Kentuckians Have Just Two Weeks Left To Register With FEMA

Kentuckians Have Just Two Weeks Left To Register With FEMA 

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4057-060

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes of Feb. 29 through March 3 have only two weeks remaining to register with The Federal Emergency Management Agency for federal disaster assistance. The final day to register is May 7.

Disaster officials urge everyone who suffered damage or losses from the storms to register for assistance with FEMA, including those who may have had insurance to cover some of their losses. Insurance may not cover all losses.

The May 7 deadline also is the same for those submitting disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans are available to homeowners and renters as well as to private nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

Completion of the SBA loan application does not obligate an applicant to take out a loan, but the information in the application may be used to determine qualification for further federal assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in the following 21 Kentucky counties may be eligible: Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe.

Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Callers with speech or hearing disabilities can use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in several languages. Smartphone or tablet users can go to m.fema.gov to register.

People who have already registered can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if they have questions or additional information to provide.
Prior to calling or registering online, residents should have:

  • The address of the affected property
  • A brief description of the damages
  • A current address where they receive mail
  • Social Security number
  • Insurance information including policy numbers
  • A phone number and an alternate phone number

Applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for these items.

The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by going online at sba.gov. Loan applications can be made online at SBA’s secure website: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is open to assist SBA loan applicants. The center is located in West Liberty in Johnson County at the Kentucky Housing Cooperative Building until April 27.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2012 13:19:12

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Kentuckians Have Just Two Weeks Left To Register With FEMA

Lincoln, Mingo Counties Designated For Federal Assistance For Flooding

Lincoln, Mingo Counties Designated For Federal Assistance For Flooding 

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4061-040

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – State and federal officials have announced that residents of two more counties in the state are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help affected individuals, families and businesses recover from losses sustained in the March 15-31 flooding.

Help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is now available in Lincoln and Mingo counties. Disaster survivors in these counties who suffered losses during the flooding may apply for temporary housing assistance and housing repair, among several other benefits.

Residents of Lincoln County who suffered losses associated with the February 29-March 5 tornadoes and flooding must reapply to FEMA if they suffered losses directly from the March 15-31 flooding.

“The way to get started is to immediately register with FEMA,” said Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “You must register to find out if you are eligible for assistance. Having alerted or spoken to local authorities doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

Homeowners, renters and businesses should apply for disaster assistance as soon as possible by calling the FEMA Hotline at 1-800-621- 3362 or TTY at 1-800-462-7585. Multilingual assistance is available. This toll-free line is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

Other West Virginia counties that have been similarly designated are Harrison, Logan, Marion, Preston, Taylor and Wayne.

The deadline for registering with FEMA for affected residents in the added counties is May 21.

Also available are U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for individuals, renters and businesses to repair or replace damaged property.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 16:34:11

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Lincoln, Mingo Counties Designated For Federal Assistance For Flooding

Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA 

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Release Number: 4059-029

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding those affected by the recent storms and floods they have only a short time left to register for possible assistance.

For residents in Lincoln, Marion and Wayne counties the deadline is May 15. For those in Logan County the deadline is May 21. Assistance is available for homeowners, renters and businesses of any size.

“You absolutely must register with FEMA as the first step in getting help,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said. “Even if you have been talking to, or signed up with, state or county or local folks, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help Line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, Criswell said. “The process is fast and simple. Even if you are unsure if you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility. ”

Registrations can also be made online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a cell phone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Applicants should be ready to supply FEMA with current contact information (mailing address, phone number, e-mail address or that of a friend or relative who is in touch with the applicant), a Social Security number of any household member, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the problems and, if appropriate, any information about insurance coverage one might or might not have. The FEMA representative may ask for some other data, like the number of people residing in the property and the family’s gross annual income. All this information is critical to the process and will be kept in strict confidence by FEMA, Criswell said.

