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Free Legal Advice for Missouri Disaster Survivors

Hotline: 800-829-4128

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri residents who find themselves in need of legal advice as a result of the recent storms and floods can get free help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its partners.

FEMA’s Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals who, prior to or because of the disaster, are unable to secure legal services adequate to meet their disaster-related needs. DLS is provided only to survivors of presidentially declared major disasters and is limited to cases that will not produce a fee.

The toll free number for DLS in Missouri is 800-829-4128. Local legal aid providers and pro bono attorneys are available to assist with almost any legal issue that arises from a presidentially declared major disaster including help with the following types of disaster legal assistance:

Help with disaster-related health, property, life insurance claims, etc.
Replacement of wills and other important legal documents lost or destroyed in the disaster
Help with home repair contracts and contractors
Advice on problems with landlords
Counseling on mortgage and foreclosure problems
Consumer protections for issues like price gouging and avoiding contractor scams in the rebuilding process
Assistance securing FEMA benefit claims
Employment law
Civil Rights

The program is a joint venture with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Missouri Bar, as well as Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Services of Southern Missouri and Mid-Missouri Legal Services, and National Disaster Legal Aid Online.

The DLS program is for survivors in the 33 Missouri counties designated for federal disaster assistance to individuals: Barry, Barton, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cole, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Jefferson, Laclede, Lawrence, Lincoln, Maries, McDonald, Morgan, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, and Wright.

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For breaking news about flood recovery, follow FEMA Region 7 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion7 and turn on mobile notifications or visit the FEMA web pages dedicated to this disaster at www.fema.gov/disaster/4250.

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.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Free Legal Advice for Missouri Disaster Survivors

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Louisiana Emergency Declaration

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s emergency disaster declaration issued for the State of Louisiana.

Assistance for State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

FEMA is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), including Direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding.

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

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Louisiana Emergency Declaration

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Stores

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As Missourians rebuild and repair after the recent severe storms and floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists are now available at stores in St. Louis and St. Charles counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available February 4-9 at the following locations . . .

Home Depot at 1920 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385
Menards at 151 Spencer Road, St. Peters, MO 63376
Lowe’s at 14810 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

During these times . . .

Thursday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Monday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

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For breaking news about flood recovery, follow FEMA Region 7 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion7 and turn on mobile notifications or visit the FEMA webpages dedicated to this disaster at www.fema.gov/disaster/4250.

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FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Stores

President Declares Disaster for State of Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Washington to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, mudslides, and a tornado during the period of December 1-14, 2015.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, mudslides, and a tornado in Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire State of Washington.

Thomas J. Dargan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Dargan said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at http://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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President Declares Disaster for State of Washington

President Declares Disaster for State of Idaho

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Idaho to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms during the period of December 16-27, 2015.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire State of Idaho.

Dolph A. Diemont has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Diemont said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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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President Declares Disaster for State of Idaho

Flood Risk Open House to View Updated Addicks Reservoir Maps in Harris County, Texas

DENTON, Texas ––Residents and business owners in Harris County have new preliminary flood maps to examine. These maps will help people determine their flood risks and make informed decisions about buying flood insurance.

The preliminary maps are for the Addicks Reservoir watershed. Producing the maps was a joint effort by several entities. Harris County Flood Control District, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Harris County and community officials prepared them.

Besides helping residents decide about buying flood insurance, they also help community leaders to evaluate new developments.

The preliminary maps can be seen at an Open House, on Tuesday Feb. 2, 2016:
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center
8440 Greenhouse Road
Cypress, Texas 77433

The mapping follows the release of a new flood study by the Harris County Flood Control District. During the Open House, residents can get more information about the proposed changes. Experts will be on hand to answer questions related to the new maps.

“Everyone should review the maps to understand their flood risks,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Moises Dugan. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.riskmap6.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator for more details.

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Flood Risk Open House to View Updated Addicks Reservoir Maps in Harris County, Texas

Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Weekend in Batesville

OXFORD, Miss. – Home and business owners looking for information on how to rebuild safer and stronger following the destructive December storms will find help this weekend at Lowe’s in Batesville.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Lowe’s on Highway 6 East in Batesville this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The specialists will answer questions and offer advice on ways to repair or rebuild homes so they are more storm resistant. Free printed materials with additional information will also be available.

The FEMA specialists can also offer advice on dealing with contractors, in particular on how to avoid being scammed. The specialists will provide handouts on selecting and working with contractors.

Anyone interested is welcome whether or not they are receiving financial disaster assistance from FEMA.

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, visit msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4248.

