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Inspect Your Property Thoroughly Before You Repair Or Rebuild

TRENTON, N.J.–Repairing or rebuilding your home following Superstorm Sandy can be a complicated and expensive process, but having your home thoroughly inspected and making all necessary repairs are critical components of the recovery process.

While much of the damage from a storm such as Sandy is visible to the naked eye, hidden damage may exist that can pose a safety hazard to residents and/or compromise the integrity of the structure.

If you are living in your home while you are repairing it, are preparing to move back in and are about to begin repairs, be sure to follow these guidelines to protect your family:

Look for any external damage

Examine the foundation, roof and chimney of the structure for cracks or other damage. The presence of cracks does not necessarily mean an unsafe structure and may be unrelated to the storm. If necessary, contact a building design professional to evaluate your building and make a determination. If you have reason to believe that your home is not safe to occupy, the local building inspector could perform an inspection.

Thoroughly check your electrical system

Floodwater contaminants can create serious fire hazards if electrical wiring and equipment have been submerged in water. Even with professional cleaning and drying, sediments and toxins are difficult to remove. It is not always necessary to replace all of the wiring, but it is recommended that you have a qualified electrical contractor evaluate the condition of:

Circuit breakers and fuses
All electrical wiring systems
Light switches, thermostats, outlets, light fixtures, electric heaters and ceiling fans
Furnace burner and blower motors, ignition transformers, elements and relays for furnaces
Hot water tanks
Washing machines, dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, freezers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, vacuums, power tools, exercise equipment and similar pieces
Electronic equipment, including computers and home entertainment systems

Keep generators outside

If your building is without power and you plan to install a backup system, use generators or other fuel-powered machines outdoors only. Such machines emit deadly carbon monoxide fumes which are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you if they are used indoors.

Conduct a thorough inspection for mold

Flooding causes dampness where mold, mildew and various organisms thrive. It can grow unnoticed in hidden areas such as above ceilings, behind walls, in attics and basements or crawl spaces.

Exposure to mold can pose a health risk, particularly for infants, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions such as allergies or asthma.

Because mold feeds on cellulose, which is a component of many building materials, it can break down studs and joists, causing extensive property damage.

Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mold spores that may be released while you are cleaning, and be sure to follow directions when using cleaning products.

The New Jersey Department of Health has released Mold Guidelines for New Jersey Residents recovering from Superstorm Sandy. To receive a copy of Mold Guidelines for New Jersey Residents, call (609) 826-4950 or download a copy online at nj.gov/health/er/hurricane_recovery_resources.shtml.

Avoid Scam Artists

As you plan long-term repair and rebuilding projects, be aware that natural disasters can bring out criminals who prey on disaster victims by offering fraudulent services. The state Division of Consumer Affairs in the Attorney General’s Office licenses home improvement contractors, which is intended to provide protection for homeowners. For assistance filing a complaint, or to check on the complaint history of a business, call the DCA Consumer Service Center at (973) 504-6200.

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.

Continued:

Inspect Your Property Thoroughly Before You Repair Or Rebuild

Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

PURVIS, Miss. – As Mississippians clean up from the recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding, some will have to deal with mold before returning home. Mold can be a health hazard; it can also cause structural damage.

It’s important to recognize mold and to remove it safely before moving back into or repairing a residence.

Mold needs three things to spread: a food source (paper, wood, leaves etc.), moisture, and a place to grow. People can have severe reactions to mold. Those with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold. People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to infections caused by mold.

Mold also can cause structural damage. When wood gets wet and moldy and then dries, it can warp. Walls can crack and the building can weaken.

Quick action can minimize health risks and damage caused by mold – and stop its spread:

Open windows and doors and use fans to dry out the building. If possible, use wet vacuums to remove water and use dehumidifiers in closed spaces.
Remove baseboards and soaked drywall to a foot above the watermark and discard. Drain walls by drilling holes or pulling non-porous paneling away from the studs. Check the inside of wallsfor mold.
Wash hard, non-absorbent surfaces (metal, glass, solid wood, plastic) with non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Scrub rough surfaces such as concrete. Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a solution of water and bleach; rinse with water after 10 minutes.
Remove absorbent materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. That includes carpets and padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, leather, wood, paper, food and clothing.
When in doubt throw it out!

If the area to be cleaned is larger than 10 square feet or if assistance is required to complete cleanup, consult a professional contractor.

The basic rule is: if you can see or smell mold, eliminate the excess moisture then, cleanup and remove the mold.

Be safe during cleanup:

Never mix bleach with ammonia; the fumes are toxic.
Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Air out the working area by opening doors and windows and using fans.
Protect your lungs. Use an N-95 respiratory mask that can be purchased at most hardware stores for about $10.

