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How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Some survivors, who registered for federal disaster assistance after the March storms and flooding, may have received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that says they are ineligible. However, the reason for the decision may be something that can be easily fixed, such as providing insurance documents or new contact information.

Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision.

The first step is to look at the specific reason the letter was sent. If it isn’t clear, or more information is needed, a specialist at the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711, video relay service) can help. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Information is also available online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail or fax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter.

Mail appeals to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Appeals and documents can be faxed to 800-827-8112.

Information on how and where to file an appeal is included with the letters and in the “Help After a Disaster” booklet, which can be downloaded at FEMA.gov/help-after-disaster.

Effective appeal letters should follow these procedures:

In the first paragraph, list the applicant’s full legal name used on the aid application, along with Social Security number and the FEMA case number. Include a personal phone number as well as a back-up phone number where the applicant also can be reached, in addition to a correct mailing address.
Write an explanation of events that provides evidence to support the appeal. Summarize changes in circumstances or needs, additional damage to property discovered after the registration was filed or higher-than-anticipated costs for repairs.
Include photocopies of receipts for materials and labor as well as up to three written bids for repair work if those costs exceed the award amount. Submitting repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices is recommended.
Keep a copy of the appeal letter and supporting documentation as a record.

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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 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585.

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How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

News Release

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

Public Open House Events Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Texas counties of Cameron and Willacy are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, public workshops are scheduled in each of the counties where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes. Experts will be on hand to answer questions related to the newly identified flood risks.

Willacy County Cameron County

Wednesday, Nov. 18 Thursday, Nov. 19

Tourist Center Brownsville Public Library

700 FM 3168 2600 Central Blvd.

Raymondville, TX Brownsville, TX

2:00 – 7:00 p.m. 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to these counties, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.riskmap6.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator in each county for more details.

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Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

Another Louisiana Parish is Eligible to Receive Federal Disaster Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – A July 21 amendment to the major disaster declaration for Louisiana following the severe storms and flooding occurring May 18 through June 20 now includes Public Assistance (PA) for an additional parish – Rapides Parish.

Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Natchitoches and Red River parishes were also made eligible to receive PA funding by the July 13 major disaster declaration. PA funding helps repair or rebuild public infrastructure such as roads; bridges; water system; utilities; and schools. It also covers costs involving emergency protective measures and debris removal.

Supplementary funding under the PA program goes to the state and its agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. Under the program, FEMA obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the applicant covers the remaining 25 percent. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on the severe storms and flooding recovery efforts in Louisiana visit http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4228 or www.la.gohsep.gov. Follow the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on Twitter at https://twitter.com/gohsep. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) encourages all citizens to visit www.getagameplan.org for information on how to plan for, and stay safe in, all types of emergencies, including winter weather events.

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Another Louisiana Parish is Eligible to Receive Federal Disaster Assistance

FEMA’s Free How-To Advice May Limit Severe-Weather Damage

DENVER – FEMA mitigation specialists will be in Fort Collins, Greeley and Loveland offering building tips at four home improvement stores beginning Thursday, Oct. 24, through Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Advice about protecting properties and limiting damages from future extreme weather events will serve not only homeowners but also renters and business owners. Mitigation measures also may reduce mold and mildew, and protect electrical systems, furnaces and appliances.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be at these four locations:

Lowe’s Home Improvement

4227 Corbett Drive

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Hours:

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., MDT

Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., MDT

Monday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., MDT

Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., MDT

Poudre Valley Coop Ace Hardware

225 NW Frontage Rd.

Fort Collins, CO 80524

Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., MDT

Sunday, closed

Monday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., MDT

Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., MDT

Ace Hardware of Greeley

3540 W. 10 St.

Greeley, CO 80634

Hours: Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., MDT

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., MDT

Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., MDT.

