Beware of Fraud in Wake of Disasters

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma residents whose properties were damaged in the recent storms and flooding are warned to be alert for, and urged to report, any potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The aftermath of a disaster can attract opportunists and confidence artists. Homeowners, renters and businesses can follow some simple steps to avoid being swindled.

Be suspicious if a contractor:

  • Demands cash or full payment up front for repair work;
  • Has no physical address or identification;
  • Urges you to borrow to pay for repairs, then steers you to a specific lender or tries to act as an intermediary between you and a lender;
  • Asks you to sign something you have not had time to review; or
  • Wants your personal financial information to start the repair or lending process.

To avoid fraud:

  • Question strangers offering to do repair work and demand to see identification;
  • Do your own research before borrowing money for repairs. Compare quotes, repayment schedules and rates. If they differ significantly, ask why;
  • Never give any personal financial information to an unfamiliar person; and
  • Never sign any document without first reading it fully. Ask for an explanation of any terms or conditions you do not understand.

Disasters also attract people who claim to represent charities but do not. The Federal Trade Commission warns people to be careful and follow some simple rules:

  • Donate to charities you know and trust. Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight.
  • If you’re solicited for a donation, ask if the caller is a paid fundraiser, whom they work for, and the percentage of your donation that will go to the charity and to the fundraiser. If you don’t get a clear answer — or if you don’t like the answer you get — consider donating to a different organization.
  • Do not give out personal or financial information – including your credit card or bank account number – unless you know the charity is reputable.
  • Never send cash: you can’t be sure the organization will receive your donation.
  • Check out a charity before you donate. Contact the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at www.give.org.

If you believe you are the victim of a contracting scam, price-gouging or bogus charity solicitations, contact local law enforcement and report it to the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General. Find a complaint form online at www.ok.gov/oag. The Federal Trade Commission takes complaints at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Many legitimate people — insurance agents, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance personnel, local inspectors and actual contractors — may have to visit your storm-damaged property. Survivors could, however, encounter people posing as inspectors, government officials or contractors in a bid to obtain personal information or collect payment for repair work. Your best strategy to protect yourself against fraud is to ask to see identification in all cases and to safeguard your personal financial information. Please keep in mind that local, state and federal employees do not solicit or accept money for their services to the citizens.

All FEMA employees and contractors will have a laminated photo ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket alone is not proof of identity. FEMA generally will request an applicant’s Social Security or bank account numbers only during the initial registration process. However, FEMA inspectors might require verification of identity. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help filling out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages but do not recommend or hire specific contractors to fix homes.

 

###

 

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 Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

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.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

Excerpt from:  

Beware of Fraud in Wake of Disasters

Two Mobile Registration Intake Centers Open in San Marcos

AUSTIN, Texas – Two Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRIC) have opened in San Marcos, Texas, to serve homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the ongoing severe storms and flooding.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are there to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Location and dates of operation:

Parking lot between San Marcos Activity Center and San Marcos Public Library
501 E. Hopkins
San Marcos, TX 78666
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice
 

Blanco Gardens Neighborhood
801 River Rd.
San Marcos, TX 78666
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice

People who had storm damage in counties designated for individual assistance can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Multilingual operators are available. Flood survivors statewide can call and report their damage to give the state and FEMA a better idea of the assistance that is needed in undesignated counties.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.                                                     

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

 

###

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 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 SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

More here – 

Two Mobile Registration Intake Centers Open in San Marcos

Two Mobile Registration Intake Centers Open in Houston

AUSTIN, Texas – Two Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRIC) have opened in Houston, Texas, to serve homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the ongoing severe storms and flooding.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are there to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Locations and dates of operation:

         Meyerland Community Improvement Association
4999 West Belfort
Houston, TX 77035
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days per week until further notice

Spring Woods Middle School
Intersection of Hammerly Boulevard and Pine Village Drive
9810 Neuens Rd
Houston, TX 77080
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days per week until further notice

People who had storm damage in Harris, Hays, and Van Zandt counties can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 6 a.m. to      9 p.m. daily.

Multilingual operators are available. Flood survivors statewide can call and report their damages to give the state and FEMA a better idea of the assistance that is needed in undesignated counties.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and

burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

 

###

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 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 SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Source article:

Two Mobile Registration Intake Centers Open in Houston

Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Visit Oklahoma Neighborhoods

Oklahoma City – People in Oklahoma who’ve been affected by the recent severe storms and flooding may soon see Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams in neighborhoods, knocking on doors.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are partnering to provide this mobile resource to help connect homeowners, business owners and faith-based and community organizations with the necessary resources to start the recovery process.

“It’s great to have DSA teams out in the communities where they can help connect the dots between survivors and assistance that may be available for them,” said State Coordinating Officer and OEM Deputy Director Michelann Ooten.

The teams offer survivors registration assistance; up-to-date information on their application status; on-the-spot needs assessment; and referrals to help fill any outstanding needs.

“These teams are here to help,” said Federal Coordinating Officer John Long. “They will all be carrying FEMA badges and may ask for some critical information to help speed your case along.”

The DSA teams may request the following information:

•    A phone number where you can be reached;
•    Your social security number;
•    Your current mailing address;
•    The address of the affected property;
•    A brief description of the damages; and
•    Insurance information including your policy number.

DSA teams are currently visiting neighborhoods and businesses in Cleveland, Grady and Oklahoma counties.

When DSA teams arrive at a home, business or any other organization, they will display official photo identification. If the photo identification is not displayed, it is important to ask to see it. This helps prevent fraudulent activities.

Additionally, survivors can apply for state and federal assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. People may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4222  or visit OEM at www.oem.ok.gov.   

                                                                                                  ###

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 Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

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.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.
 

Link to article – 

Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Visit Oklahoma Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions About Individual Assistance

Who should apply for federal disaster assistance?

Texas homeowners, renters and business owners in disaster-designated counties who sustained damage to their homes, vehicles, personal property, business or its inventory as a result of the ongoing severe storms and floods may apply for disaster assistance.

The three counties currently designated for Individual Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are: Harris, Hays, and Van Zandt.

How do I apply?

You can apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by smartphone or web-enabled device at m.fema.gov, or by phone at toll-free 800-621-3362, or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.

What kinds of assistance are available?

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other serious disaster-related expenses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Am I eligible for disaster assistance if I already have insurance?

You should apply for assistance even if you have insurance because you may find that you have unmet needs after you receive your settlement. If you have not already contacted your insurance agent to file a claim, do so right away. Insurance is your main source for money to put your life back in order after a disaster. But insurance does not cover many expenses, so disaster programs may be able to help. You should not wait for your insurance settlement to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the SBA.

I have applied. What happens next?

After you apply, FEMA will send you a copy of your application and a copy of “Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program,” which will answer many of your questions. This useful publication explains how FEMA’s disaster assistance program works; describes additional kinds of help you may qualify for from other federal, state and voluntary agencies; and gives you many important tips on how best to make all these programs work for you.

If your home or its contents are damaged and you are uninsured or underinsured, a FEMA inspector may contact you within about 10 days after you apply to schedule a time to meet with you at your damaged home. All inspectors carry photo ID that shows they are affiliated with the U.S. government.

What kinds of low-interest disaster loans does SBA offer and for how much?

If you’re a homeowner, you may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace your primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants that help pay for medical, dental and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, homeowners or renters must complete and submit an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Do I have to be a legal U.S. resident to receive Individual Assistance?

Yes. To be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance grants you must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified alien. A qualified alien generally includes individuals who are lawful permanent residents or those with refugee or asylum status. Qualified aliens include those permitted in the United States for at least one year for humanitarian purposes, those with conditional entry, those who are Cuban-Haitian entrants and those with petitions for relief based on battery or extreme cruelty by a family member. Check with an immigration expert if you have questions about your legal status.

Is there any assistance available for undocumented immigrants?

If you have a child living at home who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, you may apply for Individual Assistance on that child’s behalf and you may be eligible to receive Individual Assistance. You may also be eligible for various programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies. FEMA may provide undocumented, eligible immigrants with short-term, non-cash emergency aid.

How can I check the status of my case?

You may go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the toll-free FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.

 

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 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 SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

View this article: 

Frequently Asked Questions About Individual Assistance

FEMA Reminds Residents to be Ready for the 2015 Hurricane Season

WASHINGTON – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents across the nation to prepare for the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane season, which begins today and runs through November 30. 

Hurricanes and tropical systems can cause serious damage on both coastal and inland areas. Their hazards can come in many forms including: storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, and tornadoes. To prepare for these powerful storms, FEMA is encouraging families, businesses, and individuals to be aware of their risks; know your sources of reliable information; prepare your home and workplace; and be familiar with evacuation routes.

“One hurricane hitting where you live is enough to significantly disrupt your life and make for a very bad hurricane season,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Every person has a role to play in being prepared – you should know if you live or work in an evacuation zone and take time now to learn that route so you’re prepared to protect yourself and your family from disaster.”

This year, FEMA is placing an emphasis on preparing communities to understand the importance of evacuations, which are more common than many people realize. When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as, text alerts, emails, or telephone calls are used. Information on evacuation routes and places to stay is available at www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family.

Additionally, knowing and practicing what to do in an emergency, in advance of the event, can make a difference in the ability to take immediate and informed action, and enable you to recover more quickly. To help communities prepare and enhance preparedness efforts nationwide, FEMA is offering two new products.

  • FEMA launched a new feature to its App, available for free in the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices. The new feature enables users to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations anywhere in the United States, including U.S. territories, even if the mobile device is not located in the weather alert area. The app also provides information on what to do before, during, and after a disaster in both English and Spanish.
  • The Ready campaign and America’s PrepareAthon! developed a social media toolkit that you can download and share with others at www.ready.gov/ready2015. The kit contains information on actions communities can take to practice getting ready for disasters.

While much attention is often given to the Atlantic Hurricane Season, there are tropical systems that can affect other U.S. interests as well. The Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season runs from May 15 through November 30. The Central Pacific Hurricane Season runs from May 15 to November 30. To learn more about each hurricane season and the geographical areas they may affect, visit www.noaa.gov.

Additional tips and resources:

  • Learn how to prepare for hurricane season at www.ready.gov/hurricanes
  • Talk with your family today about how you will communicate with each other during a significant weather event when you may not be together or during an evacuation order. Download the family communications at www.ready.gov/family-communications.
  • For information on how to create an emergency supply kit, visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
  • Consider how you will care for pets during an evacuation by visiting www.ready.gov/caring-animals
  • Use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) to identify your important documents, medical records, and household contracts. When completing the kit, be sure to include pictures or a video of your home and your belongings and keep all of your documents in a safe space. The EFFAK is a joint publication from Operation Hope and FEMA. Download a copy at www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness.
  • If you own or manage a business, visit www.ready.gov/business for specific resources on response and continuity planning.
  • The National Weather Service proactively sends free Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEAs, to most cell phones for hurricanes, tornadoes, flash flooding and other weather-related warnings. State and local public safety officials may also send WEAs for severe or extreme emergency conditions. If you receive a Wireless Emergency Alert on your cell phone, follow the instructions, take protective action and seek additional information from local media. To determine if your wireless device can receive WEA alerts contact your wireless carrier for more information or visit www.ctia.org/WEA.

###

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.

 

Continued here:

FEMA Reminds Residents to be Ready for the 2015 Hurricane Season

Louisville Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition to Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

 

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – The two remaining disaster recovery centers in Louisville, which are operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will close on Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. (EDT) and reopen as disaster loan outreach centers on Friday, May 29,      at 9 a.m.

April storm survivors can continue to call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

The two Jefferson County centers that will close on Thursday are located at 205 W. Wellington Ave. (Beechmont Community Center) and 8501 Preston Highway (fire station) in Louisville.

Survivors who suffered losses during the severe storms in April in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties can register using the following methods:

·         Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

  • By calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362).
  • By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and essential 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.

Disaster loan outreach centers to open in Louisville

The disaster loan outreach centers that will open in Louisville will be operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) until further notice.

The loan centers focus on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Businesses, homeowners and renters will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives.

Small businesses and most nonprofits with or without physical damage may apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which is a working capital loan to help with disaster-related cash flow problems.

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application at the loan centers.

Survivors with questions about an SBA disaster loan application can also call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.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.

