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FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight Colorado’s East Peak Fire

DENVER — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the East Peak Fire in Huerfano County.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Doug Gore approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) immediately upon receiving the state’s request. At the time of the approval, the fire was threatening 250 homes in and around the town of La Veta and Walsenburg and various rural subdivisions and ranches. The fire has destroyed nine structures and four outbuildings on Boy Scout Ranch near Walsenburg, CO and it is threatening the Spanish Peak Hospital and dozens of commercial structures to include infrastructure, utilities, equipment and watersheds in the area.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight Colorado’s East Peak Fire

Protect Against Future Storm Damage

AURORA, Ill. – As thousands of structures in Illinois are being rebuilt or repaired due to damage from this spring’s severe weather, state and federal emergency management officials are urging homeowners and business owners to take steps that will minimize damage from future storms.

“We know that disasters of this kind will occur again, but Illinoisans do not need to continue experiencing the same losses,” said W. Michael Moore, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery. “In addition to gaining a safe, more damage-resistant home or business, strengthening a structure might someday save a life. It also could enhance a property’s value and save money by reducing insurance premiums.”

Illinoisans living in flood-prone houses are encouraged to raise electrical components as well as ventilating and cooling equipment above potential flood levels. Electrical system components, including fuse and breaker boxes, meters, switches, and outlets are easily damaged by floodwater. If inundated for even a short period, an electrician or the local municipal building department should be consulted.

“There is no better time to do this than when your home is being repaired and the disaster is fresh on your mind,” added Moore.

Rebuilding to make structure more disaster resistant is called hazard mitigation.

Homeowners and business owners should discuss with their contractors the following hazard mitigation measures:

Installation of appropriate roof bracing.
Installation of storm shutters.
Bolting walls to the foundation.
Installation of masonry ties, which help to secure brick walls to the wood structure.
Elevating basement furnaces.
Replacement of a weak garage door, which can create entry for wind that can easily lift an unstrapped roof.
Elevating the entire structure above potential flood levels.

Information on how to help protect your home is available free at any of the FEMA/state Disaster Recovery Centers, or at one of the Mitigation Outreach events at home improvement stores.

Individuals and families living in one of the designated counties for Individual Assistance may be eligible for help if the damage occurred between April 16 and May 5. They should register with FEMA to begin the process.

They can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fem a.gov/disaster/4116.

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

This article –

Protect Against Future Storm Damage

Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Cook County to Close

AURORA, Ill. –Two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Cook County will close at 6 p.m. Friday, June 21.

Cook County

1486 Miner St. (next to the Des Plaines Theater)

Des Plaines, IL 60616

Forest View Fire Department

7010 W. 46^th St.

Forest View, IL 60402

After the DRCs close, registration continues to be available in several ways: online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

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

For those who would rather visit an open DRC, go to www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers. The deadline for registering is July 9.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Cook County to Close

Completed SBA Application Speeds Up Disaster Assistance

AURORA, Ill. – Illinoisans who received a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application for disaster assistance are urged to complete and return it as soon as possible. Doing so will keep the door open for other types of assistance.

SBA disaster loan applications are sent to disaster survivors who may qualify for disaster aid as a result of the April 16 to May 5 severe weather.

“The disaster loan application provides the necessary information for determining the appropriate assistance for each applicant,” said W. Michael Moore, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery.

Disaster survivors with insurance should not wait for their insurance settlement before applying to SBA. If a survivor is unsure of the amount covered by insurance or other sources, the SBA will consider making a loan for the full amount of the loss, up to its loan limits.

Approval of the SBA disaster loan is contingent on the borrower’s agreement that the SBA loan will be reduced by the amount of the insurance settlement.

“We want to make sure that every disaster survivor remains eligible for help from all of the programs that are available,” added Moore. “The fastest way to accomplish that is to submit the SBA application. If SBA cannot offer a homeowner or renter a disaster loan, the agency will refer the case onward to other sources of assistance.”

Applicants are urged to read all disaster assistance documents carefully while maintaining realistic expectations of what they may receive as disaster aid.

Applicants also are encouraged to stay in touch with FEMA, to ensure FEMA has the correct current address, phone number and email address.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fem a.gov/disaster/4116.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. Information and assistance from SBA is available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Completed SBA Application Speeds Up Disaster Assistance

Denial of FEMA Assistance Offers Options for Appeal

AURORA, Ill. – A letter from FEMA denying federal disaster assistance may not be the final word. Applicants for disaster assistance should not be discouraged or disappointed if such a letter is received. Receipt of these letters does not necessarily mean “case closed.”

Many times the letter is received because more information is needed by FEMA.

Illinois survivors of the April 16 to May 5 severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding have the right to appeal FEMA’s decision about what assistance they can receive.

Survivors can appeal the amount or type of help provided, or any other decision about disaster assistance.

Before asking for an appeal, however, applicants are urged to review the “Help After a Disaster” applicant’s guide. The guide explains the different types of assistance that may be available and could answer questions about the appeal process. Each applicant receives a copy of the guide and it is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

When making an appeal, applicants should explain in writing why they disagree with a decision. Include any new or additional documentation that would support an appeal. Be as specific as possible in the letter and include materials such as itemized receipts and contractor estimates.

