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New York: By the Numbers – 41

NEW YORK — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $7.6 billion in direct assistance to homeowners, renters, businesses, government agencies and nonprofits that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Individual Assistance

More than $3.6 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
Nearly $986 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households including:
- More than $843 million for housing assistance
- More than $142 million for other needs assistance
More than $1.5 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses

Public Assistance

More than $1.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to reimburse local, state and tribal governments and eligible private nonprofits for some of the costs of:
- Emergency response
- Debris removal
- Repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities
5.6 million cubic yards of debris removed

Other assistance

272,070 people registered for assistance in the 13 designated counties
184,725 housing inspections completed
183,145 visits to disaster recovery centers

Sandy survivors should stay in touch and notify FEMA when they receive their insurance settlement, need to update their address or other contact information, or have any questions regarding their application.

Applicants may call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or

TTY 800-462-7585 to update FEMA. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

Individuals can also check the status of their application at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

For information about New York State recovery programs, visit www.NYSandyHelp.ny.gov or call 855-NYS-SANDY. The phone line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/SandyNY, twitter.com/FEMASandy, facebook.com/FEMASandy and fema.gov/blog .

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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.

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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New York: By the Numbers – 41

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $82 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Federal assistance in Illinois has reached more than $82.4 million, distributed among more than 30,200 individuals and households, since a major disaster was declared in the state May 10.

The latest summary of federal assistance to individuals and households that suffered losses due to the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 includes:

More than $82.4 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $72 million approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance, home repair costs and assistance toward replacing destroyed homes;
More than $10 million approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 42,000 home inspections completed to confirm disaster damage;
More than $7.7 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration; and
More than 2,300 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated jointly by FEMA and the state of Illinois.

Eleven counties in Illinois were included in the initial declaration, but on May 22, an additional
14 counties were added for individual assistance. On May 31, another eight counties were added.

Residents of 33 counties in the major disaster declaration can now register for federal assistance. The counties include Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford.

Public Assistance also has been approved for 24 Illinois counties. This program includes funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges. This assistance is on a cost-sharing basis with FEMA paying 75 percent with the remainder the responsibility of the state and local governments.

Hazard Mitigation teams are located at six home improvement stores throughout the area providing information on how to repair or rebuild stronger and safer to help avoid damage from future storms.

Survivors may be eligible for additional services including federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those who worked or were scheduled to begin work in one of the 33 counties declared for Individual Assistance. The assistance extends to self-employed individuals, farm workers and others who have lost income as a result of the storm and flooding from April 16 to May 5. DUA applications are available at Illinois Department of Employment Security offices. For office locations, call 800-244-5631 or go online to www.ides.illinois.gov/myoffice.

Legal aid is another service available to survivors who have legal issues related to the disaster. The Young Lawyers Division of the Illinois American Bar Association provides this free service for low-income individuals and families. Attorneys can advise on a variety of issues, including securing FEMA and other government services; life, medical and property insurance claims; and replacing wills and other important documents. Call 855-875-3362 for more information.

For those feeling symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression the “TalkWithUs” helpline can provide information for adults and children in distress related to this disaster. Help is available in English and Spanish. The helpline number is 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. The service is available
24 hours a day. TTY is 800-846-8517.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. Information and assistance from SBA is available at
800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $82 Million

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $68 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Federal assistance in Illinois has reached more than $68 million, distributed among 24,000 individuals and households, since a major disaster was declared in the state May 10.

The latest summary of federal assistance to individuals and households that suffered losses due to the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 includes:

More than $68.3 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $60 million approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance, home repair costs and assistance toward replacing destroyed homes;
More than $8 million approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 33,000 home inspections completed to confirm disaster damage;
Nearly $2 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration; and
More than 1,560 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated jointly by FEMA and the state of Illinois.

