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.

# # #

From – 

Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefings Scheduled for 15 Pennsylvania Counties

CHARLESTON, Wv. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) announced today, the deadline to apply for disaster aid for damages resulting from the late-June/early-July derecho is being extended to December 19, 2012.

“We don’t want people with uninsured damages to their homes or businesses to miss the opportunity to register, especially with many of those same people recovering from Hurricane Sandy” said Robert Hoban, Federal Coordinating Officer. “That is why we are extending the deadline.”

Residents affected by the derecho in the disaster-designated counties are encouraged to register with FEMA for assistance if they have not already done so.  The disaster-designated counties are: Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Roane, Tyler, Webster, and Wood.

The fastest and easiest way to register is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. You may also register on your smartphone at m.fema.gov. If you do not have access to the internet, you may call FEMA’s toll-free hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the deaf or hard of hearing.

After the application deadline, FEMA’s toll-free phone line will still be available to assist those who have already registered.  Applicants who have questions about disaster assistance programs or questions about the status of their previously filed applications should continue to use FEMA’s toll-free number. 

To date, 849 West Virginia residents have been approved for over $2 million in disaster assistance.  To stay updated on the derecho recovery effort, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4071.

Temporary housing assistance from FEMA does not require that an applicant file for an SBA loan.  However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for additional assistance under the part of the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. There are other ONA grants such as public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses that do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan to be eligible. FEMA will process applications for housing assistance regardless of whether the applicant has applied for an SBA loan, and eligibility determinations for applicants requesting FEMA’s temporary housing assistance will not be held up because the applicant has or has not filled out an SBA application.

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.

Continue reading – 

West Virginia Disaster Aid Deadline Extended

WASHINGTON – In less than two days, more than 13 million people nationwide are expected to participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

“Earthquakes occur all year long across our country – in a lot of places you wouldn’t expect,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “For the Great ShakeOut, we’re asking everyone to take just a minute out of your day to drop, cover and hold on, and practice what you would do during an actual earthquake.”

Plan now to take part in the drill on Thursday, October 18 at 10:18 a.m., your local time. When an earthquake happens, you only have seconds to react. The best protective action is to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

  • DROP to the ground;
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table; and
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

If it’s not possible to get to the floor to safely take cover, before the exercise, identify an inside corner of the room near your work station or the other locations you may be in, away from windows and objects that could fall on you.  The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

This year marks the first time that southeastern states and jurisdictions will participate in a regional Great Shakeout, just weeks after the one year anniversary of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mineral, Virginia. Participating states nationwide include: Alaska, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington.

ShakeOut participants are supported by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), FEMA and many other local, state, federal and volunteer partners.  In February 2012, CUSEC coordinated a similar drill across nine Central U.S. states.

To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, including information for seniors and those with disabilities, visit http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and can have disastrous and far-reaching effects.  Earthquake hazards vary from region to region.  To learn more about reducing your risks during an earthquake visit http://www.fema.gov/quakesmart

There are many ways for individuals, households, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, and others to participate in the ShakeOut.  Those interested in participating in the ShakeOut are encouraged to first register online at www.shakeout.org .  Once registered, participants will be listed with thousands of other participants, and receive information on how to participate in the drill. 

For details on U.S. earthquake information by state and territory, visit http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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 .

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.

This article is from: 

FEMA Urges National Participation in Great Shakeout on October 18

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — On October 18, 2012 at 10:18 a.m. EDT, more than one million people across five states and the District of Columbia are scheduled to take part in the first ever Great SouthEast ShakeOut.  The ShakeOut is a regional earthquake drill in which participants simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake.  This action is known as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, which means:

  • DROP to the ground
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops

The states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia are encouraging their schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities, and households to participate in this historic event.  These states are being supported by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC, www.cusec.org), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, www.fema.gov), and many other local, state, federal and volunteer partners. CUSEC coordinates a similar drill across nine Central U.S. states, which had more than 2.4 million participants in February, 2012.

This regional earthquake drill comes on the heels of the one year anniversary of the August 23, 2011 M5.9 Mineral, Virginia earthquake. Last year’s earthquake caused significant damage in Louisa County, Virginia, and also millions of dollars in damages in Washington, D.C.  The event is free and open-to-the-public, and teaches easy to do, yet potentially life-saving information.

