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Disaster Assistance Tops $13.5 Million in Tangipahoa Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly three months since the Aug. 29 federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, more than $365 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved for the state. Disaster assistance for survivors in Tangipahoa Parish now totals $13,542,192.

Tangipahoa Parish by the Numbers

Number of survivors who registered for assistance with FEMA: 4,333

Amount of Housing Assistance approved: $8,006,878

Amount of Other Needs Assistance approved: $1,528,624

TOTAL Individual Assistance grants: $9,535,502

TOTAL Public Assistance obligations: $451,490

TOTAL U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans: $3,555,200

Timeline

Aug. 27 – President Obama issued an Emergency Declaration in Louisiana, in advance of Hurricane Isaac, for emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program.

Aug. 29 – President Obama issued a federal disaster declaration for 35 parishes in Louisiana, including Tangipahoa. The declaration made Public Assistance (PA) funds available for reimbursement of costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A & B), including direct federal assistance. A total of 55 parishes are now designated for PA.

Aug. 29 – The federal disaster declaration also made all parishes in the state eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Sept. 3 – FEMA, at the request of the state, activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which allowed eligible evacuees from Hurricane Isaac who could not return to their homes to stay in hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations were available. The program was extended four times. Of the 991 Tangipahoa residents eligible for TSA, 97 checked into hotels under the program.

Sept. 5 – An amendment designated Tangipahoa Parish eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). With subsequent amendments, IA is now available in 26 parishes: Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

Sept. 12 – FEMA extended the PA program in 14 parishes, including Tangipahoa, to include supplemental funding for infrastructure repairs in the wake of Hurricane Isaac. Applicants in Tangipahoa are now eligible to apply for the full range of PA (Categories A-G) funding.

Sept. 13 – Two Disaster Recovery Centers opened in Tangipahoa Parish. Before the last one closed Oct. 20, a total of 1,350 people had visited the recovery centers in the parish.

Survivors in Tangipahoa Parish affected by Hurricane Isaac can apply for disaster assistance until the Nov. 29 deadline. They may apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov, at m.fema.gov with a smartphone, or by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Disaster Assistance Tops $13.5 Million in Tangipahoa Parish

Hurricane Isaac Three Months Later: Adding Up the Recovery in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – In the nearly three months since Hurricane Isaac thrashed Louisiana, recovery has progressed for survivors, businesses and communities.

Below is a snapshot from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the state and federal assistance dollars approved to date and some milestones reached since the Aug. 29 disaster declaration:

$370.2 million The FEMA-administered National Flood Insurance Program has paid $370,243,578 on claims from policyholders in Louisiana.

$365.3 million Eligible Louisianians and their communities have been approved for state and federal assistance totaling $365,265,362.

$116.7 million FEMA and the state have approved $116,699,418 in disaster assistance for Louisianians through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, which helps eligible applicants with emergency home repairs; uninsured personal property losses; and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. It also helps cover other disaster-related expenses.

$135.3 million The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $135,263,200 in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses throughout the disaster area.

$113.2 million FEMA has obligated $113,230,302 to cover 75 percent of the costs incurred by the state and local communities for repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure, removal of storm-related debris and for measures taken to protect people before, during and after the hurricane – including search and rescue, law enforcement, shelters and emergency care.

198,808 A total of 198,808 Louisianians have registered for disaster assistance in the 26 parishes designated for Individual Assistance.

138,553 FEMA housing inspectors have completed 138,553 home inspections, an important first step in determining eligibility for housing assistance.

117,540 Survivors at 117,540 homes, schools, and community- and faith-based organizations were contacted by the more than 300 FEMA Community Relations (CR) specialists who responded to Hurricane Isaac. The CR teams visited parishes designated for Individual Assistance, providing information, and answering survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters early in the response. They also reported critical issues in real-time for immediate action.

$72,442 Workers who have lost their jobs or those who are self-employed and unable to provide their services because of Hurricane Isaac have received $72,442 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

40,486 Storm survivors numbering 40,486 have visited Disaster Recovery Centers since the first one opened Sept. 1, just one day after the Individual Assistance designation. Forty recovery centers operated in 23 parishes after the Aug. 29 disaster declaration. Centers remain open in St. John and Jefferson parishes.

