disaster - femacontract.com

New York recovery from Hurricane Sandy

Release date:

March 8, 2013

Release Number:

NR-184

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy:

More than $2.8 billion in direct assistance to homeowners, renters, businesses and repair or replacement of public infrastructure
- More than $923 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households:
  - Nearly $797 million for housing assistance
  - More than $126 million for other needs assistance
- Nearly $1.2 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
- More than $721 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
More than $2.8 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed (95 percent)
269,591 people contacted FEMA for help or information
181,121 housing inspections completed
167,113 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
25 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or

TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

March 8, 2013 – 12:55

State/Tribal Government or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

Link:

New York recovery from Hurricane Sandy

FTA, FEMA Sign Agreement Outlining Roles For Addressing Public Transit Needs Following Hurricane Sandy, Future Major Disasters

WASHINGTON – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both agencies in providing federal assistance to repair and restore public transportation systems in areas the President has declared a major disaster or emergency. FTA’s newly authorized Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program was established by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act (MAP-21) and the MOA is required to establish the relief program.

“After disasters hit, our federal, state and local partners must be able to move quickly and make the necessary repairs to our nation’s transit systems, roads, rails and bridges,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Today’s announcement makes it easier for them to get to work, and DOT will continue to work closely with FEMA and our partners to ensure that emergency relief funds are available as quickly as possible to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy.”

The MOA is a key requirement that must be in place before the bulk of the FTA’s disaster relief funds for Hurricane Sandy aid can be released, as prescribed by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

“We can only be successful in responding and recovering from disasters if we work as a team,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “That means bringing together government at the federal, state, tribal and local levels, along with our partners outside of government. This partnership with FTA builds on an already strong relationship to ensure that our transit nationwide is more resilient.”

“More than one-third of our nation’s transit riders were directly affected by Hurricane Sandy—triggering the worst transit disaster in history,” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “FTA and FEMA worked quickly to get this agreement in place in order to bring much needed relief to transit agencies that were hit hardest by the storm, to ensure that transit riders have the reliable service they need, and so that agencies have better resources to plan for and mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.”

FEMA will continue to have primary federal responsibility for emergency preparedness, response and recovery in major disasters and emergencies. The new emergency relief authority provides FTA with primary responsibility for reimbursing emergency response and recovery costs after an emergency or disaster that affects public transportation systems and for helping to mitigate the impact of future disasters.

FTA continues to work collaboratively with FEMA to conduct damage assessments and cost-validation work in the hardest-hit parts of New York and New Jersey, as well as other regions where transit was impacted.

The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, which President Obama signed into law on January 29, required the FTA to make available no more than $2 billion in disaster funds within 60 days of enactment of the disaster relief appropriation, which the agency is currently doing. The remaining funds required a MOA between FEMA and FTA and the establishment of emergency relief program regulations by FTA.

With the MOA complete, the remaining disaster relief funds will be made available after FTA issues interim regulations, which is expected to occur in April.

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.

Source:

FTA, FEMA Sign Agreement Outlining Roles For Addressing Public Transit Needs Following Hurricane Sandy, Future Major Disasters

Don’t Miss Out on FEMA Help

PURVIS, Miss. – Homeowners, renters and businesses in Forrest, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Marion and Wayne are eligible for federal disaster assistance. But not everyone affected by the storm’s destruction has registered for FEMA aid.

“There are many misconceptions about getting help,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating OfficerTerry Quarles. “Often people who would qualify for assistance miss out because they don’t understand how the process works.”

Some people believe that since they have already cleaned up and made whatever repairs were needed that they can’t apply for assistance. Some are worried that accepting money from FEMA might have an impact on their Social Security checks or would be taxed as income by the IRS. Others might feel hesitant in accepting FEMA money because “my neighbor needs it more than I do.”

A few disaster survivors think that when they collect their insurance claims, even if the amount they receive falls short of covering repair or replacement costs, they aren’t qualified to get any federal help.

The most common reason that people don’t register for assistance is the idea that having alerted local, county or state officials – or even such organizations as the American Red Cross – about the damages and other losses they suffered that they automatically get registered with FEMA.

But these assumptions are not based on fact.

“It’s perfectly logical to think that once you talk to any emergency official, the process has started,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Latham. “But that is not correct. The thing to do is call the FEMA registration line at 800-621-3362 and let them decide if you qualify for help.”

