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Tropical Storm Iselle Disaster Assistance Update

Release date:

December 11, 2014

Release Number:

HI 4194 NR 03

HONOLULU – Three months after President Barack Obama approved supplemental federal aid to help local government agencies and eligible non-profit organizations recover from Tropical Storm Iselle, state and federal disaster recovery employees have:

Conducted a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment;
Held four Applicant Briefings on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Oahu;
Received requests for FEMA public assistance from16 applicants who were impacted during Tropical Storm Iselle, which affected the Hawaiian Islands Aug. 7-9, 2014;
Processed and gained approval for 42 projects ranging from repair and replacement of damaged public facilities, debris removal, and actions taken for emergency protective measures prior to Iselle’s landfall;
Conducted four meetings with state and local government and nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The purpose of the HMGP is to eliminate or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future hazards.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), formerly State Civil Defense, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue to work together on recovery from Tropical Storm Iselle.

Last Updated:

December 12, 2014 – 14:31

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Hawaii

Related Disaster:

Hawaii Tropical Storm Iselle

More –

Tropical Storm Iselle Disaster Assistance Update

Give the Gift of Awareness and Preparedness This Holiday Season

WARREN, Mich. – The holiday season is here, and the state of Michigan and FEMA wish you all the best during this special time of the year. The heavy demands of the holiday season can be a busy time for all. Managing family obligations and handling seasonal preparations along with regular day-to-day activities can make disaster awareness and preparedness less of a priority.

Officials want to remind you that the holidays can also bring out scam artists and other criminals who want to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common types of fraud after disaster strikes are contractor fraud and price gouging.

Be wary of contractors who solicit work door-to-door or who promise –“I’ll do it right away and cheap.”
Get estimates from more than one licensed, bonded, and reputable contractor.
Get a contract in writing.
Don’t make final payment until the job is finished.
Don’t sign over an insurance settlement check to a contractor.

Gift giving is also on the minds of many this time of year. We would like to offer some gift suggestions for those family members who might not be prepared for disasters or emergencies. While these may not be the fanciest gifts to give, they may save a life, protect property or make dealing with a disaster a little easier.

NOAA weather radios and extra batteries.
A home disaster kit that could include items such as a flashlight and batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, bottled water, and canned goods with a manual can opener. Place the items in a plastic tub or backpack.
Car emergency kits such as flares, a shovel, an ice scraper, flashlight and fluorescent distress flags.
Pet disaster kit that could include extra food, a leash, food dish, pet toys that would fit in a bag or backpack.

We wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season.

Those who suspect price gouging and fraud may call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement or through the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.

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Give the Gift of Awareness and Preparedness This Holiday Season

FEMA’s Wayne County Recovery Center Becomes SBA Loan Center

Warren, Mich. – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at the Wayne County Community College District will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) on Monday, Dec. 1.

A DLOC focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Homeowners, renters and businesses will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives. Specialists from FEMA will also be available.

At this center:

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application.
Applicants may check the status of their FEMA registration and get clarification of any written correspondence received.

The center is located at:

Wayne County Community College District, NW Campus, Old Administrative Building
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

The centers, operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be open:

Monday through Saturday- 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 30, Reopens Monday, Dec. 1.

Disaster survivors may register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955; TTY users call
800-877-8339.

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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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA’s Wayne County Recovery Center Becomes SBA Loan Center

Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When earthquakes occur, some of the damage happens in areas of our homes and businesses that may be nearly impossible to spot without close attention. Residents and business owners in Napa and Solano Counties continue to discover damage from the South Napa Earthquake.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge people in those counties to take time to check for any signs of potential damage and register for assistance as soon as possible.

“Earthquake damage sometimes goes unnoticed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Steve DeBlasio. “Earthquakes are different from other disasters, because damages can mimic regular wear and tear or be so subtle that they are hard to find at first. A new crack or stuck door, for example, could be the sign of a serious problem.”

Homeowners and renters in Napa and Solano Counties who had damage from the South Napa Earthquake have until Dec. 29, 2014 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. Disaster assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

“Every resident and business should take the necessary time to do a thorough double check for damages of their property,” said Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. “It’s important for homeowners and businesses to take advantage of available federal assistance and register as soon as possible.”

