NEW YORK – Disaster Recovery Centers throughout New York will continue to provide prompt one-on-one, face-to-face assistance for survivors of Hurricane Sandy during the holiday season.

The centers will open at their usual times on Christmas Eve and will operate until noon. They will not be open on Christmas Day, but normal hours will resume on Wednesday, Dec. 26. The following week, recovery centers will host storm survivors until noon on New Year’s Eve, will not be open on New Year’s Day and will return to business as usual on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Since Nov. 1, New York Disaster Recovery Centers have offered information and help to more than 100,000 people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Individuals may visit any of the centers to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration or seek assistance in a variety of other ways. 

County by county and borough by borough, New York Disaster Recovery Centers currently are located at:

Nassau

Recreation and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Sacred Heart Parish
RR station parking lot
127 Long Beach Rd.
Island Park, NY 11558
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sat., Dec. 22
 
Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Rd. East
Seaford, NY 11783
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Marjorie Post Community Center
477 Unqua Rd.
Massapequa, NY 11758
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Young Israel
Gymnasium
859 Peninsula Blvd.
Woodmere, NY 11598
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri.
Closed Sat.

Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Queens

Fort Tilden Park
415 State Rd.
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Sat.

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Ave.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Blvd.
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Storefront
1001 Beach 20th St.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Arverne by the Sea
68-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Arverne, NY 11692
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Richmond

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Suffolk

Town Hall West
401 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mastic Recreation Community Center
15 Herkimer St.
Mastic, NY 11950
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Normal hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Kings

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Knights of Columbus Hall
2882 Gerritsen Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Normal hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Westchester

Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Fri., Dec. 21

To find the nearest recovery center, 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 find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should 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 losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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.

Originally posted here: 

Holiday Hours Announced For Disaster Recovery Centers

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, to visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Uniondale, Nassau County. 

The center is at Mitchell Field Athletic Center, 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale, NY 11553. It has provided face-to-face information and help to more than 400 storm survivors since Nov. 14. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 22.

The state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change its hours to reflect the fact that most information needs of storm survivors in the area are being met. 

In addition to the Mitchell Field site, there are six other Disaster Recovery Centers in Nassau County to assist people affected by Hurricane Sandy. They are located at:   

Recreation and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

Sacred Heart Parish
RR station parking lot
127 Long Beach Rd.
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sat
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Rd. East
Seaford, NY 11783
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sat
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

Marjorie Post Community Center
477 Unqua Rd.
Massapequa, NY 11758
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sat
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

Young Israel
Gymnasium
859 Peninsula Blvd.
Woodmere, NY 11598
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Thurs
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri
Closed Sat

Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

To find the nearest recovery center, 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 also find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should 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 losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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.

More: 

Change Announced for Uniondale Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, to visit the Disaster Recovery Center in White Plains. 

The center is at Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains, NY 10606. It has   provided face-to-face information and help to more than 890 hurricane survivors since Nov. 8. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 21.      

The state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change its hours to reflect the fact that most information needs of storm survivors in the area are being met.    

In addition to the Westchester center, the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have more than 20 other Disaster Recovery Centers throughout New York to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

To find the nearest center, 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 or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

Individuals can register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People 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 losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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.

From:

Change Announced for Westchester Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – Survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance companies before applying for Small Business Administration disaster loan assistance. FEMA and the SBA encourage survivors of Hurricane Sandy in eligible New York counties to return their completed applications, even if they have not settled with their insurance company.

If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan. 

“Your insurance policy may not cover all the replacement, repair and rebuilding costs – and the disaster loan is available to cover the difference.  You don’t have to wait for an insurance settlement, though.  If the insurance money covers damage that you’ve borrowed for, the overlap can be used to pay down the loan,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. 

Disaster home and business loans are available to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including contents.  Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes having difficulties meeting operating expenses because of the disaster. 

Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.  Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

“Our partnership with SBA is very important because they are a key step in recovery process,” said New York Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Survivors should make it a priority to return their application to SBA because even if they do not qualify for a loan, they may be eligible for other assistance.”

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and 19 SBA business recovery centers. To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. You may also text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example, if you lived in Staten Island, you would text: “DRC 10301.” If you use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.) 

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.) Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

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

See more here:  

Don’t Wait for Insurance Settlement to Apply for an SBA Loan

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors in Staten Island have until 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, to visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Borough Hall.

The center is at 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. It has been open since Nov. 10 and has provided face-to-face information and help to more than 650 hurricane survivors since then. The center will be open until 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.     

The state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change its hours to reflect the fact that most information needs of storm survivors in the area are being met.    

Other Disaster Recovery Centers in Staten Island are located at:

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat

Additional options for hurricane survivors include: 

Individuals can register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People 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 losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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.

Continued here: 

Change Announced for Staten Island Disaster Recovery Center

New York – Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the state of New York, has approved a four-week extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in participating hotels or motels.

