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When It Comes To Hurricanes, Lightning Really Can Strike Twice

LINCROFT, N.J. — With another hurricane season just getting under way, residents of New Jersey may look upon the prospect of another storm with a great deal more apprehension than they felt before Hurricane Sandy struck the Jersey coast.

New Jersey residents have witnessed firsthand the destructive power of a storm like Sandy.

Sandy was not the first storm to wreak havoc in New Jersey, but she was one of the most powerful to strike the state in many decades, and the damage she inflicted was widespread.

Today, more than 18 months after the storm, New Jerseyans are still recovering. The good news is that they are rebuilding stronger, safer and smarter.

Up and down the New Jersey coast, towns are engaged in restoring infrastructure and taking steps to ensure that their communities will never again be caught in the bull’s eye of a hurricane without preparation.

Hundreds of homes along the Jersey Shore have been elevated. Many municipalities have moved critical facilities away from areas vulnerable to flooding.

Thanks to extensive outreach efforts by FEMA and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, residents and business owners are far better informed about how to plan for, protect against, and recover from storms and other possible disasters than ever before.

Weather experts are predicting a less active hurricane season on the Atlantic Coast than in recent years due to the fact that water temperatures are projected to be cooler than they have been under the influence of El Nino.

While a storm of the magnitude of Sandy may not occur again for many years, it is always a good idea to prepare for the possibility that a storm or other disaster may interrupt the usual summer cycles of rainy and sunny days and present the state with a major weather challenge.

If that occurs, it’s up to each of us to be ready to respond effectively.

That means using the tools of preparedness that can mean the difference between life and death, danger and safety, when a storm arrives.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is create a family communications plan. Make cards for each family member with names and contact numbers. Have a contact in another state, or at least another town, that family members can get in touch with, as making a long-distance call or even sending a text message may be easier than a local call during a disaster.

Know how to get to higher ground if you need to evacuate, what your community’s evacuation route is, and where it goes. New Jersey has several state roads, U.S. highways and interstates designated as state coastal evacuation routes along with county and local routes.

You also want to know just how vulnerable your home and property are to flooding. Learn the elevation level of your property and whether there are any levees or dams in the area that might pose a flood threat.

Secure your home’s windows, roof, and garage. Permanent storm shutters are best for windows, but plywood five-eighths of an inch thick and cut to fit is an effective temporary solution and will also work on windowed garage doors. Secure the roof to the frame of the house by adding straps or additional clamps, and while you’re up there, make sure the gutters are clear.

Keep any trees and shrubs around your home trimmed to improve their wind resistance. Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, plants in stands, and anything else outside that isn’t nailed down. If you own a boat, decide ahead of time where and how you plan to secure it.

For more tips on hurricane preparedness, visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.nj.gov.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

Originally posted here –

When It Comes To Hurricanes, Lightning Really Can Strike Twice

FEMA Helpline can Answer Questions about Letters

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – If you receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, take the time to carefully read the information and instructions regarding your application for assistance.

If you still have questions, you should call FEMA’s helpline: 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The helpline will be operating on the July 4^th holiday.

FEMA notification letters may refer to issues with an application such as:

A missed appointment with an inspector;
Insufficient storm damage;
Adequate insurance coverage;
Pending receipt of your insurance settlement.

As an applicant, you may get a letter from FEMA if something is missing from your application. It could be as simple as the lack of a signature or basic information such as:

Proof of identity;
Proof of occupancy or ownership of damaged property;
Documentation of disaster damage, such as: contractors’ estimates or receipts.

After you register with FEMA:

An Inspector May Schedule An Appointment. After you register with FEMA – either online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) – a nine-digit registration number is assigned. An inspector may call to schedule an appointment to visit the damaged property, generally within 7-10 days of registration.

Inspector’s Visit. Keep your scheduled appointment to make sure the assistance process continues quickly. The inspector will request a photo ID and verify your name, address and FEMA registration number. There is no fee for the inspection.

Someone who is 18 or older and lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment.

The inspector will ask for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy (for homeowners) and occupancy only (for renters). Survivors can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents:

A photo ID to prove identity, such as driver license or passport;
Proof of occupancy, which may include:
- A utility bill with the address of the damaged home, a credit card bill, delivery notice or other first class mail addressed to you at the address of the damaged home;
- Earning statements;
- Current driver’s license.

