West Virginia renters with flood damage may be eligible for federal help

CHARLESTON, W.Va.– West Virginia renters who experienced losses due to the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22, 2016, may be eligible for disaster recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA).

“The catastrophic weather that affected West Virginia did not discriminate between homeowners and renters and neither do we,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis, who leads FEMA’s mission in the Mountain State.

Renters may be eligible for grants from FEMA to help with such disaster-related expenses as:

  • Renting a new place to live when the renter’s previous home was lost due to the disaster.
  • Disaster related medical and dental expenses.
  • Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as appliances and furniture, textbooks and computers used by students, and work equipment or tools used by the self-employed.
  • Repair or replacement of vehicles damaged by the disaster.
  • Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses.

FEMA grants are not loans and do not have to be repaid. They are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP benefits and several other programs.

Additionally, renters may qualify for a low-interest loan of up to $40,000 from the SBA to repair or replace personal property.

Renters who sustained losses can apply for assistance by using the FEMA App for smartphones, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 800-621-3362, or (TTY) 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or video relay service, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week.

For more information about disaster loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit the Flood Information page on the website of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA and  fema.gov/blog

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West Virginia renters with flood damage may be eligible for federal help

Applying for Federal Assistance for the May Storms is a Two-Step Process

AUSTIN, Texas – Applying for federal disaster assistance for the May storms is a two-step process. Taking those two steps ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

  • Step 1: Register with FEMA.
  • Step 2: Complete and return a no-obligation loan application from the SBA.

Assistance from FEMA can help jump-start the recovery; it may not cover all damage or property loss. Completing the SBA loan application may make FEMA assistance available to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle or pay for storage costs.

Texans can register with FEMA the following ways:

  • online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center.

Many Texans who register 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, and interest rates remain the same for the life of the loan. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if offered, no obligation to accept the loan. However, if approved and the loan is not accepted, the applicant may be ineligible for additional FEMA assistance.

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.

Applicants may apply online for an SBA loan using the electronic loan application at the secure website, DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

A presidential disaster declaration makes federal assistance available to affected individuals and households in 24 Texas counties: Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Residents are encouraged to apply for federal disaster aid even if they have insurance and have applied for or received assistance under other recent federal disaster declarations.

Additional information on registering with FEMA as well as help completing an SBA loan application is available at any state/federal disaster recovery center.  To find the nearest recovery center, go online to asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

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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.

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Applying for Federal Assistance for the May Storms is a Two-Step Process

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Webster County

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Webster County to provide recovery assistance to survivors of the June 22 severe storms, floods, mudslides and landslides.

The latest center to open is located in the City Council Room of the Webster Springs Municipal Building, 143 McGraw Ave., Webster Springs, WV 26288.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), various state agencies, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff the centers, giving survivors a chance to discover what programs are available to help them, and to get their questions answered. 

Weather permitting, recovery centers are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. To locate the closest center, survivors can either visit http://go.usa.gov/x3NnJ or download the FEMA App to their mobile device. Before visiting a center, survivors can register with FEMA by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362.  Video Relay Service (VRS) or 711 users can call 800-462-7585.

The other centers are:

Greenbrier County

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

Southeastern Labor Council, AFL-CIO

65 West Main St.

White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

 

Nicholas County

City of Richwood City Hall
6 White Ave.

Richwood, WV 26261

 

Town Hall

201 Kanawha Ave.

Rainelle, WV 25962

 

Roane County

Geary Elementary School

9538 Clay Rd.

Left Hand, WV 25251

 

Kanawha County

Kanawha County School Operations Center

3300 Pennsylvania Ave.

Charleston, WV 25302

 

Summers County

Summers County Memorial Building Gym

451 1st Ave.

Hinton, WV 25951

Registering with FEMA is the first step towards qualifying for disaster assistance which may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacements and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. TTY users can call 800-877-8339.  Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA and fema.gov/blog.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Webster County

Roane County Gets Disaster Recovery Center

CHARLESTON, W Va.—A new Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Roane County to help survivors affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began June 22.

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies are at the centers to answer questions. Weather permitting, centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. All centers will be open July 4.

The centers currently open are:

Roane County

Geary Elementary School

9538 Clay Rd.

Left Hand, WV 25251

 

Greenbrier County

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

Southeastern Labor Council, AFL-CIO

65 West Main St.

White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

 

Town Hall

201 Kanawha Ave.

Rainelle, WV 25962

 

Kanawha County

Kanawha County School Operations Center

3300 Pennsylvania Ave.

Charleston, WV 25302

 

Nicholas County

City of Richwood City Hall
6 White Ave.

