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FEMA Flood Help Ending: Register by Sunday

WARREN, Mich. – Sunday is the final day to register for FEMA disaster assistance for Michigan residents affected by the August floods.

As the registration and application deadline nears more than 125,000 residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties have registered for assistance and more than $240 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved.

FEMA has approved nearly $139 million in grants, while the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $101 million in low-interest loans.

Eligible residents who register and receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application should return the application by the Dec. 15 deadline. SBA applicants are not obligated to accept a loan; however, completing it may lead to additional FEMA assistance. Survivors are encouraged to consider all sources of aid.

Survivors who have delayed registration for any reason should apply for potential assistance that could include:

Housing Assistance offers temporary rental assistance and home repair grants to eligible survivors. FEMA’s ultimate goal is to ensure survivors’ dwellings are safe, sanitary and functional.
Other Needs Assistance is available for disaster related costs associated with personal property, transportation, moving and storage, or other necessary expenses.

FEMA disaster grants may be available for cleaning and testing a flood-damaged furnace for repairs or for replacement if the furnace is destroyed. With winter fast approaching Michiganders should make sure their home-heating systems are in good working order.

Individuals can register for help online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

For assistance, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955,

TTY users call 800-877-8339 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

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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. 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.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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FEMA Flood Help Ending: Register by Sunday

Tips to Prepare Now for Severe Winter Weather Ahead

CHICAGO – Cold temperatures, heavy snow, and treacherous ice storms are all risks of the impending winter season.

“Severe winter weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “Preparedness begins with knowing your risks, making a communications plan with your family and having an emergency supply kit with essentials such as water, food, flashlights and medications.”

Once you’ve taken these steps, consider going beyond the basics of disaster preparedness with the following tips to stay safe this cold season:

Winterize your emergency supply kit:

Before winter approaches, add the following items to your supply kit:
- Rock salt or other environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel and/or a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Stay fire safe:

Keep flammable items at least three feet from heat sources like radiators, space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.
Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Check it on a monthly basis.

Keep warm, even when it’s cold outside:

If you have a furnace, have it inspected now to ensure it’s in good working condition.
If your home heating requires propane gas, stock up on your propane supply and ensure you have enough to last an entire winter. Many homeowners faced shortages due to the record freezing winter weather last year, and this season there’s the possibility of lower than normal temperatures again. Don’t be caught unprepared.
Avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide by installing battery-powered or battery back-up carbon monoxide detectors.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

Prevent frozen pipes:

If your pipes are vulnerable to freezing, i.e., they run through an unheated or unprotected space, consider keeping your faucet at a slow drip when extremely cold temperatures are predicted.
If you’re planning a trip this winter, avoid setting your heat too low. If temperatures dip dangerously low while you’re away, that could cause pipes to freeze. Consider draining your home’s water system before leaving as another way to avoid frozen pipes.

You can always find valuable information to help you prepare for winter emergencies at www.ready.gov/winter-weather. Bookmark FEMA’s mobile site http://m.fema.gov, or download the FEMA app today to have vital information just one click away.

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.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Source:

Tips to Prepare Now for Severe Winter Weather Ahead

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Arizona Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 6, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-097-FactSheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Arizona.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible tribal and local governments on a cost-sharing basis (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal, and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal, and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

November 6, 2014 – 11:59

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Arizona

Related Disaster:

Arizona Severe Storms and Flooding

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Arizona Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Nevada Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 6, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-096-FactSheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Nevada.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible tribal and local governments on a cost-sharing basis (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal, and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal, and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

Last Updated:

November 6, 2014 – 11:49

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Nevada

Related Disaster:

Nevada Severe Storms and Flooding

Original article:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Nevada Declaration

FIRC, Local Organizations Team Up On Long-Term Recovery Efforts

EATONTOWN, N.J. – The process of recovering from a disaster begins almost as soon as the threat has passed and responders have arrived. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people will need help immediately as well as for the foreseeable future. Non-governmental volunteer groups, churches and faith-based organizations are often among the first to step in and help, but also have limited resources to sustain their presence.

