Elderly Need Special Plans To Be Ready For A Disaster

PURVIS, Miss. – Elderly people, especially those with medical issues and limited mobility, can be especially vulnerable should a natural or manmade disaster strike.

Local, state and federal officials are urging all Americans, in particular the elderly, to review, update and rehearse their disaster plans.

Those living in a group setting, such as a nursing home or adult living facility, should speak with the administrator to learn about the specific disaster/evacuation plan for that facility.

There are three simple steps to disaster preparation: Make a kit, plan ahead and stay informed.

Your disaster emergency kit should include the supplies to last at least three days:

  • Water: at least one gallon per day per person for drinking and sanitation;
  • Food and utensils: foods that are ready to eat and not quickly perishable are ideal;
  • Blankets and extra clothing;
  • A first aid kit, including medical insurance and Medicaid cards;
  • A battery-powered  radio and/or a NOAA weather radio;
  • A flashlight with extra batteries;
  • Prescription medicines:  These should be rotated frequently and kept up to date;
  • Medical supplies: an extra pair of glasses, hearing-aid batteries and any other personally needed medical devices;
  • An emergency contact list: to reach family, friends and emergency numbers; and
  • Extra cash: access to banks and ATMs may be limited for a time.

Prepare your disaster action plan, review and practice it regularly. If you live alone, talk to your family or friends about preparing for emergencies, getting help in the event of an evacuation and dealing with the aftermath of a disaster. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers who can help in an emergency. Discuss needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary medical equipment.

Arrange for electronic payments of federal benefits or other retirement income. A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or even weeks. Switching to electronic payments also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The federal government recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

  • Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is the best option for people with bank accounts. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or at www.godirect.org/.
  • The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative topaper checks for people who don’t have a bank account. Sign up is easy – call toll-freeat (877) 212-9991 or sign up online at http://www.usdirectexpress.com/edcfdtclient/index.html

Disaster-assistance grants are not considered taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Learn about what kinds of disasters are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Find out if your area is served by emergency radio and TV broadcasts. Other emergency alert methods might include a special siren, an automated telephone call or even a visit from emergency workers.

Emergency plans are normally established by state and local governments. County emergency management offices can supply the appropriate information. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency maintains a website with additional preparedness information at www.msema.org.

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

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.

 

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Elderly Need Special Plans To Be Ready For A Disaster

Fight Disaster-related Fraud by Insisting on Seeing Identification

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors beware: There may be con artists trying to get their hands on your disaster assistance money or personal financial information.

After a disaster, crooks may pretend to be employed by FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration. They may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or they may promise to increase your disaster assistance grant for a fee, something a federal employee would never do.

Some consumer safety tips to remember:

  • There is never a fee to apply for FEMA assistance or to receive it;
  • There are no fees for FEMA or SBA property damage inspections; and
  • Government workers never ask for payment to perform their duties.

Asking to see identification is a disaster survivor’s best defense against such criminals and scam artists. All authorized federal personnel are required to wear photo IDs at all times. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of affiliation with these agencies.

All government- or contractor-issued ID badges should be produced by the bearer without hesitation or reluctance. A FEMA contract inspector who comes to your home will be able to provide your FEMA registration number.

If private insurance adjusters and local building code inspectors visit your property, they should also be able to provide identification on demand.

Anyone suspecting fraud should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local authorities or the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at www.ct.gov/dcp or by calling 800-842-2649 (in the Hartford area, call 860-713-6110).

 

Contractor fraud can also be a problem after a disaster. Remember these tips before signing a home repair contract:

  • Get three written estimates; then check each contractor’s credentials and references. Contact the Better Business Bureau or local chamber of commerce to see if there are outstanding complaints against the contractor;
  • Obtain a written contract detailing all work to be performed, costs, a projected completion date, and procedures to negotiate changes and settle disputes;
  • Any guarantees should be in writing.

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

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers 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.

 

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

 

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Fight Disaster-related Fraud by Insisting on Seeing Identification

Insured Storm Survivors May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. — Disaster officials offered hope today to property owners and renters coming up short on insurance settlements for damage due to Hurricane Sandy.

