Texans Who Registered for April Storm Damage Should Register for May-June Floods, Too

AUSTIN, Texas—Residents of 10 Texas counties that were hit by storms and flooding in April are encouraged to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance if they had damage from the May-June event, as well.

In back-to-back disaster declarations, residents of 10 counties were affected by storms and flooding April 17-30 and again May 26-June 24. Those counties were Austin, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Tyler and Waller.

If residents of those 10 counties registered with FEMA for April disaster-related damage, they also need to register for damage sustained in the May-June storms.

Federal assistance became available to 24 counties for the May-June floods after the presidential disaster declaration of June 11.

Those counties are Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

The deadline to register for assistance is the same for all 24 counties: Aug. 10.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May-June storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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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Texans Who Registered for April Storm Damage Should Register for May-June Floods, Too

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage

AUSTIN, Texas – A team of specialists from FEMA will visit Lowe’s in Fort Bend County July 14-19 to offer tips and techniques to lessen the impact of disaster-related property damage.

Specialists will be available at the following location:

Where:
Lowe’s, 28005 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg TX 77471

When:
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 14-15

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, July 18

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 19

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors.

Booklets are available in both English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and other natural disasters. If you need an accommodation to access Braille or large print, please let our representatives know. American Sign Language interpreters can be available, if requested, by calling Everett Sedgwick at 202-870-4129. More information on how to strengthen homes, businesses and communities can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation and fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272, or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at dps.texas.gov/dem/. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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 Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage

West Virginia renters with flood damage may be eligible for federal help

CHARLESTON, W.Va.– West Virginia renters who experienced losses due to the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22, 2016, may be eligible for disaster recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA).

“The catastrophic weather that affected West Virginia did not discriminate between homeowners and renters and neither do we,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis, who leads FEMA’s mission in the Mountain State.

Renters may be eligible for grants from FEMA to help with such disaster-related expenses as:

  • Renting a new place to live when the renter’s previous home was lost due to the disaster.
  • Disaster related medical and dental expenses.
  • Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as appliances and furniture, textbooks and computers used by students, and work equipment or tools used by the self-employed.
  • Repair or replacement of vehicles damaged by the disaster.
  • Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses.

FEMA grants are not loans and do not have to be repaid. They are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP benefits and several other programs.

Additionally, renters may qualify for a low-interest loan of up to $40,000 from the SBA to repair or replace personal property.

Renters who sustained losses can apply for assistance by using the FEMA App for smartphones, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 800-621-3362, or (TTY) 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or video relay service, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week.

For more information about disaster loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit the Flood Information page on the website of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA and  fema.gov/blog

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West Virginia renters with flood damage may be eligible for federal help

More Texans Eligible for Disaster Aid, More Time to Apply

AUSTIN, Texas – More Texans are eligible for federal disaster assistance for the April storms and many more have additional time to register with FEMA for aid.

FEMA extended the period during which those affected by the storms may be eligible for disaster assistance. To be eligible for FEMA help, damage must have occurred April 17-30.

At the request of the state, residents of Anderson, Cherokee, Smith and Wood counties are now eligible for disaster assistance and are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Also eligible for disaster assistance are residents of Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller, and Wharton counties. Those affected by the storms are encouraged to register with FEMA if they have not already done so.

The deadline to register for assistance is July 29.

Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses.

Registering for disaster assistance is a two-step process. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return a no-obligation loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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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More Texans Eligible for Disaster Aid, More Time to Apply

FEMA offers Advice on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris and Fort Bend Counties

AUSTIN, Texas – A team of specialists from FEMA will visit three home improvement stores in Fort Bend and Harris counties to offer tips and techniques to lessen the impact of disaster-related property damage.

Locations and time follow:

Fort Bend County

Location:
Lowe’s, 16510 SW Freeway
Sugarland, TX 77479                      

Hours:
Tuesday, July 5: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m
Thursday and Friday, July 7-8: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, July 11: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 12: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

___

Harris County

Location:
Lowe’s, 14128 Cypress Rosehill Rd.,
Cypress, TX 77429            

Hours:
Tuesday, July 5: Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, July 7-8: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, July 11: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 12: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

___

Location:
Lowe’s, 7355 FM 1960 Rd. E.,
Humble, TX 77346          

Hours:  
Thursday and Friday, July 7-8: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, July 11: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 12: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as flood proofing a home, how to elevate utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.  

Booklets are available in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and other natural disasters. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access Braille or large print, please let our representatives know. American Sign Language interpreters can be available, if requested, by calling Everett Sedgwick at 202-870-4129. More information on how to strengthen homes, businesses and communities can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation and fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation.

