “Their work during and after the storm was extraordinary. I am glad that we are able to expedite this money to help NYU Medical Center.”

Once the storm had passed, water was pumped out of flooded buildings, crews cleaned and sanitized facilities and emergency repairs were completed. Thorough inspections were conducted to ensure that the facilities were safe to enter.

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. NYU Langone Medical Center will receive more than $114 million from FEMA.

Private non-profit agencies that provide critical services to the community may apply directly to FEMA for funding of emergency and permanent work. The deadline for Requests for Public Assistance, which was due to expire, has been extended. 

The new deadlines are:

• Dec. 29, 2012: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens Counties

• Jan. 2, 2013: Rockland and Westchester Counties

• Jan. 12, 2013: Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster Counties

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085,
http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog

Original post: 

NYU Medical Center Receives $114 Million

TRENTON, N.J. – Fraud and scams are age-old issues that surface in the aftermath of any disaster. Using old and new methods, scam artists seek to obtain vital information or take advantage of survivors focused on recovery.

New Jersey residents need to be on alert. Some of the most common scams after a disaster include:

Home Repair Scams

Unregistered home improvement contractors may take the disaster survivor’s money and disappear, leaving unfinished work and unsafe homes. Before hiring a contractor, the survivor should check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered, as well as ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify the policy is valid. All contracts should be in writing, and reviewed before being signed. Full payment should not be made until the work is completed.

The local police department should be notified of suspected fraud.

Price Gouging

Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect the prices are too high.

Identity Theft

People may pretend to be employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other government agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or public utilities. By going door-to-door to storm-damaged homes, or by phone or on the internet, con artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers.

Remember:

  • A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with these agencies. All authorized FEMA or SBA personnel display a laminated photo identification card, which they are required to wear at all times;
  • Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on previous applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.
  • On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative would ask only for the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number.

False Payment or Bribe

Imposters may ask for some form of service payment, or bribe – something no FEMA, SBA or federal agency employee should ever do. FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage but do not determine cost estimates. FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.

Con artists may pose as insurance specialists or expeditors, claiming they can convince FEMA to increase home repair damage aid or the insurer to pay a larger settlement. The scammers ask the applicant or policyholder to sign a contract giving them a percentage of the “increased” payment. The essence of the con is to take a percentage of the damage grant or policy settlement that would be given anyway. FEMA always deals directly with each applicant and is always willing to consider an appeal by sending a new inspector to review damaged property or claimed losses.

Charity Scams

Before donating, people should investigate to be sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey and ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

 

###

 

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.

Link: 

Scam Artists Attempt To Prey On Disaster Survivors

NEW YORK – State and federal disaster officials urge survivors of Hurricane Sandy to come forward and ask questions they may have about registering for disaster assistance. Accurate information is readily available and can help dispel misleading rumors.    

Here are some questions that are commonly asked:

Q. How do I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
A.
You can apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Q. What happens after I apply for disaster assistance?
A.
FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and a copy of Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program that will answer many of your questions.

  • If you do not have insurance: An inspector will contact you after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home.
  • If you have insurance: You need to file your insurance claim and provide FEMA with a decision letter (settlement or denial) from your insurance company before FEMA issues an inspection.
    • There is an exception for damages caused by flooding; if you have flood insurance, FEMA will issue an inspection before receiving a copy of your flood insurance decision letter to evaluate your eligibility for temporary living expenses since these are not covered by flood insurance.
  • About 10 days after the inspection FEMA will decide if you qualify for assistance. If so, FEMA will send you a check by mail (or direct deposit) with an explanation of what the money covers (i.e. rent or home repair).
  • If FEMA determines that you are ineligible for any reason, you will receive a letter and be given a chance to appeal. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of the determination. Read the letter carefully for the reason of ineligibility before filing your appeal.
  • If you get a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan application in the mail, you must complete and return it to be considered for a loan or certain types of grant assistance, such as transportation, personal property, and moving and storage.

Q. Why didn’t I receive rental assistance when my home can’t be lived in?
A.
If you cannot live in your home because of disaster damage and you did not receive rental assistance, please contact FEMA to check on your status.  It could be that during the inspection you indicated that you were unwilling to relocate. If so, FEMA would not move forward to issuing a rental assistance check for you to move to another location. 

