$18.1 Million Approved In Disaster For Hurricane Isaac

CLINTON, Miss. – In nearly six weeks since Hurricane Isaac struck Mississippi, more than $18 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected.                                                                                                    

MEMA and FEMA provide the following snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Oct. 6:

  • Nearly 5,900 households have received FEMA grants that assist with housing and personal property loss.
  • Nearly $11.5 million has been approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
  • Almost $2.1 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • Nearly $4.6 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist homeowners, renters and businesses with the cost of repairing or replacing lost or damaged structures and personal property.
  • Approximately 18,800 home inspections have been completed.
  • There have been nearly 9,600 visits to 16 disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.

More than 24,200 survivors in designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people sought housing assistance from FEMA because their primary home was unlivable or inaccessible.

FEMA specialists are available this week to answer recovery questions at locations in Copiah, Jefferson, Jones and Lamar counties. The disaster recovery centers in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties will close permanently at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12.    

For survivors who have needs not met by federal assistance, the FEMA helpline (800-621-3362) serves as a good source of information referring survivors to state and local organizations and partner agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors also can call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer or faith-based organizations that may be able to help them with resources and needs.

Survivors have until Wednesday, Oct. 31 to register for disaster assistance. They should register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Businesses that need help may contact the SBA directly at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY) 800-877-8339, send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

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.

Original article:

$18.1 Million Approved In Disaster For Hurricane Isaac

Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open Through Friday

CLINTON, Miss. – This is the final week for Mississippians to visit the four remaining FEMA disaster recovery centers. Although the centers will close, Mississippians can continue to register over the phone or online through Oct. 31.

The centers, closing at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, are located at:

  • Hancock County Resource Center, 454 Highway 90, Waveland, MS 39576.
  • Harrison County, County Farm Road 361 Shelter, 15035 County Farm Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.
  • Jackson County Fairgrounds, 4761 Vega Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567.
  • Pearl River County, Mississippi National Guard Armory, 1251-B Highway 11 South, Picayune, MS 39466.

You can register, have questions answered, or track your claim:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Smart Phone at m.fema.gov.
  • Call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585
  • Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Be sure to contact FEMA if you change your mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, if you receive an insurance settlement, or discover additional damage. 

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.

 

Continue reading: 

Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open Through Friday

FEMA Determination Letters Are Not The End Of The Line

 

CLINTON, Miss. – Within 60 days of a decision letter from FEMA, Hurricane Isaac survivors in Mississippi can ask the agency to review their case again.

Some of the reasons for an initial determination of ineligibility can be easily remedied with more information such as:                    

  • Calling or writing to FEMA when a final insurance settlement is agreed upon.
  • Indicating a willingness to re-locate to another residence; answering “Yes” to this question indicates flexibility in considering other temporary housing solutions but does not commit an applicant to move.
  • Providing proof of ownership or residence, especially documents showing the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Returning the SBA disaster loan application.
  • Signing essential documents.

Survivors can ask for another review to appeal the amount or type of help provided or any otherdecision about federal disaster assistance. Many issues can be resolved and allow applicants to receive disaster assistance.

When appealing, applicants should explain in writing why they disagree with a decision along withany new or additional documents supporting the appeal.

Appeal letters for Hurricane Isaac also should include:

  • Federal disaster declaration number 4081-DR-MS on all pages of documents
  • Applicant information, including;
    • Nine-digit FEMA application number on all pages of documents
    • Name
    • Date and place of birth
    • Address of the damaged dwelling
  • Copies of verifiable documentation that supports the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Keep all originals for your records.
  • A copy of a state-issued identification card, unless the letter is notarized or includes the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  • The applicant’s signature.

Applicants can call the Disaster Legal Services hotline phone number at 877-691-6185 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for free legal help with insurance claims. They can also call the Mississippi Insurance Department at 800-562-2957.

 

Mail the appeal letter to:

FEMA

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD  20782-7055

 

Applicants may fax their appeal letter to:

(800) 827-8112

Attention: FEMA

 

It is important to have appeal letters postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.

