Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster 

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4057-049

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to states, local governments and certain private nonprofits to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters.

Mitigation was approved as part of the presidential disaster declaration of March 6. All the counties in the Commonwealth are eligible for the program.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is funded by FEMA and administered by the Commonwealth.

FEMA can fund up to 75 percent of the eligible costs of each project. The Commonwealth, local government or private nonprofit must provide 25 percent in matching funds. Matching funds can be fashioned from a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

The program provides the Commonwealth with a grant of up to 20 percent of the total disaster funding awarded by FEMA during the recovery from the disaster. Because the Commonwealth met higher mitigation planning requirements, Kentucky receives five percent more than the standard funding.

The program enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

Eligible applicants are Commonwealth, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program; however, local governments may apply on their behalf.

Five issues are considered when determining the eligibility of a proposed project:

  • Does the project conform to the Commonwealth hazard mitigation plan?
  • Does the project provide a beneficial impact on the disaster area, i.e. the Commonwealth?
  • Does the application meet the environmental requirements? Visit the FEMA Environmental Program Site for information.
  • Does the project solve a problem independently?
  • Is the project cost effective?

Following a federal disaster declaration, the Commonwealth will advertise that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is available to fund mitigation projects in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth will conduct regional Hazard Mitigation Grant briefings, which will provide detailed program information and application requirements to potential eligible applicants.

Interested state agencies, local governments, or private nonprofit organizations should refer to the Kentucky Emergency Management website for dates, times and locations of briefings.

Applications for mitigation projects should be filed as soon as possible after the disaster occurs so that opportunities for mitigation projects are not lost during reconstruction. The Commonwealth will set a deadline for application submittal.

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.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

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, 05-Apr-2012 14:39:54

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Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster

Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors

Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4059-013

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Free legal assistance is available to survivors of this spring’s tornadoes, severe storms and flooding in federally designated West Virginia counties – Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne. The services are being supplied through a partnership among the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Legal Aid of West Virginia and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA officials said Friday.

Survivors facing legal problems may call 877-331-4259 to request assistance. Phone lines are staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and callers may leave a message outside of those hours. Callers should state they are seeking FEMA legal assistance and should identify what county they are located in. Survivors who qualify for assistance will be matched with West Virginia lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.

The type of assistance available includes:

  • Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors
  • Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
  • Help with home repair contracts and contractors
  • Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
  • Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
  • Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
  • Counseling on landlord/tenant problems

There are some limitations on disaster legal services. To determine whether a legal problem qualifies for free legal assistance, survivors should make it clear that they are seeking assistance relative to the declared FEMA disaster. An attorney will contact the caller after reviewing the information provided.

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, 05-Apr-2012 10:58:14

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Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors

FEMA Awards $1.8M for Community Safe Room in Matagorda County, TX

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FEMA Awards $1.8M for Community Safe Room in Matagorda County, TX

One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register 

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4058-021

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) announce the Disaster Recovery Center in Sellersburg will remain open one more week. The center will close April 13, which means there are just days left to meet face to face with specialists to ask questions about the recovery process.

The center, which is located at Ivy Tech College, I-65 and Hwy 311(I-65 exit 9), operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Since March 13, when FEMA and IDHS jointly opened the DRC, more than 600 Hoosiers have received one-on-one assistance from state and federal specialists as they recover from severe storms that occurred Feb. 29 to March 3.

Specialists are available at the center to answer questions about FEMA recovery programs. Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand, helping individuals complete SBA low interest disaster loan applications.

SBA low interest disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations fund repair or rebuilding and may cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal property or business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code-required upgrades and other costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Before meeting with specialists at the recovery center, storm-impacted individuals should register with FEMA. The last day to register, May 8, is just one month away.

FEMA provides one phone number for homeowners, renters and businesses to register for assistance and to receive help after registering: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 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: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 10:07:06

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One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8 

Release Date: April 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-017

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The five state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia to assist individuals, households and businesses that suffered damage from the recent storms will be closed Sundays beginning April 8.

The regular hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County
Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance, according to FEMA. 

