FEMA Call Centers Return to Normal Operating Hours

NEW YORK – Federal Emergency Management Agency call centers will return to their normal operating hours of 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. EST, seven days a week effective Sun., Jan. 20, 2013.

The helpline number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA operators are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to Hurricane Sandy survivors.

Survivors may check the status of their registration or register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. In addition, survivors may check the status of their application through the automated Interactive Voice Response system by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Call Centers Return to Normal Operating Hours

Two Weeks Left To Return SBA Disaster Loan Application, Register For Assistance

NEW YORK — Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey have less than two weeks to register for disaster assistance and to return their applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is filling out an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Ways to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov
Call the 24-hour numbers 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585
For 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) call 800-621-3362
A FEMA Language Assistance Line is available for those who need interpretation services in languages other than English or Spanish. Call: 866-333-1796.

Survivors must register or return the loan application by the deadline in their state.

Deadline for New York: Monday, Jan. 28, by midnight EST. Counties in NEW YORK designated for individual assistance include: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

Deadline for New Jersey: Wednesday, Jan. 30, by midnight EST. ALL counties in NEW JERSEY are designated for individual assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. In most cases, FEMA funds will not cover all of the repair needs of homeowners. Money for a temporary rental home is the form of help FEMA largely provides so obtaining a low-interest SBA disaster loan is a survivor’s best option for repairing their home and replacing property.

People can apply to SBA before settling with their insurance company – so there’s no need to wait. Applying by the deadline can avoid a shortfall in rebuilding money if survivors later discover they are underinsured.

By returning the SBA loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances.

There is no obligation to accept an SBA disaster home loan and homeowners and renters may become eligible for additional FEMA grants if they are not approved for a loan.

For businesses and private nonprofit organizations, the SBA may loan up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

For additional information on SBA, contact the customer service center by calling 800-659-2955

(for people who are deaf or hard of hearing TTY 800-877-8339), emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA may be able to help with disaster-related costs that are not covered by insurance. Survivors in designated counties are encouraged to apply for possible grant assistance for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. People who have sustained a loss due to Hurricane Sandy should register even if they have insurance.

Affected survivors may visit a disaster recovery center for more information about FEMA and SBA assistance. For nearby locations, visit www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

For more information on Hurricane Sandy recovery, visit:

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Two Weeks Left To Return SBA Disaster Loan Application, Register For Assistance

Respostas para as perguntas mais frequentes sobre ajuda em desastres

News Releases – Monday, January 14, 2013

Main Content

January 14, 2013

Disaster Recovery Centers in Somerset County to Close, But Assistance Is Still Available

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – The Disaster Recovery Center operating in Crisfield will close at 5 p.m. Friday, January 18. Those affected by the disaster that still have questions about assistance or low-…

Maryland

January 14, 2013

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions

NEW YORK – As the Jan. 28, 2012 deadline to register for FEMA assistance approaches in New York, recovery officials want to make sure survivors have all the information they need about disaster aid….

New York

January 14, 2013

For Rapid Response To Disaster Loan Application, Apply Online

TRENTON, N.J. — The quickest way to get a Small Business Administration disaster loan approved is filling out an online application. The online application is the most user-friendly way for…

New Jersey

January 14, 2013

Disaster Recovery Centers in NY Suspend Service Jan. 21 for MLK Holiday

NEW YORK – Disaster Recovery Centers in New York will suspend service Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The centers will resume providing assistance to…

New York

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Respostas para as perguntas mais frequentes sobre ajuda em desastres

For Rapid Response To Disaster Loan Application, Apply Online

TRENTON, N.J. — The quickest way to get a Small Business Administration disaster loan approved is filling out an online application.

The online application is the most user-friendly way for homeowners, renters and business survivors of Hurricane Sandy to request a loan from the SBA. An electronic loan application is a convenient alternative to visiting a disaster recovery center or mailing a paper loan application.

Regardless of the method, the deadline is the same: Jan. 30, 2013.

There’s no guess work with an online application. The program checks for errors and prompts for more information when needed. To apply online, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The long-term, low-interest loans are designed to fund repairs to and replacement of homes, personal property and businesses. About 85 percent of all SBA disaster loans go to homeowners and renters.

Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses, with a maximum of 30-year repayment terms.

SBA disaster loans are the primary form of federal assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.

