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Tax Assistance Available To Vermonters Affected By Flooding

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4022-076

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – With the April 17 deadline for filing individual income tax returns rapidly approaching, Vermonters who were affected by last year’s spring floods or Tropical Storm Irene may have help available.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged Vermonters to check with both the Internal Revenue Service and the Vermont Tax Department to learn what benefits may be available.

“Vermonters who suffered losses from a presidentially declared disaster have a variety of options open to them,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “In addition to filing a disaster casualty loss claim, they can receive a waiver of fees and expedited processing if they request documents like prior tax returns that may have been destroyed.”

Casualty losses – property damaged or destroyed and not covered by insurance or other reimbursement – can be deducted from an amended 2010 return or on the 2011 return, both of which are due April 17. Russo reminded those who received Individual Assistance grants from FEMA that these are not considered income for tax purposes.

The deduction applies to loss of property because of sudden, unexpected or unusual events such as severe weather. The unreimbursed loss must be more than 10 per cent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income to be eligible for the deduction, and individuals cannot deduct those personal property losses that have been covered by insurance or other reimbursements, such as FEMA Individual Assistance grants.

The IRS website has tax information about federal tax relief in disaster situations at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108362,00.html. To contact the IRS toll-free disaster hotline, call 1-866-562-5227, or visit www.irs.gov

Business owners may also be able to deduct qualified expenses and should consult Publication 2194B: Disaster Losses Kit for Businesses for more information.

Vermont state income taxes are based on the filer’s federal taxable income, so flood-related losses do not need to be documented separately with the State of Vermont.

“We encourage Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene to take advantage of all the assistance available to them,” said Mary Peterson, Tax Commissioner for the State of Vermont. “Vermonters able to reduce their tax liability at the federal level due to Irene may be able to receive tax relief at the state level as well. It is important to understand all of your options.”

For information about Vermont income taxes, contact the Vermont Department of Taxes at 1-(866) 828-2865 (toll-free in VT) or (802) 828-2865 (local & out-of-state) or visit their website, www.state.vt.us/tax

The Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) has been offering free or reduced-fee tax preparation and consultation services to Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene. There are special forms and requirements for casualty losses, but at this late date VTCPA is urging Vermonters who have not yet sought help to file for extensions. Contact Carolyn Stevens, CPA at cstevens@trans-video.netor (802) 485-6448 if email is not available.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to Vermonters making under $42,000 annually. The program is a partnership between the IRS and the Chittenden County CASH Coalition, local United Way agencies and Community Action agencies. To find a location near you, visit www.state.vt.us/tax/individualvolunteers.shtml or dial 2-1-1.

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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: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 15:52:38

Tax Assistance Available To Vermonters Affected By Flooding

More Than $2 Million Approved In Federal Disaster Assistance

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4058-023

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

INDIANAPOLIS – More than $2 million in federal funding has been approved for homeowners, renters and business owners since the president issued a major disaster declaration for Indiana. Individual Assistance was made available March 9 to augment state and local recovery efforts after severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes caused extensive damage Feb. 29 to March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

As of close of business April 5, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials report

$1,170, 415.94 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 1,339 registrations have been received. Field inspectors are completing home inspections within 36 hours of registration, and 533 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $990,800 in low interest disaster loans have been approved thus far to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. SBA has issued 813 home loan applications and 171 business loan applications, and urges those receiving applications to return them as soon as possible.

Sellersburg Disaster Recovery Center

A Disaster Recovery Center at Ivy Tech College in Sellersburg will remain open until 6 p.m. on Friday, April 13. Hoosiers have just a few days left to meet with federal specialists about recovery assistance. More than 660 Hoosiers have visited the center, where specialists to answer questions about FEMA recovery programs and customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) help individuals complete SBA low interest disaster loan applications. The center, which was opened through a FEMA-state partnership March 13, will be closed on Easter. Otherwise, it will remain open from

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through April 13.

FEMA Mitigation community outreach events schedule

FEMA specialists spoke with 1,066 Hoosiers during community outreach events in building supply stores this week. FEMA specialists explained simple steps to reduce future storm damage Tuesday and Wednesday at Ryan’s Ace Hardware in Evansville. Specialists will continue meeting with Indiana residents through next week at building supply stores in Clarksville, Evansville, Madison, New Albany, Newburgh and Sellersburg.