FEMA registration is simple and can be completed several ways:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.
By phone or video relay at 800-621-3362 daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.
By TTY at 800-462-7585.
C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov. Select “Disaster Survivor” then “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

“FEMA is here to support the state of Mississippi’s efforts to come to the aid of area residents,” Quarles said. “We want to make sure everybody who is eligible for assistance gets the help he or she needs and deserves.”

Mississippians have until April 15 to apply for assistance, but FEMA urges anyone affected by the storm to register right away.

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 temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Don’t Miss Out on FEMA Help

Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Marion, Wayne Counties – Others Remain Open

PURVIS, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency remind those who want to meet with disaster recovery specialists that Saturday, March 2 will be the last day Disaster Recovery Centers in Marion and Wayne counties will be open. Three other centers will remain open.

Wayne and Marion county centers below will serve visitors from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday.

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth
Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St Waynesboro

Survivors can still meet with disaster-recovery specialists at three centers Monday through Saturday,

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg
Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St., Petal
Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Individuals can register for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. C-Spire customers can register by calling #362.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Marion, Wayne Counties – Others Remain Open

$2 billion provided to NY survivors by FEMA, SBA

Main Content

Release date:

March 1, 2013

Release Number:

NR-180

NEW YORK — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $2 billion in direct assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy. This includes:

Nearly $918 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
- More than $793 million for housing assistance
- More than $124 million for other needs
More than $1.1 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses

Other assistance:

More than $717 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and eligible nonprofit organizations that serve the public
More than $2.6 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed
269,192 people contacted FEMA for help or information
180,406 housing inspections completed
164,194 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
25 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. The phone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

March 1, 2013 – 13:10

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

From:

$2 billion provided to NY survivors by FEMA, SBA

Getting Things Done for Mississippi

PURVIS, Miss. – A tight-knit group of nine drove from a disaster assignment in New York to report to another, hundreds of miles away in Mississippi, upholding their pledge to “get things done” for America.

“After working together for six months, we’re a good team,” said Katelyn Eilbeck, 22, of Ohio about their disaster work.

The team is part of FEMA Corps, a new unit of AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps whose members will be devoted solely to FEMA disaster response and recovery efforts. The partnership between FEMA and NCCC was formed in 2012 with the intent of helping the agency respond to disasters while promoting an ethic of national service and civic engagement among corps members.

The team, just arrived from New York, began its FEMA odyssey in this state with training at the Vicksburg Southern Region Campus of the FEMA Corps and National Civilian Community Corps programs; Vicksburg is also their base. Now they are helping Mississippians recover from recent tornadoes, storms, and flooding. A day after they arrived in Hattiesburg, the nine embraced their tasks, working in the heavily-damaged communities in and around Hattiesburg.

Some were embedded with FEMA Community Relations teams, knocking on doors passing out information; others worked at Disaster Recovery Centers meeting survivors face-to-face, providing a sympathetic ear and directing them to the right federal and state staffers for assistance. One corps member helped out at the Disaster Information Station at the University of Southern Mississippi providing information to students and faculty affected by the disaster; others worked at the MEMA-FEMA Joint Field Office to help the voluntary agencies contact applicants, and to assist external affairs in their daily tasks reaching out to the community and government leaders. FEMA Corps continues to roll up their sleeves and pitch in wherever needed.

This is all part of the FEMA Corps initiative to engage young adults ages 18 to 24 to provide ten months of full-time service on disaster response and recovery projects. Members are deployed to assignments ranging from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovery centers to sharing disaster response and rebuilding information with the public.

After completing 1,700 hours of service, FEMA Corps members will receive a $5,550 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for tuition or pay student loans. It’s a win-win for the agency and for the young adults.

Some FEMA Corps teams, including the one sent to Mississippi, may team up with voluntary agencies one day a week to work on community service projects – providing there is time and opportunity.

“We’ve gone to survivors’ homes to help take out debris, including insulation and drywall and we scrubbed and sprayed for mold,” said Eilbeck about community service. They expect to do the same in Mississippi.

Life can be spartan on the FEMA Corps trail. Teams share tight lodging – sometimes seven women to a room with one bathroom. For several months, a decommissioned military ship activated by the federal government served as temporary home. They pool meager funds to prepare communal meals.

“It can be somewhat stressful,” said team member Jack Brinck, 22, of Texas. “We’re pulled out of our comfort zones – for some it’s the first time away from home – but it’s a learning experience and quite rewarding.”

