FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand 

Release Date: March 30, 2012
Release Number: 4059-006

» 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. – Registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and completing a Small Business Administration disaster-loan application are often both necessary for many West Virginians needing help in recovering from the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“The first step toward disaster recovery is registering with FEMA,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “The next step is completing and returning the SBA disaster-loan application if one is mailed to you. Both businesses and disaster survivors are eligible for SBA loans.”

Homeowners and renters should complete and return the SBA application, even if they don’t want a loan or don’t expect to qualify for one, officials said. A completed SBA loan application is needed in order to qualify for state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

Applicants can register by phone by calling the FEMA Help Line at (800)-621-3362. TTY users can call (800)-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Applicants can also resister 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.”

For qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations in Logan, Lincoln, Marion and Wayne counties, SBA disaster loans can be used to pay for disaster-related damages. People with home-based businesses or rental property who have been affected by the storms may also be eligible for SBA loans.

Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property lost in the disaster.

Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also provides small business owners and most private nonprofit organizations “economic injury” disaster loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. Economic injury disaster loans are available even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

Loan amounts and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. Interest rates are as low as
1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses. Payment terms can be as long as 30 years.

SBA representatives are available at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help individuals complete and submit disaster-loan applications and answer any questions. The locations of the centers are available at fema.gov. Click on the link “Apply for Assistance” and then “Disaster Recovery Center locations.”

The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955; TTY is (800)-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the Web site at www.sba.gov.

Loan applications can be filled out online at SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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: Friday, 30-Mar-2012 14:38:56

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FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged To Complete SBA Disaster Loan Applications

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged To Complete SBA Disaster Loan Applications 

Completing low-interest disaster loan applications is a vital step towards recovery or additional grants…

Release Date: March 28, 2012
Release Number: 4060-010

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee residents affected by the Feb. 29 – March 2 tornadoes need to complete and return the disaster loan application they received after registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The loan application could be the key to rebuilding a damaged home or business.

Survivors are urged to consider low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. While FEMA assistance addresses the immediate needs of disaster survivors, it is low-interest disaster loans that can help homeowners, renters and businesses handle the larger costs of rebuilding or replacing personal property and contents.

Although survivors are not required to accept a disaster loan if one is offered, completing the SBA application is a part of the process and is a key to receiving other assistance, such as FEMA grants, in the 10 Tennessee counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations in these counties who qualify, can use SBA disaster loans to pay for disaster-related damages. Businesses or owners of rental property affected by the storm may also be eligible.

The SBA offers loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace primary residences and up to $40,000 for personal property damages, including automobiles. The interest rate on disaster loans for homeowners may be as low as 1.875 percent, with terms up to 30 years.

Loans to businesses may be up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4 percent. These loans may help with repairs, replacement of property, and working capital for economic injury. The SBA provides small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations economic injury disaster loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. Economic injury disaster loans are available even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

SBA representatives at all nine Tennessee disaster recovery centers are available to help individuals complete and submit loan applications and answer any questions.

Survivors may apply for SBA disaster loans before insurance claims are settled. The loans may be used to refinance existing mortgages on homes and businesses in certain cases. They may also be used to relocate on a case-by-case basis.

The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number is 800-659-2955 or (TTY) 800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

Loan applications can be completed online at SBA’s website: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
The deadline to complete and return applications is May 15, 2012.

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 16:28:53

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Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged To Complete SBA Disaster Loan Applications

FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4058-016

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In the wake of disasters, people often wonder whether there is a way to protect themselves and their property from devastating loss. The answer is yes!

Mitigation specialists from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be at Menards, 2808 Menards Drive, Evansville, Ind., this week to offer free information and answer questions about rebuilding.

The FEMA team will be in the store beginning March 29 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday April 1.

In addition to answering questions, mitigation specialists will have information about how to rebuild safer and stronger and provide steps that may lessen storm damage in a future disaster. This ranges from creating a disaster family plan to building a “safe room” — a shelter designed to provide occupants a safe place to go when severe weather threatens.

As people repair or rebuild, this is an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures. Small changes can make a big difference the next time storms strike and can lessen the damage and financial impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole. An independent study shows each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $4 by reducing future losses due to disasters.

