FEMA Team At Economy Supply With Tips On Smart Building

PURVIS, Miss. – An outreach team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Economy Supply, Hattiesburg’s hometown supply company, this week to explain techniques to reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from high-wind events. The team also will offer tips on rebuilding stronger and safer after the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding.

The partnership between the agency and the local company underscores FEMA’s commitment to a local approach in responding to and recovering from disasters.

“It reinforces the fact that FEMA is only one part of our nation’s emergency management team, and collectively we must meet the needs of the entire community,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles.  “What better partner than one who has been involved with the Hattiesburg area for 72 years.”

A FEMA team is staffing a table at Economy Supply at 200 E. 2nd St. in Hattiesburg to provide free “how-to” information about wind-resistant building methods, and guidance to help prevent damage to a business or home in the face of another natural disaster. The team will be present from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 and continuing with a Monday through Saturday schedule until further notice. More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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

 

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FEMA Team At Economy Supply With Tips On Smart Building

FEMA Distributes $1.8 Million To Support Mississippi Recovery

PURVIS, Miss. – More than $1.8 million in federal disaster assistance is in the hands of survivors of the recent storms, tornadoes and flooding in Mississippi. This includes more than $1.3 million for housing assistance and $489,523 for other needs.

While there is still much work to be done, this money contributes significantly to the recovery effort from the recent disaster.

Here are some numbers at a glance as of midnight 2/26/13:

  • 2,404 Mississippians have registered for assistance at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.
  • 988 Mississippians have visited the five Disaster Recovery Centers for information and help about the disaster recovery process. The centers are open in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties.          
  • 1,405 home inspections have been completed by the 10 FEMA-contracted inspectors in the field—a 93-percent completion rate.
  • 1,218 disaster-loan applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in Mississippi to provide one-on-one help to those seeking disaster assistance.
  • FEMA is working with state and other eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties to identify and reimburse 75 percent of disaster-related costs associated of emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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

 

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FEMA Distributes $1.8 Million To Support Mississippi Recovery

Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In less than three months, on Thursday, May 16, 2013, new flood maps for Curry County, New Mexico will become effective.  Before that date, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.  

FEMA map specialists and food insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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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 www.twitter.com/femaregion6  and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

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Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson Counties

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks.

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these coastal communities better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public have been scheduled.  The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress.  The open houses will help to educate the public about the current flood risk in the area. Public meetings will be posted on www.txchart.com.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson counties, the effort also includes Aransas, Brazoria, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  The NFIP is currently undergoing a thorough modernization. 

Meanwhile, contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about insurance.  Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

Media note:  If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 1p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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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  www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson Counties

Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

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

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

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

Marion County

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

Wayne County

Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St Waynesboro

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

Forrest County:

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

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

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

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

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

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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

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Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – While the destruction of large parts of Vermont’s road system by Tropical Storm Irene received much attention, the state’s railroad network was also heavily damaged.

Now, federal and state officials say that more than $22 million has been put into repairs of damaged railroad tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure, including almost $20 million worth of Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

“Vermont’s roads took a significant hit during Irene, but many residents may not have been aware how much of the rail infrastructure was also damaged or destroyed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s mission in Vermont. “Restoring these bridges and rail lines has been an important part of the recovery effort.”

“The Rail Division of the Vermont Agency of Transportation did a remarkable job restoring service immediately after Irene, and their work in making permanent repairs to the rail system has been a success story that deserves recognition,” said Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Joe Flynn.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program has approved funding for a total of 80 projects related to the repair or replacement of damaged rail infrastructure, including 16 for bridges and 64 for the repair of damage to various segments of track, including the rail bed and associated culverts.

Total estimated project costs to date are as follows:

 

Project

Cost

Est. federal share

 

 

 

16 Bridges

$18,272,212

$16,444,990

 

 

 

Repairs to rail beds and small structures

$3,740,920

$3,366,829

 

 

 

Total estimated project costs to date:

$22,013,132

$19,811,819

For projects related to Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 90 percent of the eligible costs and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 10 percent.

To date, FEMA has provided Vermont with more than $23 million in grants to individuals and households for losses related to Irene, and another $133 million in grants to cover the cost of emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities.

FEMA has also obligated nearly $13 million for hazard mitigation efforts including home buyouts to remove damaged or destroyed homes from harm’s way.

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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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Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for San Bernardino County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining the city of Fontana, the city of Ontario, the city of Rancho Cucamonga, and San Bernardino County, Calif., to update flood hazard risk information.  FEMA released preliminary flood maps which will help community officials, individuals and business owners identify flood risks, and when finalized be used for flood insurance, land use and development decisions.  The revised maps are digital, incorporating the latest available technology to identify flood risk based on detailed engineering models, decades of rainfall and storm gauge information, and current topographic data.

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States.  Individuals and business owners in the areas along the San Sevaine Channel and East Etiwanda Creek are urged to look at the preliminary maps to become familiar with their flood risks.  These maps can help make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures.

If individuals and business owners believe the preliminary flood maps contain errors, they may submit appeals by sharing additional scientific or technical information through their community officials for FEMA review.  Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will make any necessary updates and notify community officials of any further changes.  Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing.

For more information about flood insurance, premium estimates or to find a local agent, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

For specific questions about flood maps and FEMA’s flood hazard mapping program, call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627), email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com or visit http://msc.fema.gov.

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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 Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for San Bernardino County

Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

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

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

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

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

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

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov until midnight March 1. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.         

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

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

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.

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

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Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

Stay In Touch With FEMA To Continue Temporary Housing

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors need to complete the application for continued temporary rental assistance and avoid interruptions of funds for an apartment, house or other temporary home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency mails forms to survivors receiving temporary rental assistance that must be completed and returned to remain eligible. Survivors can request new forms by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-877-8339 if the original is lost.

Temporary rental assistance may be provided while displaced survivors are working to find a permanent housing solution. Although it is not automatic and available in three month increments, assistance may be available up to 18 months from the Oct. 30, 2012 federal disaster declaration or the program maximum, whichever comes first. That’s why it is important for survivors to develop permanent housing plans. Returning to a permanent home is a significant recovery milestone.

The application for continued rental assistance must be filled out completely, signed and returned along with the following documents:

  • A copy of the lease agreement signed by the applicant and applicant’s landlord
  • Rent receipts showing that the funds have been used for rental assistance
  • A current income statement, such as a paycheck stub or bank statement

Survivors should mail packets to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

They also can fax requests to: 800-827-8112

The registration and disaster numbers should be clearly visible on each page.

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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Stay In Touch With FEMA To Continue Temporary Housing

Calling All Landlords: Storm Survivors Need Your Help

PEARL, Miss. –Landlords with available rental properties in Mississippi are urged to contact a housing locator service to list their available rental properties.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are working together to find housing for those displaced by the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding. In support of that, they encourage Mississippi landlords in or near the four counties affected – Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne – to list their available rentals properties online at www.socialserve.com or to call SocialServe.com toll-free at 877-428-8844, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. -7 p.m. with property details.

To post online with SocialServe.com, landlords must click the orange ‘List a Property’ rectangle on the right side of the web page and follow the prompts to enter information about a rental.

Whether they call or go online, landlords should have details readily available about the rental unit such as:

  • Type of dwelling.
  • Number of bedrooms and baths.
  • Handicapped accessibility.
  • Pet policy.
  • Monthly rental and deposit amount.
  • Whether utilities are included.
  • Other need-to-know information.

Socialserve.com offers assistance in English and Spanish.  All vacant rental properties will be added to FEMA’s list of housing units for disaster survivors.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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

 

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Calling All Landlords: Storm Survivors Need Your Help

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