Public Assistance for infrastructure recovery in five counties

FEMA Public Assistance Coordinators discussed damage, needs and recovery plans with Public Assistance applicants during kick-off meetings this week in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott and Washington counties. State and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in these counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. The remaining costs are the responsibility of state and local government and, in some cases, non-profit organizations.

Public Assistance funding also covers partial or complete repair of schools and other critical functions such as public water tanks or sewer systems. Projects will be approved only if they are necessary as a direct result of storm damage during the designated timeframe.

Register with FEMA

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 telephone registration and help line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 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 are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

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: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 14:18:30

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More Than $2 Million Approved In Federal Disaster Assistance

Free Advice on Rebuilding Safer and Stronger

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4058-022

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Residents who want to make their homes and businesses more storm resistant can get advice from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists at local building supply stores from April 9 through April 15 in Clarksville, Madison and Evansville.

In addition to answering questions, mitigation specialists will have information about how to rebuild safer and stronger and provide steps that may lessen storm damage in a future disaster. This ranges from creating a disaster family plan to building a “safe room” — a shelter designed to provide occupants a safe place to go when severe weather threatens.

Mitigation specialists will be in stores next week Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lowe’s Home Improvement – 1350 Veterans Parkway, Clarksville, IN 47129

Lowe’s Home Improvement – 511 Ivy Tech Drive, Madison, IN 47250

Menards – 2808 Menard Drive, Evansville, IN 47715

As people repair or rebuild, this is an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures. Small changes can make a big difference the next time storms strike and can lessen the damage and financial impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole. An independent study shows each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $4 by reducing future losses due to disasters.

A series of free mitigation publications is available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include: Taking Shelter from the Storm, Rebuilding for a More Sustainable Future, Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting and Understanding Your Risks and Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

Survivors can apply for federal disaster assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 for speech- or hearing-impaired applicants. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call (800) 621-3362. Registration is also available online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

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: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 10:11:08

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Free Advice on Rebuilding Safer and Stronger

Wildfire Awareness Week Reminds Texans to Get Prepared

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4029-109, 1999-019

» More Information on Texas Wildfires
» More Information on Texas Wildfires

AUSTIN, Texas — Any time is a good time to safeguard your home and family against wildfires, but Texas’ April 9-13 Wildfire Awareness Week offers the perfect opportunity. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Texas suggest Texans use the week to learn their wildfire risk and get prepared.

“Wildfire Awareness Week is an opportune time to plan for wildfire season, especially with the continuing risk due to the state’s drought conditions,” said Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “Educating yourself about the wildfire threat and taking steps to protect yourselves and your property could help prevent the kind of destruction Texas experienced last year.”

“Whether you own your home or rent, it’s important to have a plan in place to protect your personal property, family and pets from the devastation of a wildfire,” said Kevin Hannes, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the 2011 Texas wildfire recovery missions. “Make a plan, build a disaster supply kit and stay informed. Those are the three key components to staying safe under any hazardous conditions.”

Those living in historically high-risk areas for wildfires or in the Wildland Urban Interface, an area where homes or other structures meet and mix with undeveloped, natural landscapes, should be particularly aware of their surroundings and make preparedness a top priority, said Hannes. It’s also good idea review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy before a fire breaks out, he added.

FEMA and TDEM suggest taking proactive, preventative measures to protect a home against wildfire destruction, such as creating defensible space and hardening the home.

Defensible Space:

Create a fire-safe landscape zone ranging from 30 to 100 feet around the home.
Plant only fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees. Carefully space tree plantings to avoid creating pockets of fuel.
Create “fuel breaks,” such as driveways and gravel walkways.
Remove ground fuels like grass, leaves, pine needles, dead limbs and twigs within 30 feet of the home. Clear all flammable vegetation and other materials. Remove branches that extend over the roof or power lines. Mow grass regularly.
Trim all dead branches from trees in the yard and prune low hanging limbs to prevent fire from climbing to the crowns of the trees.

