As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues

As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues 

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Release Number: 4058-038

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the May 8 deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance quickly approaches, aid continues for Indiana residents and communities affected by severe storms that occurred from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that, as of April 26, $1,431,643 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,420 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 36 hours of registration, and 614 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has thus far approved more than $2 million in low-interest disaster loans. Today, SBA reports $2,016,600 have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Forty loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated. The agency has issued 1,062 home loan applications and 137 business loan applications.

May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance.

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration number (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

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: Friday, 27-Apr-2012 16:15:46

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As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues

FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia

FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia 

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Release Number: 4059-052

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Sometimes it’s unwise to challenge Mother Nature. As West Virginians know all too well, in many areas of the state flash floods are frequent visitors, and an increasing number of homeowners have decided to seek higher ground.

One family in Stollings saw its two-story house inundated time and again by the nearby Guyandotte River. Flood insurance paid for most of the repeated repairs and cleanups, but no policy can make up for the stress of being repeatedly flooded. And as the disasters continue, a vulnerable house inevitably becomes worth less and less.

The Logan County Commission had determined that the flash flooding of 2004 caused enormous damage to many homes in the Stollings neighborhood, and several homeowners chose to take advantage of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “buyout” process under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. After the flood of May, 2007, the family also decided it was time to move and accepted the county’s buyout offer.

These projects are normal real-estate transactions. Homeowners are paid fair market value for their homes as calculated before the damage occurred. Once the property is purchased, the structures are removed and the property becomes public open space or green space. It can never be developed or sold to private parties. It can be used as a public park, can be leased for agricultural use, but no structures of any kind can be erected thereon.

The Buyout program is completely voluntary on the part of the property owner and the community. Buyout, or “acquisition,” projects are administered by the state and local communities, be they towns or counties. While FEMA shoulders 75 percent of the costs, it does not buy houses directly from the property owners.

The property owners do not apply to the state for buyouts, but the community may sponsor applications on their behalf. Those applications are prepared by the communities with the input of homeowners whose properties have suffered heavy damage. The applications are completed after the state has advised the community of any state priorities or special restrictions. The state and community work together to identify where buyouts would make the most sense.

The state then submits whatever applications they deem appropriate for action for FEMA’s review, which ensures the rules are being followed, the environment is protected and the buyouts would be a cost-effective use of funds.

If and when FEMA approves the purchase, the community begins to acquire the property. The actual transaction is done by the community or the county. FEMA warns that the process is not quick. The whole buyout process from the day of the disaster to the property settlement can take up to two years.

The family in Stollings has now moved to safer ground. The house is gone and the property is an empty, grassy open space. When the floods hit Logan County in March of this year, this property had no house left to damage or destroy, and the open spaces where houses once sat helped reduce flooding downstream.

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: Friday, 27-Apr-2012 09:20:15

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FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia

As Disaster Aid Deadline Approaches, Online Storm Help Continues

As Disaster Aid Deadline Approaches, Online Storm Help Continues 

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: 4058-037

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — With the May 8 registration deadline less than two weeks away, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security point out that storm recovery help is available online. Hoosiers affected by severe storms from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties may visit FEMA’s virtual Disaster Assistance Center, www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Some of the online resources available include:

Personal account

To go directly to the section of the website where Hoosiers can learn the status of their individual FEMA registration, visit: www.disasterassistance.gov/DAC/govBenefitReceiver.do?langcode=EN&action=LOGIN.

Visitors must have a Disaster Assistance Account to access their registration. Those who have registered online may have already created an account. Other applicants may create accounts by clicking the “create my account” link located on the bottom of the page.

Questionnaire for customizing resources for your unique situation

By responding to an anonymous 11-question survey on the Disaster Assistance website, Hoosiers may learn which online resources are available in their unique situations. Depending on the combination of responses, a list of resources is automatically generated. The list may include home and personal property disaster loans, unemployment assistance and mortgage insurance. To locate the survey, visit: www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/questionnaire#benefits&qc=cat_8.

Help After a Disaster booklet

FEMA’s recovery booklet “Help After a Disaster, Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program” is also available through the Disaster Assistance website. The publication includes an overview of FEMA programs for individuals and families, as well as an extensive guide, beginning on page 21, explaining the meaning of letters about ineligibility and appeals decisions. For more details about these and other key recovery points, Hoosiers may access the Help After a Disaster booklet online by visiting: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/assistance/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf.