 

If applicants have any questions about the letters, they should call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 or go to www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

Link:

FEMA Determination Letters Are Not The End Of The Line

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Home fires can happen at any time and spread in just minutes, claiming the lives and property of those affected. During the week of October 7-13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, are encouraging individuals and families to have a fire escape plan. People can protect their homes and loved ones from emergencies by making their homes safer now and throughout the year.

Hundreds of thousands of fires happen in and around American homes every year, killing or injuring thousands of people and causing untold damage to families and communities. In 2010 alone, a total of 362,100 residential fires resulted in 2,555 deaths, 13,275 injuries, and more than $6.6 billion in property loss. For more information on fire statistics, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/estimates/index.shtm.

FEMA Region III Acting Regional Administrator Robert Welch encourages everyone to prepare for and prevent against a fire: “In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Having an escape plan and practicing it can help you get out quickly.”

The best way to prepare for a fire is to plan in advance and practice your response plan. Here are some suggestions for how to get ready:

Check that all smoke alarms work: USFA recommends that every residence be equipped with both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors;

  • Make sure that there are two ways out of every room;
  • Make a home fire plan; and
  • Practice with family members including children, older family members, and individuals who have access and functional needs so that every person knows how to use both ways to get to safety.

Please help spread the word about fire safety planning and preparedness. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit:

National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org

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.

Source:  

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

Assumption Parish Disaster Recovery Center Closes Wednesday

BATON ROUGE, La. — Time is running out for Hurricane Isaac survivors in Assumption Parish to visit the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Napoleonville. The center closes at 6 p.m. on Oct. 10. 

Although the center will close, Hurricane Isaac survivors can still contact FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after the center closes at 1-800-659-2955 or www.sba.gov.

The center is located at:

Napoleonville Community Center
4770 Hwy 1
Napoleonville, LA 70390
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Wednesday. Closed Sunday but open on Columbus Day.

Recovery centers have opened in many affected parishes to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured losses to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

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

Source: 

Assumption Parish Disaster Recovery Center Closes Wednesday

Washington Parish Disaster Recovery Centers Close Tuesday

BATON ROUGE, La. — Time is running out for Hurricane Isaac survivors in Washington Parish to visit the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Franklinton and Bogalusa. The centers close at 6 p.m. on Oct. 9. 

Although the centers will close, Hurricane Isaac survivors can still contact FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after the center closes at 1-800-659-2955 or www.sba.gov.

The centers are located at:

Sweet Home of Christ Church
2200 Greenlaw Ave.
Franklinton, LA 70438

Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial Methodist Church
510 Ave. B
Bogalusa, LA 70427

Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday. Closed Sunday but open on Columbus Day.

Recovery centers have opened in many affected parishes to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured losses to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

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

Credit: 

Washington Parish Disaster Recovery Centers Close Tuesday

Free Crisis Counseling Can Help Hurricane Isaac Survivors Cope

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisianians who survived Hurricane Isaac — or saw neighbors or family experience loss — may suffer emotional stress as real as the hurricane’s physical destruction.

To help people experiencing post-disaster emotional stress, free crisis counseling is available in the parishes designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration. The program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), is open to any child or adult in designated parishes.

“FEMA funds this important program because counseling can help people understand and process their emotional reactions to the disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “The right support can help most survivors regroup and move on with their lives.”

Those who have suffered losses may be likely to experience at least one of several emotional responses, including anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, nightmares, depression, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, or increased alcohol or drug use. Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster. Their stress symptoms may include excessive fear of the dark, crying, fear of being alone, and constant worry.

Trained counselors are provided by the network of state Human Services authorities and districts. Calls to the crisis lines are free of charge, as are face-to-face follow-up sessions for adults and children whose needs cannot be fully served through phone counseling.

Participating districts/authorities, the parishes they serve and their phone numbers are:

  • Florida Parishes Human Services Authority 
    Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington 
    1-800-272-8367
  • Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority 
    Jefferson 
    504-832-5123
  • Metropolitan Human Services District
    Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard 
    504-826-2675
  • South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority 
    Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne 
    1-877-500-9997

Statewide resources include:

  • DHH-Office of Behavioral Health Louisiana Spirit Crisis Line: 1-866-310-7977
  • Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership: 1-800-424-4399
  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-985-5990

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.

See original – 

Free Crisis Counseling Can Help Hurricane Isaac Survivors Cope

When in Doubt, Register for Disaster Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge Cleveland and Creek County residents who sustained property damage or losses from the Aug. 3-14 wildfires to apply for disaster assistance even if they think they may not qualify.

Register even if:

  • You have insurance
  • Your well and septic system was damaged
  • You already started to rebuild – save receipts for work already done
  • You think you may not qualify

You can call the same number you called when you registered to:

  • Confirm your registration
  • Check your status if you called before your county was declared a major disaster
  • Change your contact information or report additional damages

“Don’t prejudge your eligibility. You may be eligible for assistance you didn’t think was available,” said State Coordinating Officer and OEM Deputy Director Michelann Ooten.

“Registering provides access to a host of Federal, State and voluntary programs.  We are here to provide assistance for all eligible applicants,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III. “FEMA may provide assistance that can address a person’s specific needs, not just housing.”

Federal disaster assistance may include FEMA’s grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses, such as wells or septic tanks, medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs, not covered by insurance or other sources.

Since the disaster declaration, 596 individuals in Creek County and 150 in Cleveland County affected by the wildfires applied for assistance with FEMA.
Homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations, that have not yet registered should do so now by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or m.fema.gov via web-enabled phones or using the FEMA app. Anyone using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

To apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):  After registering with FEMA, go online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; call 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339; or visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Noble.  For more information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov.

SBA’s low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits for their uncompensated physical disaster losses (homes, personal property and business assets).  For small businesses and most private nonprofits, SBA disaster loans are available to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster, whether or not the business suffered physical damage.

It is important that anyone receiving an SBA disaster loan application complete and return it. Returning the application does not obligate you to accept an SBA loan; however, it is a necessary step to be considered for other additional forms of federal disaster assistance

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click on www.fema.gov/disaster/4078 or www.oem.ok.gov. Information can also be accessed via smartphone at m.fema.gov or the FEMA app.

Follow the OEM on Twitter and Facebook at twitter.com/okem and www.facebook.com/oklahomadepartmentofemergencymanagement. FEMA tweets about the Oklahoma disaster are at twitter.com/femaregion6. Additional FEMA online resources include blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

More:

When in Doubt, Register for Disaster Assistance

Iberville Parish Disaster Recovery Center Closes Saturday

BATON ROUGE, La. — Time is running out for Hurricane Isaac survivors in Iberville Parish to visit the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Napoleonville. The center closes at 6 p.m. on Oct. 6.
 
Although the center will close, Hurricane Isaac survivors can still contact FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after the center closes at 1-800-659-2955 or www.sba.gov.

The center is located at:

St. Gabriel Community Center
1400 Gordon Simon Leblanc Dr.
St. Gabriel, LA 70776
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Recovery centers have opened in many affected parishes to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured losses to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

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

See original article here:

Iberville Parish Disaster Recovery Center Closes Saturday

Livingston Disaster Recovery Center Now Opens Through Oct. 17

Livingston Disaster Recovery Center Now Opens Through Oct. 17

Main Content

Release date:

October 4, 2012

Release Number:

NR-107

BATON ROUGE, La. — Survivors in Livingston Parish have more time to visit the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Maurepas, as it will now remain open through Oct. 17.

The recovery center had been scheduled to close on Saturday.

The center is located at:
American Legion Hall
24195 Hwy 22
Maurepas, LA 70449
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.

After the center closes, Hurricane Isaac survivors in Livingston Parish can still contact FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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

Last Updated:

October 5, 2012 – 00:02

State or Region:

Louisiana

Related Disaster:

Louisiana Hurricane Isaac

Follow this link:

Livingston Disaster Recovery Center Now Opens Through Oct. 17

 Page 335 of 386  « First  ... « 333  334  335  336  337 » ...  Last »