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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President Declares Major Disaster for West Virginia

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the State of West Virginia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22, 2016, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in of Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties.  Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.    

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Albert Lewis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Lewis said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. 

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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 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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President Declares Major Disaster for West Virginia

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Washington County

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

Washington County

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

Closing: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30

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

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

# # #

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

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Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Washington County

7 More Texas Counties Hit by May Floods Can Apply for Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Individuals and families in Bastrop, Burleson, Eastland, Lee, Liberty, Stephens and Tyler counties are now encouraged to register with FEMA for disaster assistance for the May floods.

With damage assessments completed, the state requested the seven counties be added to the June 11 disaster declaration, bringing to 19 the number of Texas counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

The original 12 counties designated for assistance are: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington.

Texans who suffered damage or loss as a result of the severe storms and flooding that began May 26 are encouraged to apply for assistance. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses.

Survivors in the designated counties may register for assistance the following ways:

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

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

Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled. They should also register even if they’ve already registered for or received aid for another declared disaster.

Before starting repairs or rebuilding a home or business, it is important to contact the local building code official or floodplain manager. Visit fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for free publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available for eligible survivors. SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, survivors may contact SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting the SBA website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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

# # #

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

Taken from: 

7 More Texas Counties Hit by May Floods Can Apply for Disaster Assistance

FEMA Offers Assistance for Renters, Too

AUSTIN, Texas – Renters displaced by the May storms and flooding may be eligible for federal disaster assistance, including grants from FEMA and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA offers eligible renters grants for rental assistance. These grants help pay for temporary housing while a damaged home or apartment is being repaired.

Eligible renters may receive grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program. These grants help uninsured or underinsured survivors with expenses and serious needs caused by the May storms including:

  • child care

  • moving and storage expenses

  • disaster-related funeral and burial expenses

  • disaster-related dental and medical expenses, such as wheelchairs, canes and prescription drugs

  • repair or replacement of storm-damaged personal property, including furniture and appliances, as well as job-related tools and equipment required by the self-employed

  • primary vehicles, and approved second or modified vehicles damaged by the disaster

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans with rates that remain the same for the life of the loan. Renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property, including automobiles.

Applicants may apply online for an SBA loan using the electronic loan application at the secure website DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

Texans can register for disaster assistance the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov

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

  • at a disaster recovery center.To find the nearest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

Originally from:  

FEMA Offers Assistance for Renters, Too

Workshop for Businesses on Local, State and Federal Contracting Process

BATON ROUGE, La. – Businesses, trade associations and chambers of commerce learned about securing government contracts during a free workshop this week.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center (LA BEOC), FEMA and other state agencies spoke about how to increase local, state and federal contract opportunities.                                                                                                                    

“We were excited about this opportunity to teach Louisiana business and industry leaders how they can help meet the needs of local governments, the state and the federal government,” GOHSEP Director James Waskom said.

Attendees also learned tips how to enhance disaster resiliency so they can better assist recovery and response with their products and services.  

The LA BEOC is dedicated to improving the ability of Louisiana businesses and non-profits to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural and human-caused disasters, and to maintain the stability, resilience and economic recovery of their communities. It is also the conduit between those who need resources with Louisiana resource providers during response and recovery from an emergency or disaster event.

“Businesses and the private sector are critical parts in emergency management,” LA BEOC Director of Operations Clay Rives said. “We’re fortunate there’s a strong interest among Louisiana’s private sector wanting to assist in disaster recovery.” 

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

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 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 SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Workshop for Businesses on Local, State and Federal Contracting Process

FEMA in Pearland (Harris County) and Columbus (Colorado County) With Advice on Lessening Storm Damage

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

Specialists will be available on the following dates, times and locations:

Harris County

Location:      
Pearland Lumber ACE Hardware
2027 N. Main St.
Pearland, TX 77581 

Hours:           
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 20-24
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25

 

Colorado County

Location:      
L & M Do-it-Best Building Supply
538 Walnut St.
Columbus, TX 78934           

Hours:           
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 20-24

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

Source: 

FEMA in Pearland (Harris County) and Columbus (Colorado County) With Advice on Lessening Storm Damage

Texans Denied FEMA Aid Encouraged to Ask ‘Why?’

