Georgetown County gets first Disaster Recovery Center

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, Nov. 1) – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), offering information on disaster assistance to survivors of the storms and floods of Hurricane Matthew, will open in Georgetown County Nov. 1.  The center will be located at the Beck Recreation Center, 2030 Church St., Georgetown, SC 29440. It will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.  It is closed on Sunday.

The DRC is staffed by state and federal disaster recovery specialists, and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, various state agencies and voluntary organizations.  It is a one-stop shop for survivors seeking information on programs available to them or needing one-on-one help with disaster recovery issues.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. The centers have tools to amplify sound, magnifiers and materials in alternative formats along with video remote interpretation. Sign language interpreters are available upon request at the center.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting a DRC by calling 800 621-3362 (voice, 711, video services) or 800-462-7585 (TTY).  Or they can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Registering with FEMA is the first step toward 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.

Other DRCs operating in the state are:

Beaufort County

Burton Wells Recreation Center 1 Middleton Recreation Drive Beaufort, S.C. 29906

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Closed Thursday through Sunday.

Dorchester County

Miles Road Baptist Church Community Life Center 816 Miles Road

Summerville, SC 29485

  1. a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

Florence County

Ragsdale Old Warehouse 245 S. Church St.

Lake City, SC 29560

  1. a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

Horry County

South Strand Recreation Center 6950 Scipio Lane

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

Marion County

Mullins City Hall 151 NE Front Street Mullins, SC 29574

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

Saffold Building

6876 Highway 908 Gresham, SC 29546

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

Orangeburg County

Orangeburg County Government Building 8423 Old State Road

Holly Hill, SC 29059

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

YMCA

2550 St. Matthew Road Orangeburg, SC 29118

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

Williamsburg County

Williamsburg Recreation Center 2084 Thurgood Marshall Highway Kingstree, SC 29556

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Closed Sunday

FEMA mitigation specialists are available at DRCs to provide literature to survivors on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to make homes more flood resistant.

For more specific NFIP questions, survivors can call the NFIP Support Call Center by dialing 1-800- 621-FEMA (3362) and pressing 2.  For mold and mildew information, visit your local health department.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can  receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app for more information.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster- damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at  www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Georgetown County gets first Disaster Recovery Center

North Carolina Survivors: Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan

RALEIGH, NC – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a unique role in helping all disaster survivors recover.

If you are a Hurricane Matthew disaster survivor who lives in one of the 35 North Carolina counties designated for individual assistance and has applied for help with FEMA, you may be referred to the SBA. If you receive a loan application, it is important to submit it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the federal disaster recovery process continues and you keep your options open. If you receive a loan application, even if you do not believe you need a loan, you should submit the application. If SBA determines you are eligible for a loan, you do not have to accept it.

Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed in the recent flooding. The SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.

  • As a homeowner you may be eligible for a home disaster loan up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. As a homeowner or renter you may be eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.
  • SBA may be able to help homeowners and renters replace important personal items such as personal property, including automobiles, damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • The easiest way to apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is to visit an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) or a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and meet with an SBA representative in person. SBA has staff at all BRCs and DRCs to help you with your application. BRCs are listed below. To find the closest DRC go online to www.fema.gov/drc or download the ReadyNC mobile app. You may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

  • For additional details on the locations of DRCs and the loan application process you can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

  • You may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of your physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.  Eligible mitigation improvements may now include a safe room or storm shelter to help protect your property and its occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

  • Do not wait on an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. You can begin your recovery immediately with a low-interest SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the insurance settlement if you receive one. SBA loans may be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

  • Homeowners and renters who submit an SBA application and are not approved for a loan may be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs that could include assistance for disaster-related car repairs, clothing, household items and other expenses.
  • SBA can help businesses and private nonprofit organizations with up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits may apply for economic injury disaster loans to help meet working capital needs such as business losses caused by the disaster.
  • The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 9. 
    The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 10, 2017.

SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) are a resource where you can meet face-to-face with SBA representatives to learn how a low-interest disaster loan can help you recover. The centers are located at:

 

  • Business Recovery Center #1

    (Cumberland County) SBTDC at Fayetteville State University

    Small Business and Economics Building, BRC

    1200 Murchison Road, Suite 306, Rooms A and D

    Fayetteville, NC 28301

     

  • Business Recovery Center #2

    (Pitt County) SBTDC Regional Service Center, East Carolina University

    Willis Building, BRC

    300 E. 1st Street

    Greenville, NC 27858-1201

 

  • Business Recovery Center #3

    (Robeson County) SBTDC Robeson Community College Workforce Development Center

    Building 18

    5160 Fayetteville Road

    Lumberton, NC 28358

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance:

  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is the same number if you use 711, Video Relay Service, or other relay service.
  • Call 800-462-7585 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and you use a TTY.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4285, or visit the North Carolina Emergency Management website at ncdps.gov.  Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4 or North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps 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 losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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North Carolina Survivors: Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan

Mayor De Blasio and FEMA Announce Plan to Revise NYC’s Flood Maps

New revision will lead to improved flood maps with both current risk and future climate conditions

New Yorkers will save tens of millions of dollars in flood insurance premiums as a result of City’s flood map appeal

NEW YORK – Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced an agreement to revise New York City’s flood maps. This is the result of the de Blasio administration’s 2015 appeal of FEMA’s flood risk calculations for New York City and the region, which mapped 35,000 more homes and buildings across the city into highest flood risk areas.