In 13 New Jersey counties affected by Hurricane Sandy, many of these organizations came together to form long-term recovery groups (LTRGs), and Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination (FDRC; regionally referred to as Federal Interagency Regional Coordination) connects these groups to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) support the LTRGs as they address the unmet needs of individuals that they can help with, in contrast to FIRC’s emphasis on communities as a whole.

While a few groups had come into existence after Hurricane Irene struck in 2011, many LTRGs were formed in the immediate aftermath of Sandy. The VALs assisted in getting some of the groups launched, using the VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) manual and other toolkits to bring representatives together.

There are 14 active groups in New Jersey in 13 counties (Atlantic City has its own group separate from Atlantic County). These long-term recovery groups mainly consist of and represent faith-based and nonprofit organizations that have resources to assist survivors.

“Survivors that are still not back in their homes need things like rental assistance, construction assistance and help filling funding gaps, and members of the LTRGs seek to provide those resources and guidance,” said Susan Zuber, VAL for the New Jersey Sandy Recovery Field Office. She also said that one advantage of having religious organizations involved in the LTRGs is “they can reach up to the national level and potentially get funds and resources.”

Along with investigating the issues communities are facing during recovery, FIRC coordinates information and resources to affected survivors, so they can determine where help is available.

“The LTRG disaster case managers strive to make sure various resources get to the people they know need help, and FIRC helps them ensure that there is no duplication of benefits,” Zuber said. “We assist in being the best stewards possible of limited available funds.”

FIRC VAL Lori Ross says that nearly two years after Sandy struck, the LTRGs are still actively helping survivors with some serious issues.

“New Jersey 211 (the state’s resource hotline) is receiving (an average of) 44 new referrals for help every week,” she said. “The Ocean and Monmouth county groups have started receiving requests for rental assistance” as people who had been renting properties while their homes were repaired or rebuilt are in need of more money to pay their rent and mortgage, she added. Mold in homes that wasn’t dealt with properly initially continues to be an issue.

Not all of the problems survivors are facing are of a physical nature, either.

“We’re also seeing more cases where people are asking for mental and emotional assistance,” Zuber said. “We’re getting requests for clergy and mental health treatment. There’s a real emotional and spiritual care element as it relates to the impact of the storm.”

Ross added that even caregivers and case workers are feeling the pressure of what is now a two-year process. “This (the anniversary) is a very critical time,” she said, noting that requests for this type of aid increased at this time last year as well.

Rebuilding after a disaster the magnitude of Hurricane Sandy takes years. FEMA, the FIRC, and the long-term recovery groups of New Jersey are using coordinated teamwork and resources to help people put their lives back together.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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.”

Source article:

FIRC, Local Organizations Team Up On Long-Term Recovery Efforts

Wayne County Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor Transitions to SBA Loan Center

Warren, Mich. – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at the Wayne County Community College, Performing Arts Center at 21000 Northline Road in Taylor will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) and relocate to Dearborn on Thursday, Nov. 6.

A DLOC focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Homeowners, renters and businesses will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives. Specialists from FEMA will also be available.

At this center:

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application.
Applicants may check the status of their FEMA registration and get clarification of any written correspondence received.

The center is located at:

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48126

The centers, operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be open:

Monday and Wednesday- 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday- Closed

Disaster survivors may register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955; TTY users call
800-877-8339.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Wayne County Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor Transitions to SBA Loan Center

Michigan Flood Survivors Can Get Free Legal Aid

WARREN, Mich. – Individuals who sustained damage from the August storms and flooding can call the Disaster Legal Services hotline at 844-451-0749 for free legal assistance and counseling.

Through the hotline, volunteer lawyers can help eligible survivors with legal issues related to the disaster. Volunteer lawyers can discuss insurance claims, landlord-tenant issues, consumer protection issues and the replacement of wills or other important documents that were lost or destroyed during the storm.

To be eligible for this free legal assistance, applicants must reside in one of the three counties designated for Individual Assistance under the federal disaster declaration for the August storms. The counties are Macomb, Oakland and Wayne.

Disaster Legal Services is a federally funded program run under an agreement between the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Individuals also can register for disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone, tablet or web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) users call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Michigan Flood Survivors Can Get Free Legal Aid

Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

EATONTOWN, N.J. – Many of the boardwalks in New Jersey that were damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Sandy have been successfully rebuilt in the two years that have passed since the storm.

Construction in most shore towns began as soon as it was feasible, and the boardwalks were complete and open for the start of the summer tourism season. Spring Lake used a composite material to rebuild its boardwalk, while Sea Girt used recycled boards for part of its repairs. Atlantic City repaired the damaged northern section of its boardwalk with ipe wood and is upgrading access ramps and adding more lighting.

One exception was Long Branch, where city officials waited to rebuild until they could secure federal funds, including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which obligated $79 million for 84 Sandy-related boardwalk and beach restoration projects.

In January 2014, Long Branch received $14.5 million from FEMA to repair an approximately 1-mile section of boardwalk and bluffs. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

The bluffs will serve as the support system for the boardwalk and new roadway from Melrose Place south to Brighton Avenue. They will be repaired with a new concrete foundation, 95,740 cubic yards of additional material, and 11,489 square yards of dune grass.

Plans call for 69,850 square feet of the boardwalk to be demolished and rebuilt. New lights, railings, and ramps will be installed from the boardwalk to the beach.

In October, the Long Branch City Council introduced a $30.4 million bond ordinance that includes $18.1 million for repairs to the boardwalk and bluff. The council anticipates that FEMA will reimburse the city for the cost of the boardwalk repairs and bluff construction, which Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. said could begin in the spring of 2015.

Belmar took the opposite approach, rebuilding its boardwalk first, and then working on a design for protective dunes. Belmar reopened its boardwalk in May 2013 before announcing plans for new dunes. The dunes will be sturdy, with 30-foot-long pieces of steel driven into the sand to a depth of 26 feet so the bulkhead stands out approximately 4 feet. The steel infrastructure will be covered with sand and plants will be added so that it looks like a natural dune. The $6 million dunes will shield the $8 million boardwalk from future hurricanes.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.”

Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

WARREN, MICH. – Winter is on its way, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and FEMA remind homeowners to make sure their heating systems and water heaters are in good working condition, especially those damaged by the August flooding.

“Michigan homeowners and their families may be at risk with flood-damaged furnaces, water heaters and electrical appliances,” warns Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “If the flood waters reached your heating system or water heater, have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel.”

Dolph A. Diemont, the disaster’s lead federal official, reminded Michigan homeowners that FEMA grants may be available to help repair damaged furnaces and water heaters and replace those destroyed by flood waters.

“Michigan residents with flood damage to their furnaces and water heaters must register with FEMA by the Nov. 24 deadline to be eligible for grants,” Diemont added.

“If flood damage is found after the November date and the homeowner has failed to register, no FEMA assistance will be available.”

Homeowners who receive a FEMA grant for repairs and who later discover their furnace needs replacing must use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. The homeowner has 60 days to appeal and must submit an estimate for replacement of the furnace on contractor company letterhead.

Disaster survivors may register online at disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Continued:

Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

Mitigation Teams Continue to Offer Free Home Repair Advice

WARREN, Mich. – Mitigation specialists continue their outreach in five new locations in Oakland and Wayne counties to give free advice on rebuilding properties damaged in the August floods, and to answer questions on how to be disaster-ready.

The new locations are:

Oakland County:
Home Depot
1177 Coolidge Highway
Troy, MI 48084
Oct. 19 to Nov. 3, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
434 W. 12 Mile Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Oct. 22 to Nov. 4, 2014, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Wayne County:
Home Depot
23300 W. Allen
Woodhaven, MI 48183
Oct. 20 to Nov. 3, 2014, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Ace Brooks Lumber
2200 Trumbull Ave.
Detroit, MI 48216
Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, 2014, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
23111 Outer Drive
Allen Park, MI 48101
Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, 2014, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

The mitigation specialists offer free advice and publications on rebuilding, and provide information on how to minimize damages ahead of the next disaster.

FEMA provides mitigation information in coordination with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Homeland Security Division.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Link:

Mitigation Teams Continue to Offer Free Home Repair Advice

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