Harden the Home:

Use fire-resistant roofing material, such as ceramic or slate tile, or standing-seam metal roofing.
Protect the home’s eaves with stucco or plaster to prevent flying embers from starting a fire. Consider designing the home without overhangs or use fire-resistant soffits to protect it from embers and hot gases.
Ensure that exterior wall coverings are fire-resistant and not susceptible to melting. Concrete, fiber-cement panels or siding, stucco, masonry and metal are some recommended materials.
Use metal mesh screens to keep fast-flying embers out of vents and chimneys. Vents should also be made of metal.

FEMA’s resource, the “Home Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones,” www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3646, provides excellent information about wildfire behavior and recommendations for building design and construction methods in areas prone to wildfires. Additional information on preparing homes and families from wildfire threats is at www.wildlandfirersg.org/index.cfm.

Texans can follow FEMA tweets about wildfire recovery at www.twitter.com/femaregion6. Other online resources are blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 09:45:57

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Wildfire Awareness Week Reminds Texans to Get Prepared

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4057-049

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to states, local governments and certain private nonprofits to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters.

Mitigation was approved as part of the presidential disaster declaration of March 6. All the counties in the Commonwealth are eligible for the program.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is funded by FEMA and administered by the Commonwealth.

FEMA can fund up to 75 percent of the eligible costs of each project. The Commonwealth, local government or private nonprofit must provide 25 percent in matching funds. Matching funds can be fashioned from a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

The program provides the Commonwealth with a grant of up to 20 percent of the total disaster funding awarded by FEMA during the recovery from the disaster. Because the Commonwealth met higher mitigation planning requirements, Kentucky receives five percent more than the standard funding.

The program enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

Eligible applicants are Commonwealth, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program; however, local governments may apply on their behalf.

Five issues are considered when determining the eligibility of a proposed project:

Does the project conform to the Commonwealth hazard mitigation plan?
Does the project provide a beneficial impact on the disaster area, i.e. the Commonwealth?
Does the application meet the environmental requirements? Visit the FEMA Environmental Program Site for information.
Does the project solve a problem independently?
Is the project cost effective?

Following a federal disaster declaration, the Commonwealth will advertise that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is available to fund mitigation projects in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth will conduct regional Hazard Mitigation Grant briefings, which will provide detailed program information and application requirements to potential eligible applicants.

Interested state agencies, local governments, or private nonprofit organizations should refer to the Kentucky Emergency Management website for dates, times and locations of briefings.

Applications for mitigation projects should be filed as soon as possible after the disaster occurs so that opportunities for mitigation projects are not lost during reconstruction. The Commonwealth will set a deadline for application submittal.

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.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and 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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 14:39:54

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Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Helps Protect Against Future Disaster

Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4057-046

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA grants are helping thousands of Kentucky families recover from the recent tornadoes, but you may have neighbors, friends or family members who have not registered for federal disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Your neighbors or friends may have misunderstandings about registration that may have kept them from getting all the recovery help they need.

“The important thing to tell your friends and neighbors is to register,” said Libby Turner, the federal officer in charge of Kentucky recovery. “That one step may unlock grants, low-interest loans, disaster unemployment assistance, and any other state or federal aid. Registering is as easy as picking up the telephone or going online.”

Your neighbors might say they have not registered with FEMA because they have insurance. Explain they may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses. Sometimes damage is found that insurance won’t cover but federal disaster assistance may. But your neighbor has to register with FEMA to get the help.

If your friend is still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster or for an insurance settlement, tell them to go ahead and register with FEMA because insurance may not meet all their needs. Federal assistance may be able to help solve this problem, but your friend must register with FEMA before the filing deadline of May 7 to be eligible.

Friends or neighbors also should go ahead with necessary repairs to make their house livable, but they must be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work as FEMA may require this documentation.

Some friends, neighbors or family members may think they make too much money to apply for assistance. However, most federal and Commonwealth disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The kind of help provided depends on the applicant’s circumstances and unmet needs.

Sometimes folks think they did not have enough damage to their homes to apply for assistance. The damage caused by high winds or tornadoes and costs associated with repairs or rebuilding, may not be apparent for several weeks. By registering with FEMA now, you may be eligible for assistance if you find damage later.

If you have friends, neighbors or family members who are concerned FEMA disaster assistance will interrupt or interfere with federal assistance they are already receiving, let them know disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Residents of Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Kenton, Johnson, Larue, Lawrence, Laurel, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe counties are eligible to register for federal disaster assistance from FEMA.