Proof of ownership, such as:

Deed showing you as the legal owner;
Title that lists you on actual escrow or title document for the purchase of the home;
Mortgage payment book with the address of the damaged home;
Property insurance policy for the damaged home;
Tax receipts or a property tax bill.

After the Inspector’s Visit. You should receive a decision by mail within 14 days of the inspector’s visit.

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FEMA Helpline can Answer Questions about Letters

Several Good Reasons to Apply for an SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loan

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some disaster survivors think that U.S. Small Business Administration loans are only for businesses. That is not the case – it is the primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery assistance for disaster survivors.

SBA offers disaster loans at rates as low as 2.188 percent to homeowners and renters, at 4 percent for businesses of all sizes and at 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations for physical damage from the April 28 through May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in the following Alabama counties: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa counties.

Economic injury disaster loans also are available to provide working capital to eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations located in the counties listed above and the adjacent counties.

There are good reasons for FEMA applicants who have been contacted by SBA to submit a completed disaster loan application before the July 1, 2014 deadline. Reasons include:

A future insurance settlement may fall short. Survivors may find out they are underinsured for the amount of work it takes to repair or replace a damaged home. An SBA low-interest loan can cover the uninsured costs. By submitting the loan application, survivors may have loan money available when it is needed. SBA can approve a loan for the repair or replacement of a home up to $200,000. The loan balance will be reduced by a survivor’s insurance settlement. However, the opportunity for an SBA disaster loan will be lost if they wait until after the application deadline.
SBA can help renters repair or replace disaster damaged personal property. Renters as well as homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, appliances and damaged vehicles.
By submitting an SBA loan application, survivors keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. SBA may refer applicants who do not qualify for a home loan to FEMA for “Other Needs” grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover medical, dental and funeral expenses and other serious disaster-related needs. But if survivors do not submit their disaster loan applications, the assistance process stops. Survivors are not required to accept a loan offer.

For more information, homeowners, renters and businesses may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an email to DisasterCustomerService@SBA.gov or visit SBA.gov/Disaster. Survivors can complete disaster loan applications online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

Survivors who have not yet registered with FEMA can do so online at DisasterAssistance.gov with a mobile device at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). TTY 800-462-7585.

The deadline to register for disaster assistance and an SBA loan is July 1, 2014 for property damage. The deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is February 2, 2015.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration offer assistance programs for homeowners, renters, and business owners in nine Alabama counties designated for Individual Assistance.

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Several Good Reasons to Apply for an SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loan

Don’t Wait Until it’s too Late: Have a Back-up Plan and Register by June 30

JACKSON, Miss. – If you sustained damage from the April 28 through May 3 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, your insurance settlement may not cover all of your expenses. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration encourage you to register for disaster assistance by Monday, June 30, 2014, as it may help cover unexpected disaster expenses that arise later.

Your insurance settlement is delayed, but you need to relocate because your home is uninhabitable.
Damage in your home is not revealed until contractors are able to conduct a more comprehensive inspection of your home’s structure.
You exhaust the additional living expenses provided by your insurance company and still need help with your disaster-related temporary housing.

Not registering with FEMA may disqualify you for assistance that could help with unexpected expenses. You have until Monday, June 30, 2014, to register. Take a few minutes now to give yourself peace of mind in the future. You can register any of three ways: online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on a mobile device at m.fema.gov, or by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362.) People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

If you have registered with FEMA and were referred to SBA’s disaster loan program, it’s wise to follow through and keep your options open by submitting the application before June 30.

Some of the top reasons for submitting an SBA application by the deadline include:

A future insurance settlement may fall short. You may find you are underinsured for the amount of work it takes to repair or replace your damaged home. An SBA low-interest loan can cover the uninsured costs. By submitting the loan application on time, you may have loan money available when it is needed. SBA can approve a loan for the repair or replacement of a home up to $200,000. The loan balance may be reduced by your insurance settlement. However, the opportunity for an SBA disaster loan may be lost if you wait until after the June 30 application deadline.

SBA can help renters repair or replace disaster damaged personal property. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, appliances and damaged vehicles.

By submitting an SBA loan application, you keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. If you do not qualify for a loan, SBA may refer you back to FEMA for grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or cover storage expenses, among other serious disaster-related needs. But if you do not submit your disaster loan application, the assistance process may stop. You are not required to accept a loan if one is offered.

