Registration Deadline for Disaster Assistance Is One Week Away

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana disaster survivors affected by August flooding have one week left to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.

Survivors may register with FEMA by going online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app. Survivors who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register.

Survivors can also register for assistance at any FEMA disaster recovery center. To find a disaster recovery center near you, call the FEMA helpline or text DRC and your zip code to 43362. You can also find a center near you by downloading the FEMA mobile app or going online to fema.gov/drc.

FEMA assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repair to their primary residence, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Survivors should also be sure to submit their disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration by Nov.14. Submitting a loan application does not imply acceptance of a loan, but it is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance.  

For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. SBA representatives are also available at any disaster recovery center, disaster loan outreach center, or business recovery center.

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Registration Deadline for Disaster Assistance Is One Week Away

North Carolina Disaster Survivors: Submitting an SBA Loan Application is Key to Recovery

RALEIGH, N.C. – If you’re a Hurricane Matthew survivor in North Carolina who registered with FEMA and you’ve been referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan, you should complete and return the loan application as soon as possible.

Obtaining a low-interest disaster loan may be the solution to your recovery needs by providing you the necessary funds for home repair, rebuilding and property loss. Returning the completed application also may enable you to qualify for FEMA disaster recovery grants that do not have to be repaid.

If you are a homeowner or renter and SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, you may be considered for FEMA’s other needs assistance program, which provides grants for disaster-related medical and dental care, funeral costs and vehicle repairs. You also may be eligible for assistance from other organizations, too.

There is no requirement to take out a loan if one is offered from SBA. If you are approved for a disaster loan, you have the option not to accept the loan.

Next to insurance, SBA is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster. Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding.

There are important reasons for you to file the loan application (even if you don’t think you currently need a loan):

  • Your insurance settlement may fall short. As you began to recover from the effects of your personal disaster, you may discover that you were underinsured for the amount of work required to repair or replace your home. An SBA low-interest disaster loan can cover the gap. 
  • SBA will work with you to provide a loan that fits your personal budget. If you already have a mortgage on damaged property, SBA specialists can help with a low-interest loan you can afford.

SBA loans have low interest rates

Interest rates for loans for homeowners and renters can be as low as 1.563 percent.

Refinancing and relocation loans may be available on a case-by-case basis. Survivors are encouraged to speak with an SBA representative for details.

For more information, call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY). Homeowners, renters and businesses may visit SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply online for disaster loans.

Register with FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

If you’re a business owner, you may be able to borrow up to $2 million from the SBA for physical damage and economic injury.

The easiest way to apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is to visit a FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) and meet with an SBA representative in person. SBA has staff at all DRCs and BRCs to help you with your application. To find the closest DRC go online to fema.gov/drc or ncdps.gov/.

BRCs are listed below.

  • Business Recovery Center #1 (Cumberland County)

SBTDC at Fayetteville State University

Small Business and Economics Building, BRC

1200 Murchison Road, Suite 306, Rooms A and D

Fayetteville, NC 28301

  • Business Recovery Center #2 (Pitt County)

SBTDC Regional Service Center, East Carolina University

Willis Building, BRC

300 E. 1st Street

Greenville, NC 27858-1201

  • Business Recovery Center #3 (Robeson County)
  • Robeson Community College Workforce Development Center

Building 18

5160 Fayetteville Road

Lumberton, NC 28358

For more information on SBA disaster loans, visit sba.gov/disaster.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 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. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Read More:

North Carolina Disaster Survivors: Submitting an SBA Loan Application is Key to Recovery

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Seminole County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Sanford to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions.

The center is located outside the:

Museum of Seminole County History

Adjacent parking lot

                              300 Bush Blvd.

          Sanford, FL 32773

          Open Monday – Saturday

          9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

          Closed Sunday

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers. Survivors can also visit open DRCs in other counties.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at DRCs are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a DRC may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at

800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Source:  

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Seminole County for Hurricane Matthew

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Fernandina Beach to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions. Survivors can visit any open DRC for assistance, even if they live in another county.

The center is located at:

                     Peck Center

                     516 South 10th Street

                     Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may ask DRC staff or call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

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

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Excerpt from:

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County

FEMA Registration and SBA Disaster Loan Application are Key to Hurricane Recovery

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For many Floridians who need help recovering from Hurricane Matthew, registering with FEMA and completing a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are essential.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors should first register for assistance with FEMA, in any of the following ways:

  • Online at disasterassistance.gov;
  • On the FEMA Mobile App;
  • Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish, press 2);
  • At a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find the nearest one, go online to the DRC locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator. SBA representatives at all Disaster Recovery Centers will help individuals complete and submit loan applications and answer any questions.

Second to insurance, SBA low-interest disaster loans are the primary source of financial assistance to rebuild disaster-damaged private property for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations. A completed SBA loan application is also an important step in order to qualify for other state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

SBA loans are low-interest, and long-term. In some cases, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage. SBA loan officers work to come up with a plan that fits a survivor’s budget.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.  Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property. If SBA does not offer a homeowner or renter a loan, they are referred to FEMA for possible additional grant consideration.

