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FEMA Awards First of Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power Program Grants

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today it is awarding nearly $4 million to two local governments to help pay for costs associated with implementing the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program.

STEP funds emergency residential essential and necessary repairs such as restoration of temporary electricity, heat and hot water so that survivors can remain in their homes while permanent repair work continues.

The FEMA Public Assistance program is providing at least 75 percent of the eligible expenses for STEP; the remaining 25 percent will be provided by non-federal funds. FEMA has awarded $2.8 million to Nassau County and $1.1 million to Suffolk County.

“FEMA’s first priority is getting New Yorkers home,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “We understand that survivors are hard at work repairing and rebuilding houses. STEP is an emergency program that will enable them to move out of hotels and shelters and safely return to their homes during renovation.”

Under the program, residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties will be able to have the damage to their residences assessed and, where safe and practicable, have electricity restored and other basic repairs made so they can move back into their homes. This may include making temporary repairs to ramps and other related elements needed to make the homes accessible for residents with disabilities and others with physical accommodation requirements.

The STEP program was initiated after Hurricane Sandy to allow New Yorkers who do not have power to shelter-in-place in their homes while permanent repairs are completed. The STEP program is ongoing; these are the first funds awarded through this pilot program. FEMA officials expect that funds to reimburse local governments for STEP will increase in the coming weeks.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Awards First of Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power Program Grants

Changed Your Mind About Staying In Your Storm Damaged Home? Tell FEMA Now

TRENTON, N.J. – Nearly six weeks after Hurricane Sandy ravaged New Jersey, survivors have a chance to reconsider a decision they made in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Thousands of New Jersey survivors answered “will not relocate” when FEMA housing inspectors asked what they planned to do while repairs are being made on their homes or apartments. That response made them ineligible for FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Some who would like FEMA help today may find the window still open.

Here’s what to do:

If it has been less than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, call 800-621-3362 and tell FEMA that your housing situation has changed and that you’d like temporary housing assistance.
However, if it has been more than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, you will need to reply in a letter to FEMA stating that you want to change your earlier response, explain how your circumstances have changed and that you’d like FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Survivors can follow up on previous applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Help is also available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, which can be found at www.fema.gov/DRCloc.

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.

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Changed Your Mind About Staying In Your Storm Damaged Home? Tell FEMA Now

FEMA Application Deadline Extended

NEW YORK – The deadline for Hurricane Sandy survivors in 13 designated New York counties to register for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance has been extended to January 28, 2013.

The extension agreed upon by the state and FEMA is for survivors living in disaster-designated individual assistance counties: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

FEMA Application Deadline Extended

No Loss Of Benefits For New Jersey Seniors Receiving Disaster Aid

TRENTON, N.J. — Seniors who suffered losses when hurricane Sandy pummeled New Jersey don’t have to worry about being hit a second time if they receive disaster funds. FEMA disaster assistance is not counted as income, is not taxed, and has no effect on Social Security or other government benefits.

Federal Coordinating Officer, Michael J. Hall said, “When seniors get a check from FEMA, the Internal Revenue Service knows that it’s to help them get back to where they were before the storm. It is not counted as income. Older adults won’t have a penny of this assistance taxed or have any benefits cut.”

Seniors and others who had disaster related losses may apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

Seniors are encouraged to call and register. A FEMA specialist will explain the types of help available and walk callers through the registration process. They are knowledgeable about the process and can answer their questions in a language they feel comfortable speaking.

State Coordinating officer, Lt. Jeff Mottley said, “If seniors receive an SBA application form after registering with FEMA, it’s very important for them to complete and return it. The application helps determine their eligibility for a wide range of disaster relief programs. It’s not just for a loan.”

New Jersey seniors affected by the storm can find out how to apply for an SBA loan by calling 800-659-2955 or by visiting www.sba.gov/disaster. For more information about other elder care issues, call the national referral service, Eldercare Locators, at 800-677-1116.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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.

