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Severe Weather – Be a Force of Nature: Know Your Risk, Take Action, and Be an Example

NOAA, FEMA Launch First National Severe Weather Preparedness Week April 22-28

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: R5-12-005

» 2012 Region V News Releases

CHICAGO, Ill. — Sunday marked the start of the first National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are joining together to help save lives from severe weather by delivering the following important message to the public: know your risk, take action, and be a Force of Nature by taking proactive emergency preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same.

“Severe weather can strike with little or no warning and you may only have seconds to make life and death decisions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA regional administrator. “Preparing now can ensure you’re ready when severe weather strikes. Start by knowing your risk, take action by making your emergency plans and once you are prepared, encourage friends and neighbors to be prepared too.”

Just one year ago this week, the largest tornado outbreak in U.S. history stuck the central and southern United States with more than 300 tornadoes that claimed hundreds of lives. The historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies, and 2011 now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather-related disasters in the nation’s history.

Already this year, the Midwest and other portions of the country have experienced several waves of early and destructive severe storm and tornado outbreaks. The impacts of these events are a reminder that everyone should be prepared for the hazards faced in their communities. We are headed into May, the peak month for tornadoes in the U.S, which means now is the time to make preparedness a personal and national priority.

To “be a force of nature,” NOAA and FEMA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms, and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter before a severe weather event. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan in your home where family and visitors can see it. Learn community evacuation routes. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show that individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – be one of those sources. When you seek shelter after a warning, text, tweet or update your status so your friends and family will know you are safe. You might just save their lives by encouraging others to seek safety too. For more information on how you can prepare for severe weather, visit www.ready.gov/severe-weather

About NOAA
NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook , Twitter and our other social media channels.

About FEMA
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. Take the pledge and learn more information at www.ready.gov/severe-weather — and encourage the rest of your community to join.

Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2012 16:18:38

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Severe Weather – Be a Force of Nature: Know Your Risk, Take Action, and Be an Example

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Know Your Risk, Take Action, Be A Force Of Nature

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: R3-12-05

PHILADELPHIA, PA – As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to prepare the public and help save lives from severe weather.

The two agencies encourage the public nationwide and in FEMA Region III, to “know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature” by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same. While the type and severity of threats vary across the 10 FEMA Regions, the need to be prepared is universal.

Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation’s history.

In late August, 2011 strong hurricane activity in FEMA Region III produced devastating storms such as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. These two storms rocked communities due to widespread inland flooding, left their lingering and residual effects resulting one of the Region’s largest long term recovery missions.

Additionally, and almost simultaneously, FEMA Region III felt the impact of a multi-state earthquake that is still producing aftershock events still being felt in some areas. The earthquake reminded everyone that severe weather is unpredictable and that we must plan for every type of weather event.

“Severe weather can happen at any time and often with little or no notice.” said FEMA Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We can’t control where and when severe weather will hit but we can control how prepared we are as individuals and communities. By taking the time during Severe Weather Awareness Week to know your community’s risk, and plan accordingly, you are taking the first steps toward empowering yourself to become your own emergency manager,” added Tierney.

To “be a force of nature,” FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – and you can be one of those sources. When you go to shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know. You might just save their lives, too. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather

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 FEMA Region III on Twitter @FEMARegion3

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Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2012 16:17:58

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Severe Weather Awareness Week

Lincoln, Mingo Counties Designated For Federal Assistance For Flooding

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4061-040

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – State and federal officials have announced that residents of two more counties in the state are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help affected individuals, families and businesses recover from losses sustained in the March 15-31 flooding.

Help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is now available in Lincoln and Mingo counties. Disaster survivors in these counties who suffered losses during the flooding may apply for temporary housing assistance and housing repair, among several other benefits.

Residents of Lincoln County who suffered losses associated with the February 29-March 5 tornadoes and flooding must reapply to FEMA if they suffered losses directly from the March 15-31 flooding.

“The way to get started is to immediately register with FEMA,” said Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “You must register to find out if you are eligible for assistance. Having alerted or spoken to local authorities doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

Homeowners, renters and businesses should apply for disaster assistance as soon as possible by calling the FEMA Hotline at 1-800-621- 3362 or TTY at 1-800-462-7585. Multilingual assistance is available. This toll-free line is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

Other West Virginia counties that have been similarly designated are Harrison, Logan, Marion, Preston, Taylor and Wayne.

The deadline for registering with FEMA for affected residents in the added counties is May 21.

Also available are U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for individuals, renters and businesses to repair or replace damaged property.

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 16:34:11

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Lincoln, Mingo Counties Designated For Federal Assistance For Flooding

Disaster Unemployment Benefits Deadlines

Release Date: April 17, 2012
Release Number: 4059-030

» 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. — Self-employed residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the recent tornadoes and flooding have only a few days left to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program benefits. For the presidentially declared disaster of March 16, the deadline is April 23. For the disaster declared on March 22, the deadline is April 25.

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

The availability of benefits extends to those living or working in any of the four counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance. They are Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne counties.

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

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

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

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find your local Workforce office by dialing 211.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Apr-2012 11:28:55

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Deadlines

Report Insurance Settlement: FEMA Letter Not Always Last Word

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Release Number: 4058-031

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) emphasize the importance of filing storm-related insurance settlement information with FEMA. Reporting expenses covered by insurance is a required step to apply for FEMA aid to help recover from severe storms that impacted Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties from Feb. 29 through March 3.

A “no decision” letter from FEMA is not always the last word.

A letter from FEMA stating a decision has not yet been made about an application is not necessarily the last word. It may simply mean additional information is required, such as insurance settlement information. Hoosiers may have received such a letter because they still need to file their storm-related insurance settlement details to FEMA. Each applicant is considered on a case-by-case basis. Every storm-impacted resident should follow up with FEMA to learn the specifics of his or her individual case.

A delay in submitting insurance settlement information can delay FEMA inspection.

Reporting insurance coverage helps continue the FEMA application process. Generally, not until insurance settlement information is provided can a visit from an inspector be scheduled. Waiting to submit insurance information can delay the inspection, which will pause the application process.

Hoosiers who have not yet received their insurance settlement may contact FEMA online or through the FEMA toll-free help line to explain their situations. Individuals should be prepared to provide to FEMA:

documentation from the insurance company proving the claim has been filed;
a claim number;
the date of application; and
the estimated time required to receive the settlement.

Any help awarded in advance by FEMA that is duplicated by the settlement must be repaid to FEMA once an insurance settlement is received.

While the law forbids federal payment for loss covered by insurance, financial aid may be provided for loss not covered. Hoosiers affected by recent storms are encouraged to follow up with FEMA to determine their eligibility, even if they think they will not qualify for assistance.

How to report insurance settlement

Applicants may mail in their insurance settlement information to:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Insurance settlement information may also be faxed to: (800) 827-8112.

Register with FEMA now

It is important to register with FEMA now. Occasionally, the insurance settlement process may take several months before it is final, perhaps until after the registration period has ended. To be considered for federal assistance, residents must apply before the May 8 deadline, even if the insurance claims process is not complete.

To register, applicants may call FEMA’s toll-free registration and help line number. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at 1-800-621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Register online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Monday, 16-Apr-2012 16:56:02

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Report Insurance Settlement: FEMA Letter Not Always Last Word

Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors

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

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

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

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

The type of assistance available includes:

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

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

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 10:58:14

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Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEMA provides one phone number for homeowners, renters and businesses to register for assistance and to receive help after registering: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
By smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 10:07:06

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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

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

What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

Release Date: April 1, 2012
Release Number: 4060-014

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee residents who, as a result of the Feb. 29 March 2 tornadoes, receive disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urged to spend their funds wisely.

Survivors who applied for disaster assistance with FEMA will receive letters about where they are in the application process, what to do next or how they should spend grant money.

Applicants should onlyuse their grants to meet specific disaster-related needs.

Most disaster grants from FEMA are deposited electronically, followed by a letter explaining how the money should be spent.

Housing Assistance grants are intended for basic housing repairs, such as replacing doors and windows or repairing a roof. Housing Assistance grants may also be used for short-term rent payments or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses.

Other Needs Assistance grants are intended to help replace essential personal property and meet disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses. The money may also be used to help repair or replace a car damaged by the disaster and to replace work-related tools.

FEMA grants shouldn’t be used for luxury goods such as flat-screen televisions, video games or other entertainment electronics. Grants may be audited, so survivors should keep receipts for three years to document disaster-related expenses.

If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, a recipient may have to pay it back and may lose eligibility for any further help.

The first step 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 and use TTY may call 800-462-7585.
By computer visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:00:35

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FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

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