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FEMA Officials Urge Applicants for Aid to ‘Stay in Touch,’ get answers, resolve issues

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas residents who have registered with FEMA for disaster aid are urged by recovery officials to “stay in touch.” It’s the best way to get answers and resolve potential issues that might result in assistance being denied.

“Putting your life back together after a disaster is difficult,” said Nancy M. Casper, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. “While the process of getting help from FEMA is intended to be simple, it’s easy to understand how sometimes providing important information is overlooked or missed.”

Residents of nine Arkansas counties affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of May 7 to June 15, 2015 may be eligible for disaster assistance. Residents of Crawford, Garland, Howard, Jefferson, Little River, Miller, Perry, Sebastian, and Sevier counties are encouraged to register for assistance with FEMA.

After registering, it’s important to keep open the lines of communication. “It’s a two-way street,” said Casper. “FEMA can’t offer assistance to survivors who – for whatever reason – have not provided all the necessary information.”

After registering with FEMA, applicants will receive notice by mail within 10 days on whether or not they qualify for federal disaster assistance.

If eligible, the letter explains how much the grant will be, and how it is intended to be used.
If ineligible – or if the grant amount reads “0” – you may still qualify. The denial may just mean the application is missing information or that you missed an appointment with an inspector.

Applicants who are denied assistance may call the Helpline to understand why, or go online to www.disasterassistance.gov or m.fema.gov. Becoming eligible for assistance may be as simple as supplying missing paperwork or providing additional information.

FEMA looks at a number of things to determine if a survivor will receive disaster assistance. The agency must be able to:

Verify an applicant’s identity.
Verify damages. If you believe the inspector didn’t see all of your damages, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
Verify home occupancy. Applicants need to provide proof of occupancy such as a utility bill.
Collect insurance information.

“FEMA personnel are here to help,” said Scott Bass, state coordinating officer with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. “Keep in touch. Use the Helpline. You’ll get answers to your questions and help with understanding the assistance process, and ways to move your personal recovery forward.”

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

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FEMA Officials Urge Applicants for Aid to ‘Stay in Touch,’ get answers, resolve issues

FEMA’s Wayne County Recovery Center Becomes SBA Loan Center

Warren, Mich. – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at the Wayne County Community College District will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) on Monday, Dec. 1.

A DLOC focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Homeowners, renters and businesses will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives. Specialists from FEMA will also be available.

At this center:

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application.
Applicants may check the status of their FEMA registration and get clarification of any written correspondence received.

The center is located at:

Wayne County Community College District, NW Campus, Old Administrative Building
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

The centers, operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be open:

Monday through Saturday- 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 30, Reopens Monday, Dec. 1.

Disaster survivors may register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955; TTY users call
800-877-8339.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA’s Wayne County Recovery Center Becomes SBA Loan Center

Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Loan Centers

Warren, Mich. – Two State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb and Oakland counties will transition to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) on Thursday, Nov. 13.

The State/FEMA recovery centers will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Wednesday, Nov. 12, before transitioning to DLOCs, which focus on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Homeowners, renters and businesses will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives. Specialists from FEMA will also be available.

At these centers:

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application.
Applicants may check the status of their FEMA registration and get clarification of any written correspondence received

The centers are located at:

Macomb County
Renaissance Unity Church
11200 East Mile Rd.
Warren, MI 48089

Oakland County
Gerry Kulick Community Center
1201 Livernois Ave.
Ferndale, MI 48220

The centers operated by the SBA, will be open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955; TTY users call 800-877-8339.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Loan Centers

Wayne County Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor Transitions to SBA Loan Center

Warren, Mich. – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at the Wayne County Community College, Performing Arts Center at 21000 Northline Road in Taylor will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) and relocate to Dearborn on Thursday, Nov. 6.

At this center:

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application.
Applicants may check the status of their FEMA registration and get clarification of any written correspondence received.

The center is located at:

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48126

The centers, operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be open:

Monday and Wednesday- 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday- Closed

Disaster survivors may register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955; TTY users call
800-877-8339.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Wayne County Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor Transitions to SBA Loan Center

Rebuilding stronger and better

DENVER — Rebuilding after a disaster can present opportunities as well as challenges.

The challenges include getting the job done quickly and efficiently. The opportunities involve rebuilding stronger and better.

When it comes to repairing and rebuilding infrastructure damaged in last September’s floods, FEMA’s Stafford Act Section 406 can provide mitigation funds for risk-reduction improvements to roads, waterways, bridges, dams, buildings and other public structures already eligible for Public Assistance reimbursement.