For additional information, contact an SBA disaster assistance customer service center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov. SBA customer service representatives are available at all disaster recovery centers throughout the state. The centers can be found online at http://www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

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 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.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program provides long term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. All SBA’s program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

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For Rapid Response To Disaster Loan Application, Apply Online

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in NY for an Additional 14 Days

New York – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the State of New York, has approved a 14-day extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy who cannot return to their homes to stay in participating hotels or motels.

The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels until Jan. 27, 2013. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended Jan. 27 checkout date.

“The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program is a temporary solution for folks who need a place to stay as we continue working with our state and local partners to help get people back into longer-term housing,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “That’s our number one priority.”

“On behalf of Governor Cuomo, I thank FEMA for approving the State’s request to extend the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program,” said Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “The extension of this important program provides necessary assistance to those affected by Hurricane Sandy as they continue to recover and rebuild.”

This is a short-term program that places families in hotels while they transition into longer-term housing.

To be eligible for TSA, survivors must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA by:

Registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov;
Registering via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov; or
Registering by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in NY for an Additional 14 Days

FEMA Obligates $1.8 Million to Louisiana Agency for Hurricane Isaac Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will receive a federal grant totaling more than $1.8 million to reimburse the agency for expenses incurred during Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Wednesday.

The FEMA Public Assistance grant, totaling $1,803,935, will cover 75 percent of the costs for emergency protective measures the department took before, during and after the late August hurricane to help evacuate and shelter Louisianians.

Between Aug. 26 and Sept. 10, 2012, Hurricane Isaac and its aftermath required the state of Louisiana to activate plans, procedures, staff and contracts to ensure a comprehensive response for the safe evacuation and sheltering of Louisianians. DCFS is responsible for providing sheltering, mass care, emergency assistance and housing to residents affected by a disaster.

“The department played a critical role in helping people remain safe, dry and healthy under extremely difficult circumstances,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “The grant will help DCFS recover its expenses for that important effort.”

Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent. The newly obligated funds are a portion of the nearly $175.7 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration.

Once FEMA reimburses the state of Louisiana it is the state’s responsibility to manage the funds, which includes making disbursements to local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Obligates $1.8 Million to Louisiana Agency for Hurricane Isaac Recovery

30 Minutes can make a Difference in Recovery from Sandy

SBA loan application is important part of the process

NEW YORK – In about half an hour, New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy can make a big difference in their recovery by applying for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The process isn’t hard at all. By returning the SBA loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property.

The form asks for the survivor’s name, contact information, Social Security number, mailing address, address of damaged property, income and assets, monthly housing cost, insurance information, debts and credit references. The language is clear and the application is not long.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA Disaster Recovery centers and SBA Business Recovery Centers.
- To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, go online to www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. Survivors may also text “DRC” and their Zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
- To locate the nearest Business Recovery Center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.)
Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

If SBA finds the applicant eligible for a loan, there is no obligation to accept it. But filling out the application, whether or not a loan is offered, opens the door to other possible assistance, including additional federal grant funds for homeowners and renters.

So it’s worth spending a few minutes to ensure that the widest possible array of benefits is available.

The deadline for returning an SBA disaster loan application is Jan. 28.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

30 Minutes can make a Difference in Recovery from Sandy

FEMA Registration Open to All Storm Survivors, Helps Speed Recovery

WINDSOR, Conn. — Registering for FEMA disaster assistance won’t take money away from another disaster survivor, federal officials said today.

Federal Emergency Management Agency grants are available to all who qualify for them. But many Connecticut residents who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy haven’t registered. Reasons vary, but some people mistakenly believe that accepting help somehow reduces the amount of money available to qualified registrants.

The truth is, not registering could slow recovery of the community because federal dollars infuse money into the local economy when disaster survivors hire contractors, buy supplies and replace damaged property.

“People who are approved for assistance to repair their homes and replace damaged property put their assistance grant money into the local economy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “We know this helps the whole community’s economic recovery.”

Finding out if the damage to your property qualifies your household for federal help is simple.

First, the damage must have happened in a county that has been declared eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance. In Connecticut, these are Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties, and the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County.

Second, survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

It is important to note that you may be eligible for disaster assistance even if you have insurance. If insurance does not meet all your needs, FEMA assistance may be able to help with the difference.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program has two types of assistance, “Housing Needs” and “Other Needs Assistance,” which may be available to individuals and families whose property has uninsured or underinsured damage from the storm.

