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Mayflower Disaster Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Little Rock, Ark. – To meet the needs of Arkansans affected by the April 27 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, the state/federal Disaster Recovery Center in Mayflower will transition into a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Monday, June 16.

The center’s hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center will close Thursday, June 26, at 6 p.m.

Address:

600 Highway 365

Mayflower, AR 72106

SBA customer service representatives will continue to be available to meet individually with homeowners, renters and businesses to answer their questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program, help them complete their applications, and close their approved loans.

SBA low-interest disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans – working capital loans up to $2 million – are available to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.

To date, the SBA has approved more than $5,100,000 in low-interest disaster loans to Arkansas residents and businesses.

Survivors can also ask questions about the FEMA disaster assistance process and check the status of their FEMA registration by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. The registration deadline for Arkansas survivors of the April 27 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding is June 30.

Survivors can also register and check the status of their FEMA applications online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled device at m.fema.gov.

They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.

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. For information on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger, visit fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation.

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 Disaster Assistance 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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Mayflower Disaster Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Last Chance to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Arkansas

Little Rock, Ark. – Survivors of the April 27 severe storms, tornadoes and floods have until 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, to visit the Disaster Recovery Centers in Mayflower and Vilonia.

The state and FEMA have closely monitored visitor traffic at the centers in Arkansas. Traffic to these centers has significantly decreased, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have been met.

Survivors can visit the remaining Disaster Recovery Centers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at:

600 Highway 365, Mayflower, AR 72106
1122 Main St., Vilonia, AR 72173

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources. Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible tornado survivors to get help as quickly as possible. In addition to state and FEMA personnel, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives are available at both centers to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

The registration deadline for Arkansas survivors is June 30, 2014.

Survivors can continue to register and check the status of their applications online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at http://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 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 information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

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Last Chance to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Arkansas

New Hours for FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers; Closing Date Set

Little Rock, Ark. – Effective June 9, 2014, the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Mayflower and Vilonia will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday. The DRCs are also open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Survivors of the severe storms, tornadoes and floods have until June 14 to visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources. Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible survivors from the severe storms, floods and tornadoes of April 27, to get help as quickly as possible

Survivors of the April 27 severe storms, tornadoes and floods have until June 14 to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Mayflower or Vilonia. The centers are located at:

600 Hwy 365

Mayflower, AR 72106

1122 Main St.

Vilonia, AR 72173

Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available at both DRCs to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

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

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

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 information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

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New Hours for FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers; Closing Date Set

Disaster Assistance Registration Deadline Approaching

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama storm survivors have less than one month to register for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help with damage as a result of Alabama’s recent severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding is Tuesday, July 1, 2014.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should aapply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov,via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

If you have received a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application for physical damages, it must be completed and returned to SBA by July1 to be eligible for other federal assistance.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who are referred to the SBA must complete and submit an application to the SBA for a decision.

Should the SBA not approve the application, the applicant may be referred back to FEMA for assistance with damaged personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses.

As you begin to recover from the floods, insurance may not meet all your needs. Federal assistance from FEMA may help with expenses insurance does not cover, so register with FEMA even if you have insurance.

If you have had an initial FEMA inspection of your property and you disagree with the findings, you may appeal the decision by calling the FEMA helpline for instructions on the appeal process, at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585.

Recovery Centers are open this week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m in the following locations:

Baldwin County (Centers transition to SBA Disaster Loan Centers on Fri., 6/13)
- Elberta Town Hall,10352 Main St., Elberta, AL 36530
- Fairhope Civic Center (Delchamps Room), 161 North Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532
Jefferson County (Center transitions to SBA Disaster Loan Center on Sat., 6/14)
- Maurice C. West Community Center, 171 Second St. SW, Graysville, AL 35073
Limestone County (Center transitions to SBA Disaster Loan Center on Fri., 6/13)
- Ripley Woodmen of the World Hall, 11281 Ripley Road, Athens, AL 35611
Mobile County (Center transitions to SBA Disaster Loan Center on Fri., 6/13)
- Old Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center, 4851 Museum Dr., Mobile, AL 36608

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Disaster Assistance Registration Deadline Approaching

Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

JACKSON, Miss. — Disaster recovery centers in Louisville and Tupelo will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, and will reopen at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 12, as disaster loan outreach centers to continue serving disaster survivors.