Monday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., MDT

Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., MDT

Orchards Ace Hardware

269 E. 29 St.

Loveland, CO 80538

Hours: Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., MDT

Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., MDT

Monday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., MDT

Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., MDT

The mitigation teams also will have free reference booklets in English and Spanish, including:

Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now
Protecting Your Home From Flood Damage
Help After a Disaster
Mold & Mildew: Cleaning Up Your Flood-Damaged Home

More information about strengthening property can found at fema.gov/what-mitigation

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FEMA’s Free How-To Advice May Limit Severe-Weather Damage

Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

WARWICK, RI–Spring is just around the corner, and it is the ideal time to start home repairs. For many Rhode Islanders, this year’s springtime repairs include repairing damages from Hurricane Sandy, the Blizzard of 2013, or other severe weather events.

Rhode Islanders who sustained damages from recent severe weather events can call 2-1-1 for a referral to a Long Term Recovery Group or to other disaster aid resources. Information about smart and safe rebuilding is available on the FEMA website, according to FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo

Two key partners in the long-term recovery process are community organizations and faith-based groups. Faith-based groups report that they continue to receive requests for assistance from storm survivors who are struggling to find their “new normal”.

“We urge anyone who is tackling storm repairs to consider the fact that it costs less to prepare your home for future storms and flooding than it does to repair damage after it has happened,” Russo said.

FEMA has a library of information with techniques to make property safer and stronger at www.fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster.

Find tweets about Sandy recovery at www.twitter.com/femaregion1. For Rhode Island specific information go to http://www.fema.gov/sandyri. Other online resources include https://twitter.com/FEMASandy and http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FEMASandy and http://blog.fema.gov.

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Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

It Pays To Have Flood Insurance

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Last year, Puerto Rico endured numerous severe weather events including flooding, heavy rains and storm surges which affected families and businesses in various degrees, but were not extensive enough to justify a federal disaster declaration. However, more than half a million dollars were paid to flood affected business owners, renters and families who own flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“Buying and maintaining flood insurance assures you that assistance will arrive when you have to deal with a flood damaged property. Take steps now to protect your property and financial well-being,” said Alejandro De La Campa, FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director. “Buy flood insurance now and be covered by the start of hurricane season, because when you purchase a flood insurance policy there is a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.”

Through the NFIP, homeowners can insure their homes for up to $250,000 and its contents for up to $100,000. Renters can buy coverage for personal property for up to $100,000. Nonresidential property owners can insure a building and its contents for up to $500,000.

Currently, 56,572 policy holders in Puerto Rico participate in the NFIP. This insurance can be purchased through your local insurance agent or company. Also, you can go online at www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 for general flood insurance information.

Furthermore, FEMA advises residents to contact their local floodplain management officials to view current local flood maps. Additional information is also available online through FEMA’s Map Service Center at www.msc.fema.gov or www.jp.gobierno.pr/avi/ to see the updated flood map for your community.

Decide to be ready for any type of disaster, visit www.ready.gov and www.fema.gov for tools and resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events.

FEMA News Desk (787) 296-3554; (787) 296-3560

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It Pays To Have Flood Insurance

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones. Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year.

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses. To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device. Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:

Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.

Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.

Get Involved. Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.gov.

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Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Tune in to a Weather Radio for the Holidays

WINDSOR, Conn. — With the holidays approaching, shoppers may want to consider a gift that can make a difference for the whole family — a weather radio.

Weather radios transmit alerts of severe weather and dangerous conditions. They broadcast National Weather Service forecasts, severe weather warnings and watches on impending natural hazards 24 hours a day over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio network. Messages are also available in Spanish.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that consumers purchase a weather radio developed by NOAA and the Consumer Electronics Association. Radios with the Public Alert logo meet certain technical standards.

Weather radios are available at electronics stores and online at prices ranging from $20 to $200. They can be portable or desktop models. NOAA recommends the following features:

A special alarm tone to alert you to severe weather even if the audio is off;

Specific Alert Message Encoding to allow you to choose alerts for your geographic area only;
The ability to select certain types of events and block others;
A hand crank, battery or solar-powered radio that will operate during electrical outages;
National Weather Service frequency tuning; and
External or wireless output for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, allowing connection to an alarm or other attention-getting device, such as a personal computer or text printer.

More information is available online at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr. The link has a list of frequencies used for NWS weather alerts.

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Tune in to a Weather Radio for the Holidays