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. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and covers 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.

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FEMA Registration Open to All Storm Survivors, Helps Speed Recovery

Insured Should Apply for Disaster Assistance

HUNT VALLEY, Md. — Individuals, who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy that occurred October 26 through November 4, and were insured, may still be eligible for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“If you were uninsured or your insurance policy did not cover some of your disaster-related damages or losses, FEMA may be able to help,” Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said. “If your insurance company did not fully cover your losses, take the first step and register with FEMA.”

To register or get further information, call – 1-800-621-FEMA or TTY 1-800-462-7585. For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091, www.mema.maryland.gov, www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Somerset County residents affected by Hurricane Sandy also can apply for federal assistance through a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone. Visit m.fema.gov and follow the link to apply online for federal assistance and other recovery help.

Even if disaster victims have insurance, they may be eligible for disaster assistance. In order to complete the application for assistance, however, FEMA will need the resident’s insurance settlement information to avoid any duplication of benefits.

“Disaster assistance is designed to cover uninsured and under-insured disaster-related losses, but cannot duplicate services and funds compensated by insurance claim or provided by another assistance program,” Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s (MEMA) Executive Director, Ken Mallette, said.

The disaster programs available include grants for temporary housing and repairs to make a home safe and sanitary, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters or business owners and other aid programs.

Uninsured and underinsured losses that may be covered by SBA low-interest loans include debris removal from personal property, damaged and destroyed fences, tree trimming services, tree replacement, damaged and destroyed sheds and other outbuildings and landscaping losses.

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first, then if they have unmet needs they should call FEMA to apply.

Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call. Once you have registered with FEMA, you will receive a nine digit Identification Number; if you have not received this number you have not formally registered and need to contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to obtain your registration number.

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Insured Should Apply for Disaster Assistance

FEMA awards $695,000 to Episcopal Health Services

Activation of Emergency Operations Plan allowed hospital and nursing homes to remain open, treat patients during Hurricane Sandy

New York – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a $695,000 Public Assistance grant to Episcopal Health Services to reimburse some of the costs incurred before, during and after Hurricane Sandy. On October 27, 2012, in anticipation of the hurricane, the Episcopal Health Services activated its Emergency Operations Plan. Preparations included patient evacuation, setting up generators to provide back-up power and establishing a temporary medical facility capable of treating Sandy survivors.

Despite losing power because of the hurricane, Episcopal Health Services facilities not only continued operating but also accepted additional patients during and after the storm. St. John’s Episcopal Hospital experienced an estimated 40 percent increase in patients seeking treatment.

“The Episcopal Health Services had an emergency plan in place before the storm,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “By implementing that plan and through the dedication of the doctors, nurses and staff, the Episcopal Health Services saved lives and provided shelter to residents in the Rockaways, Long Beach, Atlantic Beach and Five Town communities.”

“This money will go a long way in helping a key organization that stepped up when the medical community and local neighborhoods needed them,” said Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “The preparation St. John’s Episcopal took ahead of time, and the influx of patients taken during the storm, shows how dedicated this region is and how we respond during times of disaster.”

Episcopal Health Services is a critical health care private nonprofit organization comprising three major entities: St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Bishop MacLean Episcopal Nursing Home and Bishop Hucles Episcopal Nursing Home. The facilities lost power on October 29, 2012, but continued to provide medical care to patients by using generators until electrical power was restored on November 9, 2012.

Private non-profit agencies that provide what are defined as critical services to the community may file a Request for Public Assistance from FEMA for reimbursement of costs incurred for emergency work performed as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Facilities that provide critical services include:

Hospitals and other medical-treatment facilities;
Fire, police and other emergency services;
Power, water and sewer utilities; and
Educational institutions.

Private nonprofits that provide what are defined as essential services to the community may also be eligible for PA to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. However, these private non-profits must first apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest loan.

Facilities that provide essential services include:

Libraries, museums and zoos;
Community centers;
Disability advocacy and service providers;
Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities; and
Senior citizen centers and day-care centers.

FEMA reimburses no less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures and permanent restoration costs, including debris removal and infrastructure repair or replacement.

The deadlines for Requests for Public Assistance are:

Jan. 17, 2013 for Greene County;
Jan. 28, 2013: for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens counties;
Feb. 1, 2013: for Rockland and Westchester counties; and
Feb. 11, 2013: for Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA awards $695,000 to Episcopal Health Services

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