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FEMA Will Give Vermont 90 Percent Funding for Irene Repair Work

Release Date: May 17, 2012
Release Number: 4022-080

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. — The State of Vermont, municipalities, and some non-profit groups will be getting more federal money to reimburse them for costs incurred during Tropical Storm Irene and the subsequent clean up and repairs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that President Obama has approved Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin’s request for the federal government to reimburse applicants for 90 percent of the eligible costs to repair or restore infrastructure damaged by Irene instead of the standard 75 percent.

“This announcement marks a major milestone in our recovery from Tropical Storm Irene,” Governor Shumlin said. “It will mean significant savings for municipal budgets across the state, and for the state budget as well. We are incredibly grateful to President Obama and the Congressional Delegation, and also to FEMA for this welcome news.”

“We hope that this will help the state and its communities in their ongoing recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo, the head of FEMA’s mission in Vermont. “We know that Vermont and its towns and cities are working as hard as they can to repair damage, and we’re working hard to get them their money.”

The FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program provides funding to repair roads and bridges, put water systems and electric utilities back in order, rebuild libraries and replace damaged books, repair hospitals and emergency services, rebuild schools and universities, and pay for other infrastructure restoration statewide.

It also reimburses communities and certain private non-profits for expenses associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures like search and rescue operations, and the cost of eliminating public safety or health hazards, like removing animal carcasses or demolishing unsafe buildings.

FEMA’s PA program typically reimburses 75 percent of the eligible cost of these projects, with the state and municipality sharing the remainder.

However, according to FEMA’s regulations up to 90 percent reimbursement is permitted if actual federal aid to a state for a disaster, minus FEMA’s administrative costs, meets or exceeds $127 per person.

With a population of 625,741 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that means if the actual cost of FEMA aid to the state exceeds $79,469,107 the state becomes eligible for 90 percent reimbursement, at the discretion of the president.

So far FEMA has obligated, or paid to the state, approximately $64.7 million in reimbursement for Public Assistance projects related to Tropical Storm Irene, as well as $22 million in Individual Assistance to individuals and families for losses.

The increased reimbursement will be provided to both completed projects and those in process. It will not apply to projects related to the spring 2011 flooding.

To learn more visit: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm

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

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-May-2012 17:49:03

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FEMA Will Give Vermont 90 Percent Funding for Irene Repair Work

Town of Denton Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

Town of Denton, N.C. joins National Flood Insurance Program

Release Date: May 16, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-016

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — The town of Denton in Davidson County, N.C. is now a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means those living and working in the town can purchase federally-underwritten flood insurance.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so a separate flood insurance policy can provide property owners with financial protection against the devastating effects of flooding.

On May 10, 2012, Denton joined the program and is now among nearly 21,000 communities participating in the NFIP nationwide. The NFIP does more than make flood insurance available; it also supports local communities in their efforts to reduce the risk and consequences of serious flooding. In order to participate in the program, a community must agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management regulations and ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange for these practices, flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities.

Even if you don’t live in an area at high-risk of flooding, you should still consider flood insurance because anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. People outside of high-risk areas file more than 20 percent of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.

The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which works with nearly 90 private insurance companies to provide affordable flood insurance to property owners and renters in NFIP-participating communities. Flood insurance policies may be written by state-licensed property and casualty insurance agents.

For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-May-2012 17:21:29

Original article:

Town of Denton Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line

Release Date: May 11, 2012
Release Number: 4059-066

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Even though there are no longer any state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia, the FEMA Help Line is still in business. Counties whose residents might be eligible for assistance are Lincoln, Logan, Harrison, Marion, Mingo, Preston, Taylor and Wayne.

For those disaster survivors who have already registered for federal assistance, the Help Line is the place to follow the progress of your case, get answers to questions and help in navigating the assistance process. Just call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

The operators can register those with disaster related damages. You can also sign up online at DisasterAssistance.gov. For TTY users, the number is 800-462-7585. With a Web-enabled smart phone or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov.

“We are ready to help anyone who qualifies,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “Assistance is not dependent on your income or ability to pay. We can provide assistance to whoever is eligible.”

The Help Line has operators who speak a wide spectrum of languages. An applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen to register as long as he or she is in the country legally.

Last Modified: Friday, 11-May-2012 10:55:44

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Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line

Deadlines for FEMA Registration Near

Release Date: May 9, 2012
Release Number: 4059-065

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding those affected by the recent storms and floods they have only a short time left to register for possible assistance.

For residents in Lincoln, Marion, Harrison, Preston, Taylor and Wayne counties affected by the storms and flooding of February 29 through March 5, the deadline is May 15. For those in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties who sustained damage in the floods of March 15 through March 31, the deadline is May 21. Help is available for homeowners, renters and businesses of any size.

To find out if you are eligible for assistance and to register with FEMA, call the FEMA Help Line at 800-621-3362. You can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. With a Web-enabled mobile device, log onto m.fema.gov.

For individuals with hearing or speech impairments, FEMA has a TTY line at 800-462-7585.

The phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

For more information and guidance in navigating the disaster-assistance process, a state and federal Disaster Recovery Center remains open until noon, Friday, May 11. The center is at 2270 Mud Fork Road in Logan and operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until May 11.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 09-May-2012 10:54:33

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Deadlines for FEMA Registration Near

May is Building Safety Month

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-012

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. — When you enter a house or building, most likely you assume it is safe and was properly constructed in accordance with building codes. Fortunately, your local safety experts work hard to assure building safety and fire prevention every day. To help raise awareness of building safety, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)proudly celebrates Building Safety Month this May.

