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FEMA Extends Disaster Assistance Deadline For New Jersey Hurricane Survivors To May 1

TRENTON, N.J. — Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until May 1 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return Small Business Administration disaster loan applications.

People with storm losses in all counties in New Jersey can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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

The simplest way to complete an SBA application is online by using the electronic loan application. Go to DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for individuals with property or content losses.

The deadline was extended one month at the request of the state of New Jersey. Through March 29, more than 60,000 storm survivors have been approved for help through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program in New Jersey.

Help is available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey who do not return their Small Business Administration disaster loan applications could be missing out on valuable funds for their recovery.

Returning SBA disaster loan applications is a critical step for homeowners and renters who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be considered for federal loans or grants that could be valuable recovery assets.

SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. They are the largest federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, who may be able to qualify for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may apply to receive up to $40,000 for personal property losses.

Homeowners can receive an additional 20 percent of the approved loan amount for mitigation improvements including building elevation, retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps and relocating utilities.

In some cases, the SBA may be willing to refinance all or part of a previous mortgage when the survivor does not have credit available elsewhere and has suffered substantial disaster damage not covered by insurance.

Proceeds from insurance coverage on a survivor’s home will be deducted from the total damage estimate to determine eligible loan amount. The SBA is not permitted to duplicate benefits.

The simplest way to apply is online at DisasterLoan.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Help is also available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They can also call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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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Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

Disaster Recovery Center In Hattiesburg To Close March 27

PURVIS, Miss. – The MEMA and FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Hattiesburg will close for good at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 27.

Mississippians affected by the recent severe weather, tornadoes and flooding can meet face-to-face with disaster-recovery specialists at the center until that time. Also on hand are representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration who can advise survivors about low-interest loans that might be vailable to homeowners and renters. The SBA can also help businesses of any size with disaster-related losses or damages.

“We want to ensure that everyone in the area that was affected by the severe weather is aware of the assistance that may be available to help get them back on their feet,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “We urge anyone who has not registered with FEMA to do so as soon as possible with the deadline just a few weeks away.”

“This is the last Disaster Recovery Center remaining open in Mississippi,” said Terry Quarles, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “We close the centers when we feel that the public has been sufficiently served and we can let our recovery specialists return home.”

The center, at Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12^th Ave., is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, it will be open from 8 a.m. to noon only.

Those seeking assistance to help recover from storm damages and losses should first register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or with web-enabled smartphones or other wireless devices at m.fema.gov.

Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. C-Spire wireless customers can register by calling #362.

After the center closes, the websites and phones at FEMA will remain available for registrations and to follow the progress of any applications. The deadline to register with FEMA or to apply to SBA for any loan is April 15.

The declared counties are Forrest, Greene, Lamar, Marion, Jefferson Davis, Perry and Wayne.

Since the president made these counties eligible for FEMA assistance, nearly $2.75 million has been disbursed in FEMA grants; SBA has dispensed $2.3 million in low-interest loans.

About 3,000 people in Mississippi have registered for assistance, and nearly 2,000 have visited the Disaster Centers that MEMA and FEMA opened after the storms.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit www.msema.org, www.fema.gov/disaster/4101 and www.fema.gov/blog.

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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Disaster Recovery Center In Hattiesburg To Close March 27

Renters should complete and submit SBA applications

NEW YORK – New York renters may be eligible for additional grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To find out if renters qualify, they must complete and submit their disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

No one has to accept an SBA disaster loan. But information provided on that loan application may be used to help determine eligibility for a variety of FEMA programs that can help renters rebuild their lives.

“Renters are tightly woven into the fabric of New York and their recovery is crucial to the city’s recovery,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer in New York. “Many renters have registered with FEMA and many of them are receiving help now.”

Renters, like homeowners, may be eligible for FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance, designed to help survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. It’s important for survivors to understand that they must complete and return their SBA loan application in order to be eligible for Other Needs Assistance grants.

