Free Legal Assistance for Survivors Affected by Florida Hurricanes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Free legal assistance is available to eligible low-income survivors in the 17 counties affected by hurricanes Hermine and Matthew: Brevard, Citrus, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Leon, Levy, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.

This service is a partnership among The Florida Bar, The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, and FEMA. Examples of the legal assistance available include:

  • Assistance with securing FEMA and other benefits available to disaster survivors;

  • Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims;

  • Help with home repair contracts and contractors;

  • Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster;

  • Assistance with consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures;

  • Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems;

  • Counseling on landlord/tenant problems.

Survivors may call the legal assistance hotline at 866-550-2929, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who qualify for assistance will be matched with Florida lawyers who have volunteered to provide free, limited legal help. Although consultations with attorneys are confidential, survivors should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal services. For example, assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those cases where fees are paid as part of the settlement by the court). Such cases are passed to a lawyer referral service.

Other entities providing free legal aid are:

  • National Disaster Legal Aid Online (disasterlegalaid.org);

  • Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. (800-405-1417);

  • Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. (1-866-256-8091).

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

This article is from – 

Free Legal Assistance for Survivors Affected by Florida Hurricanes

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Volusia County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Daytona Beach to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions

The center is located at:

                     Florida Department of Health – Volusia County

                    1845 Holsonback Drive

WIC/Conference Center Entrance

Daytona Beach, FL 32117

Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify possible sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator
  • Get weather alerts
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Original source – 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Volusia County for Hurricane Matthew

Advantages of Visiting a Joint State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a readily accessible facility where you may go for information about federal, state and other disaster assistance programs, and to ask questions related to your situation. It is more personal than the telephone. 

You can meet face-to-face with representatives from North Carolina Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, volunteer groups and other agencies at the centers to get answers to your questions about disaster assistance.

Some of the services offered at a DRC may include:

  • Guidance about disaster recovery and eligibility
  • Assistance applying
  • Application status updates
  • Clarification of any written correspondence received
    • Please read your FEMA letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and what you need to do next. Many times there is just a request to submit extra documents in order for FEMA to process your application.
    • You may need to include an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, and/or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Housing assistance and rental resource information you may not know is available
  • Referrals to other agencies and state programs that may provide further assistance
  • Information about disaster related funeral and other needs assistance
  • Information about low-interest disaster loans.

All disaster recovery centers offer effective communication options, including captioned phones, iPads with video remote interpreting, assistive listening devices, magnifiers and onsite American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters upon request. Both Braille and Large Print FEMA documents are available. If you require a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille large print, etc.) while visiting a DRC, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

To locate the nearest DRC, download the FEMA mobile app, visit fema.gov/DRC, or call the FEMA helpline. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (until further notice).

If you haven’t already registered with FEMA for federal disaster assistance, you’re encouraged to register before visiting a DRC if possible. If you need help with registering, you can do so at the DRC. You can register by downloading the FEMA mobile app, online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit readync.org  and fema.gov/disaster/4285. Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management at @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Continue reading: 

Advantages of Visiting a Joint State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Recovery Center Opens in Beaufort County

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Saturday, Oct. 29) – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), jointly operated by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is opening in Beaufort County Oct. 31 to provide assistance to survivors of the storms and flooding that accompanied Hurricane Matthew.

The latest DRC is in the Burton Wells Recreation Center, 1 Middleton Recreation Drive, Beaufort, S.C. 29906.  It is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  It is closed Thursday through Sunday.

The DRC is staffed by state and federal disaster recovery specialists, and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, various state agencies and volunteer organizations.  It is a one-stop shop for survivors seeking information on programs available to them or needing one-on-one help with disaster recovery issues.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities.  The centers have tools to amplify sound, magnifiers and materials in alternative formats along with video remote interpretation.  Sign language interpreters are available upon request at the center.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting a DRC by calling 800 621-3362 (voice, 711, video services) or 800-462-7585 (TTY).  Or they can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Registering with FEMA is the first step toward qualifying for disaster assistance which may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacements and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Other DRCs operating in the state are:

Dorchester County

Miles Road Baptist Church (gym)
819 Miles Road
Summerville, SC 29485
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

Florence County

Ragsdale Old Warehouse

245 S. Church St.

Lake City, SC 29560

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

Horry County

South Strand Recreation Center

9650 Scipio Lane

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

Marion County

Mullins City Hall
111 NE Front Street
Mullins, SC 29574
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

Saffold Center

6874 Highway 908

Gresham, SC 29546

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

Orangeburg County

Orangeburg County Building

8423 Old State Road

Holly Hill, SC 29059

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

YMCA
2550 St. Matthew Road
Orangeburg, SC 29118
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

Williamsburg County

Williamsburg Recreation Center
2084 Thurgood Marshall Highway
Kingstree, SC 29556
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app  for more information.