After registering with FEMA, applicants will be given a case number so they can follow the progress of their applications and to use when speaking to other FEMA personnel. To check on the status of one’s application, call the FEMA Help Line or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. This information will be available 24 hours after initially registering with FEMA.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now operating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturdays at these locations:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County
Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery experts from the state and FEMA to provide information and guidance for applicants to navigate through the recovery process.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration, SBA spokesman Jose Vejarano said. These personnel can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. The loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, he said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a disaster loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA, but filling out the application is essential for potentially qualifying for further 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.

Last Modified: Monday, 16-Apr-2012 16:52:59

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Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

Deadlines Loom For Disaster Unemployment Benefits

Deadlines Loom For Disaster Unemployment Benefits 

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4059-019

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the recent tornadoes and flooding may be eligible for weekly benefit payments under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, state and federal officials said today.

But the deadlines for applying for the benefits are coming up. For the presidentially declared disaster of March 16, the deadline is April 23. For the disaster declared on March 22, the deadline is April 25.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

The availability of this program was initiated by President Obama’s disaster declarations for parts of West Virginia and extends to those living or working in any of the four counties eligible for individual assistance. They are Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne counties.

“This program is designed to help those whose employment was interrupted by the disaster” Gianato said. “It will help them make ends meet until they can get back to work.”

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

  • You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed
  • Your workplace was damaged or destroyed
  • Your transportation to work is not available
  • You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area
  • You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster
  • You derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find your local Workforce office by dialing 211.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 17:44:13

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Deadlines Loom For Disaster Unemployment Benefits

Tax Assistance Available To Vermonters Affected By Flooding

Tax Assistance Available To Vermonters Affected By Flooding 

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4022-076

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – With the April 17 deadline for filing individual income tax returns rapidly approaching, Vermonters who were affected by last year’s spring floods or Tropical Storm Irene may have help available.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged Vermonters to check with both the Internal Revenue Service and the Vermont Tax Department to learn what benefits may be available.

“Vermonters who suffered losses from a presidentially declared disaster have a variety of options open to them,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “In addition to filing a disaster casualty loss claim, they can receive a waiver of fees and expedited processing if they request documents like prior tax returns that may have been destroyed.”

Casualty losses – property damaged or destroyed and not covered by insurance or other reimbursement – can be deducted from an amended 2010 return or on the 2011 return, both of which are due April 17. Russo reminded those who received Individual Assistance grants from FEMA that these are not considered income for tax purposes.

The deduction applies to loss of property because of sudden, unexpected or unusual events such as severe weather. The unreimbursed loss must be more than 10 per cent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income to be eligible for the deduction, and individuals cannot deduct those personal property losses that have been covered by insurance or other reimbursements, such as FEMA Individual Assistance grants.

The IRS website has tax information about federal tax relief in disaster situations at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108362,00.html. To contact the IRS toll-free disaster hotline, call 1-866-562-5227, or visit www.irs.gov

Business owners may also be able to deduct qualified expenses and should consult Publication 2194B: Disaster Losses Kit for Businesses for more information.

Vermont state income taxes are based on the filer’s federal taxable income, so flood-related losses do not need to be documented separately with the State of Vermont.

“We encourage Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene to take advantage of all the assistance available to them,” said Mary Peterson, Tax Commissioner for the State of Vermont. “Vermonters able to reduce their tax liability at the federal level due to Irene may be able to receive tax relief at the state level as well. It is important to understand all of your options.”

For information about Vermont income taxes, contact the Vermont Department of Taxes at 1-(866) 828-2865 (toll-free in VT) or (802) 828-2865 (local & out-of-state) or visit their website, www.state.vt.us/tax

The Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) has been offering free or reduced-fee tax preparation and consultation services to Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene. There are special forms and requirements for casualty losses, but at this late date VTCPA is urging Vermonters who have not yet sought help to file for extensions. Contact Carolyn Stevens, CPA at cstevens@trans-video.netor (802) 485-6448 if email is not available.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to Vermonters making under $42,000 annually. The program is a partnership between the IRS and the Chittenden County CASH Coalition, local United Way agencies and Community Action agencies. To find a location near you, visit www.state.vt.us/tax/individualvolunteers.shtml or dial 2-1-1.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 15:52:38

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Tax Assistance Available To Vermonters Affected By Flooding

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster 

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4057-049

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to states, local governments and certain private nonprofits to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters.