Q. I received a rental assistance check, how do I find a new place to rent?
A.
The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families, who have been displaced by a disaster, find a place to live. The portal consolidates rental resources to help individuals and families find available rental units in their area.  This information can be accessed by visiting www.fema.gov and searching “Housing Portal,” or by calling 800-621-3362.

Q. Will my family get assistance faster if we each apply separately?
A.
No. If two members of the same household apply for the same damaged home, FEMA assistance could actually be delayed. If more than one member of a household has applied, the additional registrants should call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 to withdraw their applications. Once this occurs, the original registration for the household can be processed for assistance.

Q. If I received a settlement from my insurance but still have additional needs, what can I do?
A.
As soon as you receive an insurance settlement, you should provide a copy to FEMA and identify any unmet needs you have. Although FEMA cannot duplicate benefits that your insurance provided, FEMA may be able to assist you with lost essential items not covered by insurance and can also help you find resources through other recovery partners.

Q. Why did I get a different amount of home repair assistance than my neighbor?
A.
Each survivor’s case is unique. There are several factors involved, including insurance status and the extent and type of damage found during the home inspection.

If you feel that the assistance you received does not cover your needs – for example, the funding you received for repairs are less than the estimates you’ve received from contractors and you have not yet met the FEMA maximum grant – you can appeal.

Q. Will FEMA provide additional rental assistance beyond the initial assistance period if I still cannot return to my home?
A.
Rental assistance can be provided for up to 18 months from the date of declaration while you are setting up your permanent housing plan. After your initial period of assistance, you will be sent a letter on how to “recertify” if you need additional rental assistance.  

Q. Could FEMA assistance affect my Social Security benefits, federal taxes, food stamp (SNAP) eligibility, or Medicaid?
A.
No. FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.

Q. I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and made repairs. Is it too late to register once the work is done?
A.
No. You may be eligible for reimbursement of your cleanup and repair costs, even if repairs are complete. The important thing is to document the expenses you incur. It is a good idea to take before-and-after photos for your records.

Q. If I received disaster assistance last year, could I get it again this year?
A.
Assistance may be available if you also suffered damages from a previously federally declared disaster. 

Q. My child is a U.S. citizen, but I am not. Can I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
A.
If anyone in an affected household is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien (a “Green Card” holder), they are eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. If a minor child is eligible by these criteria, even when other members of the family are not, the family can file an application on the child’s behalf.

In this case, all identification documents have to be in the child’s name and Social Security number. The copy of the child’s Social Security card and birth certificate are acceptable verification. This information can be mailed to FEMA or brought to a Disaster Recovery Center.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Link: 

Frequently Asked Questions about FEMA Disaster Assistance

WARWICK, R.I. – Help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is not limited only to homeowners. Renters, too, may qualify.

“Hurricane Sandy did not discriminate between homeowners and renters and neither do we,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo, who leads FEMA’s mission in Rhode Island. “We want to ensure that all survivors get the assistance they are eligible to receive.”

FEMA offers two kinds of help to renters:  

  • Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): If your rental unit was made uninhabitable by the disaster, a FEMA grant can help pay for renting a place to live until you find new permanent housing. FEMA offers free assistance to find a replacement rental property.
     
  • Other Needs: Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster that are not covered by insurance or other programs. Items such as textbooks and computers used for education, professional tools, household furnishings, appliances, disaster-related medical or dental costs and storm damage to vehicles may qualify.

To determine whether you are eligible for assistance, you must register with FEMA no later than January 14, 2013. To register, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or to m.fema.gov if using a smartphone or call 800-621-FEMA (3362), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585.

To register you will need:

  • Current and pre-disaster address
  • Current phone number
  • Social Security number
  • Insurance information, if insured
  • Total household income
  • Description of losses caused by Hurricane Sandy
  • Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit of assistance funds)

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 medical and dental expenses, 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.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

View post – 

FEMA Aids R.I. Renters

 Page 301 of 386  « First  ... « 299  300  301  302  303 » ...  Last »