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No Loss Of Benefits For New Jersey Seniors Receiving Disaster Aid

FEMA to Provide Rebuilding Workshops at Local Home Improvement Stores

NEW YORK – New York residents beginning the rebuilding process will have another opportunity to get expert advice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Beginning on Tuesday, December 11, FEMA mitigation specialists will be at five new locations to offer guidance on ways homeowners can build safer and stronger in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Residents can receive advice on safe cleanup, as well as repair and building techniques designed to protect homes from future storms. This information is available to the public and provided at no cost.

FEMA advisors will be available at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores at the following locations:

Bronx County – Home Depot

2560 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx 10465

Kings County – Home Depot

2970 Cropsey Ave, Brooklyn 11214

Nassau County – Lowe’s

920 South Broadway, Hicksville 11801

Queens County – Home Depot

50-10 Northern Blvd, Long Island City 11101

Suffolk County – Home Depot

255 Pond Path, South Setauket 11720

Hours of operation will be Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Every dollar spent on mitigation now saves four times that amount in repairs from the next disaster. More information on ways to protect your property from disasters to come is available at: www.fema.gov. Click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.”

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA to Provide Rebuilding Workshops at Local Home Improvement Stores

Los Estafadores Intentan Aprovecharse De Los Sobrevivientes Del Desastre

TRENTON, N.J. – Los fraudes y estafas son males conocidos que aparecen luego de cualquier desastre. Con métodos viejos y modernos, los estafadores buscan obtener información muy importante o aprovecharse de los sobrevivientes ocupados en su recuperación.

Los residentes de New Jersey deben mantenerse alerta. Algunos de los fraudes más comunes luego de un desastre incluyen:

Estafas por reparaciones en la vivienda

Contratistas para la mejora de viviendas no registrados pueden llevarse el dinero de los sobrevivientes, dejando, en su huida, reparaciones inconclusas y viviendas inseguras. Antes de contratar a un contratista, el sobreviviente debe informarse con la oficina del Departamento de Defensa al Consumidor de New Jersey, llamando al número 800-242-5846, para asegurarse de que el contratista está registrado. También debe solicitar la póliza de seguro de responsabilidad civil del contratista y verificar que sea válida. Todos los contratos deben realizarse por escrito y revisarse antes de firmarlos. Tampoco se debe pagar el total de las reparaciones antes de que los trabajos sean concluidos.

Se debe notificar al departamento de policía local sobre las sospechas de fraude.

Aumento ilegal de precios

Los aumentos excesivos de precios son ilegales. Infórmese con la oficina del Departamento de Defensa al Consumidor de New Jersey en el sitio www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov o llame al número 800-242-5846 si sospecha que los precios son demasiado altos.

Robo de identidad

Algunas personas pueden hacerse pasar por empleados de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency) u otras organizaciones gubernamentales, como la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, U.S. Small Business Administration), o servicios públicos. Los estafadores, que estén yendo de puerta en puerta por las viviendas dañadas, por teléfono o por Internet, pueden intentar obtener información personal como el número de Seguro Social o números de cuentas bancarias.

Recuerde:

Una playera o chaqueta de FEMA o SBA no es prueba suficiente de la afiliación de alguien con estas agencias. Todo el personal autorizado de FEMA y SBA tienen una identificación oficial laminada y con foto que deben llevar de forma visible todo el tiempo;
Los individuos pueden inscribirse para recibir asistencia y realizar un seguimiento de sus solicitudes anteriores en línea en el sitio DisasterAssistance.gov/espanol o a través de un dispositivo móvil que permita el acceso a Internet en el sitio m.FEMA.gov/esp. Por teléfono o a través de las líneas 711/VRS, llamando al 800-621-3362 o TTY 800-462-7585;
Para las llamadas de seguimiento, un representante de FEMA sólo pedirá los últimos cuatro dígitos del número de Seguro Social del solicitante.