Emphasize to friends and neighbors the first step toward obtaining recovery assistance for individuals and businesses in the designated counties is to register with FEMA:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

Survivors who have questions about their registration may call the FEMA helpline at the number listed above. Survivors who are having difficulty registering also may go to a recovery center for assistance.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 16:34:38

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Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-016

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — For people who suffered damages as a result of the recent tornadoes, severe weather and flooding, the first step in seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is to register, according to FEMA officials. This applies only to survivors living in the federally designated counties – Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne.

“It’s easy to do,” said Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “You can call our toll-free number, which is 800-621-3362. Or you can go online at DiasterAssistance.gov. You absolutely must register to begin the process.”

Once registered, Criswell said, an applicant can expect a telephone call from a FEMA inspector to set up an appointment. Normally, this call will come within a few days after one registers, but almost always within 10 days. The applicant or someone at least 18 years old who lived in the home before the incident occurred must be present when the inspection takes place.

FEMA inspectors are contracted independent experts qualified to assess damages to buildings and other property that might have been damaged from the storms and flooding. Inspectors will always carry an official FEMA identification – and applicants are urged to jot down the badge number of the inspector who visits for future reference.

Inspectors do not determine whether an applicant or the damaged premises qualify for federal assistance. That is done by FEMA Individual Assistance personnel after evaluating the inspectors’ reports.

There is no fee charged for these inspections, Criswell said. The applicant will need to provide documented proof of ownership (for homeowners) and permanent occupancy (for both homeowners and renters). For example, these might include a utility bill or a copy of a rental lease.

The inspector will ask the applicant to sign a form authorizing FEMA to verify that the information given is accurate. Within about 10 days a letter will be sent by FEMA to the applicant with notification about the decision of whether the applicant is eligible for help. If so, that letter will be followed by a check (or there will be an electronic transfer to the appropriate bank account). The letter will explain what the money can be used to pay for, and applicants should be careful to use the funds as indicated.

If FEMA decides the applicant is not eligible for help, the letter will state the reasons for the denial of benefits, Criswell said. The letter will outline the process to appeal any decision the applicant thinks is erroneous.

An applicant might be referred to the Small Business Administration for help. If so he or she will receive an application for a low-interest loan to repair or replace real estate (up to $200,000) or personal property (up to $40,000). No one is required to accept any SBA loan, but filling out the application is part of the assistance process and helps FEMA in evaluating or re-evaluating any data.

Once FEMA receives an application for assistance and it is approved, the funds will be in the applicant’s hands within 10 days. For electronic bank-account deposits, the money will be available sooner. Applicants who do not receive their checks by mail promptly should phone the FEMA Help Line at 800-621-3362 or visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center for information.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 16:32:02

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What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

More Than $1.5 Million Approved in Federal Disaster Assistance

Release Date: March 30, 2012
Release Number: 4058-017

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — More than $1.5 million in federal funding has been approved to homeowners, renters and business owners since the president issued a major disaster declaration for Indiana. Individual Assistance was made available March 9 to augment state and local recovery efforts after severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes caused extensive damage Feb. 29 to March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

As of close of business March 29, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials report more than $1 million 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 1,274 registrations have been received. Field inspectors are completing home inspections within 24 hours of registration, and 491 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $551,200 in low interest disaster loans have been approved to qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits.

Sellersburg Disaster Recovery Center

A Disaster Recovery Center at Ivy Tech College in Sellersburg will remain open as long as storm-impacted individuals continue to utilize its services. More than 550 Hoosiers have visited the center, where FEMA and SBA specialists assist with applications and answer questions. The center, which was opened through a FEMA-state partnership March 13, will continue operating Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice.

FEMA Mitigation community outreach events schedule

FEMA specialists spoke with some 250 Hoosiers during community outreach events in building supply store this week. Specialists are on hand to explain simple steps people can take at home to reduce damage during future storms.

