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FEMA, Federal Partners Mobilize in Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

WASHINGTON — The Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains in close contact with emergency officials and continues to coordinate federal support to state, tribal and local officials in Oklahoma through FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, DC and Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. At the President’s direction, FEMA is already providing resources to support the response.

Last night, the President declared a major disaster for the State of Oklahoma, supporting state, local and tribal emergency work in affected areas. Federal disaster aid also is available to affected individuals in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in these affected areas are encouraged to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week.

Today, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano briefed the President on response and recovery efforts, and at the direction of the President, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to Oklahoma to ensure all federal resources are supporting state, local, and tribal partners in life saving and safety operations including search and rescue.

“First responders are providing critical, life-saving assistance in the impacted area,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Oklahoma residents can help the emergency response by keeping mobile phone lines free from congestion and staying in touch with friends and family by text messaging, email or social media. I urge residents to follow guidance from state, local and tribal officials who are requesting individuals to remain away from the affected areas so first responders can have access to reach hard-hit areas.”

In coordination with the state, FEMA deployed a liaison officer, a national Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and two regional IMATs to the state emergency operations center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Three national Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams and an additional Incident Support Team have been deployed to support the immediate response efforts. Two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) teams are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics and operations support elements.

Preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams, comprised of representatives from the state, FEMA and the Small Business Administration, are on the ground and will begin assessments today, which will assist the state in identifying additional eligible federal assistance that may be warranted.

Three Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are scheduled to arrive in affected areas later today to help federal, state, local, and tribal partners gather detailed information on the affected communities during the critical first hours, days and weeks. DSATs will address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors including: on-site registration, applicant status checks, on-the-spot needs assessments, and access to partners offering survivor services.

The Red Cross Safe and Well secure website provides a way for people to find information on survivors affected by the storms. To register, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell. Open Red Cross shelters can also be found on www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.

Individuals with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are 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.

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

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FEMA, Federal Partners Mobilize in Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

Now is the Time to Prepare for the 2013 Hurricane Season

LINCROFT, N.J. — With the 2013 hurricane season less than a month away, now is the time to update or make a disaster preparedness plan for yourself and your family. The Federal Emergency Management Agency urges all New Jerseyans to assemble a disaster preparedness kit, make a plan and be informed of the risks before the start of the hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

“Every family should have supplies ready to shelter in place for 72 hours following a hurricane, or any other disaster,” Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech said. “We are asking everyone to check their kits, or make a kit, before the start of the 2013 hurricane season.”

New Jerseyans can find information on how to build a preparedness kit at Ready.gov. The kit should include water, food, a flashlight with extra batteries and a first aid kit among other supplies.

Having an updated and accurate Family Emergency Plan is a key component to planning for hurricane season. The unique needs of family members, such as the elderly, infants, those with access and functional needs and any pets should be considered. Also, you should inquire about what plans are in place at work and schools in case of emergency. After all of the information is collected, gather your family to discuss how the plan works. Practice your plan at least twice a year and update it according to any issues that arise.

Being informed of the risks associated with hurricane season is an important part of preparedness. You should identify the hazards that are unique to your area. Local emergency management offices can help pinpoint the hazards in your area and outline the local plans and recommendations for each, which may include evacuations. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and how to secure your property in the event of a hurricane.

Visit www.Ready.gov, www.FEMA.gov or www.FloodSmart.gov for a detailed list of emergency supplies, as well as information on how to prepare for hurricanes and other disasters.

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Now is the Time to Prepare for the 2013 Hurricane Season

Disaster Recovery Center is an Option, Not a Necessity

CHICAGO, IL – If you’re waiting for a Disaster Recovery Center to open in your county, be patient and know that you can register for assistance by phone or online at any time.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are working together to find locations that can best serve Illinois residents affected by this spring’s storms and flooding.

“We look for facilities that are safe and accessible to all disaster survivors who want in-person help in understanding the application process and what additional state and federal assistance may be available,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken, who serves as state coordinating officer for the presidentially declared disaster.

FEMA safety and security personnel inspect each facility, with state and federal Individual Assistance staff, to determine suitability, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and availability for short-term or extended use as a Disaster Recovery Center.

“Our centers can be in a fire house, a public library, a municipal facility, a commercial storefront or, in good weather, even a parking lot where FEMA staff can work from a converted RV that we use as a mobile Disaster Recovery Center,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Moore.

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week.

Disaster Recovery Centers offer information about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration, state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

Just remember: a visit to a Disaster Recovery Center is an option, not a necessity and you can go to any center in your area. For Illinois locations and hours, go to fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

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Disaster Recovery Center is an Option, Not a Necessity

What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

CHICAGO – Inspectors from FEMA have begun meeting with disaster applicants in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties. Inspectors are reviewing damage caused by severe storms and flooding from April 16 through May 5, 2013.

Here is what you should expect if your storm/flood-damaged home is inspected:

Generally, within 10 days of registering for FEMA assistance, an inspector will call you to schedule an appointment to visit your damaged property. This property must be your primary residence.

Be prepared to coordinate a time for an appointment. Typically, inspections take 15 to 45 minutes. When an appointment time is agreed upon, the applicant or another adult who lived at the property must be present.
When the inspector arrives, look for official FEMA identification. The badge should include an identification number and a photo of the inspector. If a badge is not readily visible, ask the inspector to see it.
Authorized inspectors will only confirm personal detailed information that has been provided previously during the registration process. FEMA inspectors will never ask for money, for bank account information, or for a Social Security number. If someone tells you he or she is a FEMA inspector and asks you these questions, notify your local authorities.

