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December 31 Deadline For SBA Disaster Business Physical Loss Loans

TRENTON, N.J. — Time is running out for business owners with property damage due to Hurricane Sandy to apply for Business Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline to apply for loans covering physical losses is December 31, 2012.

Business Physical Disaster Loans are made to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business. This includes real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible, as are private non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc.

The SBA also administers the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Economic injury disaster loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid if the disaster had not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Federal law limits business loans to $2 million for the combined physical and economic injury, mitigation and refinancing.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

SBA customer service representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) throughout the state and at the following ten Business Disaster Recovery Centers (BRCs):

Richard Stockton College, 35 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Bergen Community College, 355 Main St., Room 121, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, 13 Crest Haven Rd. Cape May, NJ 08210
Rutgers University, 25 James Street, Newark, NJ 07102
N.J. City University, 285 West Side Avenue, Suites 189-191, Jersey City, NJ 07305
John F. Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ 07738
So. Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
William Paterson University, 131 Ellison St., Paterson, NJ 07505
Kean University, Business One-Stop-Service, The Incubator, 320 Park Ave. Plainfield, NJ 07060

These locations may change. Disaster Recovery Center locations can be found online at fema.gov/DRC.

Registration with FEMA is not mandatory to apply for an SBA Business Disaster Loan, but it is preferred. For additional information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2855 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov.

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 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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December 31 Deadline For SBA Disaster Business Physical Loss Loans

Changes Announced for two New York Disaster Recovery Centers

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, to visit the Disaster Recovery Center at Meadowmere Park in Nassau County.

The center is at 14 Meyer Ave., Lawrence, NY 11559. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday.

The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. Traffic at the Meadowmere Park site indicates the information needs of storm survivors in that area have been largely met.

Seven more Disaster Recovery Centers remain open in Nassau County to provide one-on-one, face-to-face help to people affected by Hurricane Sandy.

In another just-announced change, one of six Disaster Recovery Centers in Brooklyn has shifted its location to better serve the public. Its new site is the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2882 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. It previously was located across the street.

Other Brooklyn recovery centers are located at:

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Sites and hours of operation for other Nassau County recovery centers are:

Recreation and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Sacred Heart Parish
RR station parking lot
127 Long Beach Rd.
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Rd. East
Seaford, NY 11783
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Young Israel
Gymnasium
859 Peninsula Blvd.
Woodmere, NY 11598
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun-Thurs
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri
Closed Sat

Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

In all, 26 Disaster Recovery Centers are now operating throughout New York, serving as one-stop shops for hurricane survivors to get help as quickly as possible.

To find the nearest recovery center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They 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. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Changes Announced for two New York Disaster Recovery Centers

Loans are Key to Disaster Recovery for Many Rhode Islanders

WARWICK, R.I.— In-person help is available in Westerly to help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes that were affected by Hurricane Sandy with applications for low-interest disaster recovery loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster recovery loans are the primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery.

SBA officials urge Rhode Islanders who have questions about SBA loans or would like help completing an application to visit the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly. Hours of operation are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Wednesday, December 19. SBA specialists will assist with preparation and can send the application overnight free of charge to the SBA’s national processing center.

While grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are helping individuals and families in the Ocean State with immediate recovery needs, they are rarely large enough to restore survivors to their pre-disaster condition. After a disaster, loans from the SBA are not just for businesses. Loans up to $200,000 are available to qualified homeowners to repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, up to $40,000 may be available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged personal property.

Many individuals and households who registered for disaster assistance from FEMA will be mailed an application for an SBA disaster recovery loan. If the SBA finds an individual does not qualify for a loan, the applicant may be referred back to FEMA to be considered for additional assistance from FEMA. No one is ever required to accept a loan. But failure to complete and submit the SBA application can deprive the family of the opportunity to access more aid from FEMA.

Businesses, regardless of size, can apply to SBA for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also offers small business owners and most private nonprofit organizations economic injury disaster loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. The SBA can make economic injury disaster loans even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

Businesses are urged to visit the SBA Business Recovery Center at the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce, One Chamber Way, Westerly. Hours of operation are weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through Wednesday, December 19.