FEMA has a National Flood Insurance Program call center to support NFIP policyholders. Call 800-621-3362 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Read original article: 

FEMA offers Advice on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris and Fort Bend Counties

FEMA Ensures Texans with Disabilities, Access Needs Can Register For Disaster Aid

AUSTIN, Texas—Texans who have a disability or access need and sustained damage or losses from the May storms and flooding may face challenges, but registering for federal aid shouldn’t be one of them.

“We reach out to the entire community,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “And FEMA works with our partners to make sure that everybody can get access to disaster assistance information, programs and registration.”

FEMA’s disaster recovery centers – locations where survivors can meet face-to-face with various agencies and service providers – accommodate the needs of the entire community, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

The centers meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards; have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to use amplified telephones; phones that display text; amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss; and magnifiers for people with vision loss.

Some disaster recovery centers use a video relay service available to people who use American Sign Language, allowing them to communicate through an interpreter when registering for disaster assistance. Others make an ASL translator available at the center. In addition, language applications are used for translation.

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington counties. To find the nearest disaster recovery center, go online to asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

In addition to accommodating people with disabilities or access needs, FEMA also reaches out to people with limited English proficiency by providing multilingual operators, making printed literature available in multiple languages and having translators available in the field. Printed materials are available in accessible formats such as Braille and large print.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Excerpt from – 

FEMA Ensures Texans with Disabilities, Access Needs Can Register For Disaster Aid

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed July 3-4

AUSTIN, Texas – Holiday hours for the state/federal disaster recovery centers assisting Texans affected by May’s storms and flooding have been announced by FEMA.

All disaster recovery centers in Texas will be closed Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. The centers will be open Saturday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

The 19 counties included in the May flooding federal disaster declaration are: Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Specialists from the State of Texas, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration, nongovernmental organizations and the local community are available at disaster recovery centers to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred in May.

Visiting a disaster recovery center is not required to register for FEMA assistance. Survivors may register for assistance the following ways:

  • online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • by phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Read this article: 

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed July 3-4

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Washington County

AUSTIN, Texas – The disaster recovery center in Brenham in Washington County will close on June 30.

Washington County

Location: Washington County Fairgrounds
1305 East Bluebell Rd.
Brenham TX 77833

Closing: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30

Recovery officials encourage Texans who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change their addresses or phone numbers they should update FEMA with the information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Credit:

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Washington County

3 Disaster Recovery Centers to Close June 25 in Houston and Cypress (Harris County)

AUSTIN, Texas – Three disaster recovery centers will close at 2 p.m. on June 25 in Houston and Cypress, both in Harris County.

Harris County

Imperial 20 (Office Building)
16800 Imperial Valley Dr., Suite 108
Houston, TX 77060

Bayland Community Center
6400 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77074

Lone Star College – CyFair Library
9191 Barker Cypress Rd.
Cypress, TX 77433

Disaster recovery centers are operated jointly by FEMA and the state. Visiting a disaster recovery center is not required to register for FEMA assistance.

After the centers close, Texans whose homes or businesses were affected by the April 17-24 storms and flooding can still register for assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claims the following ways:

  • visit DisasterAssistance.gov

  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

  • visit a disaster recovery center that remains open. To find the nearest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator. fema.gov/disaster/4269 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at dps.texas.gov/dem/. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Recovery officials encourage Texans who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change their addresses or phone numbers they should update FEMA with the information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at dps.texas.gov/dem/. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

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3 Disaster Recovery Centers to Close June 25 in Houston and Cypress (Harris County)

Protect Yourself from Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

AUSTIN, Texas – As storms and flooding wreak havoc across Texas, FEMA officials are warning of another danger: scam artists and unscrupulous contractors out to fleece communities and survivors struggling to recover from disaster.

Be aware of these most common post-disaster scams:

Housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be vulnerable to those who pose as housing inspectors and claim to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration.

  • Ask for identification. Federal and state representatives carry photo ID. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of affiliation with the government.

  • FEMA inspectors never ask for banking or other personal information. < >EMA housing inspectors verify damage but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

  • Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references; recovery experts recommend getting a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials; and read the fine print.

  • Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

  • Avoid paying more than half the costs upfront. Doing so offers little incentive for the contractor to return to complete repairs.

Pleas for post-disaster donations: Con artists play on the sympathies of disaster survivors, knowing that people want to help others in need. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. Verify charitable solicitations:

  • Ask for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and web address, then phone the charity to confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.

  • Don’t pay with cash. Pay with a check made out to the charity in case funds must be stopped later.

  • Request a receipt. Legitimate nonprofit agencies routinely provide receipts for tax purposes.

Offers of state or federal aid: Beware of anyone claiming to be from FEMA or the state and asking for a Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Scammers may solicit by phone or in person, promising to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building permit process. Others promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If you have any doubts, do not give out information and file a report with the police.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are a victim of a home repair or price-gouging scam, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011. For information regarding disaster-related fraud and how to protect yourself, visit texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/disaster-scams.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Originally posted here:  

Protect Yourself from Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

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