FEMA Hires Local Residents for Disaster Recovery Jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, Nov. 14) — In partnership with the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aims to hire dozens of workers for a variety of temporary jobs in Blythewood, Florence and North Charleston.

Those selected will join the team—made up of state and federal workers, voluntary agencies, and community leaders—already in place to help the state recover from Hurricane Matthew. Through local hires, FEMA can gain community insight and give an added boost to the area’s economy.

Many FEMA employees started as local hires in their own states following a declared disaster.

Nationwide the FEMA workforce of 8,000 people includes full-time employees and reservists who travel across the country to help survivors recover after a disaster, including floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires and hurricanes.

In South Carolina, FEMA has the following positions currently available:

  • Environmental Specialist
  • Historic Preservation (Structures) Specialist
  • Couriers
  • Voluntary Agency Liaison
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Hazard Mitigation Program Community Outreach Education Specialist

Salaries are between $14 and $28 an hour. If needed, FEMA will post more jobs to take advantage of the large pool of talented workers in South Carolina. Positions are temporary. Qualified applicants should possess strong customer service skills, whether the job entails helping survivors in the field or serving as support staff in the office.

To become part of FEMA, go online to SCworks.org. Once there, interested parties should conduct a job search by employer. Then filter by “government” and enter “FEMA” as their keyword.

Each FEMA job candidate must be a U.S. citizen 18 years of age or older. Candidates must pass a complete background investigation, fingerprint check and credit check prior to being hired by FEMA. Disaster work may require 10-hour workdays seven days a week.

FEMA remains committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation and the people we serve. The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation and any other non-merit factor.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4286.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Hires Local Residents for Disaster Recovery Jobs

South Carolina Survivors Have 30 Days to Apply for Disaster Assistance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, Nov. 14) – Just one month remains for Hurricane Matthew survivors in South Carolina to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and submit loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The last day for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance is Tuesday, December 13. Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or relay service) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance from FEMA may include grants for homeowners or renters to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non- profit organizations, homeowners and renters. SBA loans help fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA are available to small businesses and private- nonprofits to assist with working capital needs as a direct result of the disaster. SBA loans are for uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. SBA advises it is not necessary to wait for an insurance settlement before submitting a loan application.

Eligible survivors should register now with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured losses.

Survivors who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the NFIP call center at 800-621-3362 (Option 2) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Specialists can help with service claims, provide general information regarding policies and offer technical assistance to aid in recovery.

After registering with FEMA, survivors who need one-on-one assistance may visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a list of DRC locations and hours, download the FEMA App to your mobile phone or visit asd.fema.gov/inter/locator. DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. The centers have magnifiers, tools to amplify sound, materials in alternative formats, and video remote interpretation. Sign language interpreters are available upon request.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation, go online to fema.gov/disaster/4286 or the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at scemd.org/recovery-section/ia.

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. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 websiteat www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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South Carolina Survivors Have 30 Days to Apply for Disaster Assistance

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Georgia Wildfires

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Georgia to fight the Tatum Gulf Fire burning in Dade County.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“FEMA has approved this request to make sure Georgia has the resources it needs to battle this fire,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “We will continue to work closely with the frontline responders who are fighting this wildfire.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted in the late evening of November 13, 2016. The fire started on November 11, and at the time of the request, had burned more than 250 acres of state and private land. The fire was threatening 150 homes in and around the City of Trenton and the Rising Fawn community. In addition, the fire is threatening utility lines, a communications tower, roads, and cultural resources. Currently, mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 200 people (60 homes) and evacuations are expected to continue. 

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fund firefighting activities when there is a fire threat that could cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Georgia Wildfires

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle North Carolina Wildfires

ATLANTA , Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to North Carolina to fight the Party Rock Fire burning in Rutherford and Buncombe counties.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“This wildfire constitutes a major threat to lives and property. FEMA has approved this request to ensure that North Carolina has the resources to fight this fire,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “State and local partners are the frontline responders battling this wildfire, and we will work closely with them.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted on the evening of November 11, 2016. The fire started on November 5 in Chimney Rock State Park, and had burned in excess of 1,101 acres of state and private land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 500+ homes in and around the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Shumont communities. Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 800+ citizens and evacuations are expected to increase. There are 20 other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state.

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fund firefighting activities when there is a fire threat that could cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

 

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle North Carolina Wildfires

Even if you have insurance—register for disaster assistance

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. —Even if you have homeowners’, renters’ or flood insurance, you are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Registering with FEMA is a primary step in qualifying for disaster assistance after contacting your insurance agent to see if disaster damage is covered.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, FEMA is advising survivors who live in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk or Virginia Beach with property damage to contact both their insurance company and FEMA. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 is the last day to apply to FEMA for disaster assistance.

If you are a homeowner or renter with insurance and your home or personal property was damaged by the storm:

  • You must contact your insurance agent to file a claim with your insurance company.

  • You should be prepared to fully describe to your agent the damage caused by the storms.

  • You should keep a record of all contact you have with the agent and the insurance company.

  • You should keep a record of the claim number and the date you called to make the claim.

  • Always keep all damage repair receipts.

  • FEMA will send you a letter requesting insurance claim documentation, such as a decision letter (settlement or denial) from your insurance company, in order to further process your application.

FEMA cannot duplicate benefits that are covered by insurance, but you may be eligible for help with losses not covered or those in excess of your insurance coverage. However, you will not be considered for this assistance until FEMA receives a decision letter from your insurance company.

Homeowners and renters may be eligible for FEMA Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grants to help with uninsured or underinsured expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster, including:

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Child care and

  • Funeral cost

Survivors who register and receive a Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan application should return the application. SBA applicants are not obligated to accept a loan; however, completing the application may make available additional FEMA assistance. Applicants who may not qualify for a SBA loan may be eligible for Other Needs Assistance.