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Loans are Key to Disaster Recovery for Many Rhode Islanders

Nonprofits Should Notify the State of Damage in Case a Public Assistance Grant Is Needed

Certain private nonprofit organizations that experienced damage from Hurricane Sandy may qualify for reimbursement of certain costs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

The program reimburses government entities, tribal nations and nonprofits for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure to pre-disaster condition.

Federal regulations separate nonprofits into two categories: critical facilities, such as schools, utility companies, emergency service companies and hospitals; and noncritical facilities, such as low-income housing, assisted living homes and rehabilitation programs. Both may apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses under the PA program.

However, noncritical facilities must also apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan. If SBA declines the loan, or if the loan does not cover all eligible damage, FEMA may be able to provide cost-shared assistance.

Applicants submit their formal Request for Public Assistance to the state. For more information, nonprofit organizations should contact Connecticut’s Public Assistance program at 860-256-0801.

Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham counties, and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations within New London County are designated for PA. The deadline for submitting a Request for Public Assistance to the state is Dec. 30.

Under the program, the state is the grantee, and the applicants are the subgrantees. In other words, FEMA grants the money to the state, which distributes the funds to the applicants after all documentation is received.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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Nonprofits Should Notify the State of Damage in Case a Public Assistance Grant Is Needed

Los Estafadores Intentan Aprovecharse De Los Sobrevivientes Del Desastre

TRENTON, N.J. – Los fraudes y estafas son males conocidos que aparecen luego de cualquier desastre. Con métodos viejos y modernos, los estafadores buscan obtener información muy importante o aprovecharse de los sobrevivientes ocupados en su recuperación.

Los residentes de New Jersey deben mantenerse alerta. Algunos de los fraudes más comunes luego de un desastre incluyen:

Estafas por reparaciones en la vivienda

Contratistas para la mejora de viviendas no registrados pueden llevarse el dinero de los sobrevivientes, dejando, en su huida, reparaciones inconclusas y viviendas inseguras. Antes de contratar a un contratista, el sobreviviente debe informarse con la oficina del Departamento de Defensa al Consumidor de New Jersey, llamando al número 800-242-5846, para asegurarse de que el contratista está registrado. También debe solicitar la póliza de seguro de responsabilidad civil del contratista y verificar que sea válida. Todos los contratos deben realizarse por escrito y revisarse antes de firmarlos. Tampoco se debe pagar el total de las reparaciones antes de que los trabajos sean concluidos.

Se debe notificar al departamento de policía local sobre las sospechas de fraude.

Aumento ilegal de precios

Los aumentos excesivos de precios son ilegales. Infórmese con la oficina del Departamento de Defensa al Consumidor de New Jersey en el sitio www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov o llame al número 800-242-5846 si sospecha que los precios son demasiado altos.

Robo de identidad

Algunas personas pueden hacerse pasar por empleados de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency) u otras organizaciones gubernamentales, como la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, U.S. Small Business Administration), o servicios públicos. Los estafadores, que estén yendo de puerta en puerta por las viviendas dañadas, por teléfono o por Internet, pueden intentar obtener información personal como el número de Seguro Social o números de cuentas bancarias.

Recuerde:

Una playera o chaqueta de FEMA o SBA no es prueba suficiente de la afiliación de alguien con estas agencias. Todo el personal autorizado de FEMA y SBA tienen una identificación oficial laminada y con foto que deben llevar de forma visible todo el tiempo;
Los individuos pueden inscribirse para recibir asistencia y realizar un seguimiento de sus solicitudes anteriores en línea en el sitio DisasterAssistance.gov/espanol o a través de un dispositivo móvil que permita el acceso a Internet en el sitio m.FEMA.gov/esp. Por teléfono o a través de las líneas 711/VRS, llamando al 800-621-3362 o TTY 800-462-7585;
Para las llamadas de seguimiento, un representante de FEMA sólo pedirá los últimos cuatro dígitos del número de Seguro Social del solicitante.