Building Safety Month is a month-long celebration of all aspects of building safety to help families, employers, and leaders understand and appreciate the best practices that keep the places where we live, work and play safe. The campaign is presented by the International Code Council and its 50,000 members worldwide, along with a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety community.

“Building codes are meant to protect us,” says FEMA Region 10 Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. “The more people understand and respect building codes, the better we will build and the safer our communities will be.”

In order for residents of a community to qualify for flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the community needs to maintain a minimal level of building code protection and floodplain management. If a community enforces even higher standards, they can participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS provides a reduction in flood insurance premium rates for property owners in communities that implement activities above and beyond the basic requirements of the NFIP. These reduced rates reflect the reduced flood risk.

Countless accidents occur in homes across the U.S. and globally where building codes are poorly understood or used improperly. Building Safety Month is an effort to help bridge these gaps and provide a broader platform to share the sphere of knowledge among architects, engineers and skilled industry veterans so that families, businesses and communities can be safe, strong and sustainable.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 14:26:40

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May is Building Safety Month

More Than $6.8 Million in Help Approved for West Virginians

Release Date: May 7, 2012
Release Number: 4056-063

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — More than $6.8 million in federal funds have been approved for residents and businesses in West Virginia recovering from the recent storms and flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $4.48 million in grants to individuals and households in need of assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and businesses for more than $2.37 million.

Five Disaster Recovery Centers, staffed with state and federal disaster-assistance experts, were set up in Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne (2) counties to help guide survivors through the recovery process and to answer questions about state and federal programs. The last operating DRC, in Logan, is set to close at noon on Friday, May 11.

Nearly $1.3 million in additional funds have been requested through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which shoulders at least 75 percent of the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair and replacement of publicly owned buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged in the storms and floods. Help also might be available under the program for certain nonprofits that provide services of a governmental nature, like private schools, hospitals, volunteer fire departments and utilities.

Those affected by the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 have until May 15 to register with FEMA for assistance. For those who suffered loss or damage from the flooding of March 15 through March 31, the deadline to register is May 21. Call FEMA’s Help Line at 800-621-3362 or log onto DisasterAssistance.gov. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. To register via any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov.

Counties designated for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Assistance Program are Harrison, Logan, Lincoln, Marion, Mingo, Preston, Taylor and Wayne. Counties designated for Public Assistance Program are Doddridge, Harrison, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mingo, Monongalia, Preston, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor and Wayne.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 14:19:47

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More Than $6.8 Million in Help Approved for West Virginians

New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida

Maps become effective May 16, 2012 for Collier County, including unincorporated Collier County, Everglades City, Marco Island and Naples

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-014

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — New flood insurance rate maps go into effect for Collier County, Fla. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk of flooding, and they’re used to help determine flood insurance requirements.

Collier County, Fla. property owners and renters who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before the new maps go into effect.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Even people living outside of high-risk areas can experience flooding, which is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. That’s why everyone, regardless of their flood zone, should take steps to financially protect themselves from a disaster which affects far too many communities each year. The primary way to do that is by purchasing flood insurance. It’s available at affordable rates through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to the May 16, 2012 effective date of the new maps may be able to obtain a preferred risk policy or be grandfathered into the current flood zone, thereby saving money on flood insurance. It’s important that people talk with an insurance agent to see what options are available to them.

Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. NFIP policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agents who people already deal with for other property insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put people in touch with another agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

The new flood maps were produced through a partnership between Collier County and FEMA. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data and the latest science available have been applied to make the maps more accurate, with the ultimate goal of protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Additionally, flood risks change over time due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors — which is why it’s important that maps are updated periodically.

If you have questions about where your property is located on the new flood insurance rate maps, contact your local floodplain manager.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 11:40:15

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New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida

Federal Storm Aid Tops $3.7m as Registration Deadline Approaches

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: 4058-042

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the May 8 deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance quickly approaches, aid continues for Indiana residents and communities affected by severe storms that occurred from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that, as of May 3, $1,504,212 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,447 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 37 hours of registration, and 639 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $2,227,700 have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Forty-five loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated.

May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance.

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration number, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week through Tuesday.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 10:26:34

Original source:

Federal Storm Aid Tops $3.7m as Registration Deadline Approaches

Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-062

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The state and federal Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County, operating from the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in Logan, will close Friday, May 11, at noon, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Since its opening March 24, more than 650 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Center to check on the status of their FEMA applications, SBA loans or to seek additional information from program experts. The disaster period focuses on the floods of March 15-31. As of May 1, more than 760 residents in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties have registered for FEMA assistance. More than $2.25 million has been approved to help applicants with their recovery efforts.

The DRC closing will not affect disaster survivors’ ability to register for federal assistance in recovering from any damages sustained during the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 and the floods of March 15 through March 31.

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

“The process is fast and simple,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “If you are unsure that you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility.”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.

Deadlines for registering with FEMA are May 15 for those affected by the storms and floods of February 29-March 5 and May 21 for those affected by the floods of March 15-31.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 09:47:03

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Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-061

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — West Virginians who receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the recent tornadoes and flooding will not pay additional income taxes, see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

Disaster assistance for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other needs does not count as income, FEMA officials said. Disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.

Eligibility for assistance is not dependent on income. The determination on the amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damages incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.

Those who have experienced damage from the storms may be eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. This may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

The only way to know if you are eligible for disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. By phone, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants also can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

Applicants may visit the Disaster Recovery Center after they register with FEMA. The only West Virginia Disaster Recovery Center currently in operation is in Logan County at the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in the city of Logan. The center will be open until noon, Friday, May 11.

The center is staffed with disaster recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance, according to FEMA and state officials.

Last Modified: Thursday, 03-May-2012 16:45:45

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FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

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