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. Staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will remain at the centers to assist survivors with disaster-related concerns.

The centers will remain at the following locations:

Lee County

Old Tupelo Water and Light

320 Court St.

Tupelo, MS 38804

Winston County

Georgia Pacific

826 S. Church Ave.

Louisville, MS 39339

Hours for the disaster loan outreach centers will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday until further notice. The centers will be closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Low-interest disaster loans from SBA are the largest source of federal recovery funding for homeowners, renters and business owners. They may provide financial assistance for repairing or rebuilding a home or replacing personal property, such as furniture, clothing and vehicles.

Applying for SBA low-interest disaster loans is part of the FEMA grant process. Survivors who are contacted by SBA after registering with FEMA should complete the application to keep their recovery process moving. Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept an SBA loan. However, failure to complete and submit the home disaster loan application may stop the FEMA grant process. Homeowners and renters who submit an SBA application and are declined a loan may be considered for certain other FEMA grants that do not have to be paid back and could include assistance for disaster-related car repairs, clothing, household items and other expenses.

Homeowners, renters or business owners who sustained storm-related damages have until Monday, June 30, to apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan. June 30 is also the deadline to register with FEMA.

For more information, homeowners, renters and businesses may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit SBA.gov/Disaster. Survivors can complete disaster loan applications online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

Survivors who have not yet registered with FEMA can do so online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with a mobile device at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362.) Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call TTY 800-462-7585.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Totals More Than $24 Million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — More than $16 million has been approved through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $7 million through its low-interest disaster loan program.

The following numbers, compiled June 5, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved

$13.7 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs.
$2.9 millionfor Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
$7.6 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters or business owners.

Survivor recovery

12,194 damaged homes and property have been inspected (98 percent of requests).
3,976 visits have been made to the eight disaster recovery centers located in designated counties.
9 counties designated for Individual Assistance.
21 counties designated for Public Assistance. Most recently, Bullock, Houston and Washington counties have been added.

FEMA works with many volunteer agencies and the private sector to speed the recovery effort. Those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding need to register with FEMA for disaster assistance.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance status, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-3662 (FEMA) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Operators are multilingual. TTY 800-462-7585.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

County-by-County approved breakdown of Individual Assistance:

County	Approved Registrations	Housing Assistance	Other Needs Assistance
Baldwin	1,729	$6,596,255.81	$1,049,181.31
Blount	22	106,144.00	4,879.54
DeKalb	24	70,327.76	20,674.77
Etowah	49	419,199.49	38,049.04
Jefferson	394	1,030,823.74	164,657.17
Lee	50	255,097.11	53,860.11
Limestone	261	811,612.92	405,121.86
Mobile	3,134	4,254,685.70	1,111,002.92
Tuscaloosa	50	213,218.68	58,583.49
Total:	5,713	$13,757,365.21	$2,906,010.21

Recovery officials urge all Alabama residents who have registered for assistance to stay in close contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process. This is especially true during the first weeks after registering when FEMA housing inspectors must contact applicants to view damages. Those with mobile phones should provide that number to FEMA during the registration.

Affected survivors and business owners in the nine designated counties may apply for assistance. Those counties are: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

Alabama/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are located in Baldwin, Jefferson, Limestone and Mobile counties. These centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One of the DRCs in Jefferson County, located at the Lawson State Community College, 1098 9^th Ave., SW, Bessemer, AL, will close today, June 6 at 6 p.m. This center will transition from a DRC to an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center on June 7 with hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, then 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 12.

The deadline to register is Tuesday, July 1.

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Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Totals More Than $24 Million

More Than $14 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

JACKSON, Miss. – Federal assistance approved for disaster survivors in 12 Mississippi counties has reached more than $14.3 million.