Insured disaster survivors must file claims with their insurers, because Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance does not duplicate insurance benefits. However, survivors who do not register for FEMA assistance before the Jan. 28 deadline may discover too late that their insurance payout leaves them uninsured or underinsured for certain items.

Insurance policies may not take into account changes in costs for labor and materials. Policyholders might have reduced coverage to save money during a down economy and find themselves uninsured for some losses.

“Apply for disaster assistance and keep in touch with FEMA on the outcome of your insurance settlement,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “A first notice that benefits aren’t available due to insurance could be changed with new information. But if you haven’t registered, that option goes away.”

Examples of cases where insurance may be lacking include the category insurers call Additional Living Expenses, which may not be covered for temporary housing, such as in flood insurance policies. Other uninsured items could be disaster-related medical or dental expenses, vehicle losses, essential tools for workers, or lost computers and books owned by students.

Residents registered for assistance also become eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. A FEMA registration number is a requirement for individuals to seek SBA disaster loans of up to $200,000 for physical damage losses and up to $40,000 for contents. However, businesses may apply for disaster loans without first applying for FEMA assistance.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available at the close of the English message.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance, nor does it disqualify anyone from applying for assistance. Flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers 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.

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

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Insured Storm Survivors May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance

Scam Artists Attempt To Prey On Disaster Survivors

TRENTON, N.J. – Fraud and scams are age-old issues that surface in the aftermath of any disaster. Using old and new methods, scam artists seek to obtain vital information or take advantage of survivors focused on recovery.

New Jersey residents need to be on alert. Some of the most common scams after a disaster include:

Home Repair Scams

Unregistered home improvement contractors may take the disaster survivor’s money and disappear, leaving unfinished work and unsafe homes. Before hiring a contractor, the survivor should check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered, as well as ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify the policy is valid. All contracts should be in writing, and 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 New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect the prices are too high.

Identity Theft

People may pretend to be employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other government agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or public utilities. By going door-to-door to storm-damaged homes, or by phone or on the internet, con artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers.

Remember:

  • A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with these agencies. All authorized FEMA or SBA personnel display a laminated photo identification card, which they are required to wear at all times;
  • Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on previous applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.
  • On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative would ask only for the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number.

False Payment or Bribe

Imposters may ask for some form of service payment, or bribe – something no FEMA, SBA or federal agency employee should ever do. FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage but do not determine cost estimates. FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.

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 that would be given anyway. 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.

Charity Scams

Before donating, people should investigate to be sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey and ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

 

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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 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.

Link: 

Scam Artists Attempt To Prey On Disaster Survivors

FEMA Aids R.I. Renters

WARWICK, R.I. – Help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is not limited only to homeowners. Renters, too, may qualify.

“Hurricane Sandy did not discriminate between homeowners and renters and neither do we,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo, who leads FEMA’s mission in Rhode Island. “We want to ensure that all survivors get the assistance they are eligible to receive.”

FEMA offers two kinds of help to renters:  

  • Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): If your rental unit was made uninhabitable by the disaster, a FEMA grant can help pay for renting a place to live until you find new permanent housing. FEMA offers free assistance to find a replacement rental property.
     
  • Other Needs: Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster that are not covered by insurance or other programs. Items such as textbooks and computers used for education, professional tools, household furnishings, appliances, disaster-related medical or dental costs and storm damage to vehicles may qualify.

To determine whether you are eligible for assistance, you must register with FEMA no later than January 14, 2013. To register, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or to m.fema.gov if using a smartphone or call 800-621-FEMA (3362), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585.

To register you will need:

  • Current and pre-disaster address
  • Current phone number
  • Social Security number
  • Insurance information, if insured
  • Total household income
  • Description of losses caused by Hurricane Sandy
  • Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit of assistance funds)

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 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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FEMA Aids R.I. Renters

New Yorkers Warned to Watch Out for Post-Disaster Scam Artists

NEW YORK – As many New Yorkers work to recover from Hurricane Sandy, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are warning of another danger: Phony building contractors and other scam artists often appear in communities struggling to recover from a disaster.

“In times of crisis, New Yorkers pull together,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “However, some people will try to take advantage of vulnerable survivors. We strongly recommend that folks take a few simple steps to make sure they’re dealing with an honest person.” 

Here are a few of the most common post-disaster fraud practices:
 
Phony housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be especially vulnerable to the phony housing inspector who claims to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). An applicant should ALWAYS:

  • Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge if he or she does not offer to show it. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. All federal employees and contractors carry official, laminated photo identification.
  • Do not give bank account numbers to an inspector claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require banking information.

It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.  They do not determine your eligibility for assistance.

Fraudulent building contractors: Damage visible from the street also can bring out fraudulent contractors who visit an applicant’s home offering to begin work immediately. When hiring a contractor: 

  • Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references, get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print.
  • Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Unscrupulous solicitors may play on the sympathy for disaster survivors. They know that many people want to help others in need. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits.  Verify legitimate solicitation:

  • Ask for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number, and web address, then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer. 
     
  • Don’t pay with cash — instead, pay by check made out to the charity in case funds must be stopped later.•Request a receipt with the charity’s name, street address, phone number and web address (if applicable). Legitimate nonprofit agencies routinely provide receipts for tax purposes.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: Beware if anyone claiming to be from FEMA or the state visits, calls or emails asking for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Beware — that information may be sold to identity thieves or used to defraud. A twist on this scam is the phone or in-person solicitor who promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process. Then there are scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full. Here’s what to do:

  • Know that federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police.
     
  • Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362.

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and to the New York State Attorney General’s office in New York at 212-416-8300 or go to their web site at: www.ag.ny.gov.
Disaster survivors who have any questions can call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/40805.

More information about common of forms fraud watch our video: FEMA Media Library: Avoiding Frauds And Scams.  You can follow FEMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA  . Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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New Yorkers Warned to Watch Out for Post-Disaster Scam Artists

New Jersey Hurricane Survivors Can Register for Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — Residents of 10 New Jersey counties who suffered damages from Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of the presidential disaster declaration made Oct. 30, 2012.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) announced jointly that assistance has been made available to residents of Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union counties.

Joint teams of federal, state and local recovery experts have conducted damage assessments across the state. Officials said additional counties may be added to the declaration.

Individual assistance for eligible homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for rental housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and some nonprofit organizations can register online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY 800-462-7585). These toll-free telephone numbers will operate 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. Disaster information and recovery resources are available directly from a smartphone browser at m.fema.gov/.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal disaster aid, even if a person has registered with another disaster relief organization such as the American Red Cross, local officials or churches. Registrants with FEMA must use the name exactly as it appears on their Social Security card. Applicants need to have the following information to register:

  • Social Security number

  • Address of the damaged home or apartment

  • Description of the damage

  • Information about insurance coverage

  • A current contact telephone number

  • An address where the applicant can get mail

  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of any financial assistance.

 

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.

Original article – 

New Jersey Hurricane Survivors Can Register for Disaster Assistance

Watch Out For Fraudsters

TRENTON, N.J. — As many Garden State residents work to recover from Hurricane Sandy, state and federal officials are warning of a danger lurking around the corner:  phony building contractors and other scam artists could soon appear in your community attempting to take advantage of your vulnerability as a disaster survivor.

There are a few simple steps that you can take to make sure you’re dealing with an honest person. 

Your first and best defense is to know the most common post-disaster fraud practices.

Here are some of the fraudster’s favorites:

Phony housing inspectors: If your home’s damage is visible from the street, you may be especially vulnerable to the phony housing inspector who claims to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You should:

  • Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge if he or she does not offer to show it. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. All federal employees and contractors carry official, laminated photo identification.

  • Avoid giving bank account numbers to an inspector claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require banking information.

  • Understand that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They also do not determine cost estimates.

Fraudulent building contractors:  Damage visible from the street can also bring out sham contractors who visit your home offering to begin work immediately. They take your money and disappear, leaving behind unfinished work and unsafe homes. 

  • Before hiring a contractor, check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered.

  • Ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify that the policy is valid.