FEMA Region III Acting Regional Administrator Robert Welch is encouraging individuals and organizations to register and join the Great ShakeOut “We were reminded last year that earthquakes can and do happen anywhere.  Everyone should make plans and take actions to ensure that disasters do not become catastrophes and this drill is an excellent start.”

Collectively, there are more than 10.5 million people worldwide who are expected to participate in the ShakeOut drills October 18, which makes this the largest safety drill ever held.  Interested citizens, schools, communities, businesses, etc. are encouraged to visit www.shakeout.org/southeast to pledge their participation in the drill. On the website, many resources are available for participants to use to plan their drills including drill manuals, videos, audio drill broadcasts, earthquake scenarios, and more.

There are many ways for individuals, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, scouts, and others to participate in the ShakeOut, to get prepared for earthquakes, and to share activities with others.  For more information on the ShakeOut or how to participate in the drill, visit www.shakeout.org.  

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.

# # #

Original link: 

Millions to Participate in Earthquake Drill Next Week

CLINTON, Miss. Disaster recovery centers have opened in Hattiesburg, Lucedale and Woodville to help those with storm losses caused by Hurricane Isaac.  Center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until further notice.  Here are the addresses of the newest centers:

 

Forrest County

Forrest County Community Shelter

946 Sullivan Drive

Hattiesburg, MS 39401

 

George County

George County Senior Center

7102 Highway 198 East

Lucedale, MS 39452

 

Wilkinson County

Wilkinson County Industrial Complex

1495 U.S. Highway 61 South

Woodville, MS 39669

 

Recovery centers are also open in these counties. Visit any center for assistance.

 

Hancock County

Hancock County Resource Center

454 Highway 90

Waveland, MS 39576

 

Harrison County

County Farm Road 361 Shelter 

15035 County Farm Road

Gulfport, MS 39503

 

Jackson County

Jackson County Fairgrounds

4761 Vega St.

Pascagoula, MS 39567

 

Lincoln County

Army National Guard Armory

182 Highway 84 East  

Brookhaven, MS 39601

Marion County

Marion County Development Partnership

412 Courthouse Square

Columbia, MS 39429

Pearl River County

Mississippi National Guard Armory

1251-B Highway 11 South

Picayune, MS 39466

 

Pearl River County

Baker Maid Building

403 South Main St.

Poplarville, MS  39470

 

Pike County

Community Safe Room

2017 Quinlivan Road

Magnolia, MS 39652

Walthall County

Walthall County Library

707 Union Road

Tylertown, MS  39667

 

Representatives of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid.

Before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

###

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.

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.

 

 

Read More:

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Forrest, George, Wilkinson

RICHMOND, Va. — Time is limited for state and local officials, county agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations in Virginia to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) for federal disaster funds that can support the recovery from the derecho and severe storms of late June, 2012.

The deadline to submit the one-page RPA is Monday, Aug. 27, 2012 for the counties and cities of the commonwealth included in the original disaster declaration.

The counties are: Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Frederick, Giles, Greene, Halifax, Highland, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Nelson, New Kent, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Tazewell, and Warren.

The cities are Bedford, Charlottesville, Covington, Danville, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas Park, Martinsville, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, and Winchester cities.

The deadline is Sept. 13, 2012 for the municipalities included in an amendment to the declaration: Franklin, Montgomery, Smyth and Stafford counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Falls Church and Harrisonburg.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management Agency (VDEM), with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has conducted three applicant briefings for officials in the 51 counties and 18 cities included in the declaration. The briefings address application procedures, administrative requirements, funding and program eligibility.

Public officials and other eligible applicants who were unable to attend the applicant briefings and want to file an RPA may call VDEM at (804) 935-5556 or (804) 335-8755 to submit their RPAs before the approaching deadlines.

Following the applicant briefings, kickoff meetings are held with the individual applicants to identify and review their specific jurisdiction’s needs. To date, approximately 70 kickoff meetings have been held and more than 75 RPAs have been received.

The kickoff meeting is an important early step in the process of receiving federal assistance.

FEMA provides 75 percent of the approved costs for eligible work.

Eligible work may include debris removal, emergency protective measures (such as overtime for police, fire and medical services), road and bridge repair, and repair and restoration of public utilities, buildings, and recreational facilities.

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.

