Federal Disaster Assistance Is for Connecticut Renters, Too

WINDSOR, Conn. — Renters in Connecticut counties whose homes and property were damaged by Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

“Sandy did not discriminate between homeowners and renters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “We’re here to help everyone who is eligible for assistance, and that definitely includes renters.”

Renters who were displaced from their homes by the storm may be eligible for a FEMA grant to help them pay rent for temporary housing. These rental grants are for a 30-day period, subject to assistance review, until renters’ previous homes are again habitable or they find another home.

There is a free referral service to help applicants find safe, replacement rental property.

Go to: http://go.usa.gov/gKve.

Both renters and homeowners may also be eligible for Other Needs Assistance, designed to help survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster.

Eligibility for these grants is determined through completing and returning the U.S. Small Business Administration application that many applicants receive after registering for disaster assistance. There is no requirement to take out a loan.

Grants can be used for:

  • Disaster-related medical and dental expenses;  
  • Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the self-employed for their jobs;
  • Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster; and
  • Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses.

The deadline to register is Dec. 31. Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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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Federal Disaster Assistance Is for Connecticut Renters, Too

New Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Nassau, Orange Counties

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have new Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Nassau and Orange counties to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

Their locations and hours are:

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

Kiryas Joel Village
Town Hall (2nd floor)
51 Forest Rd.
Monroe, NY 10950
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thurs., Dec. 6

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

In addition to the new sites in Nassau and Orange counties, about 30 other DRCs 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.  However, storm survivors have only until the close of business on Friday, Dec. 7, to seek help at six of those DRCs. They are located at:

Mount Loretto CYO
6581 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10309
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec.7

Mount Manresa Jesuit House
239 Fingerboard Rd.
Staten Island, NY 10305
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 7

Provident Bank Park
1 Provident Bank Park Dr.
Pomona, NY 10970
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 7

St. Francis de Chantal
2962 Harding Ave.
Bronx, NY 10465
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 7

Fire Training Center
9 Training Center Ln.
New Hampton, NY 10958
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 7

Hudson River Maritime Museum
50 Rondout Landing
Kingston, NY 12401
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 7

The State of New York and FEMA 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. 

To find the DRC 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 DRC  locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Help also can be obtained by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and assistance is offered in most languages. Individuals may register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. 

If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Original article – 

New Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Nassau, Orange Counties

Take Precautions in Your Home After Hurricane Sandy

NEW YORK – As New Yorkers remain in their homes or begin to consider returning home following Hurricane Sandy, the State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency urge them to be careful, remain safe and plan properly for their future well-being. 

Some suggestions:

Look for external damage
Examine the foundation, roof and chimney for cracks or other damage. If obvious damage is found or serious safety doubts exist, contact a building inspector.  
 
Keep generators outside
Those who remain without power should only use generators or other fuel-powered machines outdoors. Such machines emit deadly carbon monoxide fumes, which are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. 
 
Clean safely and beware of mold
Flooding causes dampness where mold, mildew and various organisms thrive. Mold may induce respiratory problems, so it is important to use proper procedures when cleaning. Use a combination of household bleach and soap or detergent (but never mix bleach with ammonia) to wash down walls and other mold-contaminated areas. You can also open windows and doors and turn on fans to help dry out interiors. For more information about mold, go to: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/7287/

Avoid Scam Artists
As you plan long-term repair and rebuilding projects, be aware that natural disasters can bring out criminals looking to prey on victims by offering fraudulent services. Among other precautions, get three estimates for repair work, check the credentials of contractors and consult your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to learn about any complaints against the contractors.

Ways to get help:

Register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance
Survivors who haven’t yet registered should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and assistance is offered in most languages. Individuals may register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; call 800-621-3362 if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS). 

“Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP)” Program is in effect
The STEP Program helps restore temporary electricity, heat and hot water by funding emergency residential repairs through local governments for those whose homes can be used to shelter in place while permanent repair work continues.

  • If you live in the five boroughs of New York City, call 311 for information about STEP.
  • If you live in Suffolk County, call 211.
  • If you live in Nassau County, call 888-684-4267.

Expedited partial flood-insurance payments may be available
To allow National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders to remain safely in damaged residences, FEMA in some circumstances is allowing claim payments to be made even before inspections and repair estimates are obtained for equipment that provides heat and hot water. The inspection and report still have to be completed later. For complete details on the accelerated NFIP payment program, policyholders must contact their insurance company or agent.

Low-interest disaster loans from SBA
U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans are a major source of federal rebuilding funds for homeowners, renters and businesses. Completing a disaster loan application is part of the FEMA grant process. Homeowners and renters may qualify for loans of up to $200,000 for repair or replacement of damaged real estate. Up to $40,000 may be available to repair or replace personal property. Applications can be completed online via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling 800-659-2955  (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance also is 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/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Take Precautions in Your Home After Hurricane Sandy

Sandy Survivors Should Submit Insurance Settlement Information

Trenton, N.J . — Hurricane Sandy survivors who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and indicated they had insurance coverage should send in their insurance settlement information as soon as they receive it.