24,618 FEMA Mitigation specialists have provided advice and tips on how to repair and rebuild safer and stronger homes to 24,618 Louisianians at recovery centers, home improvement stores, and fairs and festivals.

2,294 During the 10 weeks of the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, 2,294 storm survivors participated. The program allowed eligible evacuees from Hurricane Isaac whose neighborhoods were not accessible or whose houses were severely damaged or lacked utilities to stay in a hotel or motel on an emergency basis. FEMA paid the hotel for the cost of the room and taxes.

1,753 FEMA specialists numbering 1,753 deployed from around the United States to help Louisiana respond to and recover from Hurricane Isaac. FEMA teams continue to work with whole community partners to advance the recovery effort and mitigate against future hazards.

300 More than 300 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members served in Louisiana starting in the days before Hurricane Isaac made landfall. They assisted in shelters, volunteer centers and neighborhoods, and helped survivors and communities clean up and rebuild after the storm.

150 More than 150 voluntary agencies have called upon their volunteers, some from throughout the United States, to provide one-on-one help to Isaac survivors in a range of programs and services. A number of the agencies will be part of the long-term recovery effort, working to meet the needs of hurricane survivors that go beyond state and federal assistance dollars.

99 FEMA Corps’ first cadre of 99 young adults joined the Hurricane Isaac response in October under their first assignment with the new program. Aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people, FEMA Corps is a unique partnership between FEMA and the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps.

55 A total of 55 Louisiana parishes are designated for assistance under FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, East Carroll, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, La Salle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Union, Vermillion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll and West Feliciana.

26 A total of 26 parishes have been designated for aid under the Individuals and Households Program. These include Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.

9 The SBA opened nine Business Recovery Centers in six parishes, where customer service representatives and counselors met one on one with business owners who sustained property damage and economic loss as a result of Hurricane Isaac.

3 It has been nearly three months since Hurricane Isaac battered Louisiana.

Survivors in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Isaac can apply for disaster assistance until the Nov. 29 deadline. They may apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov, at m.fema.gov with a smartphone, or by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.

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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding 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 cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Source:

Hurricane Isaac Three Months Later: Adding Up the Recovery in Louisiana

Disaster Assistance Tops $10.2 Million in Livingston Parish

Livingston Parish by the Numbers

Number of survivors who registered for assistance with FEMA: 5,098

Amount of Housing Assistance approved: $6,488,199

Amount of Other Needs Assistance approved: $934,903

TOTAL Individual Assistance grants: $7,423,102

TOTAL Public Assistance obligations: $362,444

TOTAL U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans: $2,445,900

Timeline

Aug. 29 – President Obama issued a Federal Disaster Declaration for 35 parishes in Louisiana, including Livingston. The declaration made Public Assistance (PA) funds available for reimbursement of costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A & B), including direct federal assistance. A total of 55 parishes are now designated for PA.

Aug. 29 – The federal disaster declaration also made all parishes in the state eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Sept. 1 – An amendment designated four parishes in Louisiana, including Livingston, eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). With subsequent amendments, IA is now available in 26 parishes: Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

Sept. 3 – FEMA, at the request of the state, activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which allowed eligible evacuees from Hurricane Isaac who could not return to their homes to stay in hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations were available. The program was extended four times. Of the 1,205 Livingston residents eligible for TSA, 130 checked into hotels in the program.

Sept. 7 – The first of two Disaster Recovery Centers opened in Livingston, Livingston Parish. Before the last one closed on Oct. 20, a total of 1,470 people had visited the recovery centers in the parish.

Sept. 21 – FEMA extended the PA program in eight parishes, including Livingston, to include supplemental funding for infrastructure repairs in the wake of Hurricane Isaac. Applicants in Livingston are now eligible to apply for the full range of PA funding (Categories A-G).

Survivors in Livingston Parish affected by Hurricane Isaac can apply for disaster assistance until the Nov. 29 deadline. They may apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov, at m.fema.gov with a smartphone, or by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.

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Disaster Assistance Tops $10.2 Million in Livingston Parish

Hurricane Isaac Three Months Later: Louisiana Looking Ahead, Moving Forward

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly three months ago, Hurricane Isaac swamped Louisiana with torrential rains, high winds and storm surge. Since then, local, state, federal and voluntary agencies, plus the private sector, have worked hand in hand with survivors to help them recover from the storm’s destruction.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal assistance have jump-started the recovery efforts of individual survivors, their families and their communities in the 55 parishes designated for Individual Assistance and/or Public Assistance. And more help will arrive with the rollout of recovery programs designed to help Louisianians over the long haul.