The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels during the holiday season. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended four-week period and the checkout date of Jan. 12, 2013.   

“This much-needed extension will allow families who lost everything in Hurricane Sandy to have a place to stay throughout the holiday season,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will continue to work together with city and federal partners to help those displaced by this devastating storm find housing solutions.”

This is a short-term program that places families in hotels in areas with significant rental shortages. Families can stay in area hotels for a short time while they work toward a housing plan.

“Our top priority is to help get people into rental units and longer term housing as fast as we can,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “We recognize that the holidays can be an emotional time for disaster survivors and this extension will provide immediate shelter through the season.”

To be eligible for TSA, survivors must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA by:

Registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Registering via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov; or

Registering by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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.

Originally posted here:  

Governor Cuomo Announces FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in NY for an Additional Four Weeks

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Federal Emergency Management Agency officials today announced that Individual Assistance has been authorized for Somerset County under President Obama’s disaster declaration for Hurricane Sandy.

Homeowners and renters may be eligible for grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses, as well as low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans also are available to businesses of all sizes and to nonprofit organizations.

Residents and business owners in Somerset County can register for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number 800-621-FEMA (3362).  The TTY number is 800-462-7585.  Smartphone users can go to m.fema.gov.

Survivors who receive SBA disaster loan applications, after registering with FEMA, must complete and submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers the repair or replacement of personal property, including vehicles.  Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental and funeral expenses. 

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091.

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.

 

 

 

 

See the article here: 

Individual Assistance Added for Somerset County

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are altering the weekend schedules of Disaster Recovery Centers throughout New York to reflect the fact that most information needs of Hurricane Sandy survivors are being met.

Effective immediately, six New York recovery centers will be open Monday through Saturday to provide one-on-one, face-to-face information and help to storm survivors. All other recovery centers in New York will have new Sunday hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Dec. 16.

The centers that will be open Monday through Saturday are located at:

Arverne by the Sea
68-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd. 
Arverne, NY 11692
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Fort Tilden Park
415 State Rd. 
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Storefront
1001 Beach 20th St.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Another Disaster Recovery Center, at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains, NY 10606, has always operated Monday through Saturday. Its hours on those days are    8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

County by county and borough by borough, Disaster Recovery Centers with new Sunday hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. are located at:

Nassau

Recreation and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Sacred Heart Parish
RR station parking lot
127 Long Beach Rd.
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Rd. East
Seaford, NY 11783
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Marjorie Post Community Center
477 Unqua Rd.
Massapequa, NY 11758
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Young Israel (Gymnasium)
859 Peninsula Blvd.
Woodmere, NY 11598
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.  
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri.
Closed Sat.

Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Queens

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Ave.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Blvd.
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.  

Richmond

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Suffolk

Town Hall West
401 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Mastic Recreation Community Center
15 Herkimer St.
Mastic, NY 11950
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Kings

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

Knights of Columbus Hall
2882 Gerritsen Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.  

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. 

While visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is a convenient way to seek help from FEMA, it isn’t the only way.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People 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 losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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.

Read More: 

New York Disaster Recovery Centers Change Operational Hours

TRENTON, N.J. —  If you had losses because of Hurricane Sandy you are encouraged to register for disaster assistance. You may be eligible for grants or assistance programs from federal, state, local or voluntary agencies. Here are several facts you should know:

FACT:  A FEMA grant does not affect social security benefits or any government benefit, including Medicare, Medicaid or food stamps. 

FACT:  Disaster assistance has no bearing on decisions about a senior’s need for nursing home care. FEMA and its state and local partners work to keep survivors in their own homes.                     

FACT:  Specially trained FEMA staff and volunteers are available to help anyone who has a physical limitation or other problems registering. You will not have to fill out a form. The telephone specialist will input your information for you when you call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585.

 FACT:  You can check the status of your application online or speak to a disaster representative in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). If you need assistance getting to a DRC call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585 and FEMA will arrange to have someone take you to the nearest DRC.

FACT:  If English is not your first language, FEMA telephone specialists can speak to you in almost any language. For languages other than English or Spanish press option “3”. You will be able to choose from more than 250 languages available.

FACT:  Registering with FEMA is a simple process. There is no paperwork involved. Apply 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.

FACT:  Depending on the information you provide, FEMA may ask you to fill out an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. You are automatically considered for other federal grant programs if the SBA application shows you cannot repay a loan. That’s why it is so important to fill out and return the SBA application.

FACT:  FEMA funding is available to all eligible survivors who had disaster losses. Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with losses your insurance does not cover.

FACT:  Income is not a consideration when you apply for FEMA assistance.

FACT:  Even if you received disaster assistance in the past, following Hurricane Irene, for example, you may be eligible for assistance if you suffered changes from Hurricane Sandy. 

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.

More here:  

Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

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.

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.

Link – 

Tune in to a Weather Radio for the Holidays

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