The insurance settlement documents allow FEMA to determine if survivors have uninsured or underinsured losses eligible for federal assistance. By law FEMA cannot provide financial assistance for losses covered by insurance. FEMA cannot pay deductibles either. Decisions on FEMA aid are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

To submit insurance documentation, here’s what applicants can do:

  • Gather insurance documents and any settlement information.
  • Write the applicant’s name, FEMA registration number and 4086-DR-NJ on each page.
  • Send a copy of these documents to FEMA by:

 Fax:    800-827-8112

Mail:   National Processing Service Center 

           P.O. Box 1005 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 

Survivors can call FEMA with questions at 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice and assistance is available in many languages.

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.

Original article:  

Sandy Survivors Should Submit Insurance Settlement Information

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Stores in Milford, New Haven and Orange

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Stores in Milford, New Haven and Orange

Main Content

Release date:

December 4, 2012

Release Number:

038

WINDSOR, Conn. – Outreach teams from FEMA will be at Lowe’s home improvement stores in Milford, New Haven and Orange this weekend to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer “how-to” information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities. Specialists can also provide clean up tips for removing mold and mildew from a storm-damaged home.

FEMA teams will be at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9:

 

  • Lowe’s – 311 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT 06460
  • Lowe’s – 115 Foxon Blvd., New Haven, CT 06513
  • Lowe’s – 50 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT 06477

 

Information will include instructions on how to:

 

  • Relocate circuit breaker panels, outlets and switches above potential floodwaters;
  • Move washer and dryer hookups to a higher floor;
  • Elevate furnaces and water heaters; and
  • Prevent sewer backups with a backflow valve.

 

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

Last Updated:

December 4, 2012 – 14:50

State or Region:

Connecticut

Related Disaster:

Connecticut Hurricane Sandy

Credit:

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Stores in Milford, New Haven and Orange

Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Get Smart About Low-Interest Disaster Loans

WINDSOR, Conn. — Businesses and nonprofit organizations are discovering a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration is a smart business decision.

Disaster loans provide funding for private sector recovery and are being used to:

 

  • Repair or replace buildings and business assets, such as equipment and inventory;
  • Meet payroll and lease obligations during business downtime caused by the disaster;
  • Refinance existing liens; and
  • Make improvements to protect against future damage.

“Disaster loans from the SBA are the major source of federal disaster recovery assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The interest rates are low—as low as 4 percent for businesses and 3 percent for nonprofits.”

SBA offers businesses and nonprofits two types of disaster loans: a Physical Disaster Loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

Physical Disaster Loans are used to repair or replace damaged buildings and business assets. Economic Injury Disaster Loans help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofits meet financial obligations that they cannot meet because of the disaster.

Business owners may also be eligible to refinance existing liens or mortgages.

Applications from the SBA are mailed to most survivors who register for assistance with FEMA. No one is obligated to accept a loan if offered.

SBA low-interest disaster loans for businesses have several advantages:

 

  • SBA requires no collateral for physical loans less than $14,000 or economic injury loans less than $5,000. SBA requires the borrower to pledge as collateral only what is available, plus satisfactory credit and the ability to repay.

 

  • Applicants don’t have to wait for insurance settlements to obtain loans.

 

  • Loans are written for a length of time appropriate to the type of loan, but SBA may make adjustments in the length to lower the monthly payments.

 

  • SBA offers mitigation loans to help pay for improvements to reduce potential for future damage. These mitigation funds are available for up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage.

 

  • SBA never charges an application fee or points for its disaster loans.

By law, SBA business loans cannot exceed $2 million.  If a business is a major employer, SBA may waive the limit.

The deadline to file for a Physical Damage Disaster Loan is Dec. 31. The deadline for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is July 31, 2013.

No one is obligated to accept a loan if approved. SBA gives applicants six months to decide whether to accept a loan.

SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center in Fairfield County at the Fairfield County SCORE office, 111 East Ave., Norwalk, CT  06851. The center is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

The SBA offers online an application through its Electronic Loan Application site at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela. Survivors can call the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or visit the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/sandy.

 

Originally posted here: 

Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Get Smart About Low-Interest Disaster Loans

Natural Disasters Happen … Take Steps to Minimize Home Damage

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Weather happens. Sometimes it’s severe enough to cause flooding and wind damage like Superstorm Sandy did in Maryland, especially on the Eastern Shore.

You can take steps before the next disaster to protect your family and minimize property damage. It’s called “hazard mitigation.”

Mitigation experts from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest that families have a disaster preparedness plan and make their homes less vulnerable to high winds and torrential rains that accompany tropical storms or hurricanes.

Some things you can do yourself, such as stowing outside furniture when there’s a forecast for severe weather. Other measures may need the expertise of an electrician, plumber, contractor or other professional. Also, remember to check with your local officials for any permit requirements.

Anchor a fuel tank.  Whether it’s in a basement or outside of your dwelling, attach the tank to structural supports.  Keep it topped-off to reduce the possibility of the tank floating away.

