Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4060-008

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly 600 survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 29 – March 2 have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

To date, more than $461,000 in grants has been approved to help survivors pay for temporary housing and other needs as a result of damage they incurred. Many more survivors in the 10 disaster-designated counties may be eligible for benefits but may not be registering with FEMA in larger numbers for a variety of reasons:

Unfamiliar with the FEMA registration process – it’s as easy as a phone call or click.

  • People with storm losses can register simply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can use TTY 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Don’t know the full scope of available assistance.

  • FEMA assistance can cover rental costs, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
  • FEMA can refer survivors who do not need FEMA assistance, or who have additional needs, to partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA also can refer survivors to groups and agencies who can help them with disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and legal aid.
  • SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters and businesses at affordable terms. Survivors offered an SBA low-interest loan are under no obligation to accept it. However, completing and returning the application may open the door to other forms of assistance such as additional FEMA grants.
  • Survivors can obtain more information from the SBA website at www.sba.gov and learn how to apply on line or download an SBA application. Applicants with questions specific to SBA can also call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) for assistance.

Think insurance will cover damages or are waiting for an insurance settlement.

  • Homeowners and renters with insurance should fill out a FEMA application and SBA loan application while they are waiting for their insurance decision. It saves time.
  • If insurance doesn’t cover all of their disaster-related expenses, FEMA and/or SBA assistance may be available to fill the gap.

Busy cleaning up debris, repairing homes; haven’t taken the time to register.

  • Registering by phone or online can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Think FEMA assistance could count against benefits received from other federal programs such as Social Security or Medicare.

  • FEMA grants for housing and other needs assistance are NOT counted as income and DO NOT affect other benefits or eligibility for programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. FEMA grant money does not have to be repaid as long as it is properly spent for your disaster recovery.

Think they are ineligible for FEMA assistance due to income levels or too little damage.

  • Income level does not affect possible FEMA assistance for homeowners; and let FEMA determine if the amount of damage qualifies for assistance. Survivors should not disqualify themselves by not registering.

Disaster Recovery Centers

If, after registering, survivors still have questions or need help registering, they can get face-to-face help by visiting any of the nine disaster recovery centers in Tennessee, which are staffed with recovery specialists from TEMA, FEMA, SBA and other agencies able to answer questions. Disaster recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The following disaster recovery locations will remain open until 6 p.m., Monday, April 2:

DeKalb County
County Administrative Building
724 South Congress Blvd.
Smithville, TN 37166

Jackson County
Dodson Branch Community Center
16160 Dodson Branch Hwy.
Cookeville, TN 38501

Overton County
911 EMS Building
253 Industrial Park Dr.
Livingston, TN 38570

The following locations will remain open until further notice:

Bradley County
First Baptist Church Annex
340 Church St.
Cleveland, TN 37311

Claiborne County
Harrogate Volunteer Fire Department #2
132 Harrogate Crossing Rd.
Harrogate, TN 37752

Cumberland County
County Community Complex
1398 Livingston Rd.
Crossville, TN 38555

Hamilton County
Chattanooga Fire Department Station #7
6911 Discovery Dr.
Chattanooga, TN 37416

McMinn/Polk County
Etowah Rural Fire and Rescue
1018 Tennessee Ave.
Etowah, TN 37331

Monroe County
Tellico Plains Community Center
132 Bank St.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385

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.

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: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 09:33:50

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Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

Seven Months Later, Disaster Aid Surpasses $83.9 million

Seven Months Later, Disaster Aid Surpasses $83.9 million 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4017-057

» More Information on Puerto Rico Hurricane Irene

» En Español

SAN JUAN, PR — More than $83.9 million in grants for disaster aid has been approved to Puerto Rico to continue recovering from the heavy rains, flooding, landslides and mudslides left by Hurricane Irene, Government of Puerto Rico and federal officials announced today.

After seven months, disaster assistance provided includes:

  • $32,883,649.59 million approved in Individual Assistance grants in which;$9,173,400 in low-interest disaster loans approved by the Small Business Administration
    • $14,793,759.12 million are in housing assistance including temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property losses
    • and $18,089,890.47 million in dental, medical and funeral costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
  • $2,312,536 in National Flood Insurance Program claims paid
  • $2,052,525 in Crisis Counseling (immediate and regular) programs
  • $21,400 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance
  • $36,861,110.63 in Public Assistance grants obligated
  • $666,750 in Mitigation Measures projects

Additional aid though is forthcoming: Public Assistance (PA) grants are now being obligated to repair or replace taxpayer-owned infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, utilities and similar public facilities. There are several approved projects from among 85 applicants that results in a federal funding of $36,861,110.63 million.

