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One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4058-021

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) announce the Disaster Recovery Center in Sellersburg will remain open one more week. The center will close April 13, which means there are just days left to meet face to face with specialists to ask questions about the recovery process.

The center, which is located at Ivy Tech College, I-65 and Hwy 311(I-65 exit 9), operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Since March 13, when FEMA and IDHS jointly opened the DRC, more than 600 Hoosiers have received one-on-one assistance from state and federal specialists as they recover from severe storms that occurred Feb. 29 to March 3.

Specialists are available at the center to answer questions about FEMA recovery programs. Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand, helping individuals complete SBA low interest disaster loan applications.

SBA low interest disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations fund repair or rebuilding and may cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal property or business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code-required upgrades and other costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Before meeting with specialists at the recovery center, storm-impacted individuals should register with FEMA. The last day to register, May 8, is just one month away.

FEMA provides one phone number for homeowners, renters and businesses to register for assistance and to receive help after registering: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
By smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 10:07:06

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One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4057-046

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA grants are helping thousands of Kentucky families recover from the recent tornadoes, but you may have neighbors, friends or family members who have not registered for federal disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Your neighbors or friends may have misunderstandings about registration that may have kept them from getting all the recovery help they need.

“The important thing to tell your friends and neighbors is to register,” said Libby Turner, the federal officer in charge of Kentucky recovery. “That one step may unlock grants, low-interest loans, disaster unemployment assistance, and any other state or federal aid. Registering is as easy as picking up the telephone or going online.”

Your neighbors might say they have not registered with FEMA because they have insurance. Explain they may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses. Sometimes damage is found that insurance won’t cover but federal disaster assistance may. But your neighbor has to register with FEMA to get the help.

If your friend is still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster or for an insurance settlement, tell them to go ahead and register with FEMA because insurance may not meet all their needs. Federal assistance may be able to help solve this problem, but your friend must register with FEMA before the filing deadline of May 7 to be eligible.

Friends or neighbors also should go ahead with necessary repairs to make their house livable, but they must be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work as FEMA may require this documentation.

Some friends, neighbors or family members may think they make too much money to apply for assistance. However, most federal and Commonwealth disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The kind of help provided depends on the applicant’s circumstances and unmet needs.

Sometimes folks think they did not have enough damage to their homes to apply for assistance. The damage caused by high winds or tornadoes and costs associated with repairs or rebuilding, may not be apparent for several weeks. By registering with FEMA now, you may be eligible for assistance if you find damage later.

If you have friends, neighbors or family members who are concerned FEMA disaster assistance will interrupt or interfere with federal assistance they are already receiving, let them know disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Residents of Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Kenton, Johnson, Larue, Lawrence, Laurel, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe counties are eligible to register for federal disaster assistance from FEMA.

Emphasize to friends and neighbors the first step toward obtaining recovery assistance for individuals and businesses in the designated counties is to register with FEMA:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

Survivors who have questions about their registration may call the FEMA helpline at the number listed above. Survivors who are having difficulty registering also may go to a recovery center for assistance.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 16:34:38

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Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-016

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — For people who suffered damages as a result of the recent tornadoes, severe weather and flooding, the first step in seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is to register, according to FEMA officials. This applies only to survivors living in the federally designated counties – Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne.

“It’s easy to do,” said Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “You can call our toll-free number, which is 800-621-3362. Or you can go online at DiasterAssistance.gov. You absolutely must register to begin the process.”

Once registered, Criswell said, an applicant can expect a telephone call from a FEMA inspector to set up an appointment. Normally, this call will come within a few days after one registers, but almost always within 10 days. The applicant or someone at least 18 years old who lived in the home before the incident occurred must be present when the inspection takes place.

FEMA inspectors are contracted independent experts qualified to assess damages to buildings and other property that might have been damaged from the storms and flooding. Inspectors will always carry an official FEMA identification – and applicants are urged to jot down the badge number of the inspector who visits for future reference.

Inspectors do not determine whether an applicant or the damaged premises qualify for federal assistance. That is done by FEMA Individual Assistance personnel after evaluating the inspectors’ reports.