When sending an appeal, remember to include:

The federal declaration number, DR-4116-IL.
Your FEMA nine-digit identification number.
The applicant’s name, place and date of birth, and the address of the damaged dwelling.
Copies of documentation that support the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Keep all originals for your records.
A copy of a state-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license.
The appeal must be signed by the applicant.

Survivors may send their appeal letter to FEMA by fax at (800) 827-8112, ATTN: FEMA, or by mail addressed to National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

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

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

Originally posted here:

Denial of FEMA Assistance Offers Options for Appeal

$1.5 Million in FEMA Aid Helps Maine with Blizzard Costs

Main Content

Release date:

June 17, 2013

Release Number:

4108-1

$1.5 Million in FEMA Aid Helps Maine with Blizzard Costs

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $1.5 million to help Maine with costs due to the February 8-9 blizzard. A federal disaster declaration authorized aid for Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Sagadahoc, Washington and York counties.

“This assistance reduces the blizzard’s financial impact on local governments and agencies,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “FEMA continues working to assure that all receive the maximum disaster aid we can provide.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses public agencies and certain private non-profits for 75 percent of their eligible costs. For the snowstorm, most of the costs were for emergency response overtime work and for clearing tons of snow from public roads and other public facilities.

Last Updated:

June 17, 2013 – 13:47

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Maine

Related Disaster:

Maine Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding

Read article here –

$1.5 Million in FEMA Aid Helps Maine with Blizzard Costs

FEMA Helps People with Disabilities Access Disaster Assistance

Photo available for download:

http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/12217

AURORA, Ill. – To help entire communities recover from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 to May 5, FEMA is working to make sure Illinois residents with disabilities and those with functional needs have equal access to disaster assistance programs.

To achieve this goal, FEMA coordinates efforts with state and local agencies and volunteer organizations to identify needs and locate appropriate resources. FEMA has a Disability Integration Advisor on site in Illinois to coordinate the various elements of the program.

FEMA provides physical access to facilities and reasonable program modifications as needed. For example, brochures are translated into large print, Braille and most languages. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible to people with disabilities, and assistance is offered to complete forms. Amplified phones, assisted listening devices, captioned phones, magnifiers, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and Video Relay Services (VRS) are available at DRCs. On-site interpreters, including American Sign Language interpreters, are available upon request.

Notify FEMA staff if you need an accommodation during part of the assistance process.

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

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or VRS can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

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

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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FEMA Helps People with Disabilities Access Disaster Assistance

La asistencia por desastre alcanza los $5.1 millones para las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo

La asistencia por desastre alcanza los $5.1 millones para las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el
27 de mayo

OKLAHOMA CITY – La asistencia por desastre estatal y federal ahora alcanza $5.1 millones para los propietarios de viviendas e inquilinos de Oklahoma afectados por los tornados y tormentas severas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo.

Más de 8,000 residentes de Oklahoma han solicitado asistencia al Departamento de Oklahoma para el Manejo de Emergencias (OEM, por sus siglas en inglés) y a la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) luego de las tormentas que se produjeron entre el 18 y el
27 de mayo.

La asistencia por desastre puede incluir subvenciones para ayudar a pagar una vivienda temporal, reparaciones para viviendas u otros gastos importantes relacionados con el desastre, como gastos médicos y dentales o costos funerarios y de entierro que no estén cubiertos por un seguro u otro recurso.

• Fondos de Asistencia Individual aprobados: $5,153,643
o Asistencia para vivienda: $3,699,408
o Asistencia para otras necesidades: $1,145,234
• Inscripciones: 8,049

OEM y FEMA cuentan con cuatro Centros de Recuperación por Desastre donde los sobrevivientes pueden asistir para recibir información y solicitar asistencia. Los especialistas de OEM, FEMA y la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) de los Estados Unidos estarán disponibles para responder preguntas. A la fecha, 3,179 personas han visitado los centros:

• Little Axe Elementary School, 2000, 168th Ave. NE, Norman, horario de atención: 9.00am—
7.00pm.
• Carney High School, 204 South Carney St., Carney, horario de atención: 8.00am—7.00pm.
• Westmoore High School, 12613 South Western Ave., Oklahoma City, horario de atención:
8.00am—8.00pm.
• Gordon Cooper Technology Center, One John C. Bruton Blvd., Shawnee, horario de atención:
8.00am—8.00pm.

También hay disponibles préstamos por desastre a bajo interés de la SBA para los propietarios de vivienda, inquilinos y empresas de todos los tamaños y organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro. Ya se aprobaron los primeros préstamos para propietarios de viviendas e inquilinos que reúnen los requisitos.

Los propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos y propietarios de empresas de los cinco condados designados (Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma y Pottawatomi), que hayan sufrido daños por las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo, pueden solicitar asistencia estatal y federal en línea en DisasterAssistance.gov/es o a través de un teléfono inteligente en www.m.fema.gov/es.