Cal OES and FEMA offer the following questions and tips to help everyone spot potential damage:

Exterior Structure:
• Has the house shifted off its foundation? Has it fallen away from the foundation in any place?
• Is the structure noticeably leaning? When looked at from a distance, does it look tilted?
• Do you see severe cracks or openings between the structure and outdoor steps or porches?
• Do you experience seriously increased vibrations from passing trucks and buses?
• Do you see severe cracks in external walls or foundation?
• Are there any breaks in fence lines or other structures that might indicate nearby damage?
• Did you check for damage to ceilings, partitions, light fixtures, the roof, fuel tanks and other attachments to the main frame of the structure?

Chimneys:
• Are there cracks between the chimney and the exterior wall or the roof?
• Are there cracks in the liner?
• Did you find unexplained debris in the fireplace?

Utilities:
• Are power lines to your house noticeably sagging?
• Is your hot water heater leaning or tilted?
• Are all the water connections secure including those for pipes, toilets, faucets?

Interior:
• Are any doors and windows more difficult to open or close?
• Is the roof leaking? Is there water damage to the ceiling?
• Has the furnace shifted in any way? Are ducts and exhaust pipes connected and undamaged?
• Do you feel unexplained draftiness? Are any cracks in the walls, poorly aligned window frames or loosened exterior sidings letting in breezes?
• Has the floor separated from walls or stairwells anywhere inside the house?
• Are there cracks between walls and built-in fixtures such as lights, cupboards or bookcases?
• Does the floor feel “bouncy” or “soggy” when you walk on it?
• Have you checked crawl spaces, stairwells, basements, attics and other exposed areas for signs of damage such as exposed or cracked beams, roof leaks and foundation cracks?

Low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations that had damage or loss as a result of the South Napa Earthquake. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

To apply for disaster assistance, register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or VRS may call 800-621-3362.

FEMA must verify damages for every application. FEMA inspectors have completed more than 2,600 inspections in Napa and Solano Counties. FEMA inspectors display photo identification badges.

Damage inspections by FEMA are free and generally take 30 to 45 minutes, and they are conducted by FEMA contract inspectors who have construction or appraisal expertise and have received disaster-specific training. Inspectors document the damage by checking the building structure and its systems, major appliances and any damaged septic systems and wells.

If applicants discover additional damage to their property after the inspection takes place, they can request another one by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Additional information on California disaster recovery is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4193.

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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 Cal OES protects lives and property, builds capabilities and supports our communities for a resilient California. Cal OES achieves its mission by serving the public through effective collaboration in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of all hazards and threats.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Link –

Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

FEMA registration deadline Monday, November 24

Warren, Mich. – Disaster survivors in Southeast Michigan have until Monday Nov. 24, to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return their disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Survivors who have delayed registration for any reason should apply for potential assistance that could include:

Housing Assistance offers temporary rental assistance and home repair grants to eligible survivors. FEMA’s ultimate goal is to ensure survivors’ dwellings are safe, sanitary and functional.

Other Needs Assistance is available for disaster related costs associated with personal property, transportation, moving and storage, or other necessary expenses.

Survivors who register and receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application should return the application. SBA applicants are not obligated to accept a loan; however, completing it may lead to additional FEMA assistance. Survivors are encouraged to consider all sources of aid.

It is not necessary to wait for an insurance claim determination to apply for FEMA assistance
or an SBA disaster loan, which may help if applicants later find they are underinsured.

Michigan residents who receive a letter from FEMA saying they do not qualify for disaster assistance have the right to appeal and can do so within 60 days from the date of the determination letter.

Applicants who received a denial letter can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY users call 800-462-7585.

Individuals can register for help online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet
at m.fema.gov. They may also call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) users call 800-462-7585. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days
a week.

To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

For assistance, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955

(TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

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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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FEMA registration deadline Monday, November 24

Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Loan Centers

Warren, Mich. – Two State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb and Oakland counties will transition to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) on Thursday, Nov. 13.

The State/FEMA recovery centers will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Wednesday, Nov. 12, before transitioning to DLOCs, which focus on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Homeowners, renters and businesses will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives. Specialists from FEMA will also be available.