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who get a letter from FEMA telling them they’re ineligible for disaster assistance should not give up—but should follow up instead.

Anyone who gets a letter from FEMA should read it carefully and call FEMA immediately if they disagree with it or have any questions. A simple error in a telephone number or a missing signature may be all that separates an applicant from federal assistance.

After registering with FEMA, applicants can expect a notice by mail about whether they qualify for federal disaster assistance:

  • If eligible, the letter explains the amount of the grant and how it is to be used.

  • If ineligible—if the grant amount reads “0”—applicants may still qualify.

A denial letter may indicate the application is missing information such as verification of occupancy of the damaged property, proof of identity, documentation of disaster damage, or what is covered under an insurance policy.

Applicants who do not receive a letter or are denied assistance should call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) for an explanation why, or go to their account at DisasterAssistance.gov.

The 12 counties affected by the May storms are: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller, and Washington counties.

Survivors may register for assistance the following ways:

  • online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

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

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

# # #

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

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

More here – 

Texans Denied FEMA Aid Encouraged to Ask ‘Why?’

Severe Weather Wednesday: Get Ready Now

CHICAGO – With a threatening Wednesday forecast for most of the Great Lakes Region that includes severe storms, heavy rains, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared.

“Summer has begun, and with it, the heightened risk of severe storms,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Now is the time to make sure your family knows what to do to stay safe, and verify your mobile phone is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts to warn you of extreme weather and other emergencies in your area.”

Individuals should follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information related to this storm system. Purchasing a weather radio for your home is another way to ensure that you receive critical warning information. If a warning is issued, get indoors, and move to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe storms at http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather and download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device. Visit the site or download the app today so you have the information you need to prepare for severe weather.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at 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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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Source – 

Severe Weather Wednesday: Get Ready Now

More than $2 million flows to Oregon for recovery projects

SALEM, Ore. –The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that it has awarded Oregon more than $2 million as a portion of the FEMA Public Assistance program allocation for recovery from the severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring December 6-23, 2015. This is one of several awards that are expected to be distributed as a result of the nearly month-long weather events.

FEMA’s Public Assistance grants will go to more than 400 eligible projects in 14 counties covering Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill.

The Public Assistance program offers supplemental financial assistance on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in designated counties. The program encourages protection of these facilities from future events by providing assistance for certain hazard mitigation measures.

Current estimate of eligible damage is approximately $40 million. FEMA reimburses 75 percent of eligible costs and makes grant awards to the state. Oregon manages the grant awards to applicants and is accountable for their use.

Of the current grants, approximately $1.2 million is being awarded for three large projects, and about $1 million for water and electric lines, equipment, roadway and trench repairs, and a host of other small projects. Reimbursements for costs of emergency measures taken during response to the storms throughout the 14 affected counties are also flowing to disaster recovery grant applicants.

“A $425,000 award went to Lake Oswego for replacement of a collapsed storm drain and repair of a 12-foot deep sinkhole, while another went to Columbia River People’s Utility District for about $380,000,” said Clint Fella, State Coordinating Officer for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. “The electric cooperative in Columbia County sustained pole, line and other damage along 113 miles of 154 different roads during the weather event.”

The Port of Brookings Harbor is also scheduled to receive $416,250 for sediment hauling and removal.

“This funding for Oregon’s recovery marks a difference in the way we deliver assistance,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “It also points to the State of Oregon’s hard work in this recovery process. They help determine project eligibility.”

FEMA is implementing a new business model to deliver funding for public infrastructure recovery after a disaster. The new model does not represent a change in FEMA’s mission or in what it does, but is intended to improve the quality and efficiency of the recovery process for communities affected by disasters.

The disaster declaration signed by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2016 made FEMA’s Public Assistance recovery program available to declared counties. The state and FEMA have been working closely with local officials since Feb. 17 to identify damage, develop project costs and to deliver funding to assist in the recovery from the December, 2015 storms.

Taken from – 

More than $2 million flows to Oregon for recovery projects

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