Mitigation projects are being undertaken throughout the 18 Colorado counties designated eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, particularly in Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties. The goal is to reduce risk, reduce damages, and reduce the threat to life and property from future flooding events.

As Coloradans continue recovery efforts, nearly 200 Public Assistance repair projects now include some form of Section 406 mitigation. Many of these projects involve “armoring,” or shoring up, stream banks scraped and weakened by the flooding. Workers are also elevating electrical equipment out of harm’s way in public buildings and in the field, and doing what they can to strengthen piers and other supports under bridges.

FEMA typically reimburses at least 75 percent of eligible costs for projects that return infrastructure to its pre-disaster condition. Under certain circumstances, FEMA can also fund Section 406 mitigation measures as long the project is cost effective.

Most types of mitigation projects in this disaster recovery can be considered cost-effective and eligible for funding if they are performed on disaster-damaged infrastructure and reduce the potential for damages from similar events in the future.

Cost-effectiveness, along with other conditions for eligibility, are determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants for 406 mitigation should consult with their FEMA Public Assistance Coordinator for more detailed information and guidance.

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Rebuilding stronger and better

FEMA, SBA Deadline Less Than Two Weeks Away

Jackson, Miss. – The deadline for Mississippi storm survivors to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is June 30.

Residents of Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne, and Winston counties who suffered damages as a result of the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014, may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Assistance for homeowners and renters may include money to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance. Filling out the SBA loan application is an important step toward recovery. No one has to accept a disaster loan, but completing and returning the application may open the door to other forms of assistance, such as additional FEMA grants. The deadline to submit a completed loan application is June 30.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Central Time). Multilingual operators are available.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website at msema.org or the Facebook page at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

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

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FEMA, SBA Deadline Less Than Two Weeks Away

Commuting Cost Assistance Available For Eligible SR530 Slide Survivors

EVERETT, Wash. – Commuting cost assistance is now available to eligible survivors of the March 22, 2014 SR530 Slide who are faced with long detours around the closed roadway between Arlington/Oso and Darrington.

As a result of the slide, SR530 remains impassible and the use of alternate routes has significantly increased the residents’ commuting distance and cost.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program’s ‘Other Needs Assistance (ONA)’ provision will help with the increased cost of commuting. Applicants whose essential commute required travel on SR530 and who are now traveling more than 25 miles one way around the closed portion of SR530, may be eligible. Essential trips include recurring travel for work, school, or recurring medical appointments.

“This program is the first-of-its-kind for Washington disaster response,” said Kurt Hardin, state coordinating officer for the SR530 Slide disaster. “We believe it will provide significant aid to Darrington-area residents who face lengthy commutes to job sites as a result of the SR530 Slide. For those eligible for this new program,” he added, “eligibility is back-dated to March 22.”

Applicants are required to meet FEMA’s eligibility criteria in order to be considered for increased commute cost assistance. Self-employed individuals and small business owners incurring additional business costs due to the increased commute should apply to the Small Business Administration for any economic impact or damage their business received as a result of the slide.

To request commute cost assistance, applicants must first be registered with FEMA. Once registered, applicants will receive a Request for Information (RFI) letter asking for names of individuals in the household who have increased commute times; the number of days per week each individual regularly commutes to work, school, or recurring medical appointments; and how many additional miles over 25 one way their daily commute has increased.

This program is one example of continuing disaster partnerships between federal and state agencies. Nonprofit groups and voluntary agencies’ response, in light of this situation, has been tremendous. The American Red Cross has been providing financial assistance to help with transportation, utilities, and other disaster-related needs. Community Transit now operates Route 231, an emergency bus route, between Darrington and Everett until further notice. For more information on this route, visit www.communitytransit.org/darrington.

“We are working closely with local, state and tribal partners to ensure that all survivors receive the assistance for which they are eligible,” according to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Branch Director Christy Grant. “This assistance will help those impacted by this historic event as they continue in recovery.”

Local, tribal, state, and federal partners will continue working together as long-term recovery continues.

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Commuting Cost Assistance Available For Eligible SR530 Slide Survivors

Recipients of FEMA Housing Assistance Must Recertify Eligibility

LINCROFT, N.J. — Recertification is a standard process that FEMA uses to identify households who qualify for continued temporary housing assistance.

The recertification process applies if the applicant either received financial assistance (rental funds) to rent an alternative place to live, or if the applicant received a FEMA-provided temporary housing unit.

Financial Assistance:

Applicants who received rental assistance will receive a letter from FEMA requesting additional information if funds are needed for continued housing assistance.
Applicants receiving rental assistance who need additional funds can also request assistance through the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate they have a continued housing need and that they have expended all rental funds previously received.