  • All contracts should be in writing, and reviewed before being signed.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: If someone claiming to be from FEMA or the state visits, calls

or emails you asking for your Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information, beware. That information could be sold to identity thieves or used to defraud you.

A twist on this scam is the phone or in-person solicitor who promises to speed up the

insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process. Then there are scam artists who promise

you a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Here’s what to do:

  • Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov.   If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362.

  • Know that federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money.  FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.  If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police.

Price Gouging:  Excessive price increases are illegal.  Check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect prices are too high.

Charity Scams:  Before donating, be sure to investigate to make sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey.  Ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer

Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

 

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.

From:  

Watch Out For Fraudsters

FEMA Online Help Digest

Individuals, families and business owners in all New Jersey Counties may qualify for aid programs provided and coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The following is a summary and list of online resources for survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

Residents can also get disaster-related information by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or calling the FEMA helpline 24/7 at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  

Residents can also access information on assistance available to help with recovery needs by visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find the nearest DRC:  http://www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance.

Assistance for affected individuals, families, and businesses may include:

  • Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.  Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Benefits may be extended for up to 18 months, based on a review of individual applicant requirements.   Rental listings on the FEMA Housing Portal at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm.
  • Short-term lodging assistance for evacuees who are not able to return home for an extended or indeterminate period of time following a disaster. FEMA may provide Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) in hotels and motels to those who continue to need housing after shelters have closed because they are unable to return to their homes. To find participating hotels visit http://www.femaevachotels.com.
  • Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.  To start the application process and for additional information: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ .
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.  More applications and more information: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm.
  • Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals.  These benefits are made available to individuals not covered by other unemployment compensation programs, such as self-employed, farmers, migrant and seasonal workers. All unemployed individuals must register with New Jersey’s employment services office before they can receive DUA benefits. New Jersey disaster unemployment benefits site: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ui/aftrfile/dua.html.
  • Low-interest Small Business Administration disaster loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.  Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. http://www.sba.gov/content/home-and-personal-property-loans.
  • Small Business Administration Disaster Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact.  This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million.  http://www.sba.gov/content/business-physical-disaster-loans.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. Applications for emergency loans must be received within 8 months of the county’s disaster or quarantine designation date. Program information available at:  http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=efl.  To find the Nearest USDA service center: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=us&agency=fsa.
  • Other programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters. http://www.fema.gov/additional-assistance#1
  • There is a wealth of resources about New Jersey’s programs for disaster survivors. http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lwdhome/content/SandyHelpCenter.html.
  • For a summary of specific programs for which applications may be submitted on line: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/browse-by-category/category/D05.

 

How to Apply for Assistance:

To begin the disaster registration process, residents and business owners in all 21 New Jersey counties can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a weekly until further notice. 

Before registering, applicants should gather the following basic information to speed up the process:

  • Social Security number;
  • Telephone number where he or she can be reached;
  • Address of the damaged property;
  • Current address;
  • Brief description of disaster-related damages and losses;
  • Insurance information; and
  • Bank account information. (Because many residents are relocating, mailed checks may not reach them FEMA strongly encourages applicants to provide account and routing numbers to enable direct deposit of assistance funds.)

 

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.

Read article here – 

FEMA Online Help Digest

FEMA Adds Pointe Coupee Parish for Individual Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Residents of Pointe Coupee Parish working to recover from Hurricane Isaac may now apply for federal and state disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as the parish was added Wednesday to the major disaster declaration for the hurricane.

“Our Individual Assistance experts are ready to get help to eligible Hurricane Isaac survivors in Pointe Coupee Parish,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “Survivors should register with FEMA as soon as possible so we can begin to work with them and determine their needs.”

Homeowners, renters and business owners with uninsured or underinsured property damage may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants 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 are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Disaster assistance for individuals may include: 

  • Grants to help pay for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make a home habitable;
  • Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance;
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization or local community or church organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. Applicants will be asked to provide: 

  • Social Security number
  • Address of the damaged home or apartment
  • Description of the damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • A current contact telephone number
  • An address where they can get mail
  • Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance.

The latest addition brings to 26 the total number of parishes for which Individual Assistance has been made available in Louisiana: Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Adds Pointe Coupee Parish for Individual Assistance

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