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Fact Sheet-Frequently Asked Questions

APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE

Q: Who should apply for federal disaster assistance?
A: Homeowners, renters and business owners in McLennan County and the City of West who sustained uninsured or underinsured damage to their homes, vehicles, personal property, business or its inventory should register with FEMA for assistance.

Q: Do I have to go to the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in West to register with FEMA?
A: No. There are several ways to register:
1. You may register by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585;
2. You may go to the DRC to use a telephone if one is not available to you;
3. Individuals who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362; or
4. You may register over the internet by going to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Q: What documents will FEMA need from my insurance company?
A: FEMA will want to see a settlement or denial letter from your insurance company to ensure there is no duplication of benefits. If your insurance company covers your losses, FEMA will not duplicate that coverage. If you still have unmet needs or damages that the insurance company does not cover, then FEMA may be able to provide you with assistance.

Q: What will FEMA accept as proof that I occupied my home?
A: We accept many documents as proof of occupancy. Examples are a utility bill from the gas, electric or water company, a pay stub, a current driver’s license, credit card bills or other first class mail sent to you that shows the damaged property as your address.

Q: Can I clean up my damages, demolish my home or begin to make repairs? Or do I have to wait for the FEMA inspector?
A: Yes, you may begin your repairs or demolition before a FEMA inspector visits your home. However, it is recommended to take photos of the damages before you clean. Remember to keep receipts for all of your expenses. Before starting the task of rebuilding, residents should visit with their local permitting office to obtain guidance on required permits.

Q: I am considering registering online or by phone. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow?
A: Yes, residents registering by phone or online will be asked to identify the description of damages sustained and must select the “EXPLOSION” option. Residents will then be asked to identify the type of damage and must select the “FIRE/SMOKE/SOOT/ASH” option. (Do NOT select the “other” option.)

Q: Do I have to sign anything to receive assistance?
A: As a condition of receiving assistance from FEMA, you or another adult member of your household will be asked to sign a statement confirming that you are a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or qualified alien. If you or another adult member of your household cannot sign this statement, you may still receive assistance if you are the parent or legal guardian of a child in the household who is a United States citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. For information concerning your right to apply, you can call 1-800-621-3362.

Q: Do I have to repay the money from FEMA?
A: Money received through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program does not have to be repaid. Disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) must be repaid. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. So, if you receive insurance or funding from another source that covers your losses, FEMA will not be able to provide grants for those same losses.

Q: I didn’t receive enough money to meet all my needs. What do I do now?
A: Most disaster aid programs are intended to meet only essential needs and are not intended to cover all your losses or make you whole. Also, some people qualify for assistance from more than one program and you may be receiving additional help from another agency. For example, the SBA is a very important source of funding for repair and replacement of your real and personal property. If you received a loan application packet from the SBA, please complete and return the application as soon as possible.

Q: I can’t afford a loan. Why am I being required to fill out a SBA loan application?
A: If the Small Business Administration determines you do not qualify for a disaster assistance loan, SBA will automatically refer you back to FEMA for additional help. FEMA may be able to provide money for other than housing needs. However this additional help is not available to businesses. FEMA’s additional help is intended to meet necessary expenses and serious needs not met by any other form of help, including insurance and SBA disaster assistance loans. Remember, if you receive an SBA disaster loan application, it’s important to fill it out and return it. If you don’t submit the SBA disaster loan application, the assistance process may stop prematurely.

Q. Does paying off my mortgage affect my eligibility for SBA disaster assistance?
A. Yes. If a mortgage holder has required a policy holder to use an insurance settlement to pay off or to pay down the balance of an outstanding mortgage, SBA must have evidence of that mandatory use of the insurance proceeds. That evidence may be in the form of a letter or other written documentation. Or the evidence may be in the form of a telephone conversation between the mortgage holder and SBA, which will be documented in the SBA file. This is necessary so that SBA can treat the insurance recovery as unavailable for making repairs. Otherwise, SBA must, by law, deduct the insurance recovery from the amount of the loss to arrive at the amount eligible for an SBA disaster loan.