Eilbeck says they support each other, working through the challenges. They use what they learn about their own team’s dynamics and carry it to their assignments involving FEMA’s stakeholders – and to their encounters with disaster survivors.

In Mississippi just a few days, the team identifies strongly with the state’s recovery mission; they feel connected to those whose lives have been turned upside down in the Pine Belt. FEMA Corps is serving as a key part of FEMA’s disaster recovery mission. They’re getting things done for Mississippi.

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Link:

Getting Things Done for Mississippi

Disaster Recovery Centers In Three Counties To Close This Week

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster recovery centers in three New Jersey counties will close at the end of this week.

State and federal officials have been paying close attention to how many applicants are visiting centers throughout the state.

Over the past weeks, the number of individuals seeking help at disaster recovery centers in Monmouth, Ocean and Cape May counties has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

In Ocean County, the Brick Township Center, located in the Brick Township Civic Center, 270 Chambers Bridge Rd., will close at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1. Since the Brick Township center opened Nov. 5, 2012, there have been more than 6,012 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

The Little Egg Harbor Center, located in the Little Egg Harbor Senior Center, 641 Radio Rd., will close at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28. Since the Little Egg Harbor center opened Nov. 23, 2012, there have been more than 3,965 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

The Toms River Center, located in the BellCrest Plaza, Storefront 4C, 953 Fischer Blvd., will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Since the Toms River center opened Nov. 11, 2012, there have been more than 9,558 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

In Monmouth County, the Leonardo Disaster Recovery Center, located in the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36, will close on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Since the Leonardo center opened Nov. 6, 2012, there have been more than 4,573 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

The Union Beach Center, located in the Union Beach Municipal Building, 650 Poole Ave., will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Since the Union Beach center opened Nov. 5, 2012, there have been more than 5,811 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

In Cape May County, the Ocean City Center in the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., will close on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Since the Ocean City center opened Nov. 17, 2012, there have been more than 2,950 visits from Hurricane Sandy survivors.

Three remaining disaster recovery centers will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday, March 9. Their addresses are listed below:

Hudson County Government Building 830 Bergen Ave. Jersey City, N.J. 07306

Ocean County Southern Resource Center 179A South Main St. Manahawkin, N.J. 08050

Hamilton Mall 4403 Blackhorse Pike Mays Landing, N.J. 08330

Help and information are always available online or by phone. Survivors can check on the status of their disaster assistance applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. They also can call those numbers to inquire about rental recertification.

They can ask questions about their Small Business Administration disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy. Survivors who have questions about flood insurance claims and the appeals process can call toll-free 888-379-9531.

Follow FEMA online at http://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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Disaster Recovery Centers In Three Counties To Close This Week

Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

PURVIS, Miss. – There will be changes this week at Disaster Recovery Centers in Mississippi.

The State of Mississippi and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change hours or be considered for possible closure.

The last chance to visit two centers will be Sat., March 2 until 6 p.m.:

Marion County

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth

Wayne County

Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St Waynesboro

Survivors can still meet face-to-face with disaster-recovery specialists at three centers where hours and days of operation will change this week. Effective Sat., March 2, these disaster recovery centers will serve storm survivors 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Effective Sun., March. 3, these centers will be closed Sundays.

Forrest County:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg

Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St., Petal

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

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Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey have five days remaining to register for recovery assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Survivors can register by phone until 10 p.m. March 1 or online until midnight.

March 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding.

The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is to fill out an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

New Jerseyans who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

To date, more than $361.7 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance and other needs. Another $495.7 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans has been approved for nearly 7,300 homes and businesses.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov until midnight March 1. 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. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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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Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

PURVIS, Miss. – Some people who have registered for federal assistance were sent an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and many are wondering why they got one.

Although nobody is required to accept an SBA loan, filling out the application is an important step in being considered for certain forms of disaster assistance. There is no need to actually take out a loan.

“The SBA disaster loans are the primary source of long-term recovery aid,” according to SBA spokesman Jack Camp. “The application gives us and FEMA the information we need to get the proper aid for each applicant.”

“We encourage anyone who received an SBA loan application to return it as soon as possible,” Camp said. “Filling out the loan application carries no obligation to accept a loan, but it does help speed the disaster-assistance process.”

SBA representatives are on duty at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help individuals complete and submit disaster-loan applications and answer any questions. The locations of the centers are available at fema.gov. Click on the link “Apply for Assistance” and then “Disaster Recovery Center locations.”

The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955; TTY is (800)-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the Web site at www.sba.gov.

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Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

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