“We have taken steps toward renewing our lives and property,” said Justo Hernández, Federal Coordinating Officer. “Much more remains to be done. It will take time before we complete the recovery process from Hurricane Irene damages.”

On August 27, 2011, President Obama granted a federal disaster declaration making eligible for Disaster Assistance programs the municipalities of: Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Añasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Caguas, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cataño, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerío, Corozal, Culebra, Fajardo, Guayama, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Humacao, Jayuya, Juana Díaz, Juncos, Las Marías, Las Piedras, Loíza, Luquillo, Maricao, Maunabo, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Peñuelas, Ponce, Rincón, Río Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San Juan, San Lorenzo, Santa Isabel, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa and Yauco.

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, 27-Mar-2012 16:53:46

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Seven Months Later, Disaster Aid Surpasses $83.9 million

Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA

Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4059-007

» 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.V. — West Virginia residents in Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne counties who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will receive a letter after they apply for disaster assistance. The letter explains the current status of an individual’s disaster assistance application.

“We want to remind disaster survivors to carefully read the entire letter, because FEMA may need additional information,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. Criswell is in charge of FEMA’s response to the flooding and tornadoes between February 29 through March 5 and the flooding beginning March 15.

“It is important to know that the initial decision and amount of assistance, whatever it might be, could change when the applicant’s insurance or other government assistance is figured in,” Criswell said.

Sometimes people do not qualify for financial help right away because further documentation has to be submitted to FEMA. Some of the many reasons for a denial are:

  • Records have not been provided to show the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster;
  • The applicant has not received his or her insurance settlement;
  • Information may be needed such as a record of income or the correct address of the damaged property;
  • Proof of home ownership or rental documentation might be missing;
  • The Small Business Administration disaster loan application has not been returned; or
  • Essential documents are not signed.

“Just because the letter says an applicant isn’t eligible for disaster assistance, this does not necessarily mean FEMA’s decision is final,” said Criswell. “Applicants can ask FEMA to reconsider the decision if they disagree with what the letter says.”

If an applicant does not agree with FEMA’s decision, an appeal process is available. Appeals may relate to eligibility, the amount or type of help provided, a late application, a request to return money or continuing help. The appeal must be sent to FEMA and postmarked within 60 days of the date the decision letter is received. To appeal, applicants must follow these steps:

  1. Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance is not correct.
    1. When submitting the letter, include your full name, date and place of birth, and current address.
    2. You must sign the letter, and it must be notarized and include a copy of a state-issued identification card. Failing that, the letter must contain the following statement: “I hereby declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  2. Date the appeal letter and include your FEMA application number and the disaster number (located at the top of the decision letter).
  3. Mail the letter to:

    FEMA
    National Processing Service Center
    P. O. Box 10055
    Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

  4. Or fax the letter to:

    800-827-8112
    Attention: FEMA

For questions about the letter, the appeal process or to register for disaster assistance, applicants should call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Operators are on duty seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone, tablet or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov. FEMA’s App for Android phones can be downloaded at market.android.com/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android.

Applicants are urged to visit any Disaster Recovery Center after they go through the entire registration process. There they can get guidance on disaster recovery, clarify any letters or calls they may have received from FEMA and can also confer with SBA representatives. Disaster Recovery Center locations are available on DRC locator on the FEMA website: www.fema.gov

Filling out an SBA loan application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance. SBA personnel at the DRC can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size 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 along with the FEMA letter. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

Additional information is available at www.fema.gov and from the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at www.dhem.wv.gov.

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, 27-Mar-2012 16:05:05

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Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today delivered remarks at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando in preparation of the upcoming hurricane season. In his address, Fugate encouraged the emergency management team to work inclusively with all partners to meet the needs of the whole community when responding to and recovering from disasters. As he discussed the work that federal, state, local and tribal governments, and voluntary organizations do on a regular basis in preparation each year, Administrator Fugate also focused his remarks at this year’s conference about the importance of engaging the private sector early and often.

“We need to give the private sector a seat at the table,” said Fugate. “When we look at the disasters last year, the unreported story was how the private sector was a part of the recovery team. The sooner we can get private businesses — and government-backed infrastructure — up and running, the sooner communities will recover.”

Administrator Fugate also took the opportunity to remind this year’s participants to never lose sight of the fact that the impacts of hurricanes are wide-ranging. “Last year proved that the effects of hurricanes can impact areas beyond just the coast,” said Fugate. “As we look to 2012 we need to work together as a team, with all our partners, the private sector and the public to ensure that communities are prepared no matter where tropical storms impact.”

In wrapping up his remarks at the conference, Fugate encouraged those in attendance to plan beyond hurricane season. “We have to stop planning for the past storm,” said Fugate. “We have to be look forward and plan for all-hazards — understanding the current threats before us and what vulnerabilities we have.”