There is no fee charged for these inspections, Criswell said. The applicant will need to provide documented proof of ownership (for homeowners) and permanent occupancy (for both homeowners and renters). For example, these might include a utility bill or a copy of a rental lease.

The inspector will ask the applicant to sign a form authorizing FEMA to verify that the information given is accurate. Within about 10 days a letter will be sent by FEMA to the applicant with notification about the decision of whether the applicant is eligible for help. If so, that letter will be followed by a check (or there will be an electronic transfer to the appropriate bank account). The letter will explain what the money can be used to pay for, and applicants should be careful to use the funds as indicated.

If FEMA decides the applicant is not eligible for help, the letter will state the reasons for the denial of benefits, Criswell said. The letter will outline the process to appeal any decision the applicant thinks is erroneous.

An applicant might be referred to the Small Business Administration for help. If so he or she will receive an application for a low-interest loan to repair or replace real estate (up to $200,000) or personal property (up to $40,000). No one is required to accept any SBA loan, but filling out the application is part of the assistance process and helps FEMA in evaluating or re-evaluating any data.

Once FEMA receives an application for assistance and it is approved, the funds will be in the applicant’s hands within 10 days. For electronic bank-account deposits, the money will be available sooner. Applicants who do not receive their checks by mail promptly should phone the FEMA Help Line at 800-621-3362 or visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center for information.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 16:32:02

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What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

Release Date: April 1, 2012
Release Number: 4060-014

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee residents who, as a result of the Feb. 29 March 2 tornadoes, receive disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urged to spend their funds wisely.

Survivors who applied for disaster assistance with FEMA will receive letters about where they are in the application process, what to do next or how they should spend grant money.

Applicants should onlyuse their grants to meet specific disaster-related needs.

Most disaster grants from FEMA are deposited electronically, followed by a letter explaining how the money should be spent.

Housing Assistance grants are intended for basic housing repairs, such as replacing doors and windows or repairing a roof. Housing Assistance grants may also be used for short-term rent payments or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses.

Other Needs Assistance grants are intended to help replace essential personal property and meet disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses. The money may also be used to help repair or replace a car damaged by the disaster and to replace work-related tools.

FEMA grants shouldn’t be used for luxury goods such as flat-screen televisions, video games or other entertainment electronics. Grants may be audited, so survivors should keep receipts for three years to document disaster-related expenses.

If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, a recipient may have to pay it back and may lose eligibility for any further help.

The first step toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585.
By computer visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:00:35

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FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

More Than $1.5 Million Approved in Federal Disaster Assistance

Release Date: March 30, 2012
Release Number: 4058-017

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — More than $1.5 million in federal funding has been approved to homeowners, renters and business owners since the president issued a major disaster declaration for Indiana. Individual Assistance was made available March 9 to augment state and local recovery efforts after severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes caused extensive damage Feb. 29 to March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

As of close of business March 29, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials report more than $1 million has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items, and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,274 registrations have been received. Field inspectors are completing home inspections within 24 hours of registration, and 491 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $551,200 in low interest disaster loans have been approved to qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits.

Sellersburg Disaster Recovery Center

A Disaster Recovery Center at Ivy Tech College in Sellersburg will remain open as long as storm-impacted individuals continue to utilize its services. More than 550 Hoosiers have visited the center, where FEMA and SBA specialists assist with applications and answer questions. The center, which was opened through a FEMA-state partnership March 13, will continue operating Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice.

FEMA Mitigation community outreach events schedule

FEMA specialists spoke with some 250 Hoosiers during community outreach events in building supply store this week. Specialists are on hand to explain simple steps people can take at home to reduce damage during future storms.

Specialists are on hand through March 31 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

Lowe’s
1350 Veterans Parkway
Clarksville, Ind. 47129

Lowe’s
511 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, Ind. 47250

Menards
2808 Menards Drive
Evansville, Ind. 47715

Specialists will be on hand April 3-7 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Home Depot
2239 State St.
New Albany, Ind. 47150
P.C. Lumber & Hardware
150 Hunter Station Road
Sellersburg, Ind. 47172

Public Assistance for infrastructure recovery in five counties

On March 22, the president declared Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott and Washington counties eligible for Public Assistance, which means that means state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in the designated counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. The remainder is the responsibility of state and local government and, in some cases, non-profit organizations.

Public Assistance funding also covers partial or complete repair of schools and other critical functions such as public water tanks or sewer systems. Projects will be approved only if they are necessary as a direct result of storm damage during the designated timeframe.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security briefed Public Assistance applicants this week. Applicants logged onto an online briefing webinar Wednesday. State representatives met face to face with applicants during a briefing in Sellersburg Friday.

Register with FEMA

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the telephone registration line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. Those lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. FEMA will issue a nine-digit registration number to verify completion of each application.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

Last Modified: Friday, 30-Mar-2012 17:17:49

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More Than $1.5 Million Approved in Federal Disaster Assistance

FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

Release Date: March 30, 2012
Release Number: 4059-006

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and completing a Small Business Administration disaster-loan application are often both necessary for many West Virginians needing help in recovering from the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“The first step toward disaster recovery is registering with FEMA,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “The next step is completing and returning the SBA disaster-loan application if one is mailed to you. Both businesses and disaster survivors are eligible for SBA loans.”

Homeowners and renters should complete and return the SBA application, even if they don’t want a loan or don’t expect to qualify for one, officials said. A completed SBA loan application is needed in order to qualify for state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

Applicants can register by phone by calling the FEMA Help Line at (800)-621-3362. TTY users can call (800)-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Applicants can also resister online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

For qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations in Logan, Lincoln, Marion and Wayne counties, SBA disaster loans can be used to pay for disaster-related damages. People with home-based businesses or rental property who have been affected by the storms may also be eligible for SBA loans.

Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property lost in the disaster.

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

Loan amounts and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. Interest rates are as low as
1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses. Payment terms can be as long as 30 years.

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

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

Loan applications can be filled out online at SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Last Modified: Friday, 30-Mar-2012 14:38:56

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FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

Monday Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Dekalb, Jackson and Overton County

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4060-009

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — survivors of the Feb. 29 – March 2 tornadoes have until 6 p.m., Monday, April 2, to visit disaster recovery centers in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton counties, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Specialists are currently available at the centers to help survivors with specific questions and in completing FEMA registration or low-interest disaster loan applications. This one-on-one help is available to homeowners, renters, businesses and qualified non-profits

Survivors are urged to visit the centers that remain open in Bradley, Claiborne, Cumberland, Hamilton, McMinn and Monroe counties. Representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors register for disaster aid.

If possible, before visiting a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA. Registering can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Survivors can use any of the following methods:

Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) which is video relay service accessible. Help is available in most languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Register using a tablet or smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov

The deadline to apply for individual assistance through FEMA is May 15.

Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration also are available at the recovery center to help survivors with applications for low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. The deadline to return loan applications to SBA is May 15. Survivors may call 800-659-2955 (TTY) or visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 10:37:43

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Monday Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Dekalb, Jackson and Overton County

Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4059-007

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W.V. — West Virginia residents in Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne counties who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will receive a letter after they apply for disaster assistance. The letter explains the current status of an individual’s disaster assistance application.

“We want to remind disaster survivors to carefully read the entire letter, because FEMA may need additional information,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. Criswell is in charge of FEMA’s response to the flooding and tornadoes between February 29 through March 5 and the flooding beginning March 15.

“It is important to know that the initial decision and amount of assistance, whatever it might be, could change when the applicant’s insurance or other government assistance is figured in,” Criswell said.

Sometimes people do not qualify for financial help right away because further documentation has to be submitted to FEMA. Some of the many reasons for a denial are:

Records have not been provided to show the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster;
The applicant has not received his or her insurance settlement;
Information may be needed such as a record of income or the correct address of the damaged property;
Proof of home ownership or rental documentation might be missing;
The Small Business Administration disaster loan application has not been returned; or
Essential documents are not signed.