FEMA’s flood maps require homeowners in the highest flood risk areas to purchase flood insurance to cover the cost of flood damage, if they have a mortgage. Revised flood maps will provide New York City residents with more precise current flood risk data, in addition to providing a new map product reflecting future conditions that account for climate change. The innovative revisions will assist New York City in making coastlines more resilient and climate-ready, while ensuring homeowners are not required to purchase more insurance than their current flood risk requires.

“We are building a stronger, more resilient city to confront climate change. Our city needs precise flood maps that reflect real risks, both today and years from now—and we have to do that fairly. We will work closely with FEMA to ensure New Yorkers in the floodplain are prepared, and that the tools to make them more resilient, like flood insurance, remain available and affordable. We are grateful to FEMA to agreeing to this partnership,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“We have been working with Mayor de Blasio and his administration throughout the appeal process to obtain additional data from city officials in order to ensure we have the most accurate maps possible,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Jerome Hatfield. “The coastal flood risk has not been updated since 1983, and this process required proper diligence and the City’s involvement, all accomplished through our partnership.”

“We applaud the administration for adopting, and keeping in place the preliminary maps for construction permitting, which will ensure the city is more resilient in the face of stronger and more frequent storms. We are committed to working together to identify the best path forward as the coastal flood hazard analysis is completed,” said FEMA Assistant Administrator for Mitigation Michael Grimm.

NYC’s Flood Map Appeal

During FEMA’s formal 90-day appeal period in the summer of 2015, New York City officials submitted technical analyses and data that revise the flood risk depicted in the preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for New York City and the region. FEMA and City officials agreed that the information submitted during the appeal period should be utilized to revise the preliminary FIS study and preliminary FIRM. This effort will be funded by FEMA, and the City will continue to work with FEMA and provide expert input in the development of revised flood maps.

New, Future-Looking Flood Maps

In addition, FEMA and the City will work together to create a new methodology to incorporate the growing risks of climate change and sea level rise onto flood maps. This ground-breaking step will be based on the best-available science, as guided by the New York City Panel on Climate Change, and will result in a new set of flood maps for planning and building purposes that better accounts for the future risk of sea level rise and coastal storm surge. This will also protect the affordability of flood insurance, which will continue to be priced against the revised FIRMs depicting current flood risk.

“The City’s OneNYC resiliency program requires the best-available climate science and accurate flood maps,” said Daniel Zarrilli, Senior Director, Climate Policy and Program and Chief Resilience Officer, New York City Mayor’s Office. “FEMA’s decision to redraw New York City’s flood maps, and to work with us to produce innovative, climate-smart flood maps, allows us to begin separating the calculation of annual insurance premiums against current risk from the necessary long-term planning and building we need to do as a city to do adapt to rising seas and climate change.  All homeowners should consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes and families.  Thanks to FEMA for agreeing to this important partnership.”

Flood Insurance Rates / Building Code Requirements

Until the new flood maps are issued, flood insurance rates in New York City will continue to be based on the prior effective FIRMs saving coastal households tens of millions of dollars per year, in aggregate. For those outside of the highest risk areas on those maps, flood insurance will remain less expensive; both FEMA and the City encourage residents to purchase this affordable flood coverage because we know that there is flood risk outside of the highest risk areas. Until new flood maps are developed that both accurately reflect current flood risk and also provide an assessment of future climate conditions for long-term planning purposes, the city’s building code will continue to reflect the 2015 preliminary FIRMs to ensure that new buildings are better able to withstand flood risk from rising sea levels and coastal storm surge, and so that recovery from Hurricane Sandy can continue without interruption.

FloodHelpNY.org

Conveying flood risk accurately to affected residents is among FEMA and the City’s top priorities. As the maps are being revised, it is crucial that New Yorkers remain aware of their current and future flood risk. To ensure residents keep their home and finances safe, the City has launched a consumer education campaign directing residents to FloodHelpNY.org, a one-stop shop for flood risk information. Once the revised flood maps come in effect, additional extensive outreach and education programs will be provided for all communities.

