The Road To Recovery: Know Where To Get Help

ATLANTA—Knowing where to get assistance after a disaster can make the process go faster. Help is available from a wide range of sources.

Contact your insurance company. Insurance can be an important source of assistance for people and businesses.

Register with FEMA. FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program may provide help in the form of temporary housing and financial assistance if you suffered eligible losses or damages to your home, rental home or personal property. 

Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone by going to FEMA’s mobile site at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster aid to people may include:

  • Rental assistance for temporary housing if your home or apartment is unlivable;
  • Grants for minimal home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional;
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs; and
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses of renters and homeowners.

Federal aid to businesses and nonprofits may include:

  • Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA for businesses and certain private nonprofit organizations that sustained physical damage or economic injury.

Seek out community sources. In addition to FEMA, you should know that a number of voluntary agencies, faith- based groups and community organizations are providing food, shelter, supplies and are assisting in clean-up efforts. Contact your local government or call 2-1-1 to access a range of aid programs to help Mississippians recover from Isaac.

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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.

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.

 

Link:  

The Road To Recovery: Know Where To Get Help

Be Safe: Use Care When Returning To Flooded Areas

ATLANTA – Use caution when returning to flood-damaged homes or businesses. Structural damage can make a building unsafe; electricity and gas can pose a threat, and snakes, insects and other animals take up residence when flood water recedes.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend a careful and organized approach when returning.

Some suggestions are:

Turn off electricity
Before beginning to work, turn off the electricity. Unplug appliances and lamps, remove light bulbs and remove the cover plates of wall switches and outlets that got wet.

Get standing water out
Use a pump, mop, squeegee or wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove standing water from all buildings as soon as possible.

Hose it out
Shovel as much mud as possible out of the building, and then hose it out. Use an attachment that sprays soap to wash and rinse muddy walls, floors, furniture and other major items.

When in doubt, throw it out
Floodwater and mud may be contaminated with chemicals as varied as garden chemicals, a neighbor’s septic tank and cleaning products. Wallboard, mattresses, and carpeting will hold mud and contamination forever. Spoiled food, soaked cosmetics and medicine are health hazards. Get rid of them.

Clean safely

Flood damage causes dampness where mold, mildew and other organisms thrive. Mold may cause respiratory problems, so it is important to use proper procedures when cleaning. Use a combination of household bleach and soap or detergent to wash down walls, floors and other mold-contaminated areas.

Personal cleanliness

Wash your hands and other parts of the body that may come into contact with floodwater with soap and clean water or with hand sanitizer.

Other tips

  • Do not go near downed power lines. Call the utility company if you find downed power lines or suspect a gas leak.
  • Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker and turn off natural gas.
  • Look for cracks in the foundation, and sagging roofs.
  • If you have doubts about the safety of a building, contact a qualified inspector or structural engineer before going inside.
  • Check floors and ceilings for signs of sagging. Rain or flooding can soak plaster, drywall and flooring making it slippery with the potential to collapse.
  • Because they emit deadly carbon monoxide, do not use generators or other gasoline-powered machines indoors and use only camp stoves and charcoal grills outside for cooking.
  • Drain the basement no more than one foot per day to minimize further damage.
  • Floodwater promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Open windows and doors, and turn on fans to help dry out interiors.
  • Walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and personal items touched by flood water, should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
  • Unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have them checked by a professional before using
    them again.
  • Check with local power company before turning the power on.
  • Check with local authorities before using water; it could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by experts before drinking.
  • Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
  • Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of all repair and cleaning costs.
  • Watch out for broken bottles, nails and other hazards. Before beginning clean-up, get a
    tetanus shot.

To learn more about safely cleaning up: http://www.msema.org/documents/moldandmildew9-1.pdf

Learn what to do with displaced wildlife: http://www.msema.org/documents/wildlife9-1.pdf

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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.

 

 

Link:  

Be Safe: Use Care When Returning To Flooded Areas

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Five Locations

ATLANTA – Disaster recovery centers are open today in Gulfport, Pascagoula, Picayune, Poplarville and Waveland to help those with storm losses caused by Hurricane Isaac.

Center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until further notice.

The center locations are:

Hancock County
Hancock County Resource Center
454 Hwy 90
Waveland, MS 39576

Jackson County
Jackson County Fairgrounds
4761 Vega St.
Pascagoula, MS 39567

Harrison County
County Farm Road Community Shelter
15035 County Farm Rd.
Gulfport, MS 39503

Pearl River County
Mississippi National Guard Armory
1251B Hwy 11 South
Picayune, MS 39466

Pearl River County
Baker Maid Building
403 South Main St.
Poplarville, MS  39470

Representatives of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid.

Before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Survivors can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone by going to FEMA’s mobile site at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY)
800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

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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.

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.

 

Originally posted here:

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Five Locations

FEMA Kicks Off Ninth Annual National Preparedness Month

WASHINGTON – As the remnants of Hurricane Isaac continue to impact portions of the country, FEMA kicked off the ninth annual National Preparedness Month, which occurs every September.

On Friday, August 31, 2012, President Obama signed a proclamation designating September as National Preparedness Month.  The effort is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Ad Council.  The campaign is a nationwide effort encouraging individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies.  Only 60 percent of Americans say preparation for natural or man-made disasters is very important to them, yet only a staggering 17 percent of Americans claim to be very prepared for an emergency situation.

“This year’s wildfires, the derecho, and Hurricane Isaac are all important reminders that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “By taking steps now to prepare for emergencies, we ensure that our families and communities are prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards.  Together, our efforts will build a stronger and more resilient nation.”   

Readiness is a shared responsibility, and FEMA asks all Americans to make the pledge to prepare this month and truly help themselves, their neighbors and their communities be Ready.   People can get started by visiting www.Ready.gov/today and download a family emergency plan, emergency kit checklists, and get information on how to get involved locally. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area, and the appropriate way to respond.

National Preparedness Month is supported by a coalition of public, private and non-profit organizations that help spread the preparedness message.  Last year, FEMA had a record number of 8,952 coalition members.  This year, FEMA expects to have another record-breaking number of coalition members.  By hosting events, promoting volunteer programs and sharing emergency preparedness information, coalition members can help ensure that their communities are prepared for emergencies. To become an NPM Coalition Member and find readiness events that may be taking place near you, visit: http://community.fema.gov.

During National Preparedness Month, and throughout the year, FEMA and the Ad Council to prepare in advance for all types of natural disasters.  The Ready Campaign’s websites (ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

Read more – 

FEMA Kicks Off Ninth Annual National Preparedness Month

Deadline Approaching for Tropical Storm Debby SBA Loan Applications

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Tropical Storm Debby survivors should turn in their low-interest disaster loan applications before the Sept. 4 deadline.

Survivors are encouraged to submit their applications regardless of financial condition. A loan does not have to be accepted if one is offered. However, survivors who receive loan applications must complete and return them to be eligible for other forms of assistance, such as FEMA grants that do not have to be repaid.

Disaster loan outreach centers are open until Thursday, Aug. 30, for survivors with questions regarding disaster assistance at the Hernando County Mining Association/Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. in Brooksville and Trouble Creek Square, 4444 Grand Blvd. in New Port Richey. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Survivors may obtain information on low-interest disaster loans from the SBA by calling
800-659-2955 or by visiting www.sba.gov. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-877-8339.

Applicants can sign up for Tropical Storm Debby recovery updates via email by going to www.fema.gov/disaster/4068 and clicking the subscription link. It’s a simple process that only requires a valid email address. During signup, subscribers can choose to receive updates immediately, daily or weekly.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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Original post – 

Deadline Approaching for Tropical Storm Debby SBA Loan Applications

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Northeast Florida Cities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Outreach staff of the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at a motorcycle festival in Starke, a bead and jewelry show in Jacksonville and a home improvement store in Orange Park beginning this week.

The mitigation specialists will provide information on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA specialists will be in Bradford County to answer questions at the 2012 Starke Bikefest on Friday, Aug. 24, and Saturday, Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will take place near 100 E. Call St. in Starke.