Sobornos o pagos falsos

Los impostores pueden requerir alguna forma de pago por servicios o sobornos – algo que FEMA, SBA o el empleado de una agencia federal nunca requerirá. Los inspectores de vivienda contratados por FEMA evalúan los daños pero no estiman los costos. FEMA no contrata o recomienda contratistas específicos para reparar las viviendas o recomienda reparaciones.

Los estafadores pueden presentarse como especialistas en seguros o gestores que declaran que pueden convencer a FEMA para aumentar la ayuda de las reparaciones en la vivienda o convencer al seguro de pagar un acuerdo más alto. Los estafadores le piden al solicitante o persona asegurada que firmen un contrato donde establecen que les pagarán un porcentaje del pago incrementado. La esencia del fraude consiste en llevarse un porcentaje del subsidio por daños o acuerdo con el seguro que se les proporcionaría normalmente a los sobrevivientes. FEMA siempre negocia directamente con cada solicitante y siempre está dispuesta a considerar una apelación y enviar a otro inspector a revisar los daños en la propiedad dañada o las pérdidas declaradas.

Fraudes de caridad

Antes de realizar una donación, las personas deben investigar a las organizaciones para asegurarse de que están registradas para recaudar fondos en New Jersey. También deben preguntar cómo se va a utilizar el dinero recaudado.

Para más preguntas, los residentes de New Jersey pueden ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Departamento de Defensa al Consumidor de New Jersey en el sitio www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov o llamando al 800-242-5846.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que trabajemos juntos como nación para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos, y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

Siga a FEMA en línea en www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, y www.youtube.com/fema. También, siga las actividades de administrador Craig Fugate en www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

Los enlaces a redes sociales se proporcionan solamente a manera de referencia. FEMA no endosa ninguna página de Internet, compañía o aplicación no gubernamental.

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Los Estafadores Intentan Aprovecharse De Los Sobrevivientes Del Desastre

Children Vulnerable To Disaster-Related Stress

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy left behind more than physical destruction. As people in New Jersey begin to rebuild, every affected family has faced a disruption of their normal lives. Many must also confront the anguish of losing a home.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the stress that follows a natural disaster, and their symptoms may linger much longer than in adults, according to mental health experts. They also react to how adults behave in stressful situations, so it’s important for parents and caregivers to look after their own mental health in the wake of a disaster.

Parents and other caregivers should be alert to signs of stress-related troubles and learn how to deal with their children’s fears and unusual behaviors.

Children ages 5 or younger may cry more frequently than usual, become clingy, have nightmares, show excessive fear of the dark, fear of animals or fear of being alone. Appetites may change. They may speak with difficulty or revert to behaviors such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.

Children ages 5 to 11 may exhibit increased irritability, aggression, and competition with their siblings for parental attention. Some become preoccupied with the disaster and want to talk about it continually. They may also show anxiety through whining, withdrawing from their peers, and losing interest in normal activities.

Teenagers 11 to 18 may show outright rebellion, physical problems, and sleep disturbances. They may engage in risk-taking behaviors such as reckless driving or alcohol and drug abuse.

Those signs of anxiety often result from the losses, disruption to family life, and a sense of a hostile world created by a natural disaster. The following suggestions may help to reduce stress in children:

Spend time each day giving each child undivided attention, even if just for a few minutes. Share experiences. Reaffirm your love. Make plans together. Just “be there” for each other.
Encourage them to talk. Ask children to describe what they are feeling. Let them talk about the disaster and ask as many questions as they like. Listen to what they say. Assure them that the disaster was an act of nature and not caused by them. Include the entire family in the discussion, if possible.
Understand their fears. It is important that parents accept anxieties as being very real to children. Help them understand what causes their anxieties and fears. Recognize their losses, such as their pets, favorite toys and other personal items. Reassure them that everything will be all right.
Explain what is going on. Make every effort to keep children informed about what is happening. Explanations should be in simple language. With children 5 or older, rehearse safety measures for use in case of future disasters.
Reassure them. Parents can help reassure children by telling them they are safe, holding and hugging them frequently, restoring normal routines, providing play experiences for them, and making bedtime a special moment of calm and comfort.
Encourage activities with their peers. As with adults, social time with friends is a very important part of the recovery process.
Temporarily lower expectations of them. Allow for the fact that stress from the disastercan show itself in many ways over a period of time, and make appropriate allowances.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services is coordinating statewide efforts to help individuals and communities manage the emotional impact of the storm. Crisis counselors are currently providing support in many shelters and assisting in FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers as needed.