“Louisianians have made tremendous progress in their journey toward recovery from Hurricane Isaac,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “The efforts of the survivors themselves, combined with those of the whole recovery community, have made all the difference in Louisiana.”

Even before Hurricane Isaac made its first landfall on Aug. 28 before wobbling back out to sea, then hitting the coast again, emergency workers at all levels of government, law enforcement and voluntary agencies mobilized to prepare for the storm’s onslaught. On Aug. 27, President Obama issued an emergency disaster declaration authorizing FEMA to provide assistance for emergency protective measures to alleviate the hurricane’s impact on life and property. The major disaster declaration came just two days later.

Although weaker than Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isaac moved inland much more slowly, causing devastating flooding, some of it in areas largely unscathed by the 2005 storm. Along with the seasoned storm veterans of the coastal parishes and New Orleans, survivors unaccustomed to major storms found themselves needing help.

For many, assistance came almost immediately. Just a week after the Aug. 29 disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, more than $10 million in state and federal disaster assistance had already headed to survivors. Within 16 days, that total had soared to $100 million.

Today, disaster assistance has topped $365 million. This includes more than $116 million in grants from FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program, more than $135 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and more than $113 million in reimbursements to the state and local governments from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. Separately, the FEMA-administered National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $370 million on claims from policyholders in Louisiana.

Beyond the funds disbursed to individuals, families, businesses and communities, federal programs have helped survivors stay temporarily in hotels when their homes were unlivable; funded crisis counseling for Louisianians suffering from the emotional effects of the storm and its aftermath; helped connect survivors to other agencies’ assistance programs to ensure that they would get the help they needed; and reimbursed municipalities for emergency protective measures taken to preserve lives and property, restoring hurricane-damaged infrastructure and removing debris from parish rights-of-way and private property.

Within hours of the Aug. 29 declaration, the first Community Relations specialists began their work of providing crucial recovery information to storm survivors. Over the following weeks, hundreds of Community Relations specialists visited parishes designated for Individual Assistance, answering survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters.

Forty recovery centers served survivors throughout Louisiana, and two centers remain open in hard-hit parishes so residents can meet face to face with specialists who can help them register and answer their questions about state and federal assistance. Mitigation and National Flood Insurance Program specialists joined the staff at the centers, greatly expanding the information available to survivors.

Mitigation outreach specialists also met with more than 24,500 Louisianians in several settings, including the disaster recovery centers, home improvement stores, fairs and festivals, providing advice and tips on rebuilding stronger homes. Two strike teams in Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes visited residents, some accessible only by boat, to offer advice and mold cleanup kits.

As Louisianians continue to recover from Hurricane Isaac, they may have some needs that go beyond the scope of assistance the state or FEMA can provide. That’s when community-based long-term recovery groups can help.

With support and guidance from FEMA and the state, long-term recovery groups are already working in 15 hard-hit parishes. Formed from a network of nonprofit and voluntary agencies and faith- and community-based organizations, these recovery groups are working with survivors to determine their longer-term needs and connect them to assistance.

Staff and volunteers from some groups have helped clear debris at damaged homes, while others are recruiting volunteers and staff. Some groups have programs to help survivors pay utility bills or obtain necessities such as clothing and furniture.

On a community scale, the state of Louisiana, along with FEMA, has activated the new National Disaster Recovery Framework for the first time. Like initial response efforts, extended recovery requires a united effort beginning at the local level, plus the private sector and individuals — the whole community — and the framework aims to help make that happen.

Already, framework coordinators have held the first public meetings in two parishes to identify local recovery priorities, with more public sessions expected in the coming weeks, said Wayne Rickard, who was appointed the federal disaster recovery coordinator for Louisiana’s Hurricane Isaac recovery effort. After this stage, agencies at the state and federal levels will pool their resources and information to help communities and parishes find alternative pathways to secure technical assistance and funding.

Meanwhile, our Public Assistance mission continues to gain momentum and meet the challenges in Louisiana’s hard-hit coastal parishes. We are coordinating with our state and local partners, and reaching out to the federal family as well as FEMA Headquarters and Region VI leadership to find viable solutions to the more complex issues that stand in the way of full community recovery.

