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Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Center Closes in Berkeley

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A disaster recovery center in Berkeley County will close Friday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m.:

Pine Ridge Fire Station #1, 565 Myers Road, Summerville

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline. Survivors of Oct. 1-23 storms and flooding in Berkeley County can get help by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585; those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can use the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. All applicants may appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get questions answered about federal disaster assistance and the application process.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and zip code if they want to discuss their application.

Survivors may still visit other recovery centers to ask disaster assistance questions. They can locate the closest center by visiting asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans.

For the latest information on South Carolina flood recovery operations, visit scemd.org and fema.gov/disaster/4241.

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Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Center Closes in Berkeley

Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Eastover, Gadsden

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Two disaster recovery centers in Richland County will close Friday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m.:

Richland County Library Eastover, 608 Main St. in Eastover
Temple of Faith Church, 2850 Congaree Road, Gadsden

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline. Survivors of Oct. 1-23 storms and flooding in Richland County can get help by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585; those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can use the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. All applicants may appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and zip code if they want to discuss their application.

Survivors may still visit other recovery centers to ask disaster assistance questions. They can locate the closest center by visiting asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For the latest information on South Carolina flood recovery operations, visit scemd.org and fema.gov/disaster/4241.

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Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Eastover, Gadsden

More Californians Preparing For Severe El Nino Flood Risk: Residents Purchase 28,000 New Flood Insurance Policies in California

More Californians Preparing For Severe El Nino Flood Risk: Residents Purchase 28,000 New Flood Insurance Policies in California

28,084 New National Flood Insurance Program Policies Purchased in California since August

Oakland Calif., — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released new data on

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Policies, showing an increase of more than 20,000 new NFIP Policies written in California during the month of November 2015.

There is a 30 – 90 day waiting period for new policies to be reported to FEMA and the latest available data, released today, shows an increase of 28,084 new flood insurance policies purchased in California from August 31 – November 30, 2015.

“Flooding is the most costly and devastating disaster we face as a nation,” said FEMA Region 9 Administrator Robert Fenton. “The major increase in flood policies show Californians are taking the threat seriously and taking powerful steps to protect their families and property. Those who may need and not have a flood policy should act today, as policies generally take 30 days to go into effect.”

The 12% increase is the first of its kind in recent history. The previous reporting period showed that policies increased 3% from August 31 to October 31. During that timeframe, 7,181 new federal flood insurance policies were written in California.

“We are encouraged by the number of Californians that are becoming financially prepared for the flooding that is expected from El Nino,” said Janet Ruiz, California Representative for the Insurance Information Institute. “It is crucial to protect our families and homes by preparing for catastrophes ahead of time.”

FEMA administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and works closely with more than 80 private insurance companies to offer flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners. In order to qualify for flood insurance, the home or business must be in a community that has joined the NFIP and agreed to enforce sound floodplain management standards.

Flooding can happen anywhere, but certain areas are especially prone to serious flooding. Many areas in California are at increased flood risk from El Niño, as a direct result of wildfires and drought.

Residents should be aware of a couple things:
- You can’t get flood insurance at the last minute. In most cases, it takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to go into effect. So get your policy now.
- Only Flood Insurance Covers Flood Damage. Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage.
- Get all the coverage you need. Your agent can walk you through the policy.
Know your flood risk. Visit FloodSmart.gov (or call 1-800-427-2419) to learn more about individual flood risk, explore coverage options and to find an agent in your area.
Flood insurance covers flood, but there are other affects from flooding that may apply to you. Damage from mudflows is covered by flood insurance; damage from landslides and other earth movements is not. Speak to your agent.

NFIP is a federal program and offers flood insurance which can be purchased through private property and casualty insurance agents. Rates are set nationally and do not differ from company to company or agent to agent. These rates depend on many factors, which include the date and type of construction of your home, along with your building’s level of risk.

FEMA’s Region 9 office in Oakland, CA has established an El Niño Task Force and is working with the California Office of Emergency Services with the mission of preparing the Region and its partners for the impact of El Niño. The task force is evaluating the core capabilities needed to protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from any flooding that occurs across the region this winter. Last month, the FEMA Region 9 Office released its Draft Severe El Nino Disaster Response plan and convened a regional interagency steering committee meeting in Northern California to exercise the plan.

FEMA recognizes that a government-centric approach to emergency management is not adequate to meet the challenges posed by a catastrophic incident. Utilizing a “whole community” approach to emergency management reinforces that FEMA is only one part of our nation’s emergency management team.

Visit Ready.gov for more preparedness tips and information and follow FEMARegion9 on Twitter.

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More Californians Preparing For Severe El Nino Flood Risk: Residents Purchase 28,000 New Flood Insurance Policies in California

Receive Disaster Assistance from FEMA? Texans Should Spend Wisely & Well

AUSTIN, Texas ─ Disaster Assistance grants should be used only for disaster-related expenses. That’s the word from state emergency management officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA recommends money received for repairs to your home due to damage caused by October’s severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding should be used right away. While the assistance is tax free and the grants do not have to be repaid, survivors are reminded to use their funds wisely and solely for recovery.

When a grant is awarded, FEMA sends a letter listing examples of approved uses that include home repair, rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily, and other disaster-related expenses. These include repair or replacement of a flooded essential vehicle or medical care for an injury caused by the disaster. Disaster grants should not be used for regular living expenses, such as utility bills or food, medical or dental expenses not related to the disaster, travel, entertainment, or any other discretionary expenses not disaster-related.