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 us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters 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.

Read this article: 

Recovery Center Opens in Beaufort County

North Carolina Survivors: Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan

RALEIGH, NC – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a unique role in helping all disaster survivors recover.

If you are a Hurricane Matthew disaster survivor who lives in one of the 35 North Carolina counties designated for individual assistance and has applied for help with FEMA, you may be referred to the SBA. If you receive a loan application, it is important to submit it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the federal disaster recovery process continues and you keep your options open. If you receive a loan application, even if you do not believe you need a loan, you should submit the application. If SBA determines you are eligible for a loan, you do not have to accept it.

Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed in the recent flooding. The SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.

  • As a homeowner you may be eligible for a home disaster loan up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. As a homeowner or renter you may be eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.
  • SBA may be able to help homeowners and renters replace important personal items such as personal property, including automobiles, damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • The easiest way to apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is to visit an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) or a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and meet with an SBA representative in person. SBA has staff at all BRCs and DRCs to help you with your application. BRCs are listed below. To find the closest DRC go online to www.fema.gov/drc or download the ReadyNC mobile app. You may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

  • For additional details on the locations of DRCs and the loan application process you can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

  • You may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of your physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.  Eligible mitigation improvements may now include a safe room or storm shelter to help protect your property and its occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

  • Do not wait on an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. You can begin your recovery immediately with a low-interest SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the insurance settlement if you receive one. SBA loans may be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

  • Homeowners and renters who submit an SBA application and are not approved for a loan may be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs that could include assistance for disaster-related car repairs, clothing, household items and other expenses.
  • SBA can help businesses and private nonprofit organizations with up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits may apply for economic injury disaster loans to help meet working capital needs such as business losses caused by the disaster.
  • The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 9. 
    The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 10, 2017.

SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) are a resource where you can meet face-to-face with SBA representatives to learn how a low-interest disaster loan can help you recover. The centers are located at:

 

  • Business Recovery Center #1

    (Cumberland County) SBTDC at Fayetteville State University

    Small Business and Economics Building, BRC

    1200 Murchison Road, Suite 306, Rooms A and D

    Fayetteville, NC 28301

     

  • Business Recovery Center #2

    (Pitt County) SBTDC Regional Service Center, East Carolina University

    Willis Building, BRC

    300 E. 1st Street

    Greenville, NC 27858-1201

 

  • Business Recovery Center #3

    (Robeson County) SBTDC Robeson Community College Workforce Development Center

    Building 18

    5160 Fayetteville Road

    Lumberton, NC 28358

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance:

  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is the same number if you use 711, Video Relay Service, or other relay service.
  • Call 800-462-7585 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and you use a TTY.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4285, or visit the North Carolina Emergency Management website at ncdps.gov.  Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4 or North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Originally posted here: 

North Carolina Survivors: Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Bladen and Sampson Counties

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can now get information about available state and federal assistance at Disaster Recovery Centers in Bladen and Sampson counties opening Friday, Oct. 28.

Location:                   Bladen County

Powell Melvin Agricultural Service Center

450 Smith Circle

Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Sampson County

Sampson County Human Services

360 County Complex Road, Suite 200, Room 274

Clinton, NC 28328

 Regular hours:         Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., until further notice.

DRCs are staffed with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can receive help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates regarding your application.

FEMA and the state also have DRCs open in 14 additional counties. To locate a DRC nearest to you, call 1-800-621-3362 or download the FEMA mobile app.  If you have access to a computer, you can go online to ncdps.gov.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is the same number if you use 711, Video Relay Service, or any other relay service.
  • Call 800-462-7585 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assests/veideos/111546

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

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

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4285; or visit the North Carolina Emergency Management website at ncdps.gov/. Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

 

 

 

Read the article: 

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Bladen and Sampson Counties

Help Remains for Hermine Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Citrus, Dixie, Hernando and Leon Counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The disaster recovery centers operated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Citrus, Dixie, Hernando and Leon counties will close on Thursday, October 27, at 6 p.m.