Fourteen languages, other than English, are being used to communicate assistance information to those affected by the severe storms and flooding: Arabic, Chinese, German, Greek, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu and Vietnamese. FEMA also has specialists who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

Eleven counties in Illinois were included in the initial declaration, but on May 22, an additional 14 counties were added for individual assistance.

Residents of 25 counties in the major disaster declaration can now register for federal assistance. The counties include Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website
www.fema.gov/disaster/4116

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. Information and assistance from SBA is available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $68 Million

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Reaches $51 Million

CHICAGO – In the nearly two weeks since 11 counties in Illinois were declared a major disaster area, federal assistance has reached $51 million, distributed among more than 17,000 individuals and households.

The latest summary of federal assistance to individuals and households that suffered losses due to the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 includes:

$51 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $45 million approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance, home repair costs and assistance toward replacing destroyed homes;
Nearly $6 million approved to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 22,000 home inspections completed to confirm disaster damage; and
More than 900 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated jointly by FEMA and the state of Illinois.

Eight languages, other than English, are being used to communicate assistance information to those affected by the severe storms and flooding: Arabic, German, Korean, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Urdu.

On May 22, 2013, FEMA approved the addition of 14 counties. Residents of 25 counties in the major disaster declaration can now register for federal assistance. The counties include Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford.

Individuals can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Reaches $51 Million

Fact Sheet-MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISASTER ASSISTANCE

GENERAL

Q: If I am a renter, do I qualify for FEMA assistance?
A: Homeowners and renters who sustained property damage as a result of the recent fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as they may be eligible for disaster assistance.

Q: How do I obtain Rental Assistance from FEMA? What documentation is needed?
A: Rental assistance is based on FEMA verifying that your home is unsafe as a result of the plant explosion. If you have insurance with Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or loss of use; you must exhaust your insurance benefits prior to receiving assistance from FEMA. You will need to submit your insurance settlement or ineligibility letter to FEMA along with a statement requesting rental assistance.

Q: I have been staying with friends. Can I move into a hotel paid for by FEMA?
A: You must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA. To be eligible for FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance, you must meet the following criteria:
• Your residence must be in the zip code (76691) that has been designated for the program;
• Your primary residence must be unlivable or inaccessible due to damage or lack of power or water;
• FEMA must be able to verify your identity;
• FEMA must be able to verify your occupancy; and
• You must be displaced from your primary residence. At the time of registration, your current location cannot be the “damaged dwelling”.
*Eligible applicants are notified by phone of your eligibility.

INSURANCE

Q: Are insurance deductibles covered under FEMA’s programs?
A: FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles. If your insurance settlement does not meet your disaster related need you may be eligible for assistance from FEMA.

Q: My insurance company told me it would be weeks before they come to see my damages. Can FEMA help?
A: If a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim you may be eligible for an insurance advancement from FEMA. These funds are considered a loan and must be repaid to FEMA once you receive your settlement from your insurance company. Contact FEMA if your insurance settlement is delayed. FEMA will send you a Request for Advancement and Signature letter. You must complete and return this letter before FEMA can evaluate your request for assistance.

INELIGIBILITY

Q: Why was I denied for FEMA assistance?
A: One of the most common reasons for denial letters are because you have insurance to cover the loss. If you have received your insurance settlement and it does not cover all of your necessary expenses and serious needs, please contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

APPEALING DECISIONS

Q: If I do not agree with the results of the inspection or with the amount of money I received from FEMA, what should I do?
A: You may appeal any decision. Appeals may relate to your eligibility, the amount or type of help provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or questions regarding continuing help. To be considered by FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the decision letter’s date.

You may follow these steps to appeal the decision:
1. Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you received is not correct. You, or someone who represents you or your household, should sign the letter. If the person writing the letter is not a member of your household, there must be a signed statement saying that that person may act for you.
2. Include your FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of your decision letter) in your letter of appeal.
3. Mail your appeal letter to:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
4. You can fax your appeal letter to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Q: Is there any help for debris removal on my private property?
A: Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover debris removal. FEMA does not typically pay for cleaning up debris on private property or in gated communities. But if the debris is keeping you or emergency workers from safely getting to your home, FEMA may be able to provide help on a case by case basis. Also, some communities will, at no cost to you, haul off debris that can be brought to the edge of the public right-of-way. Some private voluntary organizations are helping property owners get the debris to the curb. Please consult your newspaper or check with your local officials for more information.