For more information, see:

Mississippi Department of Health: http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/43,0,230,331.html

Centers for Disease Control: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/

Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html

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

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

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Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

Last Chance To Visit Long Branch, Sayreville Recovery Centers

TRENTON, N.J. — The disaster recovery centers at Long Branch Fire Station No. 4 and the Sayreville Senior Center will close Saturday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m.

State and federal officials have been paying close attention to how many applicants are visiting centers throughout the state. Over the past weeks, the number of individuals seeking help at the Long Branch and Sayreville centers has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

Those who want to visit a disaster recovery center in the Sayreville area can go to the Union Beach center at:

Union Beach Municipal Building

650 Poole Ave.

Union Beach, NJ 07735

Those who want to visit a disaster recovery center in the Long Branch area can go to the Belmar center at:

Belmar Municipal Building

601 Main St.

Belmar, NJ 07719

Since the Long Branch disaster recovery center opened Nov. 19, 2012, there have been more than 2,500 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

There have been nearly 2,500 visits to the Sayreville disaster recovery center since it opened Nov. 6, 2012.

Help and information are always available online or by phone. Survivors can check on the status of their disaster assistance applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS.

Survivors can ask questions about their Small Business Administration disaster home loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ.

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.

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Last Chance To Visit Long Branch, Sayreville Recovery Centers

Sandy Debris Removal Passes 95 percent in 95 days

NEW YORK – Debris removal efforts after Hurricane Sandy in New York are nearing completion. More than 95 percent of the debris has been removed within 95 days of the storm hitting New York.

That includes everything from fallen trees to vehicles, boats, drywall and furniture, washers, dryers and insulation. It all amounts to 5.25 million cubic yards of debris caused by the strong winds and heavy rains created by Hurricane Sandy, beginning Oct. 27, 2012. That’s enough debris to fill the 102-story Empire State Building a little more than 3.5 times.

Collecting and hauling debris to the curbs has involved homeowners, neighbors and volunteers working with city, state and federal agencies. Neighbors and volunteers combined their skill and chainsaws to remove broken trees from yards and streets along with cleaning up disaster debris from public streets.

The demolition of destroyed structures is ongoing and about 20 percent complete.

Early in the cleanup, barges were used to haul debris to landfills in upstate New York.

The debris is also being trucked to landfills in other states.

Vegetation, such as wood, tree branches, leaves and other organic matter, is incinerated or chipped. Chips will be recycled for beneficial reuse.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of eligible debris removal costs. In order to qualify, damage must be a direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

A U.S. Army Corp of Engineers video of the Hurricane Sandy debris work is at this link: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/11140

Editors: for a free-use FEMA debris news photo: http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=61125

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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Sandy Debris Removal Passes 95 percent in 95 days

Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefings Scheduled for 15 Pennsylvania Counties

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Hurricane Sandy Public Assistance (PA) briefings have been scheduled for

15 counties in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Initial meetings are scheduled for Bedford, Bucks, Cameron, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Pike, Potter, Somerset and Sullivan counties.

The following is a list of dates, times and locations for the applicant briefings:

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Sullivan County, 9 a.m.

Sullivan County Department of Emergency Services

6864 Route 220

Laporte, PA 18626

Monroe County, 7 p.m.

Stroudsburg Junior High School

(Auditorium)

1198 Chipperfield Drive

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Wednesday, Jan. 23

Huntington County, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Huntingdon County Courthouse
223 Penn St.
Huntingdon, PA 16652

Bucks County, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Bucks County Emergency Services

1760 S. Easton Road

Doylestown, PA 18901

Thursday, Jan. 24

Somerset County, 9 a.m.

Somerset County Department of Emergency Services

100 E. Union St.

Somerset, PA 15501

Potter County, 6 p.m.

Gunzburger Building

1 N. Main St.

(Water St. Entrance)

Coudersport, PA 16915

Friday, Jan. 25

Cameron County, 10 a.m.

Cameron County Courthouse

20 E. Fifth St.

Emporium, PA 15834

Northampton County, 10 a.m.

Northampton County Emergency Management Services

100 Gracedale Ave.

Nazareth, PA 18604

Bedford County, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bedford County Emergency Management Agency

200 S. Juliana St.

Bedford, PA 15522

Monday, Jan. 28

Northampton County, 1 p.m.

Northampton County Emergency Management Services

100 Gracedale Ave.

Nazareth, PA 18604

Fulton County, 6 p.m.

Fulton County Emergency Management Agency

116 W. Market St.

Suite 102
McConnellsburg, PA 17233

Tuesday, Jan. 29

Franklin County, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Franklin County Department of Emergency Services

390 New York Ave.

Chambersburg, PA 17201

Pike County, 11 a.m.