Mitigation was approved as part of the presidential disaster declaration of March 6. All the counties in the Commonwealth are eligible for the program.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is funded by FEMA and administered by the Commonwealth.

FEMA can fund up to 75 percent of the eligible costs of each project. The Commonwealth, local government or private nonprofit must provide 25 percent in matching funds. Matching funds can be fashioned from a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

The program provides the Commonwealth with a grant of up to 20 percent of the total disaster funding awarded by FEMA during the recovery from the disaster. Because the Commonwealth met higher mitigation planning requirements, Kentucky receives five percent more than the standard funding.

The program enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

Eligible applicants are Commonwealth, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program; however, local governments may apply on their behalf.

Five issues are considered when determining the eligibility of a proposed project:

  • Does the project conform to the Commonwealth hazard mitigation plan?
  • Does the project provide a beneficial impact on the disaster area, i.e. the Commonwealth?
  • Does the application meet the environmental requirements? Visit the FEMA Environmental Program Site for information.
  • Does the project solve a problem independently?
  • Is the project cost effective?

Following a federal disaster declaration, the Commonwealth will advertise that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is available to fund mitigation projects in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth will conduct regional Hazard Mitigation Grant briefings, which will provide detailed program information and application requirements to potential eligible applicants.

Interested state agencies, local governments, or private nonprofit organizations should refer to the Kentucky Emergency Management website for dates, times and locations of briefings.

Applications for mitigation projects should be filed as soon as possible after the disaster occurs so that opportunities for mitigation projects are not lost during reconstruction. The Commonwealth will set a deadline for application submittal.

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.

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

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.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 14:39:54

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Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster

One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register 

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4058-021

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) announce the Disaster Recovery Center in Sellersburg will remain open one more week. The center will close April 13, which means there are just days left to meet face to face with specialists to ask questions about the recovery process.

The center, which is located at Ivy Tech College, I-65 and Hwy 311(I-65 exit 9), operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Since March 13, when FEMA and IDHS jointly opened the DRC, more than 600 Hoosiers have received one-on-one assistance from state and federal specialists as they recover from severe storms that occurred Feb. 29 to March 3.

Specialists are available at the center to answer questions about FEMA recovery programs. Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand, helping individuals complete SBA low interest disaster loan applications.

SBA low interest disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations fund repair or rebuilding and may cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal property or business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code-required upgrades and other costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Before meeting with specialists at the recovery center, storm-impacted individuals should register with FEMA. The last day to register, May 8, is just one month away.

FEMA provides one phone number for homeowners, renters and businesses to register for assistance and to receive help after registering: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 10:07:06

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One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely 

Release Date: April 1, 2012
Release Number: 4060-014

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee residents who, as a result of the Feb. 29 – March 2 tornadoes, receive disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urged to spend their funds wisely. 

Survivors who applied for disaster assistance with FEMA will receive letters about where they are in the application process, what to do next or how they should spend grant money.

Applicants should onlyuse their grants to meet specific disaster-related needs.

Most disaster grants from FEMA are deposited electronically, followed by a letter explaining how the money should be spent.

Housing Assistance grants are intended for basic housing repairs, such as replacing doors and windows or repairing a roof. Housing Assistance grants may also be used for short-term rent payments or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses.

Other Needs Assistance grants are intended to help replace essential personal property and meet disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses. The money may also be used to help repair or replace a car damaged by the disaster and to replace work-related tools.

FEMA grants shouldn’t be used for luxury goods such as flat-screen televisions, video games or other entertainment electronics. Grants may be audited, so survivors should keep receipts for three years to document disaster-related expenses.

If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, a recipient may have to pay it back and may lose eligibility for any further help.

The first step toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA:

  • By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • By computer visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

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

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:00:35

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FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery 

Release Date: March 31, 2012
Release Number: 4059-011

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — As disaster-affected West Virginians work to recover from this spring’s tornados, severe storms and flooding, they are finding support from many agencies, churches and members of the public. Although the flow of food and the providing of shelter and emergency relief have slowed, the long process of recovery is just beginning.

Storm survivors are helped by various government programs, but volunteer and faith-based groups play crucial roles. They work on case management, provide labor for rebuilding homes and assist with other unmet disaster-related needs. 

Those who want to help their neighbors recover from disaster have three main avenues.

Financial Donations: 
Cash donations facilitate the efficient use of resources for the precise needs of survivors. This money also empowers groups to leverage funds with volunteer labor – making each dollar stretch further. To make a financial contribution to the West Virginia recovery efforts, send your check to:

WV Long-Term Recovery Fund
VolunteerWV, Inc.
PO Box 6475
Charleston, WV 25362

Donations to this fund will be shared among groups and agencies that are assisting residents of West Virginia to recover. Be sure to write “Long-Term Recovery” on the memo line of your check. 

Goods Donations:      
Many folks like to donate goods after a disaster strikes, but these donations often create challenges for people who have to sort, clean and distribute items. Indeed, much of the donated material is unusable and winds up being discarded. Making a financial contribution as described above helps the most – but if you do collect goods for donation, please determine first what is needed, where it is needed and who will manage the donation so it can be given to the appropriate beneficiaries. 

Volunteering Time:         
Volunteers contribute enormously to disaster relief and recovery. The way to volunteer is to join a charitable or faith-based agency and be trained. VolunteerWV provides support to volunteer-minded West Virginians. The VolunteerWV Web site at www.volunteerwv.org has information on how to help your recovering neighbors.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 08:53:01

Originally posted here: 

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery

More Than $1.5 Million Approved in Federal Disaster Assistance

More Than $1.5 Million Approved in Federal Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: March 30, 2012
Release Number: 4058-017

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — More than $1.5 million in federal funding has been approved to homeowners, renters and business owners since the president issued a major disaster declaration for Indiana. Individual Assistance was made available March 9 to augment state and local recovery efforts after severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes caused extensive damage Feb. 29 to March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

As of close of business March 29, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials report more than $1 million has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items, and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,274 registrations have been received. Field inspectors are completing home inspections within 24 hours of registration, and 491 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $551,200 in low interest disaster loans have been approved to qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits.

Sellersburg Disaster Recovery Center

A Disaster Recovery Center at Ivy Tech College in Sellersburg will remain open as long as storm-impacted individuals continue to utilize its services. More than 550 Hoosiers have visited the center, where FEMA and SBA specialists assist with applications and answer questions. The center, which was opened through a FEMA-state partnership March 13, will continue operating Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice.

FEMA Mitigation community outreach events schedule

FEMA specialists spoke with some 250 Hoosiers during community outreach events in building supply store this week. Specialists are on hand to explain simple steps people can take at home to reduce damage during future storms.

Specialists are on hand through March 31 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

Lowe’s
1350 Veterans Parkway
Clarksville, Ind. 47129

Lowe’s
511 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, Ind. 47250

Menards
2808 Menards Drive
Evansville, Ind. 47715

Specialists will be on hand April 3-7 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Home Depot
2239 State St.
New Albany, Ind. 47150
P.C. Lumber & Hardware
150 Hunter Station Road
Sellersburg, Ind. 47172

Public Assistance for infrastructure recovery in five counties

On March 22, the president declared Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott and Washington counties eligible for Public Assistance, which means that means state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in the designated counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. The remainder is the responsibility of state and local government and, in some cases, non-profit organizations.

Public Assistance funding also covers partial or complete repair of schools and other critical functions such as public water tanks or sewer systems. Projects will be approved only if they are necessary as a direct result of storm damage during the designated timeframe.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security briefed Public Assistance applicants this week. Applicants logged onto an online briefing webinar Wednesday. State representatives met face to face with applicants during a briefing in Sellersburg Friday.

Register with FEMA

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the telephone registration line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. Those lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. FEMA will issue a nine-digit registration number to verify completion of each application.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

May 8 is the last day to register for 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.

Last Modified: Friday, 30-Mar-2012 17:17:49

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More Than $1.5 Million Approved in Federal Disaster Assistance

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