Other Resources

www.nyc.gov/floodmaps

www.region2coastal.com

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Mayor De Blasio and FEMA Announce Plan to Revise NYC’s Flood Maps

Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice

BATON ROUGE, La. —Local home-improvement stores and FEMA have teamed up to provide free information to survivors repairing or rebuilding their homes safer and stronger following Louisiana’s August severe storms and floods.

FEMA mitigation specialists will provide information at the following area Doug Ashy Building Materials, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Stine Lumber stores Monday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 29. They will be available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is aimed at people who prefer “do-it-yourself” projects and general contractors.

Mitigation specialists are in this Doug Ashy Building Materials store 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday:

Lafayette Parish

  • 302 E. Texas Ave., Rayne, La.

Mitigation specialists are in this Home Depot store 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday:

East Baton Rouge Parish

  • 10300 Coursey Blvd. Baton Rouge, La.

Mitigation specialists in these Lowe’s stores 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday:

East Baton Rouge Parish

  • 9460 Cortana Blvd. Baton Rouge, La. 
  • 10303 S. Mall Drive, Baton Rouge, La.

Lafayette Parish

  • 120 East Gloria Switch Road, Lafayette, La.
  • St. John the Baptist 300 W. Airline Highway, Laplace, La.

Mitigation specialists are in this Stine Lumber store 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday:

Lafayette Parish

  • 6501 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Broussard, La.

Free reference booklets, in English and Spanish, with information on protecting your home from flood damage, are available at all locations. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Survivors who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the National Flood Insurance Program call center at 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Additional information on Louisiana’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4277, twitter.com/femaregion6, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog and http://www.fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

Two female FEMA employees handing mitigation information to a resident at local hardware store.

September 30, 2016 – St. Martin Parish — FEMA partnered with local hardware stores to provide an opportunity for customers to talk face-to-face with experienced personnel about building requirements, regulations and preventive measures to mitigate damages to property and life. FEMA is emphasizing alertness among communities that have been affected by past severe flood August 14, 2016 and future natural disasters to be ready for all types of emergencies. ( In the photo: local resident, Mrs. Jeanne Heller and Mrs. Cynthia H. Rawles from FEMA Mitigation division ) Photo by: Rossyveth Rey-Berríos/FEMA

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Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice

Local Regulations May Prompt Extra Flood Insurance Help

BATON ROUGE, La. — If your home or business is damaged by a flood, you may be required to meet certain building requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage before you repair or rebuild. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Standard Flood Insurance Policy provides Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, which may be available to help cover the costs of meeting those requirements, subject to eligibility.

If eligible, NFIP insurance policyholders may receive up to $30,000 of ICC coverage to help pay the costs to bring their building into compliance with their community’s floodplain ordinance. The coverage availability and payment limits are subject to the terms of the policy and maximum coverage limits, including all applicable NFIP rules and regulations.

Four options you can take to comply with your community’s floodplain management ordinance to reduce future flood damage include:

  • Elevation. This raises your home or business to or above the flood elevation level adopted by your community.
  • Relocation. This moves your home or business out of harm’s way.
  • Demolition. This tears down and removes flood-damaged buildings.
  • Floodproofing. This option is available primarily for non-residential buildings. It involves making a building watertight through a combination of adjustments or additions of features to the building that reduces the potential for flood damage.

You may be eligible to file a claim for your ICC coverage in two instances:

  1. When your community determines that your building is “substantially damaged,” wherein the cost to repair or improve the structure exceeds its market value by a threshold amount adopted by law or ordinance. Community building officials are responsible for the issuance of substantial damage declarations.
  2. When your community has a “repetitive loss” provision in its floodplain management ordinance and determines that your building was damaged by a flood two times in the past 10 years, where the cost of repairing the flood damage, on average, equaled or exceeded 25 percent of its market value at the time of each flood.

If your community does determine that your building is substantially or repetitively damaged, a local official will explain the floodplain management ordinance provisions that you will have to meet. You may also want to consult with the local official before you make the final decision about which of the options to pursue.

Once your community has made its determination, contact your insurer or insurance agent to file an ICC claim. You should start getting estimates from contractors to take the necessary steps to FRED — floodproof, relocate, elevate or demolish.

When the work is completed, local officials will inspect it and issue a certificate of occupancy or a confirmation letter.

It’s important to remember that only policyholders with substantially or repetitively flood-damaged buildings may be eligible for ICC coverage. ICC helps pay for the costs of meeting the floodplain management requirements adopted by law or ordinance in your community. Any item paid for in the original flood damage claim cannot be duplicated in the ICC payment.

For more information on ICC coverage, call your insurance company or agent, or call the NFIP toll-free at 800-427-4661. TDD# 800-427-5593.