Because we extended the Individual Assistance registration deadline, Hurricane Isaac survivors have until Nov. 29 to register with FEMA for potential assistance. Louisianians can register for assistance or check the status of their cases online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

Excerpt from:

Hurricane Isaac Three Months Later: Louisiana Looking Ahead, Moving Forward

Un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre Abrirá Tres Días en Stratford

WINDSOR, Conn. – Un centro de recuperación por desastre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias y el Estado de Connecticut se inauguró el lunes 19 de noviembre, en Stratford.

El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en Stratford esta ubicado en:

Birdseye Municipal Center

Stratford Public Health Center

468 Birdseye St.

Stratford, CT 06512

Abre desde el medio día hasta las 8 p.m. lunes,

entonces 8 a.m. a 8 p.m., martes y miércoles.

Especialistas de la agencia pueden ayudarle a registrarse, revisar el caso de un individuo, responder a preguntas sobre su reclamación, o revisar la información necesaria para procesar su reclamación. Los especialistas en recuperación también pueden facilitar información sobre otros programas que pueden ser capaces de ayudarle.

Para conocer la ubicación de un centro de recuperación cerca de usted, busque en línea en: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm

Las personas con pérdidas a causa de la tormenta deben registrarse con FEMA en línea en: www.disasterassistance.gov/espanol; con un teléfono inteligente o dispositivo habilitado para la red en: m.fema.gov/esp. Los solicitantes también pueden registrase por teléfono llamando a FEMA al: 800-621-3362. El número para TTY es 800-462-7585. Operadores plurilingües están disponibles las 24 horas de día, siete días a la semana.

Asistencia para recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, destreza en inglés, o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 800-621-FEMA (3362). Para TTY llame 800-462-7585.

La Administración Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA por sus siglas en inglés) es la fuente principal de dinero del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de propiedad privada dañada por desastres. SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, arrendatarios, negocios de todos los tamaños, y organizaciones sin fines de lucro a financiar reparaciones o esfuerzos de reconstrucción y cubre el costo de remplazar propiedad personal perdida o dañada por el desastre. Estos préstamos por desastre cubren perdidas que no han sido completamente cubiertas por los seguros u otras indemnizaciones y no duplican beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a nuestros ciudadanos y personal de primera respuesta para garantizar que como nación trabajemos juntos para construir, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos para, proteger contra, responder a, recuperarnos de y mitigar todos los peligros.

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Un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre Abrirá Tres Días en Stratford

Centro de Recuperación por Desastre es Reubicado, Abre Lunes al Medio Día

Centro de Recuperación por Desastre es Reubicado, Abre Lunes al Medio Día

WINDSOR, Conn. – El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre de FEMA y el Estado en Milford, se trasladará a la antigua escuela elemental Simon Lake.

El Centro abrirá al media día, lunes, 19 de noviembre, en la nueva ubicación, y entonces estará abierto de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. de lunes a sábado.

La nueva ubicación es:

Simon Lake Elementary School (antigua)

65 Devonshire Rd.

Milford, CT 06460

Hay dos Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en la ciudad de Fairfield.

El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en el Senior Center en 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT estará abierto desde el medio día hasta las 8 p.m. el sábado, 17 de noviembre. El centro estará cerrado los domingos, entonces abrirá de lunes a sábados de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m.

Los especialistas en los centros pueden ayudar con su registro, verificar casos individualmente, contestar preguntas sobre su reclamo o revisar la información necesaria para procesar su reclamo. Especialistas de Recuperación también pueden proveer contactos para otros programas que podrían ayudar.

Para la ubicación de un centro de recuperación cerca de usted, busque en línea en: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm

Las personas con pérdidas por la tormenta deben registrarse con FEMA en línea en: www.disasterassistance.gov/espanol; con un teléfono inteligente o dispositivo habilitado para la red en: m.fema.gov/esp. Los solicitantes también pueden registrase por teléfono llamando a FEMA al: 800-621-3362. El número para TTY es 800-462-7585. Operadores Plurilingües están disponibles las

24 horas de día, siete días a la semana.

