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

  • Richland County Library Eastover, 608 Main St. in Eastover

  • Temple of Faith Church, 2850 Congaree Road, Gadsden

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

Survivors can use the helpline to:

  • Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.

  • Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. All applicants may appeal.

  • Inquire about the status of a registration.

  • Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

  • Receive information about FEMA home inspections.

  • Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

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

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

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

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

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

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Disaster recovery centers in South Carolina will operate on different schedules around the New Year’s holiday.

All recovery centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and be closed on New Year’s Day. Most of the centers will reopen Jan. 2 and operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm or call 800-621-3362 to find the closest center.

The deadline for registering for FEMA assistance is Jan. 3, 2016. Because the deadline falls on a Sunday, FEMA will accept registrations through the following business day, Monday, Jan. 4. Survivors also have until Jan. 4 to return SBA disaster loan applications.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are available by calling the FEMA helpline. Applicants can get help by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585; those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice and will be closed New Year’s Day.

 

Survivors can use the helpline to:

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

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

 

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Holiday Hours for Disaster Recovery Centers

COLUMBIA, S.C.  – A few days remain for South Carolina residents affected by Oct. 1-23 storms and flooding to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency is Jan. 3, 2016. Because the deadline falls on a Sunday, FEMA will accept registrations through the following business day, Monday, Jan. 4. That also is the deadline for returning the disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Applicants are not required to accept a loan, if offered, but returning the completed application may lead to other grant assistance from FEMA.

Survivors who sustained losses in the 24 designated counties can apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline toll-free 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711/Video Relay Service  800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day and will be closed New Year’s Day.

Assistance can include money for temporary rental assistance for homeowners and renters, financial assistance for disaster-related homeowners, essential home repairs for primary homes, personal property losses, and other needs such as medical, dental, funeral and transportation expenses.

When registering, survivors must provide information such as date of loss, loss descriptions, Social Security number, current mailing address and damaged home address, including ZIP codes, telephone numbers, insurance information, the names of household members at the time of the disaster and bank account information if they want to have money deposited directly if found eligible.

Homeowners may be eligible to receive SBA low-interest loans of up to $200,000 for flood-related repairs to their primary residences. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal items such as appliances, furniture and vehicles. Businesses and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace flood-damaged property. Eligible applicants may be able to borrow money from the SBA before insurance claim decisions.

For information about SBA disaster loans, survivors may visit the SBA website sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-659-2955. Survivors may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

 

Survivors can call the FEMA helpline to:

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

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

As of Dec. 27, 2015, FEMA has inspected 81,283 structures and approved $78 million in disaster assistance to 26,108 eligible applicants.

 

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Originally posted here:

A Few More Days to Register for FEMA Assistance

COLUMBIA, S.C. South Carolina residents affected by Oct. 1-23 storms and flooding can get information and answers to questions by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s helpline.

Residents can call the helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Survivors who use TTY may call 800-462-7585; those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. They can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA will accept applications for federal disaster assistance until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. Because the Jan. 3 deadline falls on a Sunday, the agency will allow flood survivors to register the following business day.

The helpline provides many services. Survivors can use the helpline to:

  • Register for federal assistance. Households should register only once.

  • Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.

  • Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. All applicants may appeal.

  • Inquire about the status of a registration.

  • Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

  • Receive information about FEMA home inspections.

  • Get questions answered about federal disaster assistance and the application process.

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

Survivors should have the following information before registering:

  • Date of loss

  • Social Security number

  • Current mailing address and damaged home address, including ZIP Code

  • Telephone numbers

  • Names of household members at the time of the disaster

  • Insurance information

  • Total gross income for the household

  • Bank account numbers if they want to have money deposited directly, if eligible

  • Loss descriptions

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

View original article – 

FEMA Helpline Can Answer Many Questions for Flood Survivors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – One disaster recovery center will close Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.:

  • Recreation Center at 397 Chappell Drive in Bishopville

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

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

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

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

Taken from:  

Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Center Closes in Bishopville

COLUMBIA, S.C. –South Carolina flood survivors who have a continued need for temporary housing assistance must complete and submit paperwork that demonstrates a disaster-related and financial need.