Sobornos o pagos falsos

Los impostores pueden requerir alguna forma de pago por servicios o sobornos – algo que FEMA, SBA o el empleado de una agencia federal nunca requerirá. Los inspectores de vivienda contratados por FEMA evalúan los daños pero no estiman los costos. FEMA no contrata o recomienda contratistas específicos para reparar las viviendas o recomienda reparaciones.

Los estafadores pueden presentarse como especialistas en seguros o gestores que declaran que pueden convencer a FEMA para aumentar la ayuda de las reparaciones en la vivienda o convencer al seguro de pagar un acuerdo más alto. Los estafadores le piden al solicitante o persona asegurada que firmen un contrato donde establecen que les pagarán un porcentaje del pago incrementado. La esencia del fraude consiste en llevarse un porcentaje del subsidio por daños o acuerdo con el seguro que se les proporcionaría normalmente a los sobrevivientes. FEMA siempre negocia directamente con cada solicitante y siempre está dispuesta a considerar una apelación y enviar a otro inspector a revisar los daños en la propiedad dañada o las pérdidas declaradas.

Fraudes de caridad

Antes de realizar una donación, las personas deben investigar a las organizaciones para asegurarse de que están registradas para recaudar fondos en New Jersey. También deben preguntar cómo se va a utilizar el dinero recaudado.

Para más preguntas, los residentes de New Jersey pueden ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Departamento de Defensa al Consumidor de New Jersey en el sitio www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov o llamando al 800-242-5846.

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

Siga a FEMA en línea en www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, y www.youtube.com/fema. También, siga las actividades de administrador Craig Fugate en www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

Los enlaces a redes sociales se proporcionan solamente a manera de referencia. FEMA no endosa ninguna página de Internet, compañía o aplicación no gubernamental.

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Los Estafadores Intentan Aprovecharse De Los Sobrevivientes Del Desastre

Children Vulnerable To Disaster-Related Stress

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy left behind more than physical destruction. As people in New Jersey begin to rebuild, every affected family has faced a disruption of their normal lives. Many must also confront the anguish of losing a home.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the stress that follows a natural disaster, and their symptoms may linger much longer than in adults, according to mental health experts. They also react to how adults behave in stressful situations, so it’s important for parents and caregivers to look after their own mental health in the wake of a disaster.

Parents and other caregivers should be alert to signs of stress-related troubles and learn how to deal with their children’s fears and unusual behaviors.

Children ages 5 or younger may cry more frequently than usual, become clingy, have nightmares, show excessive fear of the dark, fear of animals or fear of being alone. Appetites may change. They may speak with difficulty or revert to behaviors such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.

Children ages 5 to 11 may exhibit increased irritability, aggression, and competition with their siblings for parental attention. Some become preoccupied with the disaster and want to talk about it continually. They may also show anxiety through whining, withdrawing from their peers, and losing interest in normal activities.

Teenagers 11 to 18 may show outright rebellion, physical problems, and sleep disturbances. They may engage in risk-taking behaviors such as reckless driving or alcohol and drug abuse.

Those signs of anxiety often result from the losses, disruption to family life, and a sense of a hostile world created by a natural disaster. The following suggestions may help to reduce stress in children:

Spend time each day giving each child undivided attention, even if just for a few minutes. Share experiences. Reaffirm your love. Make plans together. Just “be there” for each other.
Encourage them to talk. Ask children to describe what they are feeling. Let them talk about the disaster and ask as many questions as they like. Listen to what they say. Assure them that the disaster was an act of nature and not caused by them. Include the entire family in the discussion, if possible.
Understand their fears. It is important that parents accept anxieties as being very real to children. Help them understand what causes their anxieties and fears. Recognize their losses, such as their pets, favorite toys and other personal items. Reassure them that everything will be all right.
Explain what is going on. Make every effort to keep children informed about what is happening. Explanations should be in simple language. With children 5 or older, rehearse safety measures for use in case of future disasters.
Reassure them. Parents can help reassure children by telling them they are safe, holding and hugging them frequently, restoring normal routines, providing play experiences for them, and making bedtime a special moment of calm and comfort.
Encourage activities with their peers. As with adults, social time with friends is a very important part of the recovery process.
Temporarily lower expectations of them. Allow for the fact that stress from the disastercan show itself in many ways over a period of time, and make appropriate allowances.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services is coordinating statewide efforts to help individuals and communities manage the emotional impact of the storm. Crisis counselors are currently providing support in many shelters and assisting in FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers as needed.