Complete the SBA disaster loan application online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. For more information on SBA disaster loans, go to sba.gov/disaster.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website at msema.org or the Facebook page at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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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Don’t Wait Until it’s too Late: Have a Back-up Plan and Register by June 30

Florida Survivors Have Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Just two weeks remain for storm and flood survivors in Florida to apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The deadline to register is Monday, July 7.

Survivors in Escambia, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance that may include money to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses.

Those who had damage from the storms and flooding from April 28 to May 6 can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or using a smartphone at m.fema.gov/ until midnight July 7. Survivors may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 until 10 p.m. July 7. Recovery assistants remain available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (CDT) daily.

July 7 is also the deadline to submit loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery. The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is filling out an online application at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.

For more information on SBA low-interest disaster loans, call the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, send an email to DisasterCustomerService@SBA.gov or visit SBA.gov/Disaster.

To date, nearly $62 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved to help Floridians and their communities recover. The following is a summary of ongoing recovery efforts so far:

More than $31 million in disaster assistance has been approved under the Individuals and Households Program for qualified homeowners and renters.
- This includes nearly $26 million for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and essential home repair costs.
- This also includes more than $5 million to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
SBA has approved nearly $31 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations.

More than 13,600 people in five designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information following the storms and flooding April 28 to May 6.
- The counties designated for Individual Assistance are Escambia, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.

State and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in nine Florida counties are eligible to apply for federal reimbursements under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses.
- The counties designated for Public Assistance are Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington.

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4177. Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or the state’s Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

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

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Florida Survivors Have Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance

MEMA, FEMA to Reimburse Local Governments for Debris Pick-up until July 26

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announce local governments in counties designated for federal disaster assistance have until July 26 to pick up eligible disaster-related debris, including stumps and root balls, from public rights-of-way.

If property owners hire contractors to move debris, the contractors must haul the debris off and cannot just move it to the right-of-way. Debris left by contractors is not eligible for reimbursement. Construction debris and concrete slabs are also not eligible.

A number of nonprofit and voluntary organizations are in Mississippi to help with the cleanup effort. Property owners who need help removing debris from their property should contact their county emergency management office.

Storm debris should be placed at the right-of-way for pickup, divided into the following categories:

Household garbage
Construction debris
Vegetative debris
Household hazardous waste
White goods such as refrigerators and dryers, and
Electronics

Property owners should contact their local governments with any questions regarding debris eligibility or debris sorting questions.

MEMA reports estimate 85 percent of eligible debris in Mississippi has been picked up.

Debris removal grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program, which reimburses local and state governments and certain private nonprofits for eligible expenses incurred before, during and after a disaster. FEMA covers the federal share, which amounts to 75 percent of eligible debris removal costs. MEMA is covering the remaining 25 percent of eligible debris removal costs.

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MEMA, FEMA to Reimburse Local Governments for Debris Pick-up until July 26

FEMA Mitigation Specialists Available at Home Depot and Lowe’s

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Are you repairing or rebuilding damaged property? Have questions about flood insurance? Want to protect your property from potential loss or damage from future disasters?

Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists will be available at three home improvement stores in the area to provide information on rebuilding safer and smarter.

Specialists will be available at the following Home Depot stores through noon on June 26.

The hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.

Home Depot

541 W. Nine Mile Road

Pensacola, FL 32534

Home Depot

4825 Mobile Highway

Pensacola, FL 32506

Starting Friday, June 20, mitigation specialists will be available at the following location through noon on June 26. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.

Lowe’s

4301 W. Fairfield Drive

Pensacola, FL 32505

Information on the National Flood Insurance Program, advisory base flood elevation maps, flood insurance rate maps, and repair and rebuilding will be available to all, not just to individuals who are registered with FEMA.

Advice also will be given on:

Elevating electrical services and appliances;
Installing sewer back-flow valves;
Replacing drywall and insulation;
Channeling water away from foundations; and
The permitting process required by local authorities.

More information on ways to protect your property from disasters is available at www.fema.gov.

Click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.”