Direct Assistance:

A FEMA-provided temporary housing unit is a temporary solution for occupants until they can return to their primary residence or find other permanent housing.
FEMA staff will call and set up an appointment to meet with the applicant in the temporary housing unit. While there, they will check the condition of their unit; and if the unit requires repairs, a work order request will be submitted.
Occupants are responsible for developing and actively pursuing a permanent housing plan (repair, rebuild, replace) while in FEMA-provided temporary housing units.
FEMA staff will assist the occupants in developing a permanent housing plan so they can return to a similar pre-disaster housing situation.
FEMA staff regularly check on the progress of an occupant’s permanent housing plan. Staff conducts an initial interview with occupants followed by additional visits after an additional 30 days depending on the housing plan. Interim contacts may be necessary in some cases.
Occupants should expect to provide information about repairs to their permanent residences or about contacts made to resources that can assist them in securing permanent housing.
A recommendation by FEMA staff to extend an occupant’s housing agreement is based on a set of criteria including the estimated completion date of a reasonable housing plan. Recommendations are subject to approval.
Occupants with no options are steered to rental resources or state programs that may be of assistance.
If occupants refuse three suitable rental resources provided by FEMA for no valid reasons, they may be found ineligible to receive continued housing assistance by FEMA and may have to find alternative housing at their own expense.

What do Recertification staff do?

Recertification staff will help applicants develop a housing plan and provide resources in the community that may help meet their housing needs.
Recertification staff will collect information to determine if the need for continued assistance exits.
They can also answer program questions about FEMA assistance or provide a phone number of someone who can provide answers.
FEMA staff will also talk with applicants about their future housing plans and current living situation.
Applicants who have questions about recertification or other disaster assistance can call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
There are additional resources for the media at http://www.fema.gov/media/index.shtm.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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###

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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

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Recipients of FEMA Housing Assistance Must Recertify Eligibility

Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $16 Million in West, Texas

DENTON, Texas – Nearly six months after the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, local, state and federal personnel are working together to move the recovery efforts forward.

To date, federal disaster assistance for eligible survivors has topped $16 million. This includes more than $9 million in federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); nearly $840,000 in Individual Assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and more than $6.2 million in FEMA Public Assistance funding.

“We continue to support our local and state partners as they assist survivors with rebuilding their communities and lives,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes. “We also encourage anyone who registered for disaster assistance but didn’t complete the process to contact us and get in the necessary paperwork. You may still be eligible to receive help.”

Applicants who registered before the June 18 deadline and have since settled with their insurance company should contact FEMA to determine if additional assistance is available. Applicants also can appeal any decision made by FEMA within 60 days of receipt of their notification letter.

Survivors with questions can contact FEMA at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

The West Long-Term Recovery Committee also has numerous resources available to survivors. Visit www.westltr.org or call (254) 826-7550 for more information.

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SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $16 Million in West, Texas

Being Alert To Fraud Following Superstorm Sandy Helps Recovery And Taxpayers

TRENTON, N.J. — While the vast majority of people who have registered and received FEMA assistance have genuine needs, the rush to get millions in disaster assistance to those affected by Superstorm Sandy, sadly, presents opportunities for dishonest people to defraud taxpayers.

Fraud increases the cost of recovery after a disaster and gives money to those without disaster-related losses, emergency management officials warn.

The Inspector General for the Federal Emergency Management Agency investigates complaints of fraud, waste or abuse involving FEMA contracts, programs or personnel. FEMA maintains a toll-free Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Potential cases of fraud or misuse of funds can be referred to the U.S. Justice Department for prosecution. Penalties for felony offenses can be severe.

These are some examples of complaints that are typically filed with the FEMA Office of the Inspector General:

Applicants used false names and multiple and/or fictitious addresses;
Applicants claimed losses they didn’t sustain or to which they were not entitled;
Applicants did not use FEMA money for the intended purposes;
Municipal officials used FEMA money for their own benefit;
FEMA checks were stolen; and
Applicants received duplicate payments from FEMA and their insurance companies.

Complaints can also be filed by writing to:

National Center for Disaster Fraud

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909

Those who visit the Office of the Inspector General Web site at www.fema.gov/ig/hotline.shtm will find an option to submit a complaint using Internet electronic mail. Those who submit complaints via e-mail must waive confidentiality because of the non-secure nature of Internet electronic mail systems.

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.

Being Alert To Fraud Following Superstorm Sandy Helps Recovery And Taxpayers

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