In addition to providing face-to-face disaster crisis counseling, the state provides informational materials about coping and they partner with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey to offer assistance through a toll free helpline: 877-294-4357 (also apples to VRS or 711-Relay users)or TTY 877-294-4356. Or visit their website: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/.

Parents, guardians and caregivers may also want to contact their local mental health agency for information on resources in their community that can assist children after disasters.

For more information call 877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or visit the website www.performcarenj.org.

PHOTOS: See following links.

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60773

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60020

THESE 2 PHOTOS ARE FROM 2007 NEW JERSEY DISASTER:

http://www.fema.gov/photodata/original/29748.jpg

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=29744

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema,

Land 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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Children Vulnerable To Disaster-Related Stress

Recovery Centers To Close In Western New Jersey Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — Nine Disaster Recovery Centers in the western area of New Jersey will be closing over the next week and a half.

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 DRCs in the western counties has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

Disaster specialists encourage applicants in western New Jersey to visit these centers while they are open. After these centers close, an applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state.

Final schedules are as follows:

Cumberland, Mercer and Morris DRCs are open this week through Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., closing Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.

Burlington, Gloucester and Warren DRCs will be open Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 10-12 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., closing Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.

Salem, Somerset and Sussex DRCs will be open Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 13-15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., closing Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

DRCs allow residents to speak one-on-one with recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists are available to provide registration and other information, and to answer questions at the centers. These include mitigation specialists who can provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

DRC locations may change. The nearest open offices can be found online at FEMA.gov/DRC.

It is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance.

Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on their applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

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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Recovery Centers To Close In Western New Jersey Counties

FEMA Helps Pay for Debris Removal, Emergency Work

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program is helping Connecticut communities pay for disaster recovery. For Hurricane Sandy, a large percentage of those dollars will be for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Disaster response and recovery can burden local jurisdictions, which encounter extra costs for contract labor or for employee overtime. Communities take emergency protective measures before, during and after a disaster to save lives, protect public health and safety, and eliminate immediate threats. After the disaster, debris must be removed to protect health and safety, and promote the economic recovery of the community.

Public Assistance grants reimburse eligible jurisdictions a minimum of 75 percent of the costs for eligible work.

Under the program, the state is the grantee, and state agencies, local and tribal governments, and eligible nonprofit organizations are the subgrantees. Applicants must submit a formal Request for Public Assistance to the state. After the request is submitted, FEMA and state program officials meet with each applicant individually to discuss damage, assess needs and develop a subgrant application.

FEMA grants the money to the state, which then distributes the funds to the applicants as documentation is received.

The deadline for applicants to submit a Request for Public Assistance is Dec. 30.

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FEMA Helps Pay for Debris Removal, Emergency Work

Disaster Stress And Older Adults

TRENTON, N.J. — Many survivors of Hurricane Sandy find themselves under additional stress these days. But disaster-related anxiety can be especially high in older adults, particularly those living on their own or isolated from friends and family.

Because of their age and other unique circumstances, older adults often react much differently than younger people to catastrophic events. It’s not uncommon after a disaster for them to become withdrawn, agitated, disoriented and confused.