Pike County Emergency Operations Center

135 Pike County Blvd.

Lords Valley, PA 18428

Wednesday, Jan. 30

Juniata County, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Juniata County Courthouse Annex

11 N. Third St.

Mifflintown, PA 17059

Thursday, Jan. 31

Dauphin County, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency

911 Gibson Blvd.

Steelton, PA 17113

Friday, Feb. 1

Montgomery County, 2 p.m.

Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus

1175 Conshohocken Road

Conshohocken, PA 19428

At the briefings, officials from state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations from these counties will receive information about applying for federal assistance to recover from Hurricane Sandy during the period from October 26 to November 8, 2012.

FEMA manages the PA program, approves grants and provides technical assistance to the Commonwealth and applicants. The Commonwealth educates potential applicants, works with FEMA to manage the program and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants and managing each project funded under the program.

For specifics about the PA process, including a list of frequently asked questions, see http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-frequently-asked-questions.

Federal funding is also available through the PA program on a 75 percent cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all counties of the Commonwealth.

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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefings Scheduled for 15 Pennsylvania Counties

Bay Head, Newark Disaster Recovery Centers to Close This Week

TRENTON, N.J. — The disaster recovery centers located at Bay Head Fire Station No. 1 in Bay Head and the William Heart Community Center in Newark will close Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.

State and federal officials have been paying close attention to how many applicants are visiting centers throughout the state. Over the past weeks, the number of individuals seeking help at the Bay Head and Newark centers has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

Since the Bay Head disaster recovery center opened Nov. 16, there have been nearly 2,000 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

There have been more than 1,000 visits to the Newark disaster recovery center since it opened Nov. 11.

Those who want to visit a disaster recovery center in the Bay Head area can go to the Brick or Belmar centers at

Brick Township Civic Center

270 Chambers Bridge Road

Brick, NJ 08723

Belmar Municipal Building

601 Main St.

Belmar, NJ 07719

Those who want to visit a disaster recovery center in the Newark area can go to the Jersey City regional center at:

Hudson County Government Building (formerly the Provident Bank building)

830 Bergen Ave.

Jersey City, NJ 07306

FEMA staff is available at the centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of their application for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help.

Also, survivors can consult with Small Business Administration customer service representatives about low-interest disaster loans to repair or rebuild their home and FEMA mitigation specialists about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damages in future disasters.

Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on their applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

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.

Taken from:

Bay Head, Newark Disaster Recovery Centers to Close This Week

Disaster Recovery Centers Resume Normal Hours after Holiday

NEW YORK – Starting today Wed., Dec. 26, all Disaster Recovery Centers have resumed normal operating hours. Next week, recovery centers will host storm survivors until noon New Year’s Eve, will not be open on New Year’s Day and will return to business as usual Wed.,Jan. 2, 2013.

Since Nov. 1, New York Disaster Recovery Centers have offered information and help to more than 107,000 people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Individuals may visit any of the centers to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration or seek assistance in a variety of other ways.

County by county and borough by borough, New York Disaster Recovery Centers currently are located at:

Nassau

Recreation and Ice Arena

700 Magnolia Blvd.

Long Beach, NY 11561

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Sacred Heart Parish

RR station parking lot

127 Long Beach Rd.

Island Park, NY 11558

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Cedar Creek Park

Merrick Rd. East

Seaford, NY 11783

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Marjorie Post Community Center

477 Unqua Rd.

Massapequa, NY 11758

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Young Israel

Gymnasium

859 Peninsula Blvd.

Woodmere, NY 11598

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri.

Closed Sat.

Freeport Recreation Center

130 E. Merrick Rd.

Freeport, NY 11520

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Manhattan

Southbridge Towers

Store No. 10

66 Frankfort St. New York, NY 10038

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Queens

Fort Tilden Park

415 State Rd.

Breezy Point, NY 11697

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Community Church of the Nazarene

1414 Central Ave.

Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

American Legion

209 Cross Bay Blvd.

Broad Channel, NY 11693

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Storefront

1001 Beach 20^th St.

Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Arverne by the Sea

68-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Arverne, NY 11692

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Richmond

Kia in Staten Island

1976 Hylan Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10306

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Suffolk

Town Hall West

401 Main St.

Islip, NY 11751

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mastic Recreation Community Center

15 Herkimer St.

Mastic, NY 11950

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Lindenhurst Library

1 Lee Ave.

Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Kings

Holy Family R.C. Church

9719 Flatlands Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11236

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Coffey Park

85 Richards St.

Brooklyn, NY 11231

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Knights of Columbus Hall

2882 Gerritsen Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11229

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Social Security Building

Gravesend

10 Bouck Court

Brooklyn, NY 11223

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Jewish Community Center

YM-YWHA

3300 Coney Island Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11235

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

MCU parking lot

1904 Surf Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11224

Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

To find the nearest recovery center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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

Original article –

Disaster Recovery Centers Resume Normal Hours after Holiday

Rhode Islanders Urged to Be Smart and Cautious When Repairing Flood Damage

WARWICK, R.I.– Federal and state recovery specialists urge Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy to be careful and smart about rebuilding. Be careful about hiring contractors and be smart about improving your property’s resistance to future floods. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency offer the following tips on rebuilding and working with contractors.