FEMA encourages both insured and uninsured survivors who sustained disaster-related damage or losses to apply by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362 (TTY users should call 800-462-7585) or online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free lines are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. Jan. 3, 2017 is the last day for survivors to file an application.

 

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Even if you have insurance—register for disaster assistance

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Tennessee Wildfires

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Tennessee to fight the Flippers Bend Fire burning in Hamilton County.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“FEMA approved this request to ensure that Tennessee has the resources to combat this fire and protect lives, structures and property,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “State responders will continue the hard work to fight the fire with the help of this funding.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted after 9:00 PM EST on November 9, 2016. The fire started on November 5, and has burned in excess of 800 acres of state and private land. There are 47 other large fires burning uncontrolled across the state. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 45 homes in and around the Boston Branch community. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 15 to 20 homes and evacuations are expected to increase. The fire is also threatening the Town of Mont Lake and the Mile Straight community.

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fight fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

 

Link: 

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Tennessee Wildfires

Norfolk DRC opens today for survivor assistance

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.—Survivors who have damages from Hurricane Matthew are urged to visit the newly opened Norfolk Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register, apply for recovery assistance, and have their questions answered.

The center opened at noon today, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 and is located in the City of Norfolk Work Force Development Center building on Little Creek Road. Survivors may visit any DRC for assistance. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday until further notice. 

DRC locations include:

Norfolk:

Norfolk City Work Force Development Center

Room 208

201 Little Creek Road

Norfolk, VA 23505

Virginia Beach:

Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library

4100 Virginia Beach Blvd

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Enter main door, turn right, near Cafe

Chesapeake:

Virginia Division of Human Services

City of Chesapeake

100 Outlaw St.

Chesapeake, VA 23320

Enter main door, turn right

DRCs are jointly operated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

You don’t need to visit a DRC to register for Federal assistance, survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT until further notice. Help is available in almost any language.

Specialists at the recovery centers can review applicant cases, answer questions about claims, or review information needed to process their claims. Specialists from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and VDEM staff will be at each location.

To find a DRC location, go to: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers and click on ‘Search for a Disaster Recovery Center.’

Additional information about this disaster is available at www.fema.gov and www.vaemergency.gov. Virginians seeking information about disaster-related services needs should call Virginia 211, a statewide information and referral service.

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Norfolk DRC opens today for survivor assistance

Local Survivors get Help from Disaster Assistance Teams

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Virginia citizens will begin to see Disaster Survivor Assistance teams in certain affected disaster areas beginning as early as this week.

These community outreach teams are disaster recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). The teams will be canvassing the impacted areas to help survivors register for FEMA assistance. They can also check and verify information already provided by survivors, update their records, and discuss next steps in their recovery process.

You’ll know if the person knocking on your door is a FEMA representative because they will have official identification around their neck or pinned to their jackets. Team members also are meeting with representatives of community-based agencies, local leaders, and public officials.

It’s important to remember that if you were impacted by Hurricane Matthew in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach, you don’t have to wait to see a Disaster Survivor Assistance team in your area to register for FEMA assistance.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. You can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA).

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Once registered, both FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) encourage residents to apply for a low-interest disaster SBA loan to help fund their recovery and to ensure the federal disaster recovery process continues.

 Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the SBA may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and that do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Homeowners and renters with or without flood insurance are encouraged to complete the SBA loan application to continue their recovery process. Virginians who don’t complete that application may miss the opportunity to be eligible for FEMA Other Needs Assistance programs. Remember, applicants don’t have to accept the loan if you qualify for one.

Survivors should contact their own insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who are underinsured may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled.

For more information visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4291.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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.

 

Additional information about this disaster is available at FEMA.gov and VAemergency.gov.

 

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Local Survivors get Help from Disaster Assistance Teams

Begin Your Federal Recovery Process Now

If you live in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach and had damages as a result of Hurricane Mathew, take action now towards your recovery by registering with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. You can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA).

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

When you register for FEMA assistance a FEMA representative will ask you to provide information on disaster damage, proof of identity and residence, insurance and other documentation, to determine eligibility.

For those who do not have access to telephone or internet service, don’t be discouraged.  Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and FEMA are coming to you.  FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will soon be moving into affected communities to help people register for assistance.  Additionally, Commonwealth and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will soon be open in the near future in the affected localities.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

For more information visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4291.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

 

 

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Begin Your Federal Recovery Process Now

Floridian Survivors: FEMA Speaks Your Language

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Language is not a barrier to receiving federal disaster assistance. If you or someone you know wants to apply for assistance in a language other than English, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) probably can provide a translator or interpreter in your language.

More than 27 percent of Floridians speak a language other than English in their homes, with Spanish the most common, according to recent Census Bureau data.

FEMA has many ways to meet survivors’ language needs. Many FEMA employees are bilingual or multilingual and can assist survivors in their primary language during encounters in communities, at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) or at public meetings.

As Disaster Survivors Assistance Teams canvass neighborhoods in designated counties, they take special note of language needs and work with non-English speaking survivors to help them register. They are equipped with iPads that translate into languages that survivors understand.

Survivors can register for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov. or by calling 800-621-3362, where they can speak with an employee fluent in their language. However, it is helpful if someone who speaks English can assist the survivor when calling FEMA. The toll free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

In the wake of hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, FEMA has provided Floridians with translations in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Burmese, Arabic, Korean and German.

All Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate survivors who need disability-related communication aids. Each center provides communication accessibility tools for people with communication disabilities. An American Sign Language interpreter can be available by appointment at the Disaster Recovery Center when you visit.

Survivors who are deaf, hard-of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call

800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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Floridian Survivors: FEMA Speaks Your Language

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