Following his remarks, Fugate participated in a panel discussion with National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon, and Walgreens Security Operations Center’s Jim Williams.

The National Hurricane Conference seeks to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in an effort to protect lives and property in the United States and the tropical islands of the Caribbean and Pacific. In addition, the conference serves as a national forum for federal, state and local officials to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management.

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, 27-Mar-2012 14:05:03

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Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference

April 1 Deadline for Public Assistance Requests

April 1 Deadline for Public Assistance Requests 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4055-001

» More Information on Oregon Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

SALEM, Ore. — Officials in 12 Oregon counties hit by January’s winter storms have until April 1 to submit official requests for federal assistance the Oregon Office of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency said today.

Filing a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) is the first step in the process to receive federal reimbursements under FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) grant program. Without it, applicants, including state agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations, cannot receive reimbursement for their eligible disaster-related expenses.

“Our goal is to help Oregon communities recover from these winter storms as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA.

PA grants are available to eligible applicants in Benton, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk and Tillamook counties.

FEMA will pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations providing essential community services.

Under the PA program, the state forwards the federal funds to eligible local governments or organizations that incurred disaster-related costs.

The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form and information about the PA process is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/fin_rec/dr-4055.shtml.

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, 27-Mar-2012 13:22:30

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April 1 Deadline for Public Assistance Requests

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4057-033

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA announces that the Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County will close Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 6 p.m. but disaster assistance will be only a toll-free phone call away.

If you have questions after the Laurel County recovery center closes or have not registered for assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. 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.

The center is open from 9  a.m. to 6 p.m. through March 29 at the following address:
CD Ward Masonic Lodge   
201 School Street
East Bernstadt, KY 40729

Survivors can visit any disaster recovery center in Kentucky. They can find other centers by calling the FEMA helpline or by using the disaster recovery center locator at www.fema.gov/drclocator.

Disaster Recovery Centers continue to be in operation in the following locations:

Johnson County:
Paintsville Recreation Center
232 Preston Street
Paintsville, KY 41240

Kenton County:
Goshen Christian Church
1773 Bracht Piner Road
Morning View, KY 41063

Lawrence County:
Lawrence County Community Center
180 Bulldog Lane
Louisa, KY 41230

Magoffin County:
First Baptist Church
134 Dixie Avenue
Salyersville, KY 41465

Martin County:
Roy F. Collier Community Center
387 E. Main Street
Inez, KY 41224

Menifee County:
Menifee County Fire Station
44 McCausey Ridge Road
Frenchburg, KY 40322

Morgan County:
Kentucky Housing Corporation
1084 Highway 7
West Liberty, KY 41472

Pendleton County:
Butler Baptist Church
107 Peoples Street
Butler, KY 41006

Disaster Recovery Centers provide survivors a one-stop location to get information that helps them through the recovery process.

The first step for individuals and businesses toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA:

  • By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. 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.
  • 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.

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, 27-Mar-2012 09:53:10

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FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday

FEMA Authorizes Funds To Help Fight Colorado’s Lower North Fork Fire

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FEMA Authorizes Funds To Help Fight Colorado’s Lower North Fork Fire

FEMA Registration Is "Fast And Simple"

FEMA Registration Is “Fast And Simple”

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4059-004

» 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. ­­– President Obama has designated four counties in West Virginia – Lincoln, Marion, Wayne and Logan — as eligible to apply for Individual and Households Assistance to help recover from the damage caused by the recent tornadoes, high winds and flooding. This means that thousands of families and businesses now can apply for federal support.

Lincoln, Marion and Wayne county residents may qualify for assistance for damages that were sustained from February 29 through March 5, and Logan County residents for damages resulting from the flooding that occurred from March 15 onward.

Homeowners, renters and businesses of any size that have sustained damages are being urged to register immediately with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin the process.

“You absolutely must register with FEMA as the first step in getting help,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said. “Even if you have been in touch with, or signed up with, state or county or local folks, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help Line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, Criswell said. “The process is fast and simple. Even if you are unsure if you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility. ”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a cell phone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Applicants should be ready to supply FEMA with his or her current contact information (mailing address, phone number, e-mail address or that of a friend or relative who can find the applicant), a Social Security number of any household member, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the problems and, if appropriate, any information about insurance coverage one might or might not have. The FEMA representative may ask for some other data, like the number of people residing in the property and the family’s gross annual income. All this information is critical to the process and will be kept in strict confidence by FEMA, Criswell said.