“Before stopping by at the disaster recovery centers, people seeking assistance are strongly urged to register with FEMA,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell.
By phone, call the FEMA Hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing disabilities, use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled device at m.fema.gov.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration who can explain the low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. These loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said.  People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

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, 04-Apr-2012 09:21:03

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State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need 

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4057-046

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA grants are helping thousands of Kentucky families recover from the recent tornadoes, but you may have neighbors, friends or family members who have not registered for federal disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Your neighbors or friends may have misunderstandings about registration that may have kept them from getting all the recovery help they need.

“The important thing to tell your friends and neighbors is to register,” said Libby Turner, the federal officer in charge of Kentucky recovery. “That one step may unlock grants, low-interest loans, disaster unemployment assistance, and any other state or federal aid. Registering is as easy as picking up the telephone or going online.”

Your neighbors might say they have not registered with FEMA because they have insurance. Explain they may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses. Sometimes damage is found that insurance won’t cover but federal disaster assistance may. But your neighbor has to register with FEMA to get the help.

If your friend is still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster or for an insurance settlement, tell them to go ahead and register with FEMA because insurance may not meet all their needs. Federal assistance may be able to help solve this problem, but your friend must register with FEMA before the filing deadline of May 7 to be eligible.

Friends or neighbors also should go ahead with necessary repairs to make their house livable, but they must be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work as FEMA may require this documentation.

Some friends, neighbors or family members may think they make too much money to apply for assistance. However, most federal and Commonwealth disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The kind of help provided depends on the applicant’s circumstances and unmet needs.

Sometimes folks think they did not have enough damage to their homes to apply for assistance. The damage caused by high winds or tornadoes and costs associated with repairs or rebuilding, may not be apparent for several weeks. By registering with FEMA now, you may be eligible for assistance if you find damage later.

If you have friends, neighbors or family members who are concerned FEMA disaster assistance will interrupt or interfere with federal assistance they are already receiving, let them know disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Residents of Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Kenton, Johnson, Larue, Lawrence, Laurel, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe counties are eligible to register for federal disaster assistance from FEMA.

Emphasize to friends and neighbors the first step toward obtaining recovery assistance for individuals and businesses in the designated counties is to register with FEMA:

  • By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.
  • By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

Survivors who have questions about their registration may call the FEMA helpline at the number listed above. Survivors who are having difficulty registering also may go to a recovery center for assistance.

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.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

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: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 16:34:38

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Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

What to Expect After Registering With FEMA 

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-016

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — For people who suffered damages as a result of the recent tornadoes, severe weather and flooding, the first step in seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is to register, according to FEMA officials. This applies only to survivors living in the federally designated counties – Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne.

“It’s easy to do,” said Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “You can call our toll-free number, which is 800-621-3362. Or you can go online at DiasterAssistance.gov. You absolutely must register to begin the process.”

Once registered, Criswell said, an applicant can expect a telephone call from a FEMA inspector to set up an appointment. Normally, this call will come within a few days after one registers, but almost always within 10 days. The applicant or someone at least 18 years old who lived in the home before the incident occurred must be present when the inspection takes place.

FEMA inspectors are contracted independent experts qualified to assess damages to buildings and other property that might have been damaged from the storms and flooding. Inspectors will always carry an official FEMA identification – and applicants are urged to jot down the badge number of the inspector who visits for future reference.

Inspectors do not determine whether an applicant or the damaged premises qualify for federal assistance. That is done by FEMA Individual Assistance personnel after evaluating the inspectors’ reports.

There is no fee charged for these inspections, Criswell said. The applicant will need to provide documented proof of ownership (for homeowners) and permanent occupancy (for both homeowners and renters). For example, these might include a utility bill or a copy of a rental lease.

The inspector will ask the applicant to sign a form authorizing FEMA to verify that the information given is accurate. Within about 10 days a letter will be sent by FEMA to the applicant with notification about the decision of whether the applicant is eligible for help. If so, that letter will be followed by a check (or there will be an electronic transfer to the appropriate bank account). The letter will explain what the money can be used to pay for, and applicants should be careful to use the funds as indicated.