“Just because the letter says an applicant isn’t eligible for disaster assistance, this does not necessarily mean FEMA’s decision is final,” said Criswell. “Applicants can ask FEMA to reconsider the decision if they disagree with what the letter says.”

If an applicant does not agree with FEMA’s decision, an appeal process is available. Appeals may relate to eligibility, the amount or type of help provided, a late application, a request to return money or continuing help. The appeal must be sent to FEMA and postmarked within 60 days of the date the decision letter is received. To appeal, applicants must follow these steps:

Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance is not correct.
1. When submitting the letter, include your full name, date and place of birth, and current address.
2. You must sign the letter, and it must be notarized and include a copy of a state-issued identification card. Failing that, the letter must contain the following statement: “I hereby declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
Date the appeal letter and include your FEMA application number and the disaster number (located at the top of the decision letter).
Mail the letter to:
FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P. O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
Or fax the letter to:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA

For questions about the letter, the appeal process or to register for disaster assistance, applicants should call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Operators are on duty seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone, tablet or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov. FEMA’s App for Android phones can be downloaded at market.android.com/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android.

Applicants are urged to visit any Disaster Recovery Center after they go through the entire registration process. There they can get guidance on disaster recovery, clarify any letters or calls they may have received from FEMA and can also confer with SBA representatives. Disaster Recovery Center locations are available on DRC locator on the FEMA website: www.fema.gov

Filling out an SBA loan application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance. SBA personnel at the DRC can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA along with the FEMA letter. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

Additional information is available at www.fema.gov and from the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at www.dhem.wv.gov.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2012 16:05:05

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Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today delivered remarks at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando in preparation of the upcoming hurricane season. In his address, Fugate encouraged the emergency management team to work inclusively with all partners to meet the needs of the whole community when responding to and recovering from disasters. As he discussed the work that federal, state, local and tribal governments, and voluntary organizations do on a regular basis in preparation each year, Administrator Fugate also focused his remarks at this year’s conference about the importance of engaging the private sector early and often.

“We need to give the private sector a seat at the table,” said Fugate. “When we look at the disasters last year, the unreported story was how the private sector was a part of the recovery team. The sooner we can get private businesses — and government-backed infrastructure — up and running, the sooner communities will recover.”

Administrator Fugate also took the opportunity to remind this year’s participants to never lose sight of the fact that the impacts of hurricanes are wide-ranging. “Last year proved that the effects of hurricanes can impact areas beyond just the coast,” said Fugate. “As we look to 2012 we need to work together as a team, with all our partners, the private sector and the public to ensure that communities are prepared no matter where tropical storms impact.”

In wrapping up his remarks at the conference, Fugate encouraged those in attendance to plan beyond hurricane season. “We have to stop planning for the past storm,” said Fugate. “We have to be look forward and plan for all-hazards — understanding the current threats before us and what vulnerabilities we have.”

Following his remarks, Fugate participated in a panel discussion with National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon, and Walgreens Security Operations Center’s Jim Williams.

The National Hurricane Conference seeks to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in an effort to protect lives and property in the United States and the tropical islands of the Caribbean and Pacific. In addition, the conference serves as a national forum for federal, state and local officials to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2012 14:05:03

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Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference

April 1 Deadline for Public Assistance Requests

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4055-001

» More Information on Oregon Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

SALEM, Ore. — Officials in 12 Oregon counties hit by January’s winter storms have until April 1 to submit official requests for federal assistance the Oregon Office of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency said today.

Filing a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) is the first step in the process to receive federal reimbursements under FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) grant program. Without it, applicants, including state agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations, cannot receive reimbursement for their eligible disaster-related expenses.

“Our goal is to help Oregon communities recover from these winter storms as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA.

PA grants are available to eligible applicants in Benton, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk and Tillamook counties.

FEMA will pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations providing essential community services.

Under the PA program, the state forwards the federal funds to eligible local governments or organizations that incurred disaster-related costs.

The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form and information about the PA process is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/fin_rec/dr-4055.shtml.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2012 13:22:30

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April 1 Deadline for Public Assistance Requests

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