 

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.

 

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

Excerpt from:

Louisville Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition to Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

Disaster Recovery Centers In Bourbon, Madison and Rowan Counties To Close

 

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – The disaster recovery centers in Madison and Rowan counties will close at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, May 21, and the Bourbon County disaster recovery center will close at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, May 22. 

The centers, which have been operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are located at:

  • 525 High St. (Paris Municipal Service Building) in Paris.
  • 558 S. Keeneland Drive (Madison County Joint Information Center) in Richmond.
  • 314 Bridge St. (Morehead City Administration Building) in Morehead.

After the centers close, help is still available to survivors who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties during the severe April storms.

Those who need help with applications or appeals can go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA’s helpline (800-621-3362, 800-462-7585 for TTY or 800-621-3362 for Video Relay Service).

Disaster survivor assistance teams with FEMA Corps members will also be working storm-stricken areas and can help with mobile applications, updates and referrals to additional resources.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center To Open In Madison County

The Madison County disaster recovery center will transition to a disaster loan outreach center on Friday,   May 22.

The disaster loan outreach center will be operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) until May 28. The center, however, will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25.

The loan center focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Businesses, homeowners and renters will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives.

Small businesses and most nonprofits with or without physical damage may apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which is a working capital loan to help with disaster-related cash flow problems.

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application at the loan centers.

Survivors with questions about an SBA disaster loan application can call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.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.

 

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.

 

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

Continued:

Disaster Recovery Centers In Bourbon, Madison and Rowan Counties To Close

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Will Transition To Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

 

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – Disaster recovery centers in Lawrence and Carter counties will close Saturday, May 16, at 6 p.m. and transition to disaster loan outreach centers Monday, May 18, at 9 a.m.

The centers, which have been operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are located at 180 Bull Dog Lane (Lawrence City Community Center) in Louisa and 671 S. State Highway 7 (Grayson Utilities Building) in Grayson.

The Bourbon County center, located at 525 High St. (Paris Municipal Service Building) in Paris, will also close Friday, May 22.

Survivors who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties during the severe April storms and still need help with applications or appeals can go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA’s helpline (800-621-3362, 800-462-7585 for TTY or 800-621-3362 for Video Relay Service). Disaster survivor assistance teams with FEMA Corps members will also be working storm-stricken areas and can help with mobile applications, updates and referrals to additional resources.

The disaster loan outreach centers that will open in Lawrence and Carter counties will be operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) until further notice.

The loan centers focus on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Businesses, homeowners and renters will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives.

Small businesses and most nonprofits with or without physical damage may apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which is a working capital loan to help with disaster-related cash flow problems.

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application at the loan centers.

Survivors with questions about an SBA disaster loan application can also call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

 

 

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.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.

 

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.

 

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

Source article: 

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Will Transition To Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

June 13 Deadline for Severe Weather-related Unemployment Insurance

 

FRANKFORT, Ky.  —  Officials from the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that 10 Kentucky counties have qualified for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

 

Kentuckians in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties who have lost work or whose businesses were damaged due to severe weather that occurred from April 2 to April 17, 2015, may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

 

Farmers and self-employed people, who are normally not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, may also qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to the Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

 

June 13, 2015, is the deadline for applying for benefits. All regular unemployment insurance benefits must be exhausted prior to receiving any disaster benefits. Applications can be filed at local Kentucky Career Center offices. To find a list of local offices, visit http://kcc.ky.gov/Office/Locations.aspx. If you have questions, you may contact the local office or call 502-564-3240.

 

When filing a claim, self-employed individuals should bring a copy of their 2014 income tax return. Other applicants need only a photo-identification card and their Social Security number.

 

Additional counties may be designated for federal disaster assistance at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

 

Additional information about this disaster is available at http://kyem.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

 

###

 

The Kentucky Career Center links employment, workforce information, education and training. Its goal is to match qualified workers with employers’ needs. For more information about the many services available at no cost, go to www.kentuckycareercenter.com.

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.

 

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

View original:  

June 13 Deadline for Severe Weather-related Unemployment Insurance

 Page 22 of 46  « First  ... « 20  21  22  23  24 » ...  Last »