Specialists are on hand through March 31 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

Lowe’s
1350 Veterans Parkway
Clarksville, Ind. 47129

Lowe’s
511 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, Ind. 47250

Menards
2808 Menards Drive
Evansville, Ind. 47715

Specialists will be on hand April 3-7 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Home Depot
2239 State St.
New Albany, Ind. 47150
P.C. Lumber & Hardware
150 Hunter Station Road
Sellersburg, Ind. 47172

Public Assistance for infrastructure recovery in five counties

On March 22, the president declared Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott and Washington counties eligible for Public Assistance, which means that means state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in the designated counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. The remainder is the responsibility of state and local government and, in some cases, non-profit organizations.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security briefed Public Assistance applicants this week. Applicants logged onto an online briefing webinar Wednesday. State representatives met face to face with applicants during a briefing in Sellersburg Friday.

Register with FEMA

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 telephone registration line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. Those lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. FEMA will issue a nine-digit registration number to verify completion of each application.

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.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

Last Modified: Friday, 30-Mar-2012 17:17:49

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More Than $1.5 Million Approved in Federal Disaster Assistance

FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

Release Date: March 30, 2012
Release Number: 4059-006

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and completing a Small Business Administration disaster-loan application are often both necessary for many West Virginians needing help in recovering from the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“The first step toward disaster recovery is registering with FEMA,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “The next step is completing and returning the SBA disaster-loan application if one is mailed to you. Both businesses and disaster survivors are eligible for SBA loans.”

Homeowners and renters should complete and return the SBA application, even if they don’t want a loan or don’t expect to qualify for one, officials said. A completed SBA loan application is needed in order to qualify for state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

Applicants can register by phone by calling the FEMA Help Line at (800)-621-3362. TTY users can call (800)-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Applicants can also resister online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

For qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations in Logan, Lincoln, Marion and Wayne counties, SBA disaster loans can be used to pay for disaster-related damages. People with home-based businesses or rental property who have been affected by the storms may also be eligible for SBA loans.

Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property lost in the disaster.

Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also provides small business owners and most private nonprofit organizations “economic injury” disaster loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. Economic injury disaster loans are available even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

Loan amounts and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. Interest rates are as low as
1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses. Payment terms can be as long as 30 years.

SBA representatives are available at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help individuals complete and submit disaster-loan applications and answer any questions. The locations of the centers are available at fema.gov. Click on the link “Apply for Assistance” and then “Disaster Recovery Center locations.”

The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955; TTY is (800)-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the Web site at www.sba.gov.

Loan applications can be filled out online at SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Last Modified: Friday, 30-Mar-2012 14:38:56

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FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged To Complete SBA Disaster Loan Applications

Completing low-interest disaster loan applications is a vital step towards recovery or additional grants…

Release Date: March 28, 2012
Release Number: 4060-010

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee residents affected by the Feb. 29 – March 2 tornadoes need to complete and return the disaster loan application they received after registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The loan application could be the key to rebuilding a damaged home or business.

Survivors are urged to consider low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. While FEMA assistance addresses the immediate needs of disaster survivors, it is low-interest disaster loans that can help homeowners, renters and businesses handle the larger costs of rebuilding or replacing personal property and contents.

Although survivors are not required to accept a disaster loan if one is offered, completing the SBA application is a part of the process and is a key to receiving other assistance, such as FEMA grants, in the 10 Tennessee counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations in these counties who qualify, can use SBA disaster loans to pay for disaster-related damages. Businesses or owners of rental property affected by the storm may also be eligible.

The SBA offers loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace primary residences and up to $40,000 for personal property damages, including automobiles. The interest rate on disaster loans for homeowners may be as low as 1.875 percent, with terms up to 30 years.

Loans to businesses may be up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4 percent. These loans may help with repairs, replacement of property, and working capital for economic injury. The SBA provides small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations economic injury disaster loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. Economic injury disaster loans are available even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

SBA representatives at all nine Tennessee disaster recovery centers are available to help individuals complete and submit loan applications and answer any questions.

Survivors may apply for SBA disaster loans before insurance claims are settled. The loans may be used to refinance existing mortgages on homes and businesses in certain cases. They may also be used to relocate on a case-by-case basis.

The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number is 800-659-2955 or (TTY) 800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

Loan applications can be completed online at SBA’s website: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
The deadline to complete and return applications is May 15, 2012.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 16:28:53

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Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged To Complete SBA Disaster Loan Applications

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