Family members, friends, neighbors and caregivers should be aware of this and be ready to safeguard both their physical and mental health. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms of senior stress:

Fear of losing their independence because of disaster-related injury or loss of their residence. This can be the biggest trauma that older people face after a disaster.
Problems talking to people and answering questions. Difficulties in communicating after a disaster can be increased by factors such as slower thought processes related to age, problems with seeing and hearing, and reduced mobility.
“Welfare” stigma. Many older adults are cautious about or even unwilling to accept government help because they have always “paid their way.” Their reluctance to accept assistance can be compounded by a lack of knowledge about government services for which they may be eligible.
Memories or flashbacks of other events in their lives when they were traumatized or suffered severe losses.
Anxiety caused by poor reading skills and inadequate command of the English language.
Worry about limited financial resources and having enough time to rebuild their homes.
Fear of being put in an institution because they cannot return to a home that was destroyed by the disaster.
Withdrawal and isolation from family and friends.
In severe cases, seniors also may undergo personality changes in the wake of a disaster.

Because older people may be on medication for health conditions, it’s important to ensure they are medically stable before deciding that any of the above symptoms are due to emotional stress.

It’s also important to keep in mind that seniors have decades of experience and strengths gained from facing previous disasters and adversity.

Those who live or work with older adults who have been adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy can take a number of steps to monitor and improve their mental health:

Provide consistent verbal reassurance.
Assist them in recovering personal possessions.
Help them re-establish contact with their family, friends and social networks.
Help them find a suitable residential relocation until they can return to their own home, ideally in familiar surroundings with friends or acquaintances.
Make frequent home visits and arrange for others to visit them.
Ensure medical and financial assistance.
Provide transportation to the doctor, grocery store, etc.
Re-establish and monitor their nutritional and medication needs.

Older people or their family and friends seeking additional information about stress counseling and services should contact their local mental health agencies. The New Jersey Department of Human Services is coordinating statewide efforts to help individuals and communities manage the emotional impact of the storm. Crisis counselors are currently providing support and assisting in FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers as needed.

In addition to providing face-to-face disaster crisis counseling, the state provides informational materials about coping, and it has partnered with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey to offer assistance through a toll free helpline: 877-294-4357 (also applies for VRS or 711-Relay users) or TTY 877-294-4356. More information about disaster-related stress can be found at the website: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/.

POSSIBLE PHOTOS: See following links

Red Cross provides assistance for Hurricane Sandy survivors (ID: 60611)

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60611

Community Relations Specialists speak with Sandy Survivors (ID: 60564)

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60564

FEMA Community Relations Specialists assist residents in New Jersey (ID: 60443)

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60443

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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Disaster Stress And Older Adults

FEMA Urges Prompt Return of SBA Disaster Loan Application

NEW YORK – Survivors of Hurricane Sandy, who received a loan application from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA), should take the time to fill it out and return it promptly. This includes homeowners, renters, business owners, and non-profit organizations that have called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to register for disaster assistance.

“SBA is our partner in disaster recovery. If you received an application from the SBA, whether you are a business, homeowner or renter, you need to return the application.” said Michael F. Byrne, coordinating officer for the federal recovery operations in the affected area. “Filling out the application is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of assistance.”

An SBA disaster loan can help homeowners, renters and businesses cover any repair or rebuilding costs not covered by private insurance or cover disaster-related damage costs that exceed the initial estimate. Homeowners can receive loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residences. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property including vehicles.

“The SBA has approved more than $96 million in Disaster Assistance Loans in the state of New York with almost $89 million for homeowners and renters,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta. “We are pleased to be able to get these loans approved so residents and businesses in the disaster area can start to rebuild and resume their normal lives.”

Businesses and private nonprofits can apply for loans of up to $2 million. Interest rates for businesses are as low as 4 percent to cover physical damage and economic injury caused by the disaster. For private nonprofits, interest rates are as low as 3 percent and for homeowners and renters the rates are as low as 1.688 percent with terms as long as 30 years.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and 19 SBA business recovery centers. To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov.

Help also can be obtained by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and assistance is offered in most languages. You may also text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example, if you lived in Staten Island, you would text: “DRC 10301.” Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.) Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Urges Prompt Return of SBA Disaster Loan Application

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