A series of free mitigation publications is available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include: Taking Shelter from the Storm, Rebuilding for a More Sustainable Future, Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting and Understanding Your Risks and Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

Survivors can apply for federal disaster assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 for speech- or hearing-impaired applicants. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call (800) 621-3362. Registration is also available online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

Federal disaster aid was made available on March 9 to the State of Indiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts for homeowners, renters and business owners in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes during the period of Feb. 29 to March 3, 2012 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

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 10:03:39

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

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 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 Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice 

Alcoa, Chattanooga and Cleveland displays open Saturday, March 25

Release Date: March 24, 2012
Release Number: 4060-006

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be in Alcoa, Chattanooga and Cleveland to provide free rebuilding information Sunday, March 25, through Saturday, March 31. Mitigation is building or rebuilding to reduce the loss of life, the loss of property and damage caused by (future) disasters.

Advisors have suggestions and publications to help homeowners, renters and business owners protect their families, properties and businesses against damaging winds, floods and fires.

FEMA mitigation advisors will be available Sunday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Lowe’s Home Improvement
2180 Gunbarrel Road
Chattanooga, TN. 37421

Lowe’s Home Improvement
229 Paul Huff Parkway
Cleveland, TN. 37312

Lowe’s Home Improvement
1098 Hunters Crossing
Alcoa, TN. 37701

Mitigation measures help reinforce structures against high wind, flood, fire and other hazards.

The mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish, including:

  • Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now
  • Taking Shelter From the Storm
  • Help After a Disaster
  • Tornado Protection

For more information about strengthening property visit www.fema.gov/rebuild/. Or visit www.tnema.org/ema/preparedness/mitigation.html.

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 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 10:45:26

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FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties 

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Release Number: 4060-005

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the openings of disaster recovery centers in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding Feb. 29 – March 2. The centers will open at noon Saturday, March 24, and will remain open that day until 6 p.m.

Sunday hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Beginning Monday, March 26, center hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The centers will remain open until further notice.

Representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors register for disaster aid.

The disaster recovery centers will be located at the following addresses:

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 38750

If possible, before visiting a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants using TTY can call 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If using a smartphone or tablet, register at m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the SBA to cover disaster related damages or losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

For more information, visit www.TNEMA.org and www.FEMA.gov/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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 08:47:58

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Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties

Community Relations Teams Canvassing Areas Hit By Tornadoes In Tennessee

Community Relations Teams Canvassing Areas Hit By Tornadoes In Tennessee 

Release Date: March 22, 2012
Release Number: 4060-003

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

ATLANTA, Ga. — Community relations specialists from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are currently working in ten Tennessee counties assisting survivors of the severe storms that occurred Feb. 29 – March 2.

The ten counties in middle and east Tennessee were recently designated for federal disaster assistance.

Teams are going door-to-door in the impacted communities to share and gather information and to identify possible unmet needs. Officials want individuals and small business owners to know about all available disaster assistance programs. 

Federal help in the form of grants and low-interest loans may be available to homeowners and renters affected by the storms. Grants for temporary housing, basic home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs are available. Homeowners, renters and businesses may also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Community relations team members wear ID badges and either FEMA or Tennessee Disaster Response shirts. When community relations specialists meet a disaster survivor with unmet needs, they pass that information on to state, federal or voluntary agency staff best able to respond. They also meet with representatives of community-based agencies, community leaders and public officials to explain the disaster assistance process.

Survivors should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants using TTY can call 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can also register by computer online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If using a smartphone or tablet, register at m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the SBA to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

For more information, visit www.TNEMA.org and www.FEMA.gov/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: Thursday, 22-Mar-2012 15:50:31

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Community Relations Teams Canvassing Areas Hit By Tornadoes In Tennessee

Federal Disaster Specialists Will Be In Holton For One Day Saturday

Federal Disaster Specialists Will Be In Holton For One Day Saturday 

Release Date: March 22, 2012
Release Number: 4058-012

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

INDIANAPOLIS – Disaster recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the Holton Fire Department in Holton from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for one day on Saturday, March 24.

Staff and services will be available to provide assistance to individuals who suffered damage from severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from Feb. 29 through March 3.

Holton Fire Department
38 South Marion St.
Holton, IN 47023

Specialists from FEMA will be on hand to answer questions about registration for disaster assistance and about hazard mitigation and provide information and contacts for other programs. SBA specialists will answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, explain the application process, issue applications and help individuals complete their applications.

Individuals impacted by the storms should register with FEMA before meeting with specialists. One easy way to apply is to call the telephone registration line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Assistance is available for impacted individuals and businesses in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties. May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

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

Last Modified: Thursday, 22-Mar-2012 14:24:24

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Federal Disaster Specialists Will Be In Holton For One Day Saturday

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