The SBA disaster declaration covers the counties of Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Nassau Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Lake, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola and St. Lucie.

The SBA has opened Business Recovery Centers (BRC) in St. Johns and Volusia counties to help Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Matthew:

  • St. Johns County: St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, 1 News Place, Suite C, St. Augustine, FL 32086

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Volusia County: Florida Department of Health-Volusia County, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additional details on the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail), or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Source:  

FEMA Registration and SBA Disaster Loan Application are Key to Hurricane Recovery

FEMA/NCEM Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Pender County

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can now get information about available state and federal assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center in Pender County opening Thursday, Nov. 3.

Location:                   Pender County

Malpass Corner Elementary School

4992 Malpass Corner Road

Burgaw, NC 28425

 Regular hours:         Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

DRCs staffed with recovery specialists from FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration provide accessible, direct support to survivors through registration, referrals, case management, SBA disaster loan support, Hazard Mitigation education and other programs. You will be able to speak face-to-face with them to receive answers to questions you may have regarding your disaster recovery. If you already registered, they can provide you with an update of your application status and, if needed, discuss the appeal process.

FEMA and NCEM have recovery centers open throughout the disaster-affected counties in North Carolina. To locate the center nearest to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA or Readync mobile apps. If you have access to a computer, you can go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or ncdps.gov.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the FEMA Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

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.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 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. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Link:  

FEMA/NCEM Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Pender County

FEMA/State Open Disaster Recovery Center for Four Days in Wake County Nov. 2

RALEIGH, N.C. – A FEMA/NCEM disaster recovery center (DRC) is open in Wake County, Wednesday, Nov. 2 through Saturday, Nov. 5.

A DRC is a location where you can go for information about FEMA, other disaster assistance programs or get answers to questions related to your situation.

Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to speak with you face-to-face to answer questions you may have regarding the disaster assistance process, other assistance available and even help you register if you haven’t already. If you have registered, they can provide you with an update of your application status and if needed, discuss the appeal process.

Location:                   Marsh Creek Community Center

3050 N. New Hope Road

Raleigh, NC  27604

 Regular hours:         Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

                                    Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FEMA and the state also have DRCs open in other impacted counties. To locate the DRC nearest to you, call 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA or ReadyNC mobile apps. If you have access to a computer, you can go online to fema.gov/drc or ncdps.gov.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the FEMA Helpline for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at www.fema.gov/media-library/assests/videos/111546.

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.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 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. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

View original:

FEMA/State Open Disaster Recovery Center for Four Days in Wake County Nov. 2

Colleton DRC Opens

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, Nov. 2) – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens in Colleton County on Wednesday at 1 p.m.  It will be open weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sundays until further notice.

Located at 280 Recreation Lane, Walterboro, SC 29488, the DRC is staffed by representatives from the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration and representatives from various state agency and voluntary organizations.

Survivors of the storms and floods that came with Hurricane Matthew can expect information on federal disaster assistance programs, guidance on disaster recovery, an explanation of written FEMA correspondence, and help with other disaster-related questions.

FEMA mitigation specialists are available at DRCs to provide literature to survivors on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to make homes more flood resistant. For more specific NFIP questions, you can call the NFIP Support Call Center by dialing 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and pressing 2.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. The centers have tools to amplify sound, magnifiers and materials in alternative formats along with video remote interpretation. Sign language interpreters are available upon request at the center.

If possible, you should register with FEMA before visiting the DRC.  You can register online at  DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video services) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

You can find the locations of other DRCs online at DisasterAssistance.gov, at “Quick Links.”

After registering with FEMA, survivors may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA offers such loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.  SBA loans are for uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. SBA advises it is not necessary to wait for an insurance settlement before submitting the loan application.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app for more information.

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 us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster- damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at  www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Colleton DRC Opens

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brevard County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Titusville to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions.

The center is located at:

Harry T. Moore Social Service Center

725 South Deleon Av

Titusville, FL 32780

          Open Monday – Saturday

           9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

           Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify possible sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2).  Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

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

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brevard County for Hurricane Matthew

Help for Renters

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, Nov. 1) – With so much attention given to businesses and homeowners, survivors who are renters may think they are not eligible for disaster assistance even though they suffered losses from the storms and floods spawned by Hurricane Matthew. But they are.

Like homeowners, renters must first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

  • Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Call toll-free 800-621-3362 (711, voice or video relay services) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice.
  • Visit one of the nine Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operating in Beaufort, Dorchester, Florence, Horry, Marion, Orangeburg and Williamsburg counties. Find the DRC closest to you at “Quick Links” on DisasterAssistance.gov. Representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and various state agencies are on hand to answer questions.

Registering with FEMA is the first step toward qualifying for disaster assistance, which may include grants to help renters and homeowners pay for temporary housing, personal property replacements and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

After registering with FEMA, renters may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA offers such loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, and homeowners as well as renters. SBA loans to renters may cover the cost of repairing or replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can  receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app for more information.

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 us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster- damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at   www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Help for Renters

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