Richwood, WV 26261

 

Summers County

Summers County Memorial Building Gym

451 1st Ave.

Hinton, WV 25951

 

State and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers. Survivors can locate the center closest to them, by visiting http://go.usa.gov/x3NnJ or downloading the FEMA App to their mobile device to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center
  • Find shelter locations
  • Get weather alerts
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Survivors do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA.

Those who have not yet registered can do so by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors may also register by calling toll-free 800-621-3362.  For those who use 711 or the Visual Relay Service, call 800-462-7585. FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog.

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Roane County Gets Disaster Recovery Center

Disaster Assistance Tops $10.4 Million for West Virginia Survivors

CHARLESTON, WV – One week after President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for West Virginia, more than $10.4 million has been approved for homeowners and renters affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began June 22, 2016.  

That total includes more than $8.6 million in housing assistance and nearly $1.8 million in other needs assistance. More than 5,200 households and businesses have registered with FEMA to date.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and serious disaster-related needs. Nearly 70 housing inspectors have completed more than 2,000 inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage.

Federal disaster assistance is now available to residents of 12 counties: Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers, and Webster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages all survivors who sustained disaster-related damage or losses to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should 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.

In support of the State of West Virginia, FEMA has deployed 12 Disaster Survivor Assistance teams to canvass shelters and visit storm-damaged homes in hard-hit areas to register people and answer their questions about disaster assistance.

Other help available to individuals:

  • The State and FEMA have opened five Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in hard-hit areas, with more scheduled to open soon. The centers report 934 visitors to date. DRCs

    are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. The centers will be open for the July 4th holiday.

  • An easy-to-use DRC Locator is available at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm

  • For those who lost work as a result of the storms, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available. For more information, visit Work Force West Virginia at workforcewv.org

  • Free disaster legal assistance is available to West Virginia storm survivors. This service offers counseling on insurance claims, landlord-tenant issues, home-repair contracts, the replacement of legal documents destroyed by the storm and other legal matters. Call the toll-free hotline (877) 331-4279.

Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps and several other programs. Disaster grants are just that—grants that do not have to be paid back to the government.

One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on the West Virginia recovery operation—including fact sheets about Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance—visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4273 and www.dhsem.wv.gov/Pages/WV-Flood-Information.aspx

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Disaster Assistance Tops $10.4 Million for West Virginia Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Summers County

CHARLESTON, WV—A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Summers County to help survivors affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began June 22.

Disaster Recovery Centers serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies are at the centers to answer questions. Centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. All centers will be open July 4.

The centers currently open are:

Greenbrier County

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

Southeastern Labor Council, AFL-CIO

65 West Main St.

White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

 

Town Hall

201 Kanawha Ave.

Rainelle, WV 25962

 

Kanawha County

Kanawha County School Operations Center

3300 Pennsylvania Ave.

Charleston, WV 25302

 

Nicholas County

City of Richwood City Hall
6 White Ave.

Richwood, WV 26261

 

Summers County

Summers County Memorial Building gym

451 1st Ave.

Hinton, WV 25951

State and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers. Survivors can locate the center closest to them, by visiting http://go.usa.gov/x3NnJ or downloading the FEMA App to their mobile device to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center
  • Find shelter locations
  • Get weather alerts
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Survivors do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA.

Those who have not yet registered can do so by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors may also register by calling toll-free 800-621-3362.  For those who use 711 or the Visual Relay Service, call 800-462-7585. FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog.

Continue reading here – 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Summers County

Two West Virginia Counties Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

CHARLESTON, WV – At the request of the state of West Virginia, Jackson and Lincoln counties have now been added to the federal disaster declaration of June 25. They join the 10 counties already designated for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance-Category B (emergency protective measures): Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers, and Webster.

West Virginians who suffered damage or losses as a result of the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22, 2016, are encouraged to apply for Individual Assistance. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses.

Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Insurance payments cannot be duplicated, but under-insured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Survivors can also download the FEMA App to their mobile devices to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Get directions to their nearest Disaster Recovery Center
  • Find shelter locations
  • Get weather alerts
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available for eligible survivors.

SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and can cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information about disaster loans, survivors may call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at  800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov , or visit SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. TTY users may call 800-877-8339.