These grants can be used for:

Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, household items such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the self-employed for their jobs
Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster
Disaster-related medical and dental expenses
Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses

Renters who do want an SBA loan may be eligible for a loan up to $40,000 for personal property losses.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance or an SBA disaster loan is March 29, 2013.

A simple way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting sba.gov.

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. The phone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

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Renters should complete and submit SBA applications

Two weeks remain to register with FEMA

NEW YORK – Survivors of Hurricane Sandy have two weeks to register for possible disaster assistance and to return applications for low-interest disaster loans to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline for both is March 29.

FEMA urges everyone who sustained losses from Hurricane Sandy to register, including those who have insurance. Insurance may not cover all losses.

The 13 designated counties are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

There are several ways to register:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Via smartphone or tablet, go to m.fema.gov or download the FEMA app.
By phone, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors who receive a low-interest disaster loan application from SBA after registering with FEMA should complete and return the application even if they do not plan to accept a loan. By completing the application, applicants may become eligible for additional grants from FEMA. By not completing and returning the applications, survivors could potentially be leaving recovery assistance money on the table.

A simple and fast way to complete a disaster loan application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Applicants can receive an update on the status of their application by calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and SBA business recovery centers and disaster loan outreach centers. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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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Two weeks remain to register with FEMA

Disaster Recovery Center In Lamar Park To Close Friday

PURVIS, Miss. – The Disaster Recovery Center in Lamar Park at 226 Pinewood Dr. will close Friday, March 15, at 6 p.m., according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

One other DRC in Mississippi will remain open at the Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12^th Avenue in Hattiesburg. People who are unable to visit the Lamar Park facility before it closes can talk to disaster specialists at the Ben McNair center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

At the DRC, applicants and others with questions about disaster recovery can meet face-to-face with state and federal specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance. Also on hand at the DRC are representatives from the US Small Business Administration who can help survivors understand and complete applications for low-interest disaster loans.

For those unable to visit the centers, help is readily available by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. C-Spire Wireless customers can reach FEMA by calling #362. Disaster survivors can register for assistance at these numbers or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. With an internet-capable smartphone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov.

The SBA toll-free number is 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. SBA help also is available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the web at www.sba.gov.

MEMA and FEMA urge people affected by the recent storms and flooding to register with FEMA before visiting the center.

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Disaster Recovery Center In Lamar Park To Close Friday

Mississippi – One Month After The Storm

PURVIS, Miss. – In the month since thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding caused widespread destruction across the Pine Belt, the federal government has approved more than $3.2 million to help Mississippians respond to and recover from the storms.

On Feb. 13, the president declared a major disaster and ordered federal aid to individuals and households and to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the storms. Counties either initially declared eligible for assistance or added later are Greene, Forrest, Lamar, Jefferson Davis, Marion, Perry and Wayne.

The response to the storm and flooding damage has involved the whole community: federal, state, and local agencies, the private sector, faith-based and voluntary agencies.

The Mississippi disaster at a glance:

(As of close of business March 10)

2,816 people contacted FEMA for help or information.
$2.4 million distributed to individuals and households. This includes:
- $1,754,997 in housing assistance.
- $623,595 in other needs assistance.
1,706 homes inspected.
1,581 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers in five different locations. Two centers currently are in operation Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg.
- Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive Hattiesburg.
Small Business Administration:
- 1,390 applications issued to homeowners, businesses, and renters.
- $747,400 approved.
29 FEMA community relations specialists have met face-to-face with hundreds of storm survivors. Paired with MEMA specialists, teams have delivered vital recovery information door-to-door, to community and faith-based organizations and to people with special needs.
1,081 customers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Economy Supply and Marvin’s spoke with FEMA mitigation-outreach experts on how best to repair and rebuild safer and stronger.
Nine FEMA Corps team members have assisted in all phases of the disaster recovery process.