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Fact Sheet-MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Fact Sheet-Frequently Asked Questions

APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE

Q: Who should apply for federal disaster assistance?
A: Homeowners, renters and business owners in McLennan County and the City of West who sustained uninsured or underinsured damage to their homes, vehicles, personal property, business or its inventory should register with FEMA for assistance.

Q: Do I have to go to the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in West to register with FEMA?
A: No. There are several ways to register:
1. You may register by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585;
2. You may go to the DRC to use a telephone if one is not available to you;
3. Individuals who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362; or
4. You may register over the internet by going to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Q: What documents will FEMA need from my insurance company?
A: FEMA will want to see a settlement or denial letter from your insurance company to ensure there is no duplication of benefits. If your insurance company covers your losses, FEMA will not duplicate that coverage. If you still have unmet needs or damages that the insurance company does not cover, then FEMA may be able to provide you with assistance.

Q: What will FEMA accept as proof that I occupied my home?
A: We accept many documents as proof of occupancy. Examples are a utility bill from the gas, electric or water company, a pay stub, a current driver’s license, credit card bills or other first class mail sent to you that shows the damaged property as your address.

Q: Can I clean up my damages, demolish my home or begin to make repairs? Or do I have to wait for the FEMA inspector?
A: Yes, you may begin your repairs or demolition before a FEMA inspector visits your home. However, it is recommended to take photos of the damages before you clean. Remember to keep receipts for all of your expenses. Before starting the task of rebuilding, residents should visit with their local permitting office to obtain guidance on required permits.

Q: I am considering registering online or by phone. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow?
A: Yes, residents registering by phone or online will be asked to identify the description of damages sustained and must select the “EXPLOSION” option. Residents will then be asked to identify the type of damage and must select the “FIRE/SMOKE/SOOT/ASH” option. (Do NOT select the “other” option.)

Q: Do I have to sign anything to receive assistance?
A: As a condition of receiving assistance from FEMA, you or another adult member of your household will be asked to sign a statement confirming that you are a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or qualified alien. If you or another adult member of your household cannot sign this statement, you may still receive assistance if you are the parent or legal guardian of a child in the household who is a United States citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. For information concerning your right to apply, you can call 1-800-621-3362.

Q: Do I have to repay the money from FEMA?
A: Money received through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program does not have to be repaid. Disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) must be repaid. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. So, if you receive insurance or funding from another source that covers your losses, FEMA will not be able to provide grants for those same losses.

Q: I didn’t receive enough money to meet all my needs. What do I do now?
A: Most disaster aid programs are intended to meet only essential needs and are not intended to cover all your losses or make you whole. Also, some people qualify for assistance from more than one program and you may be receiving additional help from another agency. For example, the SBA is a very important source of funding for repair and replacement of your real and personal property. If you received a loan application packet from the SBA, please complete and return the application as soon as possible.

Q: I can’t afford a loan. Why am I being required to fill out a SBA loan application?
A: If the Small Business Administration determines you do not qualify for a disaster assistance loan, SBA will automatically refer you back to FEMA for additional help. FEMA may be able to provide money for other than housing needs. However this additional help is not available to businesses. FEMA’s additional help is intended to meet necessary expenses and serious needs not met by any other form of help, including insurance and SBA disaster assistance loans. Remember, if you receive an SBA disaster loan application, it’s important to fill it out and return it. If you don’t submit the SBA disaster loan application, the assistance process may stop prematurely.

