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Louisiana Disaster Survivors: Don’t Throw That SBA Loan Application Away!

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you’re a survivor of the Louisiana storms and flooding that struck the state March 8 through April 8 and you’ve received an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan, you should complete and return it as soon as possible.

Obtaining a low-interest disaster loan may be the solution to your recovery needs by providing you the funds you need for home repair, rebuilding and property loss. Returning the application also may lead you to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery grants that do not have to be repaid.

While no survivor is obligated to accept a loan, you will be considered for other federal disaster assistance only if you return the SBA loan application.

There are important reasons for you to file the loan application (even if you don’t think you currently need a loan):

Your insurance settlement may fall short. As you began to recover from the effects of your personal disaster, you may discover that you were underinsured for the amount of work required to repair or replace your home. An SBA low-interest disaster loan can cover the gap.
SBA will work with you to provide a loan that fits your personal budget. If you already have a mortgage on damaged property, SBA specialists can help with a low-interest loan you can afford. In some cases, that may mean your current mortgage loan could be included in your SBA loan which could give you one overall, affordable loan payment on your home.
Don’t know how you’ll replace household contents or vehicles? SBA may be able to help. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate. Both homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
What about businesses that were damaged? If you’re a business owner, you may be able to borrow up to $2 million for physical damage and economic injury.
By submitting your SBA loan application, you keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. If SBA does not approve a loan, you may be offered a FEMA grant or grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses or meet other serious disaster-related needs.

SBA Loans have Low Interest Rates.

Interest rates for loans for homeowners and renters can be as low as 1.813 percent. For private nonprofit organizations rates can be a low as 2.625 percent. For businesses rates can be as low as 4 percent.

Even if you qualify for an SBA loan, you are under no obligation to accept it.

Refinancing and relocation loans may be available on a case-by-case basis. Survivors are encouraged to speak with an SBA representative for details.

For more information, call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (800- 877-8339 TTY). Homeowners, renters and businesses may visit SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply online for disaster loans.

Although it’s not required to register with FEMA to apply for an SBA loan, you are strongly urged to do so as grants could be available to you from FEMA.

Register with FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance: call 800-621-FEMA (3362), register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4263. Help is available in many languages. Cuando llame al 800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.
Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-426-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, every day.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s 511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation

The U.S. Small Business Administration (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 SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Louisiana Disaster Survivors: Don’t Throw That SBA Loan Application Away!

Texans Urged to Apply for Low-Interest Disaster Loans to Aid Recovery

AUSTIN, Texas – Federal officials are urging applicants for federal assistance from the April 17-24 floods to complete a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of their recovery process.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and SBA said residents of eight counties – Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Parker, Waller and Wharton – who sustained damage or losses from the storms and flooding should complete the loan application even if they don’t want a loan.

“Don’t be fooled by the name. The SBA helps homeowners and renters, too,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “If you don’t complete the SBA loan application, you could be leaving ‘money on the table,’ for your recovery.”

That’s because Other Needs Assistance grants can pay for uninsured losses for storage, furniture, appliances and other personal property – even a car – but only if the individual or household does not qualify for the SBA loan.

Even if applicants are approved for a loan, they don’t have to take it. Assistance from FEMA can be used to help jump-start the recovery; it may not cover all damage or property loss. If approved, and the loan is not accepted, it may make the survivor ineligible for additional federal assistance.

Many Texans who register for disaster assistance with FEMA will receive an automated call from SBA with information on how to complete the loan application process. These low-interest SBA loans are the major source of funding for disaster recovery.

SBA provides low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes as well as landlords, homeowners, renters and eligible private nonprofit organizations that sustained disaster damage. There is no cost to apply for a loan.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for home repair or replacement of primary residences, and eligible homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property, including a vehicle.
Businesses of all sizes can qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest loans to help cover physical damage.
Small businesses and most private nonprofits suffering economic impact due to the severe weather and flooding can apply for up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Applicants may apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are available online at SBA.gov/disaster, from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Completed applications should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Road

Fort Worth, TX 76155

People with storm losses from April who need to register with FEMA can go online anytime at

DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors also can register with FEMA by phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362 (FEMA), TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

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Texans Urged to Apply for Low-Interest Disaster Loans to Aid Recovery

How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Some survivors, who registered for federal disaster assistance after the March storms and flooding, may have received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that says they are ineligible. However, the reason for the decision may be something that can be easily fixed, such as providing insurance documents or new contact information.

Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision.

The first step is to look at the specific reason the letter was sent. If it isn’t clear, or more information is needed, a specialist at the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711, video relay service) can help. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Information is also available online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail or fax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter.

Mail appeals to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Appeals and documents can be faxed to 800-827-8112.

Information on how and where to file an appeal is included with the letters and in the “Help After a Disaster” booklet, which can be downloaded at FEMA.gov/help-after-disaster.

Effective appeal letters should follow these procedures:

In the first paragraph, list the applicant’s full legal name used on the aid application, along with Social Security number and the FEMA case number. Include a personal phone number as well as a back-up phone number where the applicant also can be reached, in addition to a correct mailing address.
Write an explanation of events that provides evidence to support the appeal. Summarize changes in circumstances or needs, additional damage to property discovered after the registration was filed or higher-than-anticipated costs for repairs.
Include photocopies of receipts for materials and labor as well as up to three written bids for repair work if those costs exceed the award amount. Submitting repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices is recommended.
Keep a copy of the appeal letter and supporting documentation as a record.

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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 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585.

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How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

FEMA Helpline Can Assist Disaster Survivors

RIDGELAND, Miss. – The disaster recovery centers operated jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are closed, but help is still available for Mississippians affected by the March floods.

The FEMA helpline can assist with appeals, answer questions, provide the status of applications and discuss the documents needed to move an application forward.

The FEMA helpline number is 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can 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.

Disaster survivors who registered via DisasterAssistance.gov may access their account and provide additional information to FEMA. For others, documents and appeal letters may be faxed to FEMA at 800-827-8112.

FEMA disaster survivor assistance teams are actively monitoring disaster survivor needs in Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Panola, Perry, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Washington counties.

Survivors with questions about the U. S. Small Business Administration disaster loan program can call 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money to help business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters rebuild and recover after a disaster. SBA low interest disaster loans repair and replace property losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or

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FEMA Helpline Can Assist Disaster Survivors

Five Years of Progress after Historic Tornadoes

Atlanta — Five years after tornadoes devastated the southeast and resulted in four federal disaster declarations in five days, hard-hit communities are building back stronger. To date, assistance to residents and communities in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee from the Federal Emergency Management Agency totals more than $504 million.

“The success of community recovery comes through strong partnerships at the local, state and federal levels. Together we have focused on rebuilding communities that are stronger and more sustainable for the future,” said Gracia Szczech, FEMA’s Region IV Regional Administrator.

Alabama by-the-numbers:

To date, assistance to Alabama’s residents and communities from the Federal Emergency Management Agency totals more than $361 million.

In Alabama, 88,229 individuals and families received $77,332,325 in Individual Assistance grants. More than $70 million was provided within a year of the storms, giving residents a helping hand in rebuilding their lives and restoring livelihoods.

The state and FEMA provided $343,990 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance to 333 survivors who lost jobs as a result of the tornadoes.

FEMA provided $4,810,399 to fund crisis counseling programs to help adults and children deal with the trauma and stress of surviving and recovering from the tornadoes.

Through collaborative efforts, FEMA and the state of Alabama provided temporary housing units to 307 families.

More than $202 million has been obligated as federal share reimbursements through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations; and more than $1.36 million was obligated as part of these Public Assistance projects to build stronger, safer, more resilient communities and mitigate against future damage. To date, nearly 96 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the State.

Some 4,492 residential and community tornado safe rooms have been approved to be built with $76.8 million obligated through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program. Mitigation forms the foundation of a community’s long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction and repeated damage.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided $114,494,500 in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters in Alabama rebuild.

Tennessee by-the-numbers

Tennessee residents and communities have received more than $70.8 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Nearly $8.6 million in Individual Assistance grants were provided to 8,845 individuals and families. More than $8.28 million of the total was provided within a year of the storms.

FEMA provided more than $690,000 to fund crisis counseling programs to help adults and children deal with the trauma and stress of surviving and recovering from the tornadoes.

More than $52 million has been obligated as federal share reimbursements through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to the state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations. To date, more than 96 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the state.

FEMA obligated nearly $8.7 million to Tennessee through its Hazard Mitigation Grant program. Projects include eight safe rooms.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided more than $10 million in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters rebuild.

Mississippi by-the-numbers

Mississippi’s residents and communities have received more than $38.9 million from the FEMA.

More than $10.7 million in Individual Assistance grants were provided to 7,259 individuals and families. More than $9.9 million of the total was provided within a year of the storms.

More than $24.3 million has been obligated as FEMA’s share reimbursements through the Public Assistance program to the state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations. To date, more than 96 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the state.

FEMA, MEMA and local jurisdictions also considered the safety of residents in the future. With more than $3 million in FEMA assistance through its Hazard Mitigation Grant program, communities across the state are using the funds to implement safe and smart building practices.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided more than $10 million in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters rebuild.

Georgia by-the-numbers

FEMA provided Georgia’s residents and communities more than $12 million in recovery assistance.

Individual Assistance grants of nearly $5.6 million were provided to 5,461 individuals and families. More than $5 million of the total was provided within a year of the storms.

FEMA provided $350,807 to fund crisis counseling programs to help adults and children deal with the trauma and stress of surviving and recovering from the tornadoes.

More than $21 million has been obligated as federal share reimbursements through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to the state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations. To date, more than 91 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the State.

FEMA has obligated more than $4 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant program for communities across the state to become more resilient from disasters.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided $8,492,000 million in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters rebuild.

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Five Years of Progress after Historic Tornadoes

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Flagler County Ready for Public Viewing

ATLANTA– Newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for coastal areas of Flagler County, FL will be available for residents to review at a public open house at the Hammock Community Center on May 5, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when updated maps become effective they are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides residents of Flagler County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house.