Applicants need to submit several documents each time they want to ask FEMA for continued temporary housing assistance including:

  • A completed form that came with the continued temporary housing assistance letter

  • A copy of their lease

  • Receipts showing proper use of previous rental assistance

  • Current household income status

  • Any household financial obligations

FEMA encourages applicants to develop permanent housing plans while living in temporary housing. Applicants with no housing plans will receive information and tools to help them find available housing.

The first continued temporary housing assistance letter is mailed to eligible applicants approximately two weeks after the initial award.                                                   

It is important for applicants to keep their contact information current so they will receive FEMA correspondence. They can update information online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

Applicants who have questions about the continued temporary housing assistance process may call the helpline or visit a disaster recovery center. They may locate their closest center by visiting asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For more information on South Carolina’s disaster recovery, visit www.scemd.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4241.

Link to original: 

Applicants Who Want Continued Rental Assistance Must Make Request

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The following three disaster recovery centers will close Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. because of a lack of visitors:

  • South Strand Recreational Center at 9560 Scipio Lane in Myrtle Beach
  • Neeses Town Hall at 6357 Savannah Highway in Neeses
  • Cayce West Columbia Library at 1500 Augusta Road in West Columbia

Applicants in Myrtle Beach, Neeses and West Columbia may still visit other recovery centers to ask disaster assistance questions. They can locate their closest center by visiting asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

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

Applicants also can get help by calling 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities should call 800-462-7585 (TTY); those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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

Continued:

Disaster Assistance Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Centers in Myrtle Beach, Neeses and West Columbia Close

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Survivors of South Carolina’s recent floods who registered for disaster assistance are urged to keep their personal information updated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency throughout the recovery process.

Applicants should share any change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information with FEMA to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

Keeping in touch with FEMA allows applicants to learn where they are in the application process, initiate appeals and reschedule home inspections. They can also notify FEMA about insurance settlements and ask any disaster-related questions.

To update information or apply for assistance call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities should call 800-462-7585 (TTY); those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362.

Operators are on duty from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Survivors can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov or a disaster recovery center. Find the closest center online at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.  

Applicants who are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration should complete and return their application as soon as possible. No one is obligated to accept a loan. The information provided on the application is needed to determine if an applicant qualifies for a loan or may be referred for other federal and state help.

For more information, applicants can contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, log onto DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may call 800-877-8339.

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

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SCEMD and FEMA Encourage South Carolina Flood Survivors to Keep Information Updated

SAIPAN – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspectors continue to examine property damage as part of the FEMA process that brings assistance to Saipan, CNMI residents who have registered with FEMA in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor.

Applicants will receive their inspections in the order that they were received as long as the survivors are reachable when the inspector contacts them to schedule the inspection.  If their phone is not working or the inspectors cannot get a hold of them, this will delay their inspection date.  Inspectors will attempt contact by phone on at least three separate occasions and, if they are unable to reach the applicants by phone, will attempt to physically locate the damaged dwelling to see if they can contact the applicants in person.

When inspectors visit the dwelling, and if no one is there to receive the inspection, they will leave a “Sorry I Missed You” letter which includes the inspector’s contact phone number on it and a number to call if the inspection is returned after the three unsuccessful attempts. FEMA advises survivors to assist themselves in the process by ensuring they have given FEMA a working phone number where they can be reached, have their ownership/occupancy verification form ready to show to the inspectors when they arrive, and provide clear directions to their houses, or to landmarks the inspectors can work off of. Applicants should also make sure their town is included in the FEMA registration when providing the damaged dwelling’s physical address.

“Inspectors are in the field to confirm your loss,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr., of FEMA. “We encourage residents with property damage to register quickly with FEMA and be ready to welcome our inspectors who will help speed your claim process.”

Before an inspector is assigned to an applicant, homeowners and renters with uninsured or underinsured disaster-related damage must register with FEMA. Survivors can register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for survivors with hearing disabilities.  Online registration is also available 24/7 at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Multilingual assistance is available.