Raise electrical boxes, major appliances, and HVAC components.  Survey the “infrastructure” of your home and elevate vulnerable items, such as furnaces, hot-water heaters, washers and dryers.

Stop water backup. If flood waters enter the sewer system, sewage can back up and enter your home. To prevent this, install a backflow valve.

Protect your home against high winds. If you are considering replacing doors and windows, look for impact-tested doors and think about adding storm shutters.

Brace garage doors.  During a hurricane, garage doors are vulnerable.  Adding braces across the back of the door and strengthening glider wheel tracks can help. If you are constructing a new home, consider installing a garage door built to withstand high winds.

FEMA publications can point you in the right direction for information about how to reinforce your home against high winds and flooding and how to secure important personal property. Go online to FEMA’s “How To” series at www.go.usa.gov/CR9 or order copies by calling FEMA Publications at 800-480-2520.

Information also is available on the website of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency at www.mema.maryland.gov.

Other sources of helpful information are www.disastersafety.org and www.flash.org, the website of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – FLASH Inc.

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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Natural Disasters Happen … Take Steps to Minimize Home Damage

State, Local Private Nonprofits In New Jersey Get 30 More Days To Request Fema Public Assistance Grants

TRENTON, N.J. — Deadlines to apply for Public Assistance (PA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been extended to December 30, 2012 for all 21 counties.

Michael Hall, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer, granted the extension following a request from

the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management. The PA program is a reimbursement program where the federal government provides 75 percent of eligible costs.

In the request for an extension, the state cited the unprecedented impact of Hurricane Sandy and the tremendous increase in the number of organizations submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) that have never before been involved in the PA process.

As of December 3, FEMA has received 1,098 requests for Public Assistance, conducted 630 kick-off meetings, and approved 24 large projects totaling, $57,729,003.

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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State, Local Private Nonprofits In New Jersey Get 30 More Days To Request Fema Public Assistance Grants

Register With FEMA While Waiting for an Insurance Settlement

NEW YORK – Disaster assistance may cover damages that insurance doesn’t. That is why individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy are urged by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to apply for assistance even if they have insurance.

Apply for FEMA assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by tablet or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Register by phone by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
 
Keep in mind that you need to file your insurance claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Failure to file a claim may affect a policyholder’s eligibility for disaster assistance.

After filing a claim, if any of the following situations occur, FEMA may be able to provide some assistance:

Your insurance settlement is delayed.

  • “Delayed” means a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim.
  • If a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed, you will need to mail or fax a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. Mail or fax your letter to:
  • FEMA IHP
    National Processing Service Center
    PO Box 10055
    Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Fax: 1-800-827-8112

  • You should include documentation from the insurance company proving that you filed the claim.
  • If you filed your claim over the telephone, you should include the claim number, date when you applied, and the estimated time of how long it will take to receive your settlement.
  • If you receive FEMA assistance and you later find that your insurance will cover what your FEMA assistance was for, then you must return that money to FEMA because it is considered a duplicate benefit.

You have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) provided by your insurance company.

  • If you have received the maximum settlement from your insurance for Additional Living Expenses and still need help with your disaster-related temporary housing need, mail or fax a letter to FEMA at the above address indicating why you continue to have a temporary housing need.
  • You will also need to provide documentation to prove use of ALE from insurance, and a permanent housing plan.

You have up to 12 months from the date of registration with FEMA to submit insurance information for review.

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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Register With FEMA While Waiting for an Insurance Settlement

R.I. Disaster Recovery Centers Add Services

WARWICK, R.I. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training have added new services to the Disaster Recovery Centers to help Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy. These include American Sign Language Interpreters and specialists who can help with applications for disaster unemployment insurance.

As part of its mission to provide equal access to all disaster survivors, FEMA worked with the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to bring American Sign Language interpreters to Disaster Recovery Centers. They will be at the Centers in Westerly and Middletown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Thursday, December 6.

Other means FEMA uses to enhance access at the Centers include making written materials available with large print or in Braille; offering amplified phones, video relay services and other assistive technology by request; assisting with completion of paperwork and providing physical access to facilities.

To assist with claims for unemployment insurance from anyone who lost work as a result of the disaster, specialists from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training will be at the center in Middletown from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and in Westerly from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday 

The Rhode Island Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.  Closed on Sunday.  Locations are

  • Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly, R.I.
  • Middletown Police Station (Community Room), 123 Valley Road, Middletown, R.I.

Rhode Islanders who lost income because of Hurricane Sandy, but are not eligible for the state’s regular unemployment benefits program, may qualify for disaster unemployment insurance if they reside in Newport or Washington counties. Also, people who could not travel to their jobs in Washington or Newport counties because of storm-related transportation disruption may be eligible. 

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register for DUA. A claim can be made by filing online for regular unemployment insurance at www.dlt.ri.gov, with a statement that the reason for the unemployment is due to Hurricane Sandy.  However, a visit to a Disaster Recovery Center when a specialist is available offers the opportunity for immediate in-person answers to questions and assistance with the process.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

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R.I. Disaster Recovery Centers Add Services

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