If FEMA decides the applicant is not eligible for help, the letter will state the reasons for the denial of benefits, Criswell said. The letter will outline the process to appeal any decision the applicant thinks is erroneous.

An applicant might be referred to the Small Business Administration for help. If so he or she will receive an application for a low-interest loan to repair or replace real estate (up to $200,000) or personal property (up to $40,000). No one is required to accept any SBA loan, but filling out the application is part of the assistance process and helps FEMA in evaluating or re-evaluating any data.

Once FEMA receives an application for assistance and it is approved, the funds will be in the applicant’s hands within 10 days. For electronic bank-account deposits, the money will be available sooner. Applicants who do not receive their checks by mail promptly should phone the FEMA Help Line at 800-621-3362 or visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center for information.

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: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 16:32:02

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What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas 

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-071

DENTON, Texas – Randolph County, Arkansas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Randolph County flood maps become effective on Wednesday, May 2 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to May 2 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 12:42:11

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas

Tell Your Neighbor about Federal Disaster Assistance

Tell Your Neighbor about Federal Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4058-019

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — If you suffered damage during severe storms Feb. 29-March 3, chances are your neighbor may have, too. Storm-impacted individuals should tell their neighbors about the opportunity to register for assistance with FEMA before the May 8 deadline and to return their SBA loan applications as soon as possible.

Tell your friends and neighbors about the opportunity to register with FEMA even though they have insurance. Insurance may not cover the entire cost of recovery, and a low-interest loan from the SBA may fill the gap to more fully recover from damage.

Tell others FEMA Housing Assistance in the form of grants may include rental assistance, home repairs and home replacements. Other Needs Assistance grants may be available to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.

Tell your friends and neighbors SBA disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations fund repair or rebuilding and cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal property and business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code-required upgrades and other costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Tell your friends and neighbors if they received an SBA disaster loan application they should return it as soon as possible. If they have questions, they can contact the SBA Customer Service Center. Call (800) 659-2955 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. To apply online, visit:  
disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Applicants may also visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Emphasize to your friends and neighbors that completion of the SBA disaster loan application may open the door to FEMA grants and other forms of assistance available to eligible residents. FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical, dental and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA disaster loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance covering personal property, vehicle repair or replacement and moving and storage expenses. An insurance claim does not have to be settled to complete and submit an SBA loan application.

Register with FEMA

Be sure your friends and neighbors know how to apply for FEMA assistance. One easy way to apply is to call the telephone registration line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 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. FEMA issues a nine-digit registration number to verify completion of each application.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

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: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 10:52:37

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Tell Your Neighbor about Federal Disaster Assistance

Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties

Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties 

Laurel, Magoffin, Menifee, and Morgan counties continue cleanup efforts

Release Date: March 31, 2012
Release Number: 4057-044

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Because field observations have determined that four Kentucky counties suffered the most extensive damage from the Feb. 29 and March 2 tornadoes, the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC) Division of Waste Management is offering additional grant dollars for cleanup activities.

“As with the first round of grant dollars, county leaders will be able to use this funding for the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste generated by tornado damage,” said EEC Secretary Len Peters. “It is our hope that this additional funding will assist these communities in their recovery efforts.”

Morgan County is eligible receive $150,000, while Laurel, Magoffin and Menifee counties are each eligible for an additional $75,000.

Counties have 120 days to complete the activities outlined in the grant agreement. A final spending report will be due to the waste management division on Aug. 2.

Kentuckians should be aware of health, safety and compliance hazards associated with debris handling and disposal. These hazards include burning of debris, asbestos removal and mold growth. Detailed information on storm debris cleanup may be obtained at the Division for Air Quality’s website at air.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx, by clicking on “Disposing of Storm and Flood Debris” at the bottom of the page.

A listing of county solid waste coordinators can be found online at waste.ky.gov/RLA/Documents/Solid%20Waste%20Coordinators%208-25-10.pdf.

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: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:24:44

Continued here – 

Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties

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