General recovery guidelines

Additionally, the disaster assistance website features recovery information about topics ranging from smart ways to salvage household items and rebuild to guidelines for taking photos of damaged property and other suggestions for filing an insurance claim. This information can be accessed by logging onto: www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-information/your-home.

Listing of resources

The disaster assistance website includes links to helpful federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Loan application forms from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can be downloaded from www.sba.gov and submitted online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. To access the list of agencies, visit:

www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/browse-by-federal-agency.

Apply for FEMA assistance: May 8 is the last day to register

May 8 is the last day storm-impacted Indiana residents can register for federal recovery assistance. Online registration is possible through www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov. Registering is also possible by calling the toll free telephone registration phone line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line through which applicants can ask questions and verify information. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

May 8 is also the last day to submit SBA loan applications for physical property damage. Assistance is available through SBA’s Customer Service Center. The toll-free number is (800) 659-2955. Individuals with hearing impairments may call (800) 877-8339. The email address for the Customer Service Center is disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Completed applications may be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155.

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, 26-Apr-2012 16:23:38

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties

Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties 

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: 4061-051

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Some residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the March 15-31 storms and flooding in Lincoln and Mingo counties may now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance program benefits. The deadline for filing a claim is May 23.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

The availability of benefits extends to those living or working in either of the two added counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance.

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

  • You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed
  • Your workplace was damaged or destroyed
  • Your transportation to work is not available
  • You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area
  • You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster
  • You derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. The offices serving the three counties are in Charleston, Huntington and Logan. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find your local Workforce office address by dialing 211.

Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available.

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, 26-Apr-2012 16:18:23

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties

FEMA Administrator Fugate Announces New Superintendent Of Emergency Management Institute

FEMA Administrator Fugate Announces New Superintendent Of Emergency Management Institute 

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-032

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today announced that current FEMA Region VI Administrator Tony Russell was selected to become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) effective May 6.  

EMI is the emergency management community’s flagship training institution, and provides training to emergency managers at all levels of government, volunteer organizations, and the private sector as they work to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the potential effects of all types of disasters and emergencies.   EMI trains more than two million students annually, and is located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md.

“I’m confident that Tony is the right person to take on this important role,” said Fugate. “The emergency management training that takes place at EMI is critical to the FEMA mission and with Tony’s leadership, I’m confident that we will continue to educate and train the country’s finest emergency managers.”

Russell was appointed as the FEMA Region VI Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office and as a Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Region VIII.

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as the Region VI Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas. He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornadoes and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region VI Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

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, 26-Apr-2012 13:35:24

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FEMA Administrator Fugate Announces New Superintendent Of Emergency Management Institute

DFW Can Rebuild Safer, Stronger To Reduce Future Tornado Damage

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DFW Can Rebuild Safer, Stronger To Reduce Future Tornado Damage

City, State, FEMA Team Up To Offer Post-Irene Housing In Barre

City, State, FEMA Team Up To Offer Post-Irene Housing In Barre 

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: 4022-079

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

BARRE, Vt. – With limited housing options for some Vermonters displaced by Tropical Storm Irene, local, state and federal officials have unveiled a project that will provide housing through a private-public partnership.

Officials from the City of Barre, State of Vermont and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as congressional representatives, toured a formerly unoccupied apartment building that was recently renovated using almost $70,000 of federal money to provide housing for disaster survivors.

“This was a unique opportunity to leverage federal money to rehabilitate rental stock that is badly needed, not just as temporary housing for persons displaced by a disaster but for the public at large,” said Sue Minter, Vermont’s Irene Recovery Officer.

“FEMA has a number of innovative recovery programs available, and we’re committed to using all of those that apply,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “The Multi-Family Repair Program was a great fit here.”

The Multi-Family Repair Program (MFRP) provides funds to renovate unoccupied multi-family rental housing units that need to be brought to a habitable standard in areas where existing rental units cannot meet the needs of disaster survivors.

According to Vermont officials, Washington County saw 154 mobile homes as well as 394 stick-built homes destroyed or substantially damaged in Tropical Storm Irene, in an area that was already facing a tight housing market. At least 30 buildings statewide were evaluated for suitability for MFRP use.

The owners of the property used in the MFRP agree to make the repaired rental units solely available to FEMA-identified disaster survivors for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration.

The repair work must be completed by a licensed, bonded contractor within a specified time period after completing the agreement with FEMA, and must bring the property to required standards.