Centro de Recuperación por Desastre es Reubicado, Abre Lunes al Medio Día

Federal Disaster Aid Total Exceeds $7.6 million in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $7.6 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for Connecticut survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

As of close of business Nov. 18:

More than 9,100 Connecticut residents in Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County have registered for federal disaster assistance.
More than 2,000 survivors have visited the FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers.
More than $7.3 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
More than 4,200 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted.
More than $353,000 has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.

People with storm losses should register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Applicants can also register by phone by calling FEMA at: 800-621-3362. The number for TTY is: 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nine FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Connecticut.

Specialists at the centers can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about their claim, or review information needed to process their claim. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.

Please note: All Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed for Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23.

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.

Original article –

Federal Disaster Aid Total Exceeds $7.6 million in Connecticut

Disaster Recovery Center to be Open Three Days in Stratford

WINDSOR, Conn. –A Federal Emergency Management Agency-State of Connecticut Disaster Recovery Center opened Monday, Nov. 19, in Stratford.

The Stratford Disaster Recovery Center is located at:

Birdseye Municipal Center

Stratford Public Health Center

468 Birdseye St.

Stratford, CT 06512

Open noon to 8 p.m. Mon.,

then 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tues., and Wed.

Specialists at the center can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about their claim, or review information needed to process their claim. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.

For the location of a recovery center near you, look online at: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm

People with storm losses should register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Applicants can also register by phone by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The number for TTY is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available

24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Original article –

Disaster Recovery Center to be Open Three Days in Stratford

New Jersey Adds A New Disaster Recovery Center In Monmouth County

TRENTON, N.J. — Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit a newly opened Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Monmouth County if they have questions about recovery programs. This brings the number of centers in Monmouth to four and the number statewide to 31. All but one are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. except the center in Bay Head, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the curfew there remains in effect.

All New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22 and will reopen on Friday with new hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. except for Bay Head.

It is helpful to register with FEMA before visiting a DRC. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can apply by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY

1-800-7585.

At DRCs visitors can speak one-on-one to recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists provide registration and other information and answer questions. FEMA mitigation specialists provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service representatives are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

The new DRC is located at:

Monmouth

Long Branch Fire Station #4

199-205 Union Ave

Long Branch, NJ 07740

DRC locations change frequently. Updates can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative site is www.fema.gov;

search DRC Locator.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state but it is not necessary

to visit a center to receive disaster assistance. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is assigned that can be accessed nationally.

The following is a list of all DRC locations in New Jersey:

Atlantic County Atlantic County

Atlantic City Convention Center Hamilton Mall

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201 4403 Blackhorse Pike (Route 322)

Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Bergen County Burlington County

Bergen County Plaza Burlington Center Mall

1 Bergen Plaza, 4th Floor 2501 Burlington, Mount Holly Road, Suite 215

Hackensack, NJ 07652 Burlington, NJ 08016

Camden County Cape May County

Public Works Building Cape May Courthouse Public Library

2311 Egg Harbor Road 30 Mechanics St.

Lindenwold, NJ 08021 Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210

Cape May County Cumberland County

Ocean City Community Center Emergency Management Agency Office

1735 Simpson Ave. 637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level

Ocean City, NJ 08226 Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Essex County Gloucester County

Willing Heart Community Care Center Government Services Building

555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. 1200 North Delsea Dr.

Newark, NJ 07103 Clayton, NJ 08312

Hudson County Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot Jersey City Museum

59 Washington St. 350 Montgomery St.

Hoboken, NJ 07030 Jersey City, NJ 07302

Hunterdon County Mercer County

Hunterdon County Mercer County Community College

Department of Public Safety Annex 1200 Old Trenton Road

77 Park Ave. West Windsor, NJ 08550

Flemington, NJ 08822

Middlesex County Monmouth County

Sayreville Senior Center Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St. 945 Hwy. 36

Sayreville, NJ 08872 Leonardo, NJ 07737

Monmouth County Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building Union Beach Municipal Building

601 Main St. 650 Poole Ave.

Belmar, NJ 07719 Union Beach, NJ 07735

Monmouth County Morris County

Long Branch Fire Station #4 Morris Plains Community Center

199-205 Union Ave. 51 Jim Fear Drive

Long Branch, NJ 07740 Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Ocean County Ocean County

Old Township Building Bay Head Fire Station #1

775 East Bay Ave. 81 Bridge Ave

Stafford, NJ 08050 Bay Head, NJ 08742

Ocean County Ocean County

270 Chambers Bridge Rd. Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C

Brick, NJ 08723 953 Fischer Blvd.

