english - femacontract.com

FEMA Breaks Down Barriers to Disaster Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is breaking down barriers so all people have full access to disaster assistance.

“We’re reaching out to the whole community,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “FEMA is working to make sure that everyone in the community can get access to disaster assistance information, programs and registration.”

After the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, FEMA created a team of disability integration specialists/advisors, who ensure recovery assistance is accessible and inclusive.

For example, interpreters for deaf people, who use American Sign Language, have been available in Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Centers in Connecticut.

In addition, FEMA equipped each center with accessibility kits to ensure all people have full access to FEMA information and assistance programs. The kits include devices to help people with a range of needs for mobility, sensory, physical or other impairments.

Also, FEMA reaches out to people with limited English proficiency by providing multilingual operators, making printed literature available in multiple languages and having translators available in the field.

Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, medical waiver programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.

Disaster survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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 800-621-3362. 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.

View post:

FEMA Breaks Down Barriers to Disaster Assistance

Keep In Touch With Seniors After Hurricane Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. — As recovery efforts continue in New Jersey through the holiday season, it is important that residents keep in touch with their elderly relatives, friends and neighbors, or anyone they may know with a disability or access and functional need.

Seniors or individuals with special needs previously living on their own may be dependent on others for food, shelter or the basic necessities of daily living. Those used to assisted living may face disruptions in their normal routines or a change in their usual caregivers.

Here are some simple ways to help:

Arrange weekly or bi-weekly visits.
Schedule a regular day when you can call to check in.
Assist them in recovering their physical possessions.
Help them return to familiar surroundings with friends and acquaintances as soon as possible.
Make sure they have needed medical and financial assistance.
Help them re-establish social networks.
Monitor their nutritional and medicinal needs.
If you do not live close, ask a neighbor of theirs to look in on them; make sure they have your up-to-date contact information.

Individuals with access or functional needs may include those who are non-English speakers or have limited English proficiency, those with special dietary needs or medical conditions, those who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are visually or mobility impaired.

Seniors and other survivors can register with FEMA at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone at m.fema.gov. Survivors may also call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

To contact the Area Agency on Aging in your county, visit www.state.nj.us/health/senior/sa_aaa.shtml or call the nationwide toll-free number at 877-222-3737. Anyone seeking mental health services can call the toll-free disaster mental health helpline at 877-294-HELP (4357) or TTY 877-294-4356.

Garden State residents can also call the New Jersey 2-1-1 hotline for more information on state, local and voluntary organizations in the area that may help with specific unmet needs.

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.

From:

Keep In Touch With Seniors After Hurricane Sandy

Connecticut FEMA Registration Deadline Extended to Jan. 28

WINDSOR, Conn. — The State of Connecticut and FEMA officials have announced extension of the deadline for individuals to register for federal disaster assistance to Jan. 28, 2013.

The deadline for the completion and return of loan applications from the U.S. Small Business Administration has also been extended to Jan. 28. A majority of residents who register for assistance with FEMA will receive SBA loan applications. These should be completed and returned to complete the registration process. No one is required to take out a loan.

Residents of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties, and the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County who had damage from Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

See original:

Connecticut FEMA Registration Deadline Extended to Jan. 28

Fairfield Disaster Recovery Center to Transition to SBA Loan Outreach Center

WINDSOR, Conn. — The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Fairfield closes Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m., but FEMA will still be available to help residents recover from Sandy.

The FEMA helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-621-3362, to register for assistance, ask questions about an application or update contact information so FEMA knows how to reach you. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

When FEMA’s Fairfield center closes, the U.S. Small Business Administration will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location at the Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824, on Thursday, Dec. 20.

Fairfield Disaster Loan Outreach Center hours of operation will be:

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (starting Dec. 20)

Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

If an applicant receives an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, it is important this application be completed and returned. No survivor is required to take out an SBA loan, but completion of the SBA application may make the applicant eligible for further FEMA assistance.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers 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.

Taken from –

Fairfield Disaster Recovery Center to Transition to SBA Loan Outreach Center

Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — If you had losses because of Hurricane Sandy you are encouraged to register for disaster assistance. You may be eligible for grants or assistance programs from federal, state, local or voluntary agencies. Here are several facts you should know:

FACT: A FEMA grant does not affect social security benefits or any government benefit, including Medicare, Medicaid or food stamps.

FACT: Disaster assistance has no bearing on decisions about a senior’s need for nursing home care. FEMA and its state and local partners work to keep survivors in their own homes.

FACT: Specially trained FEMA staff and volunteers are available to help anyone who has a physical limitation or other problems registering. You will not have to fill out a form. The telephone specialist will input your information for you when you call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585.

FACT: You can check the status of your application online or speak to a disaster representative in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). If you need assistance getting to a DRC call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585 and FEMA will arrange to have someone take you to the nearest DRC.

FACT: If English is not your first language, FEMA telephone specialists can speak to you in almost any language. For languages other than English or Spanish press option “3”. You will be able to choose from more than 250 languages available.

FACT: Registering with FEMA is a simple process. There is no paperwork involved. Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

FACT: Depending on the information you provide, FEMA may ask you to fill out an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. You are automatically considered for other federal grant programs if the SBA application shows you cannot repay a loan. That’s why it is so important to fill out and return the SBA application.

FACT: FEMA funding is available to all eligible survivors who had disaster losses. Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with losses your insurance does not cover.

FACT: Income is not a consideration when you apply for FEMA assistance.