At these centers:

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application.
Applicants may check the status of their FEMA registration and get clarification of any written correspondence received

The centers are located at:

Macomb County
Renaissance Unity Church
11200 East Mile Rd.
Warren, MI 48089

Oakland County
Gerry Kulick Community Center
1201 Livernois Ave.
Ferndale, MI 48220

The centers operated by the SBA, will be open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955; TTY users call 800-877-8339.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Visit site:

Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Loan Centers

Disaster Assistance Tops $2.4 Million for South Napa Earthquake

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Federal disaster assistance now exceeds $2.4 million for those affected by the South Napa earthquake, just one week after they became eligible to apply. At the state’s request, the federal disaster declaration expanded on Oct. 27 to include Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters in Napa and Solano Counties.

Nearly 1,900 households have applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Disaster assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repair and other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses, not covered by insurance or other sources.

Low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

To apply for assistance, register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or VRS may call 800-621-3362.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA Helpline/Registration. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA have coordinated with the City of Vallejo and Solano County to open a Disaster Recovery Center and have partnered with the City and County of Napa to provide state and federal services in a Local Assistance Center. The centers provide face-to-face assistance for affected individuals to meet with specialists from Cal OES, FEMA and the SBA. To date, nearly 500 people have visited the centers.

Napa Earthquake Local Assistance Center
301 1^st Street, Napa, CA 94559

Solano County Disaster Recovery Center
1155 Capitol Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

Standard hours for the centers are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends until further notice. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, holiday hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During a visit to a center, visitors may:

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies
Find out the status of an application
Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners
Meet with FEMA hazard mitigation specialists to learn about reducing future disaster losses and rebuilding safer and stronger

People should register with FEMA before going to a Disaster Recovery Center, if possible. For visitors with a disability or functional need, the centers may have:

Captioned telephones, which transcribe spoken words into text
The booklet Help After a Disaster, in both Braille and large print Spanish and English
American Sign Language interpreters available upon request
Magnifiers and assistive listening devices
711-Relay or Video Relay Services available

If other accommodations are needed during any part of the application process, please ask any FEMA or Cal OES employee for assistance.

Stay in Touch with FEMA

After a person registers, a FEMA inspector will contact that person by phone to schedule an appointment. An applicant should give clear, accurate directions to the damaged property. An inspector will try three times to schedule an inspection appointment. To avoid unnecessary delays, FEMA asks applicants to make sure FEMA has their current phone number.

During the inspection, owners and renters must show proof of occupancy, such as a valid driver’s license. Owners must show proof of ownership and sign various forms. The length of the inspection will vary, depending on the amount and location of the damage.

FEMA inspectors document damage. They do not determine eligibility for disaster assistance. They do not condemn homes. When meeting with an applicant who owns a home that has been previously red-tagged, FEMA guidance allows inspectors to complete their inspection from a safe distance.

The SBA and insurance companies also have inspectors in the field.

Be Alert for Disaster Fraud

FEMA inspectors carry official photo identification. Please contact the local police if someone posing as an inspector asks for money.

Official inspectors never ask for money or use a vehicle bearing a FEMA logo. Inspectors must carry visible FEMA ID, which includes a photo and name, the FEMA seal and the ID’s expiration date. FEMA ID has a “property of the U.S. Government” disclaimer, a return address and a barcode.

Apply to Qualify

To be eligible for federal disaster assistance, at least one member of a household must be a U.S. citizen, Qualified Alien or non-citizen national with a Social Security number. Disaster assistance may be available to a household if a parent or guardian applies on behalf of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen or a Qualified Alien. FEMA will only need to know the immigration status and Social Security number of the child.

Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, medical waiver programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Social Security Disability Insurance.

For more information on the California disaster recovery, go to http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4193.

The Cal OES coordinates overall state agency preparedness for, response to and recovery from major disasters. Cal OES also maintains the State Emergency Plan, which outlines the organizational structure for state management of the response to natural and manmade disasters.

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

See original article here:

Disaster Assistance Tops $2.4 Million for South Napa Earthquake

Michigan Residents Urged To Complete and Submit SBA Applications

Warren, Mich. – Michigan homeowners, renters and business owners in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties may be eligible for additional grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies.

Filling out a disaster loan application from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a necessary step for homeowners and renters to be considered for some other forms of disaster assistance. If the SBA is unable to approve a loan, the applicant may be referred back to FEMA for some other type of disaster aid.

Survivors are not required to accept a SBA low-interest disaster loan, but information provided on the loan application may be used to help determine eligibility for a variety of FEMA programs that can help renters rebuild their lives.

“Renters are tightly woven into the fabric of Michigan and their recovery is crucial to Southeast Michigan,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Many renters have registered with FEMA and are receiving housing assistance.”

