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.

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.

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Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maine Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

March 25, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-026 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 Maine.

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 removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period.  Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads.  (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 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:

March 25, 2013 – 16:43

State/Tribal Government or Region:

This article – 

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maine Declaration

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 Rhode Island.

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 removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period.  Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads.  (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 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.

 

This article is from: 

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Rhode Island Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Connecticut Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

March 21, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-023Factsheet

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 Connecticut.

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 removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period.  Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads.  (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 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:

March 21, 2013 – 18:05

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Link:  

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Connecticut Declaration

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster recovery officials urge recipients of federal grants to use the money wisely.

Upon releasing the funds by direct deposit or check, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent every recipient a letter providing important information about the grant and outlining how the money can be spent.

Disaster-related grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved disaster-related costs. New Jerseyans who have questions about their grants should call FEMA’s Helpline at  800-621-FEMA (3362).

Housing funds may be used for:

  • Repairs to return a home to a safe and functional condition – may include repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems, or other structural parts of a home
  •  Replacement or rebuilding of a disaster-damaged home
  •  Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster – receipts for these expenses will be requested if the house sustained damages.
  • Rental assistance – applicants who must remain in temporary housing for a longer period than the initial assistance grant covers may request more assistance until their home can be occupied or other permanent housing arrangements can be made. Disaster-related grant recipients also must turn in proper receipts to receive further assistance.

Recipients of Other Needs Assistance may use the funds for:

  • Personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement
  • Medical, dental and funeral expenses and moving expenses

Disaster-related grant recipients are required to sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

Applicants also should be sure to update their address and phone number information by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or update your information online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.

If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, applicants may miss important letters or phone calls about their applications for assistance or payment status.

By law, FEMA grants, which are taxpayer dollars, cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those duplicated funds must be reimbursed to FEMA.

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 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.

Source: 

Use Disaster Grants Wisely

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey seniors recovering from Hurricane Sandy are strongly advised to beware of scam artists claiming to represent the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration or the National Flood Insurance Program.

By going door to door to storm-damaged homes or making contact by phone or on the Internet, scam artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or falsely claim that you need to make a payment to a federal agency.

To avoid being a victim of a scam, remember:

  • On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative will only ask for the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.
  • While a FEMA representative may visit your home in connection with your claim, they will    not ask you to make a payment.
  • If someone comes to your door identifying themselves as a FEMA, SBA or NFIP representative, ask to see their federal identification badge. All authorized FEMA or SBA employees are required to display a laminated photo identification badge at all times.
  • If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603 or call the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.

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 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.

Continued: 

Attention Senior Sandy Survivors: Beware Of Scams

WASHINGTON— At the end of January, President Obama signed the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 that amended the Stafford Act to provide federally recognized Tribal governments the option to choose whether to make a request directly to the President for a federal emergency or major disaster declaration, or to seek assistance, as they do presently, under a declaration for a State.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today published on the Federal Register a “Solicitation for Comments Regarding Current Procedures to Request Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations.”  This solicitation is for Tribes, Indian tribal governments and all of our stakeholders regarding the disaster declarations process.  FEMA will be accepting comments through the Federal Register Notice process (Docket ID FEMA-2013-0006 Document Number 2013-05391) at http://federalregister.gov/a/2013-05391, FEMA’s online collaboration site http://fema.ideascale.com and by email at tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov no later than April 22, 2013, when the open comment period ends. 

In March and April, FEMA will be conducting listening sessions with Tribal leadership, their organizations and stakeholders to present information regarding the FEMA programs, the Stafford Act and its amendment, the declarations process.  Comments will be accepted until April 22, 2013.

Visit www.fema.gov/tribal-consultations for complete schedule and read ahead materials.  More information about FEMA Tribal Affairs is available at www.fema.gov/tribal.

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 http://blog.fema.gov, 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.

View original post here – 

FEMA Consults Tribes and their Leadership on the Disaster Declaration Process

TRENTON, N.J. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends Hurricane Sandy survivors who received money to keep the receipts or bills for which the money was used for three years.        

FEMA assistance must be used for eligible disaster expenses only, as identified in the approval letter from the agency. Survivors must save documentation that demonstrates how the funds were used in meeting their disaster-related needs in case they are audited.

Examples include:

  • Receipts for items purchased for home repair
  • Contractor invoices
  • Proof of hotel room charges if you received housing assistance
  • Rent payment receipts if you received housing assistance
  • Receipts for moving and storage expenses
  • Receipts for repairing or replacing personal property

More information on FEMA programs for individuals and households can be found in the “Help After a Disaster” guide. The guide was mailed to each applicant but also is available online at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

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 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.

Link: 

Hurricane Sandy Survivors: Keep Your Receipts

BATON ROUGE, La. The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office will receive a nearly $1.4 million federal grant to reimburse the parish for its efforts to protect citizens during and after Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Thursday.

The office will receive $1,387,500 to reimburse its expenses associated with supporting evacuation operations and search and rescue, setting up road closures, securing property, assisting in shelter operations, supplying emergency equipment to damaged facilities, assisting in sand bagging and transporting supplies by water.

“The men and women of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office were on the front lines to make sure residents stayed safe during this devastating hurricane,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “Their work before, during and after the storm helped save lives and prevent even more property damage.”

The newly awarded funds are a portion of the nearly $223 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration.

Once FEMA reimburses the state of Louisiana, it is the state’s responsibility to manage the funds, which includes making disbursements to local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

More here – 

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.4 Million to Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office for Hurricane Isaac Recovery

TRENTON, N.J. — A free online resource is available to New Jerseyans where they can learn about measures that can limit or eliminate damage to their homes during severe weather events.

“Improving Connections in Elevated Coastal Residential Buildings” at Region2Coastal.com describes how New Jerseyans can make their homes stronger during floods and high winds by strengthening the floor-to-pile foundation connections.

Connections are responsible for attaching an elevated level of a structure to its foundation. During Hurricane Sandy, many New Jersey homes were damaged or destroyed because the floor-to-pile connections were weak. Flood waters exceeded the capacity of the connections and homes were pushed off their foundations.

The document describes how strengthening connections can reduce the likelihood of a structure separating from its foundation. Strong floor-to-pile connections minimize the chances of this happening during floods and strong winds.

Floor-to-pile connections in coastal homes are susceptible to corrosion. Homeowners can learn in the document how to reduce the chances of this happening.                                                                                            

New Jerseyans should contact their local emergency management office if they have questions about mitigation techniques for their home.

For more information, visit Region2coastal.com or FEMA.gov/building-science-publications.

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 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.

Continued:  

Strengthen Foundation Connections To Minimize Storm Damages

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