The open house will be held between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The open house date and location is:

May 5

Hammock Community Center

79 Mala Compra Rd.

Palm Coast, FL 32137

The new preliminary maps were developed through a partnership among Flagler County, its municipalities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are based on updated available modeling and data and show improved flood hazard risk better than older maps. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners, business owners, and renters insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 888-379-9531 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Flagler County Ready for Public Viewing

Disaster Recovery: How Texans Can Volunteer and Help Texas Survivors

AUSTIN, Texas — In the face of disaster, Texans always come together with courage, compassion and unity to ask, “How can I help?”

If you want to volunteer for disaster work, there are many tasks that can aid in recovery – cleaning-up and rebuilding are two of the biggest. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that volunteering through a local voluntary organization may be the best way to find meaningful volunteer work after the disaster.

Such organizations are often in the best position to know about opportunities for immediate volunteer needs as well as volunteers in the long and difficult recovery phase. In addition, going through an established organization provides a better chance of having insurance and liability protection when you work as a volunteer.

The Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TXVOAD) is a good source to find the local organizations in need of volunteers. TXVOAD represents more than three dozen faith-based, community, nonprofit and non-governmental groups that include volunteer engagement as a key component of their operations. Showing up at a disaster site unexpectedly can create an additional burden for first responders. If you want to help, it is advised to first reach out to an organization that is coordinating recovery needs in your community.

For a complete list of these organizations, with links to their websites, visit Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

In the immediate disaster response period there are often many people who want to volunteer at the same time. Be patient because it may not be clear until weeks after the incident how volunteers can get involved. There are often greater needs for volunteer help when the community enters the long-term recovery period which can be weeks or even months after a disaster.

Texans can learn more about volunteering and the benefits of volunteering during a disaster by viewing this video at go.usa.gov/cuX3V.

If you cannot volunteer your time or talent, FEMA officials say making a donation to an organization involved in disaster recovery is a sensible, efficient way of helping the people in need. Cash contributions to volunteer organizations make good sense for a number of reasons:

Financial contributions help ensure a steady flow of important services to disaster survivors in need;
Local organizations spend the money in the local disaster area, accelerating recovery of the local economy;
Cash donations – rather than unsolicited donated goods – avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, transporting and distributing the goods; and
With a receipt, cash donations to recognized relief organizations are tax-deductible.

If a disaster survivor has needs, they can call 211 to be matched with a volunteer group that can help.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit us at Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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Disaster Recovery: How Texans Can Volunteer and Help Texas Survivors

President Declares Major Disaster for the Republic of the Marshall Islands

WASHINGTON –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available under the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as amended, due to ongoing severe drought.

The President’s action makes federal funding available for U.S. Government emergency relief and reconstruction assistance to the Republic of the Marshall Islands in accordance with Public Law 108-188, as amended, including Article X of the Federal Programs and Services Agreement to the Compact of Free Association. Republic of the Marshall Islands President Heine requested a disaster declaration on April 1, 2016.

The United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance will coordinate U.S. Government disaster assistance efforts in conjunction with FEMA and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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.

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President Declares Major Disaster for the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Mitigation Advice Available at Olive Branch Home Depot

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Are you repairing or rebuilding damaged property? Have questions about flood insurance? Want to protect your property from potential loss or damage from future disasters? Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists are in Olive Branch to answer questions on building stronger.

Advisers are available April 28 to May 3 at the Home Depot at 7740 Craft Goodman Road in Olive Branch. They will be in the store today from noon to 7 p.m. and Friday through Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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Mitigation Advice Available at Olive Branch Home Depot

Temporary Housing Help Available from FEMA for Displaced Survivors

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippians whose homes were destroyed or made unlivable by the recent storms and flooding can turn to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance.

FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, as well as local communities, are committed to helping survivors find options for safe housing following the disaster that began March 9. FEMA also wants to help survivors return to their homes.

Those who are unable to remain in their homes made unsafe, unlivable or inaccessible by the disaster, can contact FEMA for assistance in finding temporary housing. Financial assistance for renting temporary housing is available for eligible survivors.

To be considered eligible, survivors first must register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling FEMA’s Helpline (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Other eligibility requirements include:

Proof that the primary residence is unsafe, unlivable or uninhabitable and within the disaster-designated county;
Insured survivors must have filed for insurance benefits and found that the damage to the property is not covered by insurance, the insurance settlement is insufficient or the settlement has not yet been received.
Damage must have occurred between March 9 and 29, 2016.

FEMA rental assistance is temporary and is not designed to be a permanent housing option. Rental assistance serves as a bridge until survivors secure permanent housing.

The U.S. Small Business Administration can provide long-term rebuilding assistance in the form of low-interest disaster loans to qualified individuals in their recovery.

Businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hard of hearing) or by visiting SBA.gov. Survivors may also apply for disaster loans at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Both FEMA and SBA are prohibited by law from duplicating insurance benefits. But, if the survivor’s insurance falls short of meeting the need, the survivor may be eligible for help from either or both agencies.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster4268 and msema.org.

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Temporary Housing Help Available from FEMA for Displaced Survivors

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