Assistance to individuals and households is only part of federal disaster-recovery assistance.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, an estimated $6.1 million may be available to reimburse state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for their response and recovery efforts.

Additional funds for eligible hazard-mitigation measures will be made available to the state of Mississippi to help prevent damage from future disasters.

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Mississippi – One Month After The Storm

Attention Senior Sandy Survivors: Beware Of Scams

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey seniors recovering from Hurricane Sandy are strongly advised to beware of scam artists claiming to represent the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration or the National Flood Insurance Program.

By going door to door to storm-damaged homes or making contact by phone or on the Internet, scam artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or falsely claim that you need to make a payment to a federal agency.

To avoid being a victim of a scam, remember:

On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative will only ask for the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.
While a FEMA representative may visit your home in connection with your claim, they will not ask you to make a payment.
If someone comes to your door identifying themselves as a FEMA, SBA or NFIP representative, ask to see their federal identification badge. All authorized FEMA or SBA employees are required to display a laminated photo identification badge at all times.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603 or call the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.

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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Attention Senior Sandy Survivors: Beware Of Scams

FEMA, MEMA Extend Helping Hands To Students, Staff At USM

PURVIS, Miss. – On the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, a table was set up this week in the lobby of the R.C. Cook Student Union. Behind it sat folks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, its state counterpart MEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and a FEMA Corps young adult. They were there to bring the message to students and faculty about the help available to those affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

The Disaster Information Station came to be at the urging of USM alumni Governor Phil Bryant (class of ’77) and Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny L. Dupree (class of ’96). The governor asked FEMA and MEMA to reach out to the students and staff at the school who might not have the time or means to seek assistance otherwise.

“We were so excited to be able to bring our partners on campus to make sure the entire USM family is being taken care of,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “The university has been very proactive from the start and we appreciate its efforts.”

“We will continue to staff the station as long as there is a need,” he said.

“The Disaster Information Station on the USM campus underscores FEMA’s dedication to the whole-community nature of our mission,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “We want to make sure all those affected by the storms get the help they deserve.”

The station opened for business on Monday morning, Feb. 26 and is currently set to remain open through Friday, March 1. About 25 students and staff showed up on that first day and learned how to register for assistance and what FEMA aid might be available.

Many of these students get around by bicycle. Some lost their cars, or their living quarters were hit, or their personal belongings were damaged or destroyed.

“Most of these young people could not get to a regular FEMA Disaster Recovery Center,” Quarles said, “So we brought a little version of a DRC to them.”

FEMA Corps member Reilly Bean, who had been deployed to Nassau County in New York for Hurricane Sandy before coming south, was able to give advice and guidance to some of his Generation-Y contemporaries.

Not all the visitors on Monday were looking for help. Some were offering it, looking for ways to pitch in. The people manning the station were able to direct them to volunteer organizations in Hattiesburg.

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FEMA, MEMA Extend Helping Hands To Students, Staff At USM

FEMA Distributes $1.8 Million To Support Mississippi Recovery

PURVIS, Miss. – More than $1.8 million in federal disaster assistance is in the hands of survivors of the recent storms, tornadoes and flooding in Mississippi. This includes more than $1.3 million for housing assistance and $489,523 for other needs.

While there is still much work to be done, this money contributes significantly to the recovery effort from the recent disaster.

Here are some numbers at a glance as of midnight 2/26/13:

2,404 Mississippians have registered for assistance at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.
988 Mississippians have visited the five Disaster Recovery Centers for information and help about the disaster recovery process. The centers are open in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties.
1,405 home inspections have been completed by the 10 FEMA-contracted inspectors in the field—a 93-percent completion rate.
1,218 disaster-loan applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in Mississippi to provide one-on-one help to those seeking disaster assistance.
FEMA is working with state and other eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties to identify and reimburse 75 percent of disaster-related costs associated of emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

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FEMA Distributes $1.8 Million To Support Mississippi Recovery

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