Here is a summary through Thursday, June 5, of all federal assistance to individuals and households in the 12 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. The severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014.

More than $14.3 million in total federal disaster assistance has been approved by FEMA and SBA.
Nearly $9.7 million in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by SBA for 143 homeowners, renters and businesses.
Nearly $4.7 million in FEMA Individual Assistance grants has been approved to help Mississippi disaster survivors recover, including:
- More than $3.5 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- More than $1.1 million approved to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and household possessions. Included is approval of assistance with funeral expenses for nine disaster-related deaths. Other funeral expense requests are pending.
More than 4,900 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.
- In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration and other partner agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA refers some survivors to those agencies.
- All businesses that contact FEMA also are referred to the SBA.
- Others may be interested in other programs such as disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.

2,568 home inspections completed.
More than 4,500 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews have visited 10,454 dwellings and assisted 7,143 survivors.

Monday, June 30, 2014, is the deadline to register with FEMA for individual assistance and submitting an SBA disaster loan application.

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages. FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs such as Social Security, SNAP or Medicaid and is not considered taxable income.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster. SBA customer service representatives are available at ALL disaster recovery centers. Disaster recovery center locations can be found online at FEMA.gov/DRCLocator.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

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More Than $14 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

It has been 75 days since the SR 530 slide took the lives of dozens and left thousands without access to their normal routes traveled for work, medical purposes and other critical life necessities. As recovery continues, here is a look back at 10 stories about the work of tireless emergency workers, volunteers and community organizers.

$1.7 million	Almost $1.7 million in state and federal disaster assistance funding has been approved for individuals and families who were affected by the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
$1.2 million	The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance has approved approximately $1.2 million in low-interest disaster loans. SBA provides disaster loans for qualifying homeowners, renters, business owners and private nonprofits throughout the disaster area.	(Photo courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration)
$10 million	So far, FEMA has approved more than $10 million to help state, local and tribal communities cover costs such as emergency response operations and removing debris to help communities recover from the SR 530 slide. More funding is forthcoming as the state and FEMA continue reviewing requests.	(Photo by Chelsea Kneeland/FEMA Corps)
$7 million	A total of more than $7 million in donations from across the U.S. was received by three nonprofit organizations: American Red Cross, United Way and the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation, which is based in Arlington, Wash.	(Courtesy of American Red Cross)
80 People served by Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe	On April 24, the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe hosted a traditionally prepared salmon dinner for 80 people who were involved in the SR 530 slide response and recovery. Attendees included residents of Darrington, first responders and volunteers, as well as representatives with Snohomish County and FEMA.	(Photo by Timara Timmens/FEMA)
600 National Guard soldiers	Nearly 600 National Guard soldiers were deployed to assist with the response efforts at the site of the SR 530 slide. Washington National Guard members sorted donations at a Joint Resource Center and managed other critical needs.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
37,000 meals	Nearly 37,000 meals have been provided by volunteers. Among them were American Red Cross members who provided more than 29,000 meals and snacks; the Soup Ladies who served 6,655 hot, homemade meals to disaster relief crew members at the site of the SR 530 Slide; and a group of students from Darrington who made more than 1,300 sandwiches for the first responders.	(Courtesy of The Soup Ladies)
150 Oso Strong Flags	The Oso Proud Oso Strong Flag Fundraiser sold 150 flags, 38 of which have been donated to local businesses and community members of Oso. The proceeds go to the communities affected. So far, $750 has been raised.	(Courtesy of Oso Proud Oso Strong Fundraiser)
29 local voluntary organizations	Approximately 29 local voluntary organizations have provided assistance, including firefighters from the Oso Fire Department and members of the Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 7.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
45 Search and Rescue Dogs	More than 45 search and rescue canines were active in the response to the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marty Bahamonde/FEMA)

Help is still available. Those directly impacted by the SR 530 slide may call a help line operated by the state of Washington. The number is (800) 688-3469. Hours of operation for the help line are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time.