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Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Weekend in Batesville

Commonly Asked Questions about Federal Disaster Aid

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – After the severe storms and flooding that occurred in Missouri between December 23, 2015 and January 9, 2016, residents in the 33 declared counties became eligible for federal assistance. People who suffered losses and damage in the wake of the disaster are urged to seek help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The eligible counties are Barry, Barton, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cole, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Jefferson, Laclede, Lawrence, Lincoln, Maries, McDonald, Morgan, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster and Wright.

There are many misconceptions about getting help from FEMA. Often, people who would qualify for assistance miss out on assistance because they don’t have access to correct information.

Commonly asked questions about disaster aid from FEMA:

Q: Who should apply for federal disaster assistance?
A: Missouri homeowners and renters in disaster-designated counties who sustained damage to their homes, vehicles or personal property as a result of the severe storms and flooding from December 23, 2015 through January 9, 2016 can apply for FEMA grants.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Residents who were affected can apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The application deadline is March 21.

Q: What kinds of FEMA grants are available?
A: Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other serious disaster-related expenses.

Q: What happens after I register?
A: You will receive a phone call from a FEMA inspector to arrange for a survey of the damages. This will come just days after you register. All FEMA inspectors will have official identification. They do not approve or deny claims or requests; those come after the inspection results are submitted. FEMA inspectors do not ask for money and do not recommend contractors to make repairs.

Q. I’ve already cleaned up and made repairs to my property. Am I still eligible to register with FEMA?
A. Yes. You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean-up and repair expenses. Before and after photos of the damaged property can help expedite your application for assistance.

Q: Does my income need to be under a certain dollar amount to qualify for disaster aid?
A: FEMA’s Housing Assistance program is available, regardless of income, to anyone who suffered damages or losses in disaster-declared counties. However, aid for other losses such as personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses is income-dependent and officials make decisions on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for a grant for these types of losses, the applicant must complete an application for an SBA loan.

Q. I have flood insurance. Should I still register with FEMA?
A. Yes. But please contact your insurance company first.

Q: Does the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer loans to homeowners and renters?
A: Yes. The SBA is the primary source of financial assistance following a disaster and provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters.

Q: Do I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan?
A: No. The SBA has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant’s eligibility.

Q: If I rent an apartment, can I get help to replace my damaged personal property?
A: Yes. Renters may qualify for a FEMA grant. Renters may also qualify for SBA disaster loans.

Q: Will FEMA pay for all home repairs or contract work?
A: No. FEMA does not pay to return your home to its pre-disaster condition. FEMA provides grants to qualified homeowners to repair damage not covered by insurance, but these grants may not pay for all the damage. However, an SBA disaster loan may return a home to its pre-disaster condition.

Q: Do I have to repay money I receive for disaster relief?
A: No. You do not have to repay grant money, however SBA disaster loans must be repaid.

Q: Do I have to be a legal U.S. resident to receive Individual Assistance?
A: No. If you have a child living at home who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, you may apply for Individual Assistance on that child’s behalf and you may be eligible to receive Individual Assistance. FEMA may provide undocumented, eligible immigrants with short-term, non-cash emergency aid.

Q: How can I check the status of my case?
A: You may go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the toll-free FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you need face-to-face assistance, visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or speak with someone from one of FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams currently going door-to-door in Missouri’s disaster-declared counties. All DRCs are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability related communication aids.

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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.

Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion7.

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Commonly Asked Questions about Federal Disaster Aid

Be Sure to Read Any Correspondence from FEMA Carefully

OXFORD, Miss. – If you applied for disaster assistance after the severe storms which affected Mississippi in December, you may have received a letter or other correspondence from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The most common reason applicants are considered ineligible is the lack of an insurance document. An applicant may only need to provide FEMA with a copy of an insurance determination letter to complete the application and continue the assistance process. Other reasons for a determination of ineligibility include:

The applicant did not sign the required documents;
The applicant did not prove occupancy or ownership;
The damage is to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence;
Someone else in the household has also applied for and received help;
A FEMA housing inspector cannot reach the applicant by phone;
The applicant did not maintain the required flood insurance coverage for the damaged property.

Disaster survivors who receive a determination of ineligibility can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to find out how to appeal this decision, submit any required documents or make changes to contact information.

Applicants may also visit a disaster recovery center where specialists from FEMA can help with appeals, answer questions, review applications and accept required documents. To find a list of open disaster recovery centers in your area, visit: fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA helpline.

Furthermore, survivors have the right to appeal a determination of ineligibility in writing within 60 days from the date shown on the letter. An explