Tropical Storm Debby Survivor Information

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Debby survivors in Citrus, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Polk and Sarasota counties in Florida can now apply for federal disaster assistance.

What the disaster designation means:

For survivors and business owners who sustained damages or losses in those counties, money for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance may be available. Renters, homeowners and business owners can register for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors can register with FEMA by one of the following methods:

  • Call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

FEMA will ask for the following information:

  • The telephone number where you can be reached;
  • The address where you lived at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying;
  • Your Social Security number;
  • A general description of damage to your property and other losses;
  • The name of your insurance company and policy number or agent if you have property insurance; and
  • Your bank account routing information if you want FEMA to use direct deposit.

Beware of fraud

Suspicions of fraud or attempts to scam survivors should be reported to local law enforcement immediately. People who suspect anyone of committing contractor fraud should contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation by calling 866-532-1440 or by emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us. 

Community relations teams canvassing disaster areas

Community relations teams are in designated counties going door to door with disaster assistance information to help survivors recover from Tropical Storm Debby.

Anyone representing the SERT or FEMA, including FEMA-contracted home and property damage inspectors, carries a photo ID ensuring they are easily identifiable. FEMA and SERT teams wear agency shirts.

SBA low-interest disaster loans:

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

  • Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY) or online at www.sba.gov.
  • They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

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Tropical Storm Debby Survivor Information

Tree Maintenance Now Can Prevent Damage Later

ALBANY, N.Y. – Are your trees ready for a serious storm? With hurricane season upon us, now is the time to assess the structural health of your trees to prevent storm damage from falling trees and limbs.

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your trees in top shape. But if your trees have not received preventive care, or if you are concerned about the structural health of your trees, there are still some actions to take before a hurricane strikes.

Here’s what you should look for when doing a tree inspection:

  • Dead trees
  • Dead, decaying and weakly attached branches
  • Root disease or disturbances
  • Trees with dense canopies
  • Trees with poor structure and shape

Although trees can cause considerable damage when they fall, most trees do not fall during storms and of those that do, only a small number strike a target. Moreover, just because a tree is big and old does not necessarily mean it is dangerous – but that is not something a typical homeowner has the experience to assess. At the same time, just because a tree is alive does not mean that it is sound and firm.

If you don’t feel qualified to inspect or maintain the trees on your property, consider calling in a professional arborist. Be sure your arborist is insured and has current references.

Large branches hanging near your roof are a problem. Although the branches may not be touching the roof under normal conditions, the high winds of hurricanes can cause trees to bend and branches to flail around considerably. These branches can cause extensive damage to the roof and should generally be removed.

Public utilities engage in constant pruning and maintenance of trees near power lines in order to minimize storm damage. Why not follow that example and begin a regular maintenance program for the trees on your property? Remember, now is the time to take care of your trees, not when a hurricane threatens.

 

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Tree Maintenance Now Can Prevent Damage Later

A Month After Tropical Storm Debby, More Than $15 Million Approved For Disaster Assistance In Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  – A month after Tropical Storm Debby soaked Florida, more than $15 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected by the storm and flooding.

Almost 10,000 survivors have contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people are seeking housing assistance from FEMA because their primary home is unlivable or inaccessible.

For survivors who have needs other than federal assistance, the FEMA helpline (800-621-3362) serves as a single source of information – referring survivors to partner agencies such as the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Other callers may be interested in disaster unemployment assistance or legal aid. Businesses are also referred to the SBA.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of July 20:

  • 3,314 households have already been approved for FEMA grants that assist with housing and personal property loss.
  • $12.3 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
  • $1.6 million approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • $1.4 million approved for SBA loans to help repair homes and replace property.
  • 7,173 home inspections completed.
  • 4,560 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.

People who have insurance are urged to apply for help because they may be underinsured. They can use any of the following methods:

  1. By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  2. Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  3. By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Businesses that need help may contact the U.S. Small Business Administration 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.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.floridadisaster.org/. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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A Month After Tropical Storm Debby, More Than $15 Million Approved For Disaster Assistance In Florida

FEMA Announces Development of Youth Preparedness Council; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

 

FEMA Announces Development of Youth Preparedness Council; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

DENTON, Texas – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the formation of its first Youth Preparedness Council.

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council is a unique opportunity for a select group of youth leaders to serve on a highly-distinguished national council and to share their opinions, experiences, ideas and solutions to strengthen the nation’s resiliency for all types of disasters. Council members were nominated by individuals who can attest to their preparedness activities; they also demonstrate a willingness to represent the youth perspective on emergency preparedness and to take information back to their communities for sharing.

Young people are integral part of preparing the nation for all hazards,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “They influence their family and their friends to be more prepared for any disaster that may happen.”

The Youth Preparedness Council is comprised of 13 members (13-17 years of age) from across FEMA’s 10 regions. They are all dedicated to public service; are making a difference in their community; and are expanding their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

The distinguished members from FEMA Region 6 are Dorian Tre’Vaughn Gregory from Breaux Bridge, La., and Jonathan DeLong from Austin, Texas.

Council members will have the opportunity to participate in a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington, D.C., where they will advise and ask questions on youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on this critical priority. Council members are eligible to serve for two years.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm.

 

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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 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Announces Development of Youth Preparedness Council; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Kleberg, Nueces,…

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that gives updated information on coastal flood risks

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these four coastal counties better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public are currently being scheduled.  The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress.  The Open Houses help to educate the public about the current flood risks in their area.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the four counties, the effort also includes Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Matagorda, Orange, Refugio, Victoria and Willacy counties.

Media note:  If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 10 a.m. (CST) tomorrow July 24, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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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 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Kleberg, Nueces,…

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Hillsborough County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Hillsborough County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors 

Release Date: July 19, 2012
Release Number: 4068-021b

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A disaster recovery center is open in Hillsborough County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U. S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

University Area Community Development Center

14013 N. 22nd St.

Tampa, FL 33613

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

  • By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 22 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

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.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jul-2012 15:17:17

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Hillsborough County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Taylor County Through Saturday to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Taylor County Through Saturday to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors 

Release Date: July 19, 2012
Release Number: 4068-020

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A disaster recovery center is open in Taylor County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, July 21.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U. S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

Perry-Foley Airport

511 Industrial Park Drive

Perry, FL 32348

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

  • By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 22 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

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.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jul-2012 15:06:57

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Disaster Recovery Center Open in Taylor County Through Saturday to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

President Declares a Major Disaster for New Jersey

President Declares a Major Disaster for New Jersey 

Release Date: July 19, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-062

» More Information on New Jersey Severe Storms And Straight-Line Winds

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on June 30, 2012.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in the counties of Atlantic, Cumberland, and Salem.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

William L. Vogel has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Vogel said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jul-2012 14:24:24

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President Declares a Major Disaster for New Jersey

Federal Aid Programs for State of New Jersey Disaster Recovery

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Federal Aid Programs for State of New Jersey Disaster Recovery

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors 

Release Date: July 19, 2012
Release Number: 4068-019

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A disaster recovery center is open in Nassau County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U. S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

Nassau County Emergency Operations Center

(across the street from Nassau County Courthouse)

77150 Citizens Circle

Yulee, FL 32097

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

  • By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 17 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

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.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. After registering with FEMA, survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jul-2012 10:38:49

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

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