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Local Regulations May Prompt Extra Flood Insurance Help

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Acadia Parish for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – A disaster recovery center is opening Sunday, Sept. 4, in Acadia Parish to assist Louisiana flood survivors. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

The disaster recovery center is operating at the following address and hours:

Acadia Parish

Location:  Old Wells Fargo Building

10 N. Parkerson Avenue

Crowley, LA 70526

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday through Sunday)

Survivors may locate other centers near them by visiting fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers, calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

To register with FEMA, go online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline, or download the FEMA mobile app. Help is available in most languages and the FEMA Helpline is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

Disaster recovery centers are staffed by representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, National Flood Insurance Program specialists, volunteer groups and other agencies. These representatives are available to provide information about disaster assistance, flood insurance, personal and property risk reduction and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing many affected areas and are able to register people for FEMA assistance if needed. Sometimes these teams will remain in certain locations convenient to the community, such as a library or mayor’s office. When residents require further assistance the teams may refer them to a disaster recovery center nearby.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids. Each disaster recovery center has assistive technologies for people with disabilities. To arrange to have an ASL interpreter at the DRC when you visit, call 225-382-1739.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes including landlords, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, applicants may contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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

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

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Acadia Parish for Louisiana Survivors

Update: Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for St. Johns County Ready for Public Viewing

Update: Due to Tropical Storm Hermine, the public open house at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall scheduled for 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 1 is postponed until further notice.

ATLANTA, Ga. –Newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for St. Johns County and its municipalities will be available for residents to review at public open houses at 4 p.m. on August 31, and at 10 a.m. on September 1. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when updated maps become effective, they are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

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

The open house dates, times and locations are:

August 31, 2016

4:00-7:00 pm

St. Johns County Building Department Permit Center

4040 Lewis Speedway

St. Augustine, Florida 32084

 

September 1, 2016

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

1050 A1A

North Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

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

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

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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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Update: Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for St. Johns County Ready for Public Viewing

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Two Parishes for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Disaster recovery centers will open Sunday, August 21, in Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes to help Louisiana flood survivors. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day until further notice.

The centers are at the following addresses:

Former Parish Tourism Building

42271 S. Morrison Blvd.

Hammond, La. 70443

 

St. Helena Environmental Health Unit

53 N. 2nd St.

Greensburg, La. 70441

 

Survivors may locate centers near them at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. That information is also available on the FEMA mobile app. Survivors may register at any open DRC, even out of state.

To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), volunteer groups and other agencies are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are canvassing many affected areas, and are able to register people for FEMA assistance if needed. Sometimes these teams will remain in certain locations convenient to the community, such as a library or mayor’s office. When residents require further assistance the teams may refer them to a disaster recovery center nearby.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids. Each disaster recovery center has assistive technologies for people with disabilities. To arrange to have an ASL interpreter at the DRC when you visit, call 225-382-1739.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes and landlords, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, applicants may contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4263.

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

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

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

 

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Two Parishes for Louisiana Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Harris County

AUSTIN, Texas—A disaster recovery center in Tomball, Harris County will close Wednesday, Aug. 10.

Harris County

Location:      
Tomball Public Works Building
501 James St.
Tomball, TX 77375

Closing:         
6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10

Until then, hours of operation at the center are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 8-10. Closed Sunday, Aug. 7.

After the center closes, survivors may visit any of the open disaster recovery centers, anywhere. To find the nearest one, go online to the recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

Those who have already registered with FEMA can get updates about their applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claims online or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Those who have not yet registered for disaster assistance may do so the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov

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

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.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May-June storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or survivors can visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

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Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Harris County

FEMA Offers Repairing, Rebuilding Advice at Home Depot, Lowe’s

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — As West Virginians repair or rebuild their homes damaged by last month’s storms, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local hardware and home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand to provide information at area Home Depots and Lowe’s Home Improvements from July 21-27. They will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you are thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

FEMA advisors will be on hand at information centers in these stores, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
July 21-27 (except Sunday, July 24):

THE  HOME  DEPOT

Cabell County
1050 Thundering Herd Dr.
Barboursville, WV 25504

Kanawha County
100 Cross Terrace Blvd.
Charleston, WV 25309

 

LOWE’S  HOME  IMPROVEMENT

Kanawha County
5750 MacCorkle Ave. SE
Charleston, WV 25304

Raleigh County
1210 N. Eisenhower Dr.
Beckley, WV 25801.

Free reference booklets, in English and Spanish, with information on protecting your home from flood damage, will be available at all locations. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

West Virginians who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the National Flood Insurance Program call center at  800-621-3362  (Option 2)  between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Specialists can help service claims, provide general information regarding policies, and offer technical assistance to aid in recovery.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/femaregion3, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog and the flood information pages at http://wvflood.com/Pages/default.aspx

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FEMA Offers Repairing, Rebuilding Advice at Home Depot, Lowe’s

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