The multi-family rental building chosen in Barre was once located down the block where the new Post Office was built. Now on South Main Street, the apartment building has been renovated to provide five rental units.

“It’s a win, win, win for everyone,” said Steve Mackenzie, Barre City Manager. “It’s a win for the city. It’s a win for the landlord. And it’s a win for the new tenants who are able to take advantage of the program.”

Residents were selected on the basis of need. If a unit is vacated by the initial resident before the 18-month period of assistance is over, additional families may be identified to occupy the units through the end of the period of assistance.

“These funds have also assisted the local economy by providing jobs and economic activity associated with the rehabilitation of the housing units,” Minter said.

The Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRCs) of voluntary agencies have been actively engaged in the MFRP. Each family entering the program has been working with a case manager to identify and effectively find resources for their unmet needs, including the development of permanent housing plans.

Other resources that may be accessed through LTRCs include: financial planning, job placement after disaster unemployment, mental health services and, volunteer labor for clean-up and rebuilding, among others.

Long Term Recovery Committees have been established to assist all those affected by Tropical Storm Irene. To be connected with a committee in your area, please contact 2-1-1, Vermont’s toll-free information referral network.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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, 26-Apr-2012 12:59:12

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Harrison, Preston and Taylor Counties

Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Harrison, Preston and Taylor Counties 

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: 4059-050

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Some residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding in Harrison, Preston and Taylor counties may now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance program benefits. The deadline for filing a claim is May 21.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

The availability of benefits extends to those living or working in any of the three added counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance.

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

  • You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed
  • Your workplace was damaged or destroyed
  • Your transportation to work is not available
  • You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area
  • You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster
  • You derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. The offices serving the three counties are in Clarksburg, Fairmont and Morgantown. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org.  By phone, find your local Workforce office address by dialing 211.

Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available.

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, 26-Apr-2012 10:02:55

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Being Alert to Fraud Helps Kentucky Recovery and All Taxpayers

Being Alert to Fraud Helps Kentucky Recovery and All Taxpayers 

Release Date: April 24, 2012
Release Number: 4057-063

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — While most people registering for help have genuine needs, the rush to get millions in disaster assistance to those affected by disasters such as the Feb. 29 – March 3 storms and tornadoes, sadly presents opportunities to defraud taxpayers.

Most cases in which possible fraud is detected are not deliberate attempts to defraud the federal government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends applicants receiving grant money keep receipts to show how funds were used.

If fraud does occur during disaster recovery, FEMA has a responsibility to take action. Fraudulent claims increase the cost of recovery, because those without disaster-related losses receive money for which they are not eligible, according to emergency management officials.

People who intentionally try to defraud the government are taking money from all of us – taxpayer money authorized for disaster relief by the president and Congress. FEMA is charged with ensuring disaster relief dollars go only to people who incurred legitimate losses. This can include prosecuting anyone making a fraudulent claim.

FEMA’s Inspector General investigates complaints of fraud, waste or abuse involving FEMA contracts, programs or personnel. It maintains a toll-free Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Potential cases of fraud or misuse can be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for prosecution. Penalties for felony offenses can be severe.

These are some examples of complaints that typically are filed with the FEMA Office of the Inspector General:

  • Applicants used false names and multiple and/or fictitious addresses;
  • Applicants claimed losses they didn’t sustain or to which they were not entitled;
  • Applicants did not use FEMA money for the intended purposes;
  • Municipal officials used FEMA money for their own benefit;
  • FEMA checks were stolen; and
  • Applicants received duplicate payments from FEMA and their insurance companies.

Complaints also can be filed by writing to:

National Center for Disaster Fraud
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909

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: Wednesday, 25-Apr-2012 13:14:10

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FEMA Region 6 Prepares For Leadership Transition

FEMA Region 6 Prepares For Leadership Transition 

Regional Administrator Tony Russell Will Depart for New Post

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-079

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 Office is preparing for a transition in leadership.

On May 6, current Regional Administrator Tony Russell will become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Russell was appointed as FEMA Region 6 Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the

Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office (LRO) and as a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for FEMA Region 8.

“It is very difficult to leave a job that is so meaningful and rewarding,” said Russell. “I am honored to have served with our federal, state, local, tribal, non-governmental and private sector emergency partners and look forward to working with them further, but now, on a national level.”

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as FEMA Region 6 Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas.

He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornados and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

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: Wednesday, 25-Apr-2012 11:34:39

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