In Duval County, the specialists will be at the Intergalactic Bead and Jewelry Show on Saturday, Aug. 25, and Sunday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show will be at the University Center of the University of North Florida located at 12000 Alumni Drive in Jacksonville.

Specialists will also be available in Baker County to answer questions at Lowe’s from Wednesday,

Aug. 22, to Sunday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday, Aug. 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 2285 Kingsley Ave. in Orange Park.

Sign up for Tropical Storm Debby recovery updates via email by going to www.fema.gov/Disaster/4068 and clicking the subscription link. It’s a simple process that only requires a valid email address. During signup, subscribers can choose to receive updates immediately, daily or weekly.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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Source article: 

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Northeast Florida Cities

Columbia, Suwannee County Disaster Recovery Centers Becoming SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The disaster recovery centers in Lake City and Live Oak will become disaster loan outreach centers operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration Monday, Aug. 27, to assist Tropical Storm Debby survivors.

Homeowners, renters and business owners who visit the center may talk with SBA representatives about low-interest disaster loans, get help filling out loan applications and submit completed applications. Federal Emergency Management Agency staff will also be there to answer questions about federal disaster assistance.

A disaster recovery center typically meets the more immediate concerns of storm survivors, while a disaster loan outreach center focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery.

Disaster recovery center hours will remain 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Saturday, Aug. 25. They will be closed this Sunday.

The disaster recovery centers will become disaster loan outreach centers on Monday, Aug. 27, and remain at the Westfield Shopping Center, 484 S.W. Commerce Drive in Lake City and Suwannee Coliseum Exhibition No. 2, 1302 11th St. SW in Live Oak. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice.

Completing and submitting SBA disaster loan applications is important because it may pave the way for additional disaster assistance. There are valid reasons for applying, even if you think you won’t need or qualify for a loan.

  • SBA can offer temporary loans to help cover immediate expenses until insurance is settled.
  • SBA can offer loans with terms of up to 30 years and interest rates as low as 1.938 percent.
  • SBA disaster loans can be used by a homeowner to repair or replace their primary residence.
  • Homeowners and renters can replace damaged household contents and vehicles with SBA disaster loans.
  • Business owners can apply to SBA for disaster loans for physical damages or economic losses.

Homeowners, renters and businesses may apply for an SBA loan online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY) or online at www.sba.gov.

Help is always available by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in most languages. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585.

Sign up for Tropical Storm Debby recovery updates via email by going to www.fema.gov/Disaster/4068 and clicking the subscription link. It’s a simple process that only requires a valid email address. During signup, subscribers can choose to receive updates immediately, daily or weekly.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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Link:  

Columbia, Suwannee County Disaster Recovery Centers Becoming SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

Two Weeks Remain for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Tropical Storm Debby survivors have two weeks remaining to register for federal disaster assistance.

Applications must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 4, to be considered for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

All survivors who had storm-related damage to their home, vehicle, personal property, business or its inventory between June 23 and July 26 should register for assistance.

Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with temporary housing, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs.

Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, has questions about their application or needs more information about recovery programs should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in many languages. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Survivors must register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance even if they have contacted the state, their local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross or other charitable organizations.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applications are due Sept. 4.

Sign up for Tropical Storm Debby recovery updates via email by going to www.FEMA.gov/Disaster/4068. During signup, subscribers can choose to receive updates immediately, daily or weekly.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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See the original post: 

Two Weeks Remain for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions at Suwannee Valley Flood Jam

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and the Lake City/Columbia County Chamber of Commerce are teaming up this week to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be available to answer questions at the Suwannee Valley Flood Jam on Friday, Aug. 17, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The address is 3076 95th Drive in Live Oak.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

The chambers of commerce are holding a business expo Saturday that will include local businesses, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. They will be available to answer questions on recovery issues.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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Link to article:

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions at Suwannee Valley Flood Jam

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Clay County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a home improvement store are teaming up this week to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be in Clay County beginning Wednesday, Aug. 15.

The specialists will be available to answer questions at Home Depot from Wednesday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 1575 Branan Field Road in Middleburg.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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See original:

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Clay County

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