The centers are located at:

Citrus County

West Citrus Center

1540 N. Meadowcrest Blvd.

Crystal River, FL 34429

Dixie County

Lumber Yard Parking Lot

63 NE 132nd Ave.

Cross City, FL 32628

Hernando County

Westside Government Center

7405 Forest Oaks Blvd.

Spring Hill, FL 34607

Leon County

Leroy Collins Library

200 W. Park Ave,

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will continue to canvass Hurricane Hermine affected counties until Saturday, October 29, with information on available assistance. They can answer questions and support you in on-the-spot registration.

Those who have not yet registered can do so by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

They may also access many of the services available at centers by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors may use the helpline to stay informed. They can:

  •  Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
  •  Learn how to appeal FEMA determination letters. All applicants may appeal.
  •  Inquire about the status of a registration.
  •  Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
  •  Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
  •  Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and zip code on hand and available if they want to discuss their application.

For information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4280, https://twitter.com/femaregion4, www.facebook.com/FEMA, and www.fema.gov/blog.

Credit – 

Help Remains for Hermine Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Citrus, Dixie, Hernando and Leon Counties

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Hoke and Tyrrell Counties

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can now get information about state and federal assistance at Disaster Recovery Centers in Hoke and Tyrrell counties opening October 27.

 

Location:                   Tyrrell County

                Tyrrell Hall

906 US Hwy 64 East 

Columbia, NC  27925

 

Hoke County

City of Raeford Civic Center
220 College Drive
Raeford, NC 28376

 

 Regular hours:         Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Disaster recovery centers are staffed with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can receive help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates about applications. 

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is the same number if you use 711 or Video Relay Service
  • Call 800-462-7585 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY 

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assests/veideos/111546

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

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

FEMA and the state also have DRCs open in additional counties. To locate a DRC near you, call

1-800-621-3362 or download the FEMA mobile app.  If you have access to a computer, you can go online to ncdps.gov.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4285; or visit the North Carolina Emergency Management website at ncdps.gov/.

###

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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Hoke and Tyrrell Counties

Advice for Survivors on Lessening Storm Damage in Marion County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Specialists from FEMA will be available at The Home Depot in Ocala from October 27 through November 1, offering tips and techniques for lessening the impact of disaster-related property damage.

WHERE:     The Home Depot

3300 SW 35 Terrace.
Ocala, FL 34474

WHEN:        Thursday and Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

                    Monday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                    Tuesday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both homeowners and general contractors on topics such as flood proofing a home, how to elevate utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) and select option 2. Hours are between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability using 711 or Video Relay Service, please call 866-377-4262. Affected residents using a TTY, please call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.
For more information on the Florida recovery, visit the disaster webpage for Hurricane Hermine at fema.gov/disaster/4280 or visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at floridadisaster.org Follow us on Twitter @femaregion4.

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Advice for Survivors on Lessening Storm Damage in Marion County

Four More North Carolina Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina homeowners, renters and business owners in Camden, Chowan, Currituck and Pasquotank counties, adversely affected by Hurricane Matthew and its impact, may apply for federal disaster assistance.

Thirty-one counties already eligible to apply for assistance, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual and Households Program, are: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, Onslow, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Washington, Wake, Wayne and Wilson.

Storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred, as a result of Hurricane Matthew, beginning on October 4.

If you are a survivor, you are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible even if you have insurance. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, you may find you are underinsured.  If so, you may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

 If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is the same number if you use 711 or Video Relay Service
  • Call 800-462-7585 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and you use a TTY
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

If you do not have access to telephone or internet service, don’t be discouraged.  North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA are coming to you.  Teams of state and FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists will soon be moving into affected communities to help you register for assistance.  Additionally, you can visit a Disaster Recovery Center near you.  DRCs are open in Bertie, Craven, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Greene, Harnett, Johnston, Lenoir, Pitt, Wayne and Wilson counties with more planned to open in the near future.

You may be eligible for grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

# # #

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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (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 Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Original link: 

Four More North Carolina Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

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