Los sobrevivientes de las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo también pueden completar una solicitud por teléfono llamando al 800-621-3362 o al (TTY) 800-462-7585. Las personas que utilizan el servicio 711 o el servicio de transmisión de video, pueden llamar al 800-621-3362 para inscribirse.

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación por desastre en Oklahoma, haga clic en fema.gov/disaster/4117 o visite el sitio del OEM en oem.ok.gov.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre se encuentra disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o condición económica. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, comuníquese sin cargo con FEMA al 800-621-3362. Para utilizar la línea TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

El OEM trabaja en la preparación, la respuesta, la recuperación y la mitigación de emergencias y desastres. El Departamento presta servicios a las ciudades, los pueblos y los condados de Oklahoma a través de una red de más de 350 administradores de emergencias locales.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que como país trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

La SBA es la fuente principal de dinero del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de la propiedad privada dañada por el desastre. La SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos, empresas de todos los tamaños y organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro para que puedan financiar sus esfuerzos de reparación o de reconstrucción y a cubrir el costo de reemplazar la propiedad privada que se perdió o que sufrió daños por desastre. Los préstamos por desastre cubren pérdidas que el seguro u otras fuentes de recuperación no cubren en su totalidad y no duplican beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones.

Síganos en Twitter en http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 y en el blog de FEMA en http://blog.fema.gov.

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La asistencia por desastre alcanza los $5.1 millones para las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $94 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Federal assistance in Illinois has reached more than $94 million, distributed among more than 35,400 individuals and households, since a major disaster was declared for the state May 10.

The latest summary of federal assistance to individuals and households for losses due to the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 includes:

More than $94 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $82 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
More than $12 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 49,500 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
More than $12.8 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration; and
More than 3,000 visits have been made to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated jointly by FEMA and the state of Illinois.

Residents of 33 counties in the major disaster declaration have until July 9 to register for federal assistance. Three Disaster Recovery Centers closed this week – in Peoria, Rock Island and Woodford counties. FEMA staff continues to set up temporary offices in affected locations to provide registration assistance.

Public Assistance (PA) was previously approved for 24 Illinois counties. Another 15 counties were added this week bringing the total to 39 counties. Eligible counties now include Adams, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Crawford, DuPage, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McHenry, McDonough, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Will and Woodford.

PA provides local governments and certain eligible nonprofits with funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and infrastructure repairs such as building roads and bridges. This assistance is on a cost-sharing basis with FEMA paying 75 percent and the remainder the responsibility of the state and local governments. State-led applicant briefings are under way.

Hazard Mitigation teams are located at six home improvement stores to provide information on how to repair or rebuild stronger and safer to help avoid damage from future storms.

Once they have registered, survivors can keep the process moving forward by using these tips:

Keep critical appointments. A FEMA-contracted inspector will make an appointment to visit the property. Homeowners should be there for the inspection, or authorize someone who is 18 or older and lived in the home at the time of the disaster to represent them during the inspection.
Read all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants deemed eligible for disaster assistance will receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance on the disaster relief grant. The document will explain ways the money can be spent for recovery and explain that federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or other assistance received.
Return forms and respond promptly. Sometimes FEMA sends letters indicating that more information is necessary before approval. Applicants should read the correspondence carefully and promptly return the necessary information.
Stay in touch with FEMA to update an address, phone number or e-mail address.

Accepting a U. S. Small Business Administration loan is not necessary, but applying for one is required as part of the FEMA application process:

Survivors may receive an SBA loan application package. Loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding.
Fill out and return these forms promptly. It is not necessary to accept a loan, but this application must be completed before certain grants and other programs can be considered.
SBA representatives at Disaster Recovery Centers will assist in completing the loan application as well as answer any questions. Information and assistance from SBA also is available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339. Survivors also can apply online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register or stay in touch with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

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

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Original article:

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $94 Million

Apply for FEMA Assistance Even if You Have Flood Insurance

AURORA, Ill. – FEMA disaster assistance may sometimes cover damages that flood insurance does not.

Illinois residents affected by the severe storms and flooding from April 16 to May 5 need to apply for disaster assistance even if they have insurance. You must apply directly with FEMA. Filing a flood insurance claim or meeting with your insurance agent does not register you with FEMA.

However, you do need to file your insurance claim with your insurance company, and you must apply with FEMA before the deadline of July 9. Failure to do so will affect your eligibility for FEMA disaster assistance.

Once you have applied, you have 12 months to tell FEMA if your insurance coverage was sufficient and to be considered for FEMA disaster assistance. By law, FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses that are covered by insurance.

After filing a flood insurance claim, if any of the following situations occurs, FEMA may be able to provide some assistance:

Your settlement was delayed longer than 30-days from the time you filed a claim.
Your settlement doesn’t cover all of your disaster-related needs.
You exhausted the additional living expenses provided by your insurance.
You are unable to locate rental resources in your area.

Fax (1-800-827-8112) or mail a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstances to:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

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

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Continued:

Apply for FEMA Assistance Even if You Have Flood Insurance

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