Q. Does paying off my mortgage affect my eligibility for SBA disaster assistance?
A. Yes. If a mortgage holder has required a policy holder to use an insurance settlement to pay off or to pay down the balance of an outstanding mortgage, SBA must have evidence of that mandatory use of the insurance proceeds. That evidence may be in the form of a letter or other written documentation. Or the evidence may be in the form of a telephone conversation between the mortgage holder and SBA, which will be documented in the SBA file. This is necessary so that SBA can treat the insurance recovery as unavailable for making repairs. Otherwise, SBA must, by law, deduct the insurance recovery from the amount of the loss to arrive at the amount eligible for an SBA disaster loan.

Q: Does paying off my mortgage affect my eligibility with FEMA?
A: Each case is different. If you had damage from the plant explosion, please register with FEMA, and let FEMA determine your eligibility for assistance. If you have questions specific to your mortgage, contact your mortgage lender.

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Fact Sheet-Frequently Asked Questions

Federal Disaster Assistance in Connecticut Following Sandy Tops One Quarter Billion Dollars

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than a quarter billion dollars in federal disaster grants, loans and insurance settlements is supporting the ongoing Connecticut recovery from Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today.

As of close of business March 20:

12,380 Connecticut residents in the counties of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London, and in the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County, signed up for federal disaster assistance during the registration period which ended Feb. 12;
$12,068,937 was approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs;
$997,312 was approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions;
$40,829,200 in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;
$10,969 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been approved as a result of Sandy;
$3,529,608 in Public Assistance grants has so far been obligated to municipalities statewide for Sandy-related expenses. Under the PA program, FEMA expects to reimburse the state, local governments and tribal nations more than $52 million in storm-related expenses, which represents the 75 percent federal share of such projects. FEMA continues to obligate funding for approved PA projects; and
4,939 flood insurance claims totaling $195,555,764 have been paid to date, representing nearly 90 percent of total National Flood Insurance Program claims in the state of Connecticut following Hurricane Sandy.

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Federal Disaster Assistance in Connecticut Following Sandy Tops One Quarter Billion Dollars

Elderly Need Special Plans To Be Ready For A Disaster

PURVIS, Miss. – Elderly people, especially those with medical issues and limited mobility, can be especially vulnerable should a natural or manmade disaster strike.

Local, state and federal officials are urging all Americans, in particular the elderly, to review, update and rehearse their disaster plans.

Those living in a group setting, such as a nursing home or adult living facility, should speak with the administrator to learn about the specific disaster/evacuation plan for that facility.

There are three simple steps to disaster preparation: Make a kit, plan ahead and stay informed.

Your disaster emergency kit should include the supplies to last at least three days:

Water: at least one gallon per day per person for drinking and sanitation;
Food and utensils: foods that are ready to eat and not quickly perishable are ideal;
Blankets and extra clothing;
A first aid kit, including medical insurance and Medicaid cards;
A battery-powered radio and/or a NOAA weather radio;
A flashlight with extra batteries;
Prescription medicines: These should be rotated frequently and kept up to date;
Medical supplies: an extra pair of glasses, hearing-aid batteries and any other personally needed medical devices;
An emergency contact list: to reach family, friends and emergency numbers; and
Extra cash: access to banks and ATMs may be limited for a time.

Prepare your disaster action plan, review and practice it regularly. If you live alone, talk to your family or friends about preparing for emergencies, getting help in the event of an evacuation and dealing with the aftermath of a disaster. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers who can help in an emergency. Discuss needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary medical equipment.

Arrange for electronic payments of federal benefits or other retirement income. A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or even weeks. Switching to electronic payments also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The federal government recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is the best option for people with bank accounts. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or at www.godirect.org/.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative topaper checks for people who don’t have a bank account. Sign up is easy – call toll-freeat (877) 212-9991 or sign up online at http://www.usdirectexpress.com/edcfdtclient/index.html

Disaster-assistance grants are not considered taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Learn about what kinds of disasters are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Find out if your area is served by emergency radio and TV broadcasts. Other emergency alert methods might include a special siren, an automated telephone call or even a visit from emergency workers.