After registering with FEMA, applicants will be given a case number so they can follow the progress of their applications and to use when speaking to other FEMA personnel. To check on the status of one’s application, he or she can call the FEMA Help Line or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. This information will be available after 24 hours of initially registering with FEMA.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at these locations:

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

FEMA will send the applicant a copy of his or her application and some printed material to help explain the full process. These publications are available in English and Spanish.

Then an inspector will phone to arrange for a time and date when the property in question can be looked at and damages assessed. These inspectors are FEMA contractors who carry an official FEMA identification. Under no circumstances will any inspector ask for money or any other consideration to do his job. (It’s a good idea to note the inspector’s name and badge number.) Inspectors file their reports but do not decide on the applicants’ eligibility for assistance, according to FEMA officials.

The applicant must be present when the inspector arrives and be able to provide proof that he or she is the owner or renter of the property that was damaged and that it is the owner’s or renter’s primary residence.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration, SBA spokesman Michael Lampton said. These personnel can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. The 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, but filling out the application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance.

Applicants are urged to visit any Disaster Recovery Center after they go through the entire registration process. There they can get guidance on disaster recovery, clarify any letters or calls they may have received from FEMA and can also confer with SBA representatives.

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, 26-Mar-2012 17:09:06

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FEMA Registration Is “Fast And Simple”

FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound

FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-008

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that in FY2011, FEMA Region X provided $11,909,572 funding to the State of Washington to implement 19 new Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) projects in the Puget Sound Watershed.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to State and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to help communities prepare for future disasters by providing grants to implement long-term solutions for preparedness and protection against property damage and loss of life.

A primary eligible project type for FEMA’s five Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs is acquisition and demolition of flood prone structures. This results in the acquisition and conversion of developed land into permanent open space, in the form of native vegetation/wildlife habitat, active-use parks, and multi-use greenways.

A good example of a floodway buyout conversion into open space can be seen in King County, along the Cedar River in Maple Valley. This project was completed in 2008. In this project, called the Rainbow Bend Floodway Acquisition project, five residences on 6 parcels were purchased (see attached photos). The flood-prone houses were removed, and the vacant lands returned to their natural state. Now, where a row of houses stood too close to the river, there is riparian habitat.

In FY2011, six flood prone properties similar to the Rainbow Bend Acquisition project have been purchased for acquisition and demolition to be converted into permanent open space. When these projects are finished, six families will be spared the pain of repeated flooding, and the stretches of riverside where these homes once stood will be permanent open space.

Over the past three years, FEMA Region X has provided funding to the State of Washington to implement 101 new Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) projects in the Puget Sound Watershed. A total of 25 have been for acquisition/demolition of flood prone properties for conversion to permanent open space use. The total Federal share dollar value of these acquisition projects is $29.6 million, and 87 flood prone structures have been approved for acquisition.

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, 26-Mar-2012 14:49:03

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FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound

Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA

Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4057-032

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — If you are one of the over 4,000 Kentuckians who have registered for disaster assistance with FEMA, you may have a family member, a neighbor or just know someone who has not applied for help.

Getting assistance to everyone in the Commonwealth who is eligible is the reason the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Kentucky Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration officials have begun a “Tell Your Neighbor” campaign.

Individuals and households affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding of Feb 29 through March 2 should apply for assistance as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration number at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Speech- or hearing-impaired individuals may call TTY 800-462-7585. Individuals also can apply for disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

“We are enlisting the help of area residents to make sure no one is missing a chance to apply for help,” said Libby Turner, federal officer in charge of Kentucky recovery. “Tell Your Neighbor” is a coordinated effort to make sure communities and residents get their recovery underway and no one is left behind.”

Disaster officials encourage Kentucky survivors to tell their friends, family and neighbors who may be hesitant to register for disaster assistance.

Important aspects of “Tell Your Neighbor” are the need to register for assistance with FEMA and the importance of returning SBA loan applications, even though individuals may not want or need a loan from SBA. Completion of the SBA loan application may open the door to FEMA grants and other forms of assistance available to eligible residents. An insurance claim does not have to be settled to complete and submit an SBA loan application.

It is also important your friends and neighbors know they should register with FEMA for assistance even though they have insurance, because insurance may not meet all their needs, and a low-interest loan from the SBA may fill the gap to more fully recover from damage to your home.

Disaster assistance is not charity. Disaster assistance grants come from federal taxpayer money Congress specifically sets aside for that purpose. The assistance one individual may receive will not take away from another applicant’s federal assistance funds.

FEMA Housing Assistance in the form of grants may include rental assistance, home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. 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.

SBA disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property and business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code required upgrades and other costs not compensated for by insurance or other sources.

For more information about SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT), Saturday, at 800-659-2955 for information and assistance. Victims may apply online at http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 13:06:43

Taken from:  

Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA

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