FACT: Even if you received disaster assistance in the past, following Hurricane Irene, for example, you may be eligible for assistance if you suffered changes from Hurricane Sandy.

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.

More here:

Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

FEMA, State Join Forces to Kick Off Flood Insurance Education Initiative in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the state of Connecticut and the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut, Inc., is kicking off a flood insurance education initiative this week.

The goal is to provide insurance agents with more in-depth knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program — its policies and processes — to better serve Connecticut property owners and renters affected by Hurricane Sandy.

FEMA is mailing an NFIP “Agent Tool Kit” to each member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut. The material is informative, practical and can be shared with policyholders.

The NFIP Flood Response Office is now open in Meriden. The office is staffed by a lead general adjuster and support staff with knowledge of policy provisions. They are capable of assisting insurance agents and their policyholders with any questions about NFIP claims.

The office is located at 1064 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The office will remain open for as long as there is a need for the service in the wake of Sandy. The Flood Response Office can be reached at 203-634-1118.

The Connecticut Insurance Department has a number that policyholders can call if they are having issues with their insurance companies related to homeowners insurance claims or other insurance claims matters in the wake of Sandy. Call the Consumer Helpline at 860-297-3900 or 800-203-3447. Policyholders can also e-mail their questions or complaints to the Insurance Department at: cid.ca@ct.gov or visit the Department’s Web site at www.ct.gov/cid.

FEMA’s NFIP insurance specialists are meeting with all agents in the hardest-hit coastal communities to discuss procedures, claims and recovery efforts. These visits started the week of Dec. 2 and will continue throughout the recovery phase of operation.

FEMA is offering special NFIP informational webinars and agent training workshops to be held in Connecticut over the next two months.

Another goal of this initiative is to improve insurance agents’ working knowledge of how Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, included in most NFIP flood insurance policies, can help policyholders pay the added cost of rebuilding to comply with local floodplain ordinances.

Continued –

FEMA, State Join Forces to Kick Off Flood Insurance Education Initiative in Connecticut

Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center to Close Saturday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m.

WINDSOR, Conn. — The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center at the Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, will close at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15.

When the center closes, FEMA will still be only a mouse-click or a phone call away. Disaster survivors may also go to any other Disaster Recovery Center. For an updated list of DRCs, go to http://go.usa.gov/g2Td on the Web or text the letters DRC and your ZIP code to the number 43362.

Homeowners, business owners and renters who had damage from Hurricane Sandy in one of the Connecticut counties designated for Individual Assistance have until Dec. 31 to register for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register or ask questions by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

If an applicant receives an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of their registration package from FEMA, it is important this application be completed and returned. No survivor is required to take out an SBA loan, but completion of the SBA application may make the applicant eligible for further FEMA assistance.

Originally posted here:

Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center to Close Saturday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m.

Greenwich Disaster Recovery Center to Close Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m.

WINDSOR, Conn. — The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center at the Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road, Room 203, Greenwich, 06831, will close at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12.

When the center closes, FEMA still will be only a mouse-click or a phone call away. Disaster survivors may also go to any other Disaster Recovery Center. For an updated list of DRCs, go to http://go.usa.gov/g2Td on the Web or text the letters DRC and your ZIP code to the number 43362.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register or ask questions by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Credit:

Greenwich Disaster Recovery Center to Close Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m.

Disaster Assistance from FEMA Based on Individual Loss, Need

WINDSOR, Conn. – Federal disaster assistance for Connecticut’s Hurricane Sandy survivors is based on the unique needs and losses of each individual applicant.

“FEMA’s goal is to help anyone who suffered damage to receive every bit of assistance we offer,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “One household may receive more or less than the one next door, but that’s driven by varying needs and damage.”

Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties, as well as the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations within New London County, are designated for assistance to individuals under the Major Disaster Declaration of Oct 30.

Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to address the needs of each individual. FEMA specialists are trained to coordinate assistance from various sources, such as other federal and state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based organizations. Assistance may include direct grants, low-interest disaster loans or other support to help residents recover from a disaster.

No matter how large or small the loss, anyone who experienced damage from Sandy should register with FEMA. It does not matter whether the survivor has insurance or not, or is a homeowner or renter.

The deadline to register is Dec. 31. Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach the multilingual operators.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and covers 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.

Source:

Disaster Assistance from FEMA Based on Individual Loss, Need

Federal Disaster Assistance Is for Connecticut Renters, Too

WINDSOR, Conn. — Renters in Connecticut counties whose homes and property were damaged by Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

“Sandy did not discriminate between homeowners and renters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “We’re here to help everyone who is eligible for assistance, and that definitely includes renters.”

Renters who were displaced from their homes by the storm may be eligible for a FEMA grant to help them pay rent for temporary housing. These rental grants are for a 30-day period, subject to assistance review, until renters’ previous homes are again habitable or they find another home.

There is a free referral service to help applicants find safe, replacement rental property.

Go to: http://go.usa.gov/gKve.

Both renters and homeowners may also be eligible for Other Needs Assistance, designed to help survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster.

Eligibility for these grants is determined through completing and returning the U.S. Small Business Administration application that many applicants receive after registering for disaster assistance. There is no requirement to take out a loan.

Grants can be used for:

Disaster-related medical and dental expenses;
Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the self-employed for their jobs;
Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster; and
Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses.

The deadline to register is Dec. 31. Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and covers 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.

See the original post:

Federal Disaster Assistance Is for Connecticut Renters, Too

Page 36 of 46 « First ... « 34 35 36 37 38 » ... Last »