Q: Does paying off my mortgage affect my eligibility with FEMA?
A: Each case is different. If you had damage from the plant explosion, please register with FEMA, and let FEMA determine your eligibility for assistance. If you have questions specific to your mortgage, contact your mortgage lender.

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.

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.

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-Frequently Asked Questions

In Honor of Mother’s Day, West Disaster Recovery Center Closing Sunday Only

AUSTIN, Texas – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in West, Texas will be closed Sunday, May 12 for Mother’s Day. The DRC will resume normal operations Monday, May 13. The hours will remain 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

Specialists from the state of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Disaster Recovery Center Location:

POINTWEST Bank – Front Entrance

210 N. Roberts Rd.

West, Texas 76691

Closed Sunday for Mother’s Day

Regular hours resume Monday, May 13 and will remain 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Residents registering by phone or online will be asked to identify the description of damages sustained and must select the “EXPLOSION” option. Residents will then be asked to identify the type of damage and must select the “fire/smoke/soot/ash” option. (Do NOT select the “other” option).

In Honor of Mother’s Day, West Disaster Recovery Center Closing Sunday Only

While Registration Has Closed, FEMA Remains Active In Helping New Jersey Recover

TRENTON, N.J.—Wednesday, May 1 was the last day to register for FEMA disaster assistance.While registration has closed, FEMA remains active in helping New Jersey recover from Superstorm Sandy.

FEMA is available to help survivors, local governments, volunteer agencies and other interested parties continue the state’s recovery.

Applicants can stay in touch with FEMA through the Helpline, online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web-enabled mobile devices.

For answers to disaster assistance questions, Superstorm Sandy survivors can call FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Individuals who use TTY can call 800-462-7585; FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

By calling 800-621-3362, applicants can:

Check the status of an application.
Get answers to other questions they might have about their application.
Find out if FEMA needs more information and provide it.
Receive information on the home inspection process.
Get answers to any question regarding insurance and its bearing on FEMA assistance.
Update insurance information.
Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant.
Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision.

For information about their applications for SBA disaster assistance loans, survivors can call 800-659-2955 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Deaf or those who have difficulty hearing may call 1-800-877 8339.

Survivors also can also visit one of the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers located in Brick, Jersey City, Mays Landing, Ocean City, Toms River and Union Beach. The centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.

State and federal officials continue to work as partners in the ongoing effort to repair and rebuild public infrastructure.

Follow FEMA online at www.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.

Link:

While Registration Has Closed, FEMA Remains Active In Helping New Jersey Recover

FEMA Offers Rebuilding Advice at Area Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores

NEW YORK – People whose property was damaged or destroyed in Super Storm Sandy and are rebuilding can get advice from a FEMA specialist. Hazard Mitigation specialists who are knowledgeable in cleanup and building safer and smarter to avoid future losses will be dispensing guidance free of charge, compliments of FEMA.

FEMA will staff tables at Home Depot stores in Suffolk County at 10 Gateway Blvd, Patchogue; and in Richmond County at 545 Targee St, Staten Island; and at a Lowe’s in Nassau County at 253-01 Rockaway Blvd, Rosedale.

Beginning Thursday May 9 – Tuesday May 14:

Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Advice and direction on the National Flood Insurance Program and Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps, Flood Insurance Rate Maps, repair and rebuilding will be available to all, not just to customers who are registered with FEMA.

These specialists will be able to talk about elevating electrical services and appliances; installing sewer back-flow valves; removing and replacing drywall and insulation; channeling water away from foundations; repairing with water-resistant materials. They can also give guidance in the permitting process required by local authorities.

For every dollar spent on mitigation, FEMA officials say that nearly four times as much is saved when another disaster like Sandy hits.

More information on ways to protect your property from disasters to come is available at: www.fema.gov. Click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.”

Originally posted here:

FEMA Offers Rebuilding Advice at Area Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Iowa Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

May 6, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-042Factsheet

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 Iowa.