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists Available at Home Depot and Lowe’s

Pensacola Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Loan Outreach Center on Monday

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The State/FEMA disaster recovery center located at the Brownsville Community Center is transitioning on Monday, June 23, to a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan outreach center. Survivors will still be able to obtain disaster-related information after the center transitions.

SBA representatives will be on hand at the loan outreach center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and explain the loan application process. Survivors can also get help applying for or closing low-interest disaster loans. The center is located at:

Escambia County

Brownsville Community Center

3100 W. DeSoto St.

Pensacola, FL 32505

The joint State/FEMA disaster recovery center will continue normal operating hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 17, through Saturday, June 21. The center is closed Sunday.

Beginning Monday, June 23, the SBA disaster loan outreach center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice. The center will be closed Saturdays and Sundays.

The Pensacola disaster recovery center opened May 10 to help survivors who sustained damage during the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 6. The center has received more than 3,100 visits in nearly six weeks.

Disaster survivors can continue to register until July 7, 2014, either online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

To apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan, survivors can find the electronic loan application on SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Questions can be answered by calling the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955/(TTY) 800-877-8339 or visiting www.sba.gov.

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4177, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or the Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

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Pensacola Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Loan Outreach Center on Monday

Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some survivors of the recent Alabama storms may not have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples:

I didn’t know there was assistance available.
FEMA tries to let everyone know about disaster assistance, but some people miss the message. Please be sure to spread the word among your co-workers, neighbors and friends.

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.
FEMA provides housing grants and other programs such as help with medical, dental and funeral expenses that are not income dependent. Anyone in a designated county with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA, because I have insurance.
Everyone with insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured costs.

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

I thought it was too late for me to apply since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.
You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

I thought FEMA only made loans. I don’t want a loan.
FEMA does not make loans, only grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid. The United States Small Business Administration does make loans to cover disaster damage to uninsured or under insured property for homeowners, renters and business owners.

I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners to repair their homes.
FEMA makes grants to help renters with temporary housing and help with disaster-related losses of personal property.

I’m going to register just as soon as I can find the time to get all the paperwork done.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes about 20 minutes. Don’t wait, because the deadline is July 1.

I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.
If you had damage from a previous federally declared disaster and you had damage from this declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

Other people need the help more than I do.
FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors. You will not be taking from others, if you register for aid.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

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Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

Alabamians Can Go To Home Depot, Lowes For FEMA Advice On Rebuilding Stronger

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As recovery continues from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that hit Alabama, federal officials are offering help on how to rebuild “stronger and safer” for the next disaster.

Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Home Depot and Lowe’s home improvement stores around Alabama to offer residents information about rebuilding their flood- and wind-damaged homes to make them better able to withstand future disasters.

“When you’re picking up after a disaster, preparing for the next one is sometimes the last thing on your mind,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer, Albie Lewis. “But our mitigation specialists can show you easy ways to make your home or business ‘better and safer’ the next time tornadoes, flooding or high winds hit.”

Mitigation advisors can provide valuable information on how to reinforce structures against flooding and other hazards, how to construct a safe room, and information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

They can also offer advice on mold and mildew cleanup, rebuilding structures to resist high winds, and how electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances can be protected from flooding. Free publications on a variety of rebuilding and recovery topics will also be available.

“Here in Alabama, we know that making our homes, businesses, and communities more resilient just makes sense,” said Alabama’s State Coordinating Officer, Jeff Byard. “If there are cost-effective ways to make you, your family and your property safer the next time a disaster strikes, why wouldn’t you do it?”

Mitigation teams will be at the following stores on the following dates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

June 20-21, June 23-25

Jefferson County

Home Depot

6405 Flintridge Drive

Fairfield, AL 35064

Lowe’s

1201 19th Street North

Bessemer, AL 35020

Mobile County

Home Depot

755 Schillinger Road South

Mobile, AL 36695

June 27-28, June 30

Lee County

Home Depot

2190 Tiger Town Parkway

Opelika, AL 36801

Baldwin County

Home Depot

2899 S McKenzie Street

Foley, AL 36535

In addition to the mitigation advisors, an Individual Assistance representative will also be on hand to provide general information about assistance to survivors. For specific case information, survivors can contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

To download materials on a variety of topics about strengthening property against tornadoes, flooding or other hazards, visit:

http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster or

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Alabamians Can Go To Home Depot, Lowes For FEMA Advice On Rebuilding Stronger

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