The inspector will ask you for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy if you are a homeowner. If you are a renter only occupancy will be verified. You can speed up the process by having the following appropriate documents on hand:

A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Proof of occupancy, which may include any one of the following:
- A lease, rent receipt, recent utility bill or other document confirming the home was your primary residence
- A pay stub or similar document showing the address of the damaged home
Proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following:
- A deed showing applicant as the legal owner
- A title that lists applicant on escrow or title document; mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address
- A property insurance policy with applicant’s name as the insured
- Tax receipt or bill that lists the address and the applicant as the responsible party.

A FEMA video about home inspection is available online: fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5027 .

You must register for assistance before an inspector can schedule a visit. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the storms may register for assistance by calling the telephone registration line at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Online at fema.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov; and
By smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Keep in mind that July 9, 2013 is the last day to register for assistance in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties.

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: 609-508-2238

Continued here:

What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaSalle County

CHICAGO, IL – A federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Friday, May 17, in Marseilles for residents of LaSalle County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The location is:

LaSalle County

Marseilles Fire Department

205 Lincoln Street

Marseilles, IL 61341

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

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. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and accept completed loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Individuals can register online at disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaSalle County

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Fulton County

CHICAGO, IL — A federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, in Canton for residents of Fulton County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

Fulton County Health Department

700 E Oak St

Canton, IL 61520

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

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. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and accept completed loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

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Media Contact: Dick Gifford, 609-508-2238

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Fulton County

Fact Sheet-MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISASTER ASSISTANCE

GENERAL

Q: If I am a renter, do I qualify for FEMA assistance?
A: Homeowners and renters who sustained property damage as a result of the recent fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as they may be eligible for disaster assistance.

Q: How do I obtain Rental Assistance from FEMA? What documentation is needed?
A: Rental assistance is based on FEMA verifying that your home is unsafe as a result of the plant explosion. If you have insurance with Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or loss of use; you must exhaust your insurance benefits prior to receiving assistance from FEMA. You will need to submit your insurance settlement or ineligibility letter to FEMA along with a statement requesting rental assistance.

Q: I have been staying with friends. Can I move into a hotel paid for by FEMA?
A: You must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA. To be eligible for FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance, you must meet the following criteria:
• Your residence must be in the zip code (76691) that has been designated for the program;
• Your primary residence must be unlivable or inaccessible due to damage or lack of power or water;
• FEMA must be able to verify your identity;
• FEMA must be able to verify your occupancy; and
• You must be displaced from your primary residence. At the time of registration, your current location cannot be the “damaged dwelling”.
*Eligible applicants are notified by phone of your eligibility.

INSURANCE

Q: Are insurance deductibles covered under FEMA’s programs?
A: FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles. If your insurance settlement does not meet your disaster related need you may be eligible for assistance from FEMA.

Q: My insurance company told me it would be weeks before they come to see my damages. Can FEMA help?
A: If a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim you may be eligible for an insurance advancement from FEMA. These funds are considered a loan and must be repaid to FEMA once you receive your settlement from your insurance company. Contact FEMA if your insurance settlement is delayed. FEMA will send you a Request for Advancement and Signature letter. You must complete and return this letter before FEMA can evaluate your request for assistance.

INELIGIBILITY

Q: Why was I denied for FEMA assistance?
A: One of the most common reasons for denial letters are because you have insurance to cover the loss. If you have received your insurance settlement and it does not cover all of your necessary expenses and serious needs, please contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

APPEALING DECISIONS

Q: If I do not agree with the results of the inspection or with the amount of money I received from FEMA, what should I do?
A: You may appeal any decision. Appeals may relate to your eligibility, the amount or type of help provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or questions regarding continuing help. To be considered by FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the decision letter’s date.

You may follow these steps to appeal the decision:
1. Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you received is not correct. You, or someone who represents you or your household, should sign the letter. If the person writing the letter is not a member of your household, there must be a signed statement saying that that person may act for you.
2. Include your FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of your decision letter) in your letter of appeal.
3. Mail your appeal letter to:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
4. You can fax your appeal letter to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Q: Is there any help for debris removal on my private property?
A: Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover debris removal. FEMA does not typically pay for cleaning up debris on private property or in gated communities. But if the debris is keeping you or emergency workers from safely getting to your home, FEMA may be able to provide help on a case by case basis. Also, some communities will, at no cost to you, haul off debris that can be brought to the edge of the public right-of-way. Some private voluntary organizations are helping property owners get the debris to the curb. Please consult your newspaper or check with your local officials for more information.

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding 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 uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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Fact Sheet-MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Illinois Declaration

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 Illinois.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)

Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

Those in the county designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

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.

Source:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Illinois Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Illinois

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Illinois and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of April 16 to May 5, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Michael Moore has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Moore said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated county can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

Source article:

President Declares Disaster for Illinois

Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Dakota Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

May 10, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-045Factsheet

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 South Dakota.

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 removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (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 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.

Last Updated:

May 10, 2013 – 17:48

State/Tribal Government or Region:

South Dakota

and

Region VIII

Related Disaster:

South Dakota Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm

Original article:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Dakota Declaration

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