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

“Completing and returning the SBA application is a crucial step,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “People who fail to apply could miss out on FEMA grants that may be available to them.”

These low-interest loans can be used for:
• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged, household items such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the self-employed for their jobs
• Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster

Homeowners and renters who want to apply for a SBA low-interest loan may be eligible for up to $40,000 for personal property losses.
•   Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000, with interest rates as low as 2.063 percent. These loans are available to homeowners to repair/replace primary residences if not fully compensated by insurance or some other source.
•   Businesses may borrow up to $2 million at interest rates as low as 4.0 percent for any combination of physical damage or economic injury.
•   The term of a low-interest disaster loan can be up to 30 years.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance or an SBA disaster loan is Nov. 24, 2014. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 25, 2015.

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

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY users call 800-462-7585. The phone lines operate 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days
a week.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Excerpt from:

Michigan Residents Urged To Complete and Submit SBA Applications

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Arizona Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 6, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-097-FactSheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Arizona.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible tribal and local governments on a cost-sharing basis (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal, and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal, and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

November 6, 2014 – 11:59

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Arizona

Related Disaster:

Arizona Severe Storms and Flooding

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Arizona Declaration

FIRC, Local Organizations Team Up On Long-Term Recovery Efforts

EATONTOWN, N.J. – The process of recovering from a disaster begins almost as soon as the threat has passed and responders have arrived. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people will need help immediately as well as for the foreseeable future. Non-governmental volunteer groups, churches and faith-based organizations are often among the first to step in and help, but also have limited resources to sustain their presence.

In 13 New Jersey counties affected by Hurricane Sandy, many of these organizations came together to form long-term recovery groups (LTRGs), and Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination (FDRC; regionally referred to as Federal Interagency Regional Coordination) connects these groups to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) support the LTRGs as they address the unmet needs of individuals that they can help with, in contrast to FIRC’s emphasis on communities as a whole.

While a few groups had come into existence after Hurricane Irene struck in 2011, many LTRGs were formed in the immediate aftermath of Sandy. The VALs assisted in getting some of the groups launched, using the VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) manual and other toolkits to bring representatives together.

There are 14 active groups in New Jersey in 13 counties (Atlantic City has its own group separate from Atlantic County). These long-term recovery groups mainly consist of and represent faith-based and nonprofit organizations that have resources to assist survivors.

“Survivors that are still not back in their homes need things like rental assistance, construction assistance and help filling funding gaps, and members of the LTRGs seek to provide those resources and guidance,” said Susan Zuber, VAL for the New Jersey Sandy Recovery Field Office. She also said that one advantage of having religious organizations involved in the LTRGs is “they can reach up to the national level and potentially get funds and resources.”

Along with investigating the issues communities are facing during recovery, FIRC coordinates information and resources to affected survivors, so they can determine where help is available.

“The LTRG disaster case managers strive to make sure various resources get to the people they know need help, and FIRC helps them ensure that there is no duplication of benefits,” Zuber said. “We assist in being the best stewards possible of limited available funds.”

FIRC VAL Lori Ross says that nearly two years after Sandy struck, the LTRGs are still actively helping survivors with some serious issues.

“New Jersey 211 (the state’s resource hotline) is receiving (an average of) 44 new referrals for help every week,” she said. “The Ocean and Monmouth county groups have started receiving requests for rental assistance” as people who had been renting properties while their homes were repaired or rebuilt are in need of more money to pay their rent and mortgage, she added. Mold in homes that wasn’t dealt with properly initially continues to be an issue.

Not all of the problems survivors are facing are of a physical nature, either.

“We’re also seeing more cases where people are asking for mental and emotional assistance,” Zuber said. “We’re getting requests for clergy and mental health treatment. There’s a real emotional and spiritual care element as it relates to the impact of the storm.”

Ross added that even caregivers and case workers are feeling the pressure of what is now a two-year process. “This (the anniversary) is a very critical time,” she said, noting that requests for this type of aid increased at this time last year as well.

Rebuilding after a disaster the magnitude of Hurricane Sandy takes years. FEMA, the FIRC, and the long-term recovery groups of New Jersey are using coordinated teamwork and resources to help people put their lives back together.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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.”

Source article:

FIRC, Local Organizations Team Up On Long-Term Recovery Efforts

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