The 12 designated counties are also eligible for Public Assistance-Category B (emergency protective measures). The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations at least 75 percent of disaster-related expenses to help West Virginia communities recover. Eligible costs for emergency protective measures, such as police overtime for extra work caused from responding to the disaster, may be eligible for reimbursement.                                                             

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Two West Virginia Counties Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

Additional West Virginia Counties Approved For Disaster Aid

CHARLESTON, W.v. – The counties of Clay, Fayette, Monroe, Roane, and Summers counties are now eligible to receive federal assistance. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

In addition, federal funding is available for state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Clay, Fayette, Monroe, Roane, and Summers counties.

On June 25, 2016 President Obama announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the State of West Virginia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22, 2016, and continuing. The original declaration made federal funding available to affected individuals in Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties.

Federal funding was made available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1- 800-621-FEMA (3362). 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.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Additional West Virginia Counties Approved For Disaster Aid

Flooding in the State of West Virginia

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to support response and recovery efforts in West Virginia following the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that have been affecting the state and its people. The National Weather Service has indicated that the floodwaters are receding in parts of West Virginia, but more heavy rain is expected in areas already hit hard by flooding. A flash flood watch for 22 counties has been issued until Monday evening. Heavy rains could cause some streams to breach their banks. 

To learn more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov.

On June 25, 2016, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia. This declaration releases federal funding to help individuals and communities recover from the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred June 22, 2016, and continuing. The request makes assistance to individuals and households in Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties. The request also provides emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program for Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties. All of West Virginia is eligible for hazard mitigation grant program (HMGP) funding. 

FEMA’s main priority is to support survivors and communities in West Virginia, and as of Monday morning, over 1,000 total registrations for FEMA Individual Assistance program have been counted as a result of the Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) conducted in the area that began today. PDAs are an information gathering process that measures damages and the impact to communities. 14 PDA teams have arrived to conduct PDAs for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance.

FEMA is working to provide commodities and support to the State of West Virginia’s distribution efforts. The agency has moved water and food supplies into West Virginia and is turning them over to West Virginia Emergency Management Agency for distribution to impacted communities. In support of the State of West Virginia, FEMA has deployed over 250 staff to the state to assist in response and recovery. An Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) has arrived to coordinate directly with the State of West Virginia and support requests for assistance.

The first Disaster Recovery Center is planned to be open soon, where survivors can go to get assistance and information. Details and confirmation will be forthcoming as soon as they are available. To support that effort, the federal agency is working to deploy Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams to impacted areas to canvas shelters and register survivors.

The State of West Virginia, the American Red Cross, FEMA and others are working together to meet any potential housing needs. Region III’s Voluntary Agency Liaison and Disability Integration Specialist has been deployed to work with and support voluntary agencies, communities, and individuals with access and functional needs.

FEMA is encouraging all individuals, households, and businesses both inside and outside of Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas Counties to document any damages they have. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). 

  • 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.

AFTER A DISASTER – QUICK TIPS TO HELP YOU ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

  • Injuries may occur when people walk amid disaster debris and enter damaged buildings. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
  • Be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in or around your home.
    • Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards and before going back to a property with downed power lines, or the possibility of a gas leak.
    • Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines.
    • Report downed power lines and electrical hazards to the police and the utility company. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you.
  • It’s important for all residents and visitors in flood-prone and low-lying areas to continue to monitor local radio or television stations for updated emergency information and follow the instructions of state and local officials.
  • Don’t put yourself at risk; follow the instructions of local officials – and if told to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • If you encounter flood waters, remember – TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.
    • Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles.
    • Do not walk through flood waters. A few inches of water can sweep you off your feet.
    • When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges, and at highway dips.
    • As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • If roads are closed or there is water over a road, do not drive through the water.
    • Be prepared to take detours and adjust your route due to road closures if there is standing water.
  • Ensure you have a flashlight, NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries on hand. Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
  • If your power is out, safely use a generator or candles.
    • Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open.
    • Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner’s manual and follow the instructions. 
    • If using candles, please use caution. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire.
  • Outside your home or business: Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • Stay out of any building that is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
  • Avoid floodwaters; water might be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water also might be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • Avoid moving water and do not attempt to drive through standing water, even if it seems shallow.
  • Avoid non-essential debris removal until the storm has passed.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

 

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Flooding in the State of West Virginia

President Declares Major Disaster for West Virginia

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the State of West Virginia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22, 2016, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in of Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties.  Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.    

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Albert Lewis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Lewis said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  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. 

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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. 

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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President Declares Major Disaster for West Virginia

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