Assistance for the State 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, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program. (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 the 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 the state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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

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

Last Updated:

May 6, 2013 – 17:49

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Iowa

and

Region VII

Related Disaster:

Iowa Severe Winter Storm

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Iowa Declaration

National Planning Frameworks: How We Work Together to Build, Sustain, and Deliver Capabilities to Ensure a Secure and Resilient Nation

WASHINGTON — The Federal Government and its partners today released three of five National Planning Frameworks. These National Planning Frameworks, document the roles and responsibilities of the whole community in all facets of national preparedness. The benefit of this unified effort is a more informed, shared understanding of risks, needs, and capabilities across the whole community; and, in the end, a more secure and resilient nation.

The Frameworks outline how the whole community can take steps to collectively achieve the National Preparedness Goal.

The whole community—individuals and families, including those with access and functional needs; businesses and nonprofits; schools; media; and all levels of government—is encouraged to read and use each Framework.

The three Frameworks released today are:

The National Prevention Framework. Focuses on avoiding, preventing, or stopping a threatened or actual act of terrorism. While other mission areas focus on all hazards, including natural disasters, Prevention focuses solely on terrorism. Specifically on imminent acts of terrorism on U.S. soil.
The National Mitigation Framework. Refers to reducing the loss of life and property by lessening the effects of disasters. This means, for example, taking actions now that would reduce property damage when a hurricane strikes. Mitigation also involves actions that improve our ability to bounce back after disasters. Resilience is a key focus.
The National Response Framework. Covers the capabilities necessary to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs after an incident has occurred. The National Response Framework was updated from the familiar 2008 version.

Two more Frameworks complete the set: the National Disaster Recovery Framework that was released in September 2011, and the National Protection Framework, which is currently under development to ensure it aligns with emerging national protection policy.

“The idea that everyone plays a role in national preparedness isn’t new. But this is the first time the Federal Government truly involved everyone in the whole community—not just the government—to document how we’re going to work together. That’s what the Frameworks do; they outline how everyone can take part in prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery activities in a coordinated and integrated way,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The Federal Government brought everyone to the table so we can document how the whole community works together to achieve a secure and resilient nation.”

The National Planning Frameworks build on existing programs, authorities and best practices, such as the National Incident Management System. Each one:

Summarizes the roles and responsibilities of each part of the whole community
Defines each mission area’s core capabilities, along with examples of critical tasks
Defines coordinating structures—either new or existing—that enable the whole community to work together to deliver the core capabilities
Describes the relationships to the other mission areas
Identifies relevant information to help with operational planning
Provides information that all levels of government can use to revise their operational plans
Uses concepts from existing preparedness efforts, such as the National Incident Management System

This effort was completed in partnership with leaders of federal departments and agencies, and reflect input from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, private and nonprofit sector partners and the general public.

“As recent events in Boston have demonstrated, coordination among the public, the private sector and all levels of government is critical to our efforts to prevent, mitigate and respond to terrorist incidents and other disasters. The three National Planning Frameworks released today provide a blueprint for such coordination going forward and outline how everyone in this country can contribute to our efforts to keep our people safe and our communities more secure,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.

“PPD-8 represents a truly integrated whole-of-government approach to prevent terrorism, mitigate the effects of disasters, and respond when an incident has occurred,” said James R. Clapper, director of national intelligence. “Preparedness is a shared responsibility and the PPD-8 frameworks not only embody the best practices of inter-governmental collaboration, but exemplifies the partnerships required to work with the whole community to achieve a National Preparedness Goal.”

The National Planning Frameworks are part of the National Preparedness System, which outlines the tools and processes to help us achieve national preparedness. To download the Frameworks and view the complementary tutorial, visit: www.fema.gov/national-planning-frameworks.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Taken from:

National Planning Frameworks: How We Work Together to Build, Sustain, and Deliver Capabilities to Ensure a Secure and Resilient Nation

Six Months after Sandy, Connecticut Continues to Rebuild

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $283 million in federal disaster assistance, loans and insurance claims paid to date is funding Connecticut’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Sandy. The huge storm devastated portions of the eastern seaboard and drenched most of the state six months ago.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security provide this summary of assistance to date.