Here are some recommendations to reduce the amount of damage from a future flood. Details are in brochures from FEMA that are available online at http://go.usa.gov/gwAh.

Rebuild with materials that resist flood damage: Building materials are considered flood resistant if they can withstand direct contact with flood waters for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged.
Elevate or relocate electrical system components, the HVAC system and appliances. Flood waters quickly destroy electrical elements. Panel boxes, circuit breakers, wall switches, wall outlets, the HVAC system and appliances should be located at least one foot above the base flood elevation or even moved to a higher floor for safety.
Install a sewer backflow valve: Flooded sewer systems can force sewage back into the home. This complicates cleanup and, more importantly, creates a health hazard. Backflow valves installed inside or outside the structure will stop sewage backup.
Anchor fuel tanks. Fuel tanks, either inside or outside the home, should be anchored to prevent them from overturning or breaking loose in a flood. Metal straps and bolts should be non-corrosive and wood structural supports should be pressure treated.

Most of these modifications should be carried out only by a professional contractor licensed to work in your area. When hiring contractors to repair homes damaged by flooding, be cautious to avoid being taken advantage of by scam artists.

Get a written estimate. Compare services and prices before choosing a contractor.
Check references.
Use a licensed, insured contractor. Get proof—see the card issued by the Rhode Island Contractors Registration and Licensing Board that the contractor is registered and insured. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.
Require a written contract. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved.
Get guarantees in writing.
Make final payments only when work is satisfactorily completed.
Pay by credit card, if possible, or by check. Avoid on-the-spot cash payments. A reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total cost of the project, to be paid upon first delivery of materials.
If necessary, cancel a contract. Be sure to follow the procedures for cancellation that are set out in the contract. Send the notification by registered mail with a return receipt to be signed by the contractor.

You can find out if a contractor is licensed and insured and get more information about hiring contractors on the web site of the State of Rhode Island’s Contractors Registration and Licensing Board, www.crb.ri.gov/.

If you suspect contractor fraud, contact the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit at 401-274-4400.

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

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

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Rhode Islanders Urged to Be Smart and Cautious When Repairing Flood Damage

Disaster Recovery Center Offers Resources to Sandy Survivors

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Residents in Somerset County affected by Hurricane Sandy can get first-hand information about disaster assistance and resources available to them directly from Federal Emergency Management Agency and Maryland Emergency Management Agency specialists at a Disaster Recovery Center.

The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the following location beginning Tuesday, December 18, 2012:

The Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building

#2 Mill Lane

Crisfield, MD 21817

Federal assistance can include grants to individuals for rental assistance and essential home repairs. Specialists can direct survivors to agencies that may be able to meet specific needs. Information is also available on rebuilding safer and stronger.

“You can register with FEMA by phone or online, so it isn’t necessary to go to a disaster recovery center,” Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said. “However, if you want to speak with someone in person about assistance programs, eligibility or submitting documents to support a claim, we’re there for you.”

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available at the centers to assist survivors in completing their low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions about the loan program available to homeowners and renters as well as businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations. For many people, a completed SBA loan application is necessary to be considered for some types of federal financial disaster assistance. People with home-based businesses or rental property affected by the storm may also be eligible for SBA loans.

Before going to a center, people with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA in any of the following ways:

Online www.disasterassistance.gov
By phone 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.
Tablet or smart phone m.fema.gov

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091 or www.mema.maryland.gov

Disaster Recovery Center Offers Resources to Sandy Survivors

Altered Weekend Schedule for Knights of Columbus Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – A Disaster Recovery Center at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brooklyn will not be open for logistical reasons on Saturday, Dec. 15, but will reopen to help Hurricane Sandy survivors at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16.

The Knights of Columbus recovery center is located at 2882 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229. Its usual hours, which will resume on Dec. 16, are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Five other Disaster Recovery Centers in Brooklyn will maintain normal hours through the weekend. Their locations and hours of operation are:

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where Hurricane Sandy survivors can obtain face-to-face help as they rebuild their homes and lives after the devastating storm. People may visit the centers to register with FEMA, apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration or seek assistance in a variety of other ways.

Additional options for hurricane survivors include:

Individuals can register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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.

Original source:

Altered Weekend Schedule for Knights of Columbus Disaster Recovery Center

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