SR 530 slide survivors can also continue to speak directly with FEMA representatives by calling the FEMA help line. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) is available through this number. Survivors who use TTY, may call (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, seven days a week.

For more information, click: www.emd.wa.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4168.

Additional information and links to multiagency resources can also be found on the Snohomish County website, http://snohomishcountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide.

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75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

Federal Help May be Available for Vehicles Damaged in the Mississippi Storms

JACKSON, Miss. – Anyone who had a car damaged or destroyed by the April 28 through May 3 storms in any of the 12 Mississippi counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance may be eligible for federal help. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is Monday, June 30, 2014.

Those who may be eligible include not just residents of the designated counties, but also those who were working or visiting those areas and had disaster-related damage to their vehicle during the tornadoes.

The damaged vehicle must have complied with applicable state laws regarding title, vehicle registration and insurance requirements at the time of the damage.
Only those who maintain at least liability insurance will be considered to receive federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their vehicle. Liability coverage is the minimum insurance requirement for Mississippi drivers. Liability insurance policies do not cover storm-related damage. Survivors who register must submit proof to FEMA that they maintain liability coverage to be considered for federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their car.
Survivors who have a comprehensive policy should first file a claim with their insurance company. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a car. However, federal disaster assistance may help fill in the gaps for those whose comprehensive insurance coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
Survivors need to return a completed U.S. Small Business Administration disaster-loan application. After registering with FEMA, the SBA will contact many survivors concerning disaster loan applications. It’s important for survivors to submit their application. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
FEMA grants to repair or replace a vehicle must clear the SBA disaster loan process. A survivor may receive a grant from FEMA to repair or replace their car if insurance is insufficient and they were declined for an SBA home loan. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Keep documents. Federal disaster assistance is reimbursed to survivors only if their car had damage during the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding April 28 to May 3. Survivors must submit an itemized document that shows damage to the car is storm-related and a receipt, estimate or verifiable bill of the repair or replacement costs.

FEMA officials advise anyone whose vehicle was damaged during the tornadoes to register for assistance. Survivors who sustained damage to their property, including vehicles, in the following Mississippi counties should register: Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston.

Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or register with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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Federal Help May be Available for Vehicles Damaged in the Mississippi Storms

Survivors in the Florida Panhandle Warned to Watch Out for Scam Artists

PENSACOLA, Fla. – With many Floridians on the road to recovery from the recent storms and flooding, state and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials warn of scam artists.

“We understand that survivors are anxious to get repairs done and get the help they need to put their lives back in order,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan Koon. “As you begin repairs, please take the necessary steps to ensure that you are hiring legitimate, responsible contractors.”

The state and FEMA caution residents to be on alert for scam artists using tricks to obtain vital information or take advantage of storm-weary survivors.

Some of the scams often used are:

Home Repair

Unlicensed home improvement contractors may take the disaster survivor’s money and disappear, leaving unfinished work and unsafe homes. Before hiring a contractor, storm survivors should check with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation online at www.myfloridalicense.com. The DBPR website provides information about licensed contractors.

Always ask for proof of the contractor’s liability insurance. All contracts should be in writing and carefully reviewed before being signed. Full payment should not be made until the work is completed. The local police department should be notified of suspected fraud.

Price Gouging

Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs at freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Consumer-Services or call 800-HELP-FLA or TTY 800-435-7352 if you suspect prices are unreasonably high.

False Payments and Bribes

Con artists may pose as insurance specialists or expeditors, claiming they can convince FEMA to increase home repair damage aid or the insurer to pay a larger settlement. The scammers ask the applicant or policyholder to sign a contract giving them a percentage of the “increased” payment.

The essence of the con is to take a percentage of the damage grant or policy settlement. FEMA always deals directly with each applicant and is always willing to consider an appeal by sending a new inspector to review damaged property or claimed losses.

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

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Survivors in the Florida Panhandle Warned to Watch Out for Scam Artists

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