Emergency plans are normally established by state and local governments. County emergency management offices can supply the appropriate information. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency maintains a website with additional preparedness information at www.msema.org.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit www.msema.org, www.fema.gov/disaster/4101 and www.fema.gov/blog.

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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Elderly Need Special Plans To Be Ready For A Disaster

Disaster Recovery Center In Hattiesburg To Close March 27

PURVIS, Miss. – The MEMA and FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Hattiesburg will close for good at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 27.

Mississippians affected by the recent severe weather, tornadoes and flooding can meet face-to-face with disaster-recovery specialists at the center until that time. Also on hand are representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration who can advise survivors about low-interest loans that might be vailable to homeowners and renters. The SBA can also help businesses of any size with disaster-related losses or damages.

“We want to ensure that everyone in the area that was affected by the severe weather is aware of the assistance that may be available to help get them back on their feet,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “We urge anyone who has not registered with FEMA to do so as soon as possible with the deadline just a few weeks away.”

“This is the last Disaster Recovery Center remaining open in Mississippi,” said Terry Quarles, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “We close the centers when we feel that the public has been sufficiently served and we can let our recovery specialists return home.”

The center, at Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12^th Ave., is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, it will be open from 8 a.m. to noon only.

Those seeking assistance to help recover from storm damages and losses should first register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or with web-enabled smartphones or other wireless devices at m.fema.gov.

Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. C-Spire wireless customers can register by calling #362.

After the center closes, the websites and phones at FEMA will remain available for registrations and to follow the progress of any applications. The deadline to register with FEMA or to apply to SBA for any loan is April 15.

The declared counties are Forrest, Greene, Lamar, Marion, Jefferson Davis, Perry and Wayne.

Since the president made these counties eligible for FEMA assistance, nearly $2.75 million has been disbursed in FEMA grants; SBA has dispensed $2.3 million in low-interest loans.

About 3,000 people in Mississippi have registered for assistance, and nearly 2,000 have visited the Disaster Centers that MEMA and FEMA opened after the storms.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit www.msema.org, www.fema.gov/disaster/4101 and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Disaster Recovery Center In Hattiesburg To Close March 27

Local Permits Are Needed Before Rebuilding Begins

PURVIS, Miss. – State and federal recovery officials are urging Mississippians to obtain any necessary building permits before starting new construction or repairs to property damaged by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“Getting building permits is necessary for those with homes or businesses damaged by the storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “Residents need to know that permits are based on local ordinances enforced by their communities.”

In Mississippi, depending on the size and nature of the project, additional building permits beyond a basic document may be required before rebuilding begins. There also might be a need for a flood-elevation certificate. Special permits are required for demolition work, asbestos removal, and sometimes for use of portable storage containers. Typically, all permits must be obtained before construction begins.

“Having the proper permits before repairs or rebuilding begins will protect the homeowner,” said State Coordinating Officer Robert Latham. “These permits will ensure that the local government knows what work is occurring in their area and that it will be done to their standards. It can be frustrating for residents who make repairs without a permit to find out after the fact that the repairs are not up to local ordinances and they may have to spend more money on additional repairs to their property.”

Securing the correct local building permit is the homeowner’s responsibility. Those who agree to have their contractors secure permits on their behalf should follow up with building officials to verify. Permits may be required for repairs to roofs, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Local permitting offices can provide suggestions and information on how to protect homes or businesses from future disaster-related damages and might be able provide consumers with information on choosing licensed contractors as well as advice on protecting homeowners from unscrupulous contractors.

FEMA and MEMA are not permitting agencies and do not authorize rebuilding or repair simply by providing disaster grants, loans or, in FEMA’s case, settling flood-insurance claims. The agencies do not recommend or endorse any contractors, and recovery officials warn people to be wary of any contractors who claim they are authorized by FEMA or MEMA. They are not.

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Local Permits Are Needed Before Rebuilding Begins

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