“It’s important that individuals who suffered damages spend the money according to their specific grant,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes. “A letter explaining the purpose for the grant will be sent to the applicant.”

FEMA advises survivors to read the letter carefully, as it explains ways in which the grant money should be used. Recipients are advised to keep receipts from all purchases to show how funds were spent.

Home repair grants and rental assistance from FEMA does not require applicants to apply for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for additional assistance under the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program that may cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. There are other ONA grants, such as childcare, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses that do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan.

Survivors with questions regarding their application or who have not yet registered for assistance should visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4245, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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Receive Disaster Assistance from FEMA? Texans Should Spend Wisely & Well

City of Leon Valley, Texas, Unveiling High Water Mark, Announcing Initiative Targeting Local Flood Risk

DENTON, Texas – In October of 1998, the City of Leon Valley was devastated by flooding. On January 9, 2016, officials will unveil a High Water Mark in that city. They will also announce the start of a new initiative reminding residents of the community’s flood risks. Mayor Chris Riley will unveil the High Water Mark at Raymond Rimkus Park at 9:00 a.m.

The High Water Mark Initiative places a permanent High Water Mark on the Raymond Rimkus Park Walking Path. It encourages local residents and businesses to learn about their flood risks. They are also encouraged to make emergency plans and put together disaster supply kits. The initiative was based on tools and strategies developed by FEMA and eight other Federal agencies.

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Someone with a 30 year mortgage has a 26 percent chance of flooding. That’s more than twice the chance of a fire.

Visit www.leonvalleytexas.gov or call 210-684-1391 to learn more about this initiative and use the “Cost of Flooding” tool at https://www.FloodSmart.gov to see how much damage flooding can do to your home, inch by inch.

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Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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City of Leon Valley, Texas, Unveiling High Water Mark, Announcing Initiative Targeting Local Flood Risk

3 Months After Flooding, Federal Assistance to South Carolina Continues

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Ninety days after severe storms and flooding in South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have provided more than $219 million in grants and loans to assist in recovery.

FEMA is coordinating the full resources of the federal government to support the state as it leads recovery efforts. South Carolinians experienced severe losses as a result of the historic Oct. 1-23 flooding. Residents have visited disaster recovery centers more than 48,000 times. More than 25,000 people have participated in 113 public meetings in which FEMA representatives provided information about assistance. More than 101,000 South Carolinians have contacted FEMA to determine whether they qualify for assistance.

FEMA has operated 30 disaster recovery center locations in 24 counties. The federal agency is assisting the state as it works with long-term recovery organizations forming in South Carolina to help individuals and families who have unmet needs. The federal disaster recovery coordinator is working with the state recovery coordinator to identify gaps in assistance for communities that can be met by using resources from federal, state and private sources.

FEMA has awarded more than $79 million in grants to survivors for housing and other essential needs through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Assistance Program. Of that total, $68.9 million was for temporary rental assistance and $10.6 million was for other needs, such as medical, dental and other disaster-related expenses. FEMA has inspected more than 83,300 properties and approved 26,693 applicants for assistance.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program has provided $17.2 million in grants to state and local governments and local communities to cover not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs of emergency response, debris removal and the repair, restoration, replacement and mitigation of damaged public facilities. Additional projects are being formulated and reviewed and the amount of Public Assistance provided by FEMA will increase as more work is approved.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 4,300 low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $122.7 million.

Here is a breakdown of the assistance provided by FEMA and loans approved by the SBA as of close of business Jan. 4, 2016:

Individuals and Households Assistance
- More than $79.5 million approved to help survivors in their recovery.
  - More than $68.9 million of that amount approved for housing assistance such as temporary rentals and essential home repairs.
  - More than $10.6 million approved for Other Needs Assistance such as medical, dental and other serious disaster-related needs.

Public Assistance
- More than $17.2 million obligated for eligible projects.
SBA Loans
- More than $122.7 million approved.
More than $105.3 million approved in disaster home loans.
More than $16 million approved in business loans.
More than $1.3 million approved in economic injury disaster loans.

3 Months After Flooding, Federal Assistance to South Carolina Continues

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Mississippi

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Mississippi.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

Affected individuals and business owners in designated areas can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address and phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local and Tribal Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 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 engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, territory administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, local and tribal governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, local and tribal governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Mississippi

President Declares Major Disaster for Mississippi

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Mississippi to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of December 23-28, 2015.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Quitman, and Tippah counties

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work as a result of the severe storms and flooding in Benton, Marshall, and Tippah counties.

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

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

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only.

FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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President Declares Major Disaster for Mississippi

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Missouri Emergency Declaration

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s emergency disaster declaration issued for the State of Missouri.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

FEMA is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding.

Originally posted here:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Missouri Emergency Declaration

President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for Missouri

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the State of Missouri to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding beginning on December 22, 2015, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in Audrain, Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Boone, Butler, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cedar, Christian, Clark, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Howard, Howell, Iron, Jasper, Jefferson, Laclede, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Maries, Marion, McDonald, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Ralls, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Stone, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wright counties and the independent City of St. Louis.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Debris removal and emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.

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

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

Continued here –

President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for Missouri

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