# # #

More here:

Time is Limited for Governments to Request Federal Assistance for Derecho Damage

PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEMA has issued a letter to West Pittston that establishes a new deadline of December 1, 2012, for the community to correct the floodplain management violations and program deficiencies.  FEMA listened to the concerns from stakeholders about the deadline established for the NFIP probation action and has approved a two month extension for West Pittston Borough, PA.

The deficiencies cited in the probation letter include failure to manage floodplain development in accordance with the Borough’s floodplain program, and lack of adequate record keeping.  Direct violations of the community’s flood damage prevention ordinance include lack of enforcement on substantially flood damaged structures.

Property owners will still be able to purchase and renew flood insurance coverage during the probationary period, but a $50 surcharge will be added to any policy sold or renewed in the community for the next year beginning on December 1, 2012. There are currently 358 flood insurance policies in the Borough.

If the Borough fails to make progress during the first six months of the NFIP probation, or by June 1, 2013, the Borough could be suspended from the program. The result of suspension is the loss of federally backed flood insurance in the community, meaning that residents will not be able to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies after the suspension occurs.  Additionally, if a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance for structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including federal assistance to individuals and households is not available.  Furthermore, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies from making grants, loans, or guarantees for the acquisition or construction of structures located in a SFHA.

FEMA remains committed to work with the officials of West Pittston to help the Borough achieve a good standing in the NFIP.

 

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 athttp://www.fema.gov/medialibraryandwww.youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/femaregion3.

# # #

Continue reading here: 

National Flood Insurance Program Probation for West Pittston, PA

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and the Lake City/Columbia County Chamber of Commerce are teaming up this week to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be available to answer questions at the Suwannee Valley Flood Jam on Friday, Aug. 17, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The address is 3076 95th Drive in Live Oak.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

The chambers of commerce are holding a business expo Saturday that will include local businesses, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. They will be available to answer questions on recovery issues.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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.

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.

###

Link to article:

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions at Suwannee Valley Flood Jam

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Borough of West Pittston, PA, is scheduled to be placed on probationary status with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on October 1, 2012, unless the Borough is able to address identified corrective actions prior to that date.  FEMA sent a letter to the Borough on June 5, 2012, that identified floodplain management violations and program deficiencies that must be corrected.

The deficiencies cited in the probation letter include failure to manage floodplain development in accordance with the Borough’s floodplain program, and lack of adequate record keeping.  Direct violations of the community’s flood damage prevention ordinance include lack of enforcement on substantially flood damaged structures following the September 2011 floods.

Property owners will still be able to purchase and renew flood insurance coverage during the probationary period, but a $50 surcharge will be added to each policy sold or renewed in the community beginning on October, 1, 2012.  There are currently 358 flood insurance policies in the Borough.

If the Borough fails to make progress, the Borough could be suspended from the program. The result of suspension is the loss of federally backed flood insurance in the community, meaning that residents will not be able to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies after the suspension occurs.  Additionally, if a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance for structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including federal assistance to individuals and households is not available.  Furthermore, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies from making grants, loans, or guarantees for the acquisition or construction of structures located in a SFHA.

FEMA remains committed to work with the officials of West Pittston to help the Borough achieve a good standing in the NFIP.

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.

# # #

Link: 

National Flood Insurance Probation for West Pittston, PA

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Legal services are available to survivors affected by Tropical Storm Debby in the 22 counties designated for federal Individual Assistance.

Survivors who can’t afford an attorney and who run into legal difficulties due to the storm may call the Florida Disaster Legal Services hotline at       866-550-2929 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Assistance is available in Spanish.

A volunteer attorney from the Florida Young Lawyer’s Division of the American Bar Association will respond within 48 hours. For email inquiries contact: fema@flabar.org.

Examples of disaster related legal assistance include:

  • Assistance with insurance claims (life, medical, property, etc.)
  • Counseling on landlord/tenant problems 
  • Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
  • Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster

The 22 counties designated for Individual Assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are: Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lafayette, Manatee, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla.

Survivors and business owners who sustained damages or losses in those counties designated for Individual Assistance can register with FEMA by one of the following methods:

  • Call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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.

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.

 

###

View original post here: 

Disaster Legal Advice Offered to Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

 Page 6 of 8  « First  ... « 4  5  6  7  8 »