Once applicants have registered:

  • An inspector will call to schedule an appointment to visit the damaged property.  This is necessary to confirm eligibility for FEMA assistance for disaster-related losses.  Applicants are asked to be at home when inspectors visit.
  • The inspector will evaluate the extent of damage to an applicant’s house or apartment and determine whether it is in a livable condition by checking the building and its systems. Damage to major appliances — washer, dryer, furnace, refrigerator, stove — will be assessed. Inspectors should be informed about any important losses such as clothing, medical equipment, tools needed for a trade and educational materials.
  • Homeowners and renters with private septic systems and wells should point out these facilities.  FEMA assistance may be available to repair or replace damaged systems.
  • Applicants can help speed the inspection by having documents — mortgage payment, utility receipt, lease, etc. — ready to show proof of ownership or occupancy to the inspector. Having insurance papers available if possible is also helpful.

FEMA inspectors have agency photo identification and will never charge a fee for any service.  If you suspect fraud from any inspector or other person offering assistance, report them to the nearest law enforcement agency and to the FEMA toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

When a FEMA Housing Inspector visits your home, someone 18 years of age or older who lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment. The inspector will ask to see:

  • Photo identification.
  • Proof of ownership/occupancy of damaged residence (structural insurance, tax bill, mortgage payment book/utility bill).
  • Insurance documents: home and/or auto (structural insurance/auto declaration sheet).
  • List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.
  • All disaster-related damages to both real and personal property.

If you are unable to provide traditional proof of ownership/occupancy (such as tax bill, mortgage payment books, deed, title, insurance), you can get a signed letter by a local precinct representative to validate the physical location of a home/dwelling (a P.O. Box address is not sufficient).  Ownership/Occupancy Verification Letters can be picked up at:

  • Fire Stations
    • Kagman
    • Garapan
    • Susupe
    • San Roque
    • Koblerville
  • The Disaster Recovery Center located at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe
  • Shelters located at:
    • Kagman Community Center
    • Tanapag Headstart
    • Saipan Aging Center

Once filled out, please take the form to your local fire station. They will provide you with a contact number to reach your local precinct representative to validate.

If you have been displaced and need transportation to and from the housing inspection, you can contact the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority at 670-237-8000 to schedule transportation.

Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA and you will receive a letter or email outlining the decision about your claim. If you qualify for FEMA assistance, you will receive a check or direct deposit, and a separate letter explaining how you may use the money. Homeowners may use FEMA housing repair grants for essential repairs to make their residence safe, secure and livable. These grants are for repairs necessary to make primary rooms habitable. FEMA assistance may not make you whole again, but it can start you on the road to recovery.

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.

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An Inside Look at a FEMA Housing Inspection Visit

DENVER – State and federal officials have scheduled meetings with local governments and other entities in Adams, Boulder, Park and Denver Counties to help them apply for federal assistance for this spring’s storms.

The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM)  in cooperation with FEMA has scheduled Applicants’ Briefings August 25 to August 27 to help local governments, state agencies, and certain private non-profit organizations navigate the federal Public Assistance application process relative to this spring’s declared disaster.

On August 12, Adams, Boulder, Park and Denver Counties were added to 11 other Colorado counties that had already been declared eligible for damage reimbursement as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred between May 4 and June 16, 2015.

Applicants’ Briefing Schedule:

Park County: August 25, 1:00 p.m., Park County Emergency Operations Center, 911 Clark Street, Fairplay, CO 80440

Adams County: August 27, 8:30 a.m., Adams County Government Center, Conference Center – Platte D, 4330 S Adams County Pkwy, Brighton, CO 80603

Boulder County/statewide: August 27, 1:00 p.m., Colorado State Emergency Operations Center, 9195 E Mineral Ave., Centennial, CO 80112

Denver County: TBD

The briefings are the next step in FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and will provide information on the application process as well as deadlines for submission of necessary documents.

The Applicants’ Briefing may be followed by face-to-face meetings in local communities between FEMA/DHSEM officials and eligible applicants.

The disaster declaration issued by President Obama on July 16, 2015 for Baca, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Logan, Morgan, Pueblo, Saguache, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma counties made state, county, and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, eligible to receive reimbursement for repairing infrastructure damage caused by the storms, as well as the cost of responding to them.

Qualified organizations in these counties and the four newly declared ones will receive no less than 75 percent of their eligible costs incurred as a result of the disaster.

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Colorado DHSEM’s mission is to provide leadership and support to Colorado communities to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond and recover from all-hazard events including acts of terrorism.

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.

Read more: 

Disaster Aid Meetings Set For Additional Colorado Counties

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