The Hurricane Sandy disaster declaration made federal Individual Assistance (IA) available to the residents of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London County.

Assistance to Individuals, Households, and Businesses

To date:

12,452 Connecticut residents registered with FEMA for federal disaster assistance;
6,417 damaged properties have been inspected statewide;
More than $13.7 million in Individual Assistance grants were approved:

Over $12.6 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs;
More than $1.02 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions;

$42.8 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration; and
$22,196 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance was provided.

Assistance to Help Rebuild Infrastructure

Public Assistance (PA) was made available under the Sandy disaster declaration in the counties of Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London Tolland, and Windham, as well as the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan tribal nations located within New London County.

Public Assistance projects include repairs to roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure, as well as emergency protective measures taken during and immediately after the storm. FEMA picks up 75 percent of the cost and the remainder is paid for by the state and local government.

To date:

More than $76 million in storm-related damage to publicly-owned infrastructure has been identified. The federal share of that portion of the recovery is $57 million, or 75 percent;
220 eligible PA applicants have submitted 425 of an estimated 660 projects; and
More than $7.04 million in federal PA grants has been obligated

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation specialists counseled more than 1,800 individuals on lessening the impact of future disasters. The mitigation teams met with individuals on 11 separate occasions at home supply stores throughout the disaster area.

Additionally, 5,902 flood insurance claims totaling $220,124,212 have been paid to date, representing more than 96 percent of total National Flood Insurance Program claims in the state of Connecticut following Hurricane Sandy.

There were 407 FEMA and 359 state and/or other federal agency employees working fulltime and overtime during the height of the recovery.

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Six Months after Sandy, Connecticut Continues to Rebuild

President Expands Emergency Declaration for Texas to Include Assistance to Individuals

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that, in line with the request from the Governor of Texas, the emergency disaster declaration for the State of Texas, declared on April 19, 2013, has been expanded to allow individuals and households affected by the explosion in McLennan County, access to Individual Assistance grants.

The President’s action makes housing and other assistance available to eligible individuals in McLennan County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs; medical, dental, and funeral expenses; and personal property, transportation and other forms of assistance to help individuals recover from the effects of the disaster.

Today’s announcement further supports the response efforts previously approved to assist with emergency work to protect lives and property, public health and safety.

Individuals who sustained losses as a result of the explosion in McLennan County can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362.

Follow FEMA online at www.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. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Link:

President Expands Emergency Declaration for Texas to Include Assistance to Individuals

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition To SBA Loan Outreach Centers Saturday

TRENTON, N.J.–The remaining four New Jersey FEMA-State disaster recovery centers will transition Saturday, May 4 and reopen as Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers Monday, May 6.

The DRCs transitioning are the Brick Township Civic Center in Brick, the Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C in Toms River, the Union Beach Municipal Building in Union Beach and the DRC adjacent to the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing.

State and federal officials have been paying close attention to how many applicants are visiting disaster recovery centers throughout the state. Over the past weeks, the number of individuals seeking help at the centers has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

Survivors can locate the address of their nearest center by going to FEMA.gov/DRC or calling 800-621-3362.

SBA representatives at the DLOCs will provide homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations with face-to-face service in answering questions about SBA’s low-interest disaster loan programs, completing loan applications, checking the status of applications and closing on SBA loans.

The SBA outreach centers will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday.

Survivors are reminded that May 1, 2013 is the last day to register for federal disaster assistance with FEMA.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 1-800-659-2955. Survivors may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.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.

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New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition To SBA Loan Outreach Centers Saturday

Federal Aid Programs for Emergency Declaration for North Dakota

Main Content

Release date:

April 26, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-037Factsheet

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

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

FEMA is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

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

FEMA’s mission is to support our 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.

Last Updated:

April 26, 2013 – 19:41

State/Tribal Government or Region:

North Dakota

and

Region VIII

Related Disaster:

North Dakota Flooding

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Federal Aid Programs for Emergency Declaration for North Dakota

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