Toms River, NJ 08753

Passaic County Salem County

Passaic County Department of Health Penns Grove EMS Building

317 Pennsylvania 25 East Griffith St.

Paterson, NJ 07503 Penns Grove, NJ 08069

Somerset County Sussex County

Somerset County Human Services Sussex County Community College

27 Warren St. 1 College Hill Road

Somerville, NJ 08876 Newton, NJ 07860

Union County Union County

Chisholm School Community Center Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Service Center

100 S. Springfield Ave. 400 E. Front St.

Springfield, NJ 07081 Plainfield, NJ 07060

Warren County

Franklin Township Municipal Building

2093 Route 57

Broadway, NJ 08808

In addition to the DRCs, there are also SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) for business customers. SBA Customer Service Representatives are available at BRCs to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for business losses. They are at the following locations, until further notice:

Atlantic County Bergen County

Richard Stockton College Bergen Community College

Small Business Development Center Small Business Development Center

35 South Martin Luther King Blvd. 355 Main St., Room 121

Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cape May County Essex County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Rutgers University

13 Crest Haven Road Small Business Development Center

Cape May, NJ 08210 25 James St.

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Newark, NJ 07102

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hudson County Middlesex County

Small Business Development Center John F. Kennedy Library

New Jersey City University 500 Hoes Lane

285 West Side Ave., Suites 189 – 191 Piscataway, NJ 08854

Jersey City, NJ 07305 Hours: Mon. – Sat.10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monmouth County Ocean County

Brookdale Community College Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

765 Newman Springs Road Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car

Bankier Library, Room 246 (SBDC) (Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and

Lincroft, NJ 07738 RT 72)

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. West Bay Ave.

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Hours: Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Passaic County Union County

William Paterson University Kean University – SBDC

Small Business Development Center Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator

131 Ellison St. 320 Park Ave.

Paterson, NJ 07505 Plainfield, NJ 07060

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All BRCs will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov.22.

Renters, homeowners and businesses that do not need one-on-one assistance do not need to visit

a center. They can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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.

View the original here:

New Jersey Adds A New Disaster Recovery Center In Monmouth County

New Yorkers Warned to Watch Out for Post-Disaster Scam Artists

NEW YORK – As many New Yorkers work to recover from Hurricane Sandy, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are warning of another danger: Phony building contractors and other scam artists often appear in communities struggling to recover from a disaster.

“In times of crisis, New Yorkers pull together,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “However, some people will try to take advantage of vulnerable survivors. We strongly recommend that folks take a few simple steps to make sure they’re dealing with an honest person.”

Here are a few of the most common post-disaster fraud practices:

Phony housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be especially vulnerable to the phony housing inspector who claims to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). An applicant should ALWAYS:

Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge if he or she does not offer to show it. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. All federal employees and contractors carry official, laminated photo identification.
Do not give bank account numbers to an inspector claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require banking information.

It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine your eligibility for assistance.

Fraudulent building contractors: Damage visible from the street also can bring out fraudulent contractors who visit an applicant’s home offering to begin work immediately. When hiring a contractor:

Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references, get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print.
Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Unscrupulous solicitors may play on the sympathy for disaster survivors. They know that many people want to help others in need. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. Verify legitimate solicitation:

Ask for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number, and web address, then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
Don’t pay with cash — instead, pay by check made out to the charity in case funds must be stopped later.•Request a receipt with the charity’s name, street address, phone number and web address (if applicable). Legitimate nonprofit agencies routinely provide receipts for tax purposes.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: Beware if anyone claiming to be from FEMA or the state visits, calls or emails asking for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Beware — that information may be sold to identity thieves or used to defraud. A twist on this scam is the phone or in-person solicitor who promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process. Then there are scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full. Here’s what to do:

Know that federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police.
Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362.

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and to the New York State Attorney General’s office in New York at 212-416-8300 or go to their web site at: www.ag.ny.gov.
Disaster survivors who have any questions can call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/40805.

More information about common of forms fraud watch our video: FEMA Media Library: Avoiding Frauds And Scams. You can follow FEMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA . Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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New Yorkers Warned to Watch Out for Post-Disaster Scam Artists

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