In addition to providing face-to-face disaster crisis counseling, the state provides informational materials about coping and they partner with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey to offer assistance through a toll free helpline: 877-294-4357 (also apples to VRS or 711-Relay users)or TTY 877-294-4356. Or visit their website: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/.

Parents, guardians and caregivers may also want to contact their local mental health agency for information on resources in their community that can assist children after disasters.

For more information call 877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or visit the website www.performcarenj.org.

PHOTOS: See following links.

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60773

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60020

THESE 2 PHOTOS ARE FROM 2007 NEW JERSEY DISASTER:

http://www.fema.gov/photodata/original/29748.jpg

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=29744

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

Land 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.

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Children Vulnerable To Disaster-Related Stress

Changes Announced for Brooklyn Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Brooklyn.

The DRC is at the Ikea store, 1 Beard St., Brooklyn, NY 11231. It opened on Nov. 7, and has provided information and assistance to more than 980 storm survivors.

The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows at a certain time, a center may change its hours or come under consideration for possible closure.

In addition to the Brooklyn site, those affected by Hurricane Sandy can visit any of about 30 other DRCs throughout New York. DRCs are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get help as quickly as possible.

To find the center nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Changes Announced for Brooklyn Disaster Recovery Center

New Disaster Recovery Center Open in Rockland County

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have a new Disaster Recovery Center in Rockland County to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

The center’s location and hours are:

River View Park
Beach Road (Rt. 110) and E. Main St. (Rt.108)
Stony Point, NY 10980
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sun., Dec. 9

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get face-to-face help as quickly as possible.

In addition to the new site in Rockland County, about 30 other Disaster Recovery Centers remain open throughout New York to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Anyone who sustained damage in counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any of the centers.

To find the one nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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New Disaster Recovery Center Open in Rockland County

FEMA Awards More than $75 Million to New York’s Finest

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $75 million in Public Assistance (PA) funding to the New York Police Department to help cover some of its costs for saving lives and protecting property of New Yorkers before, during and after Hurricane Sandy. FEMA reimburses 75 percent of the cost for overtime and compensatory time expenditures.

“In times of crisis New Yorkers pull together,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “The work performed by the NYPD saved lives and helped countless people. I am pleased to announce this award and thank the men and women of the NYPD for all their hard work.”

Between Oct. 25 and Nov. 11, 2012, more than 200,000 uniformed and civilian personnel employed by the NYPD were involved in responding to emergency needs prior to, during, and after the hurricane and subsequent nor’easter. Their actions included:

Preparing for the hurricane and evacuating residents living in flood prone neighborhoods;
Distributing food and water to survivors;
Patrolling and conducting door-to-door checks on residents;
Assisting residents in obtaining emergency medical care; and
Removing fallen trees, regulating traffic and monitoring gas distribution.

Under FEMA’s PA program, the agency obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, the remaining 25 percent will be provided by non-federal funds. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs, in this case the NYPD. While FEMA reimburses most eligible disaster response and recovery costs, local officials must identify, document and justify disaster-related expenses.

FEMA continues to provide PA funding for projects throughout New York. In addition to the $75 million grant to the NYPD, FEMA has previously provided $39 million for debris removal in Long Beach and Nassau County. Today, the agency also announced that $114 million has been awarded to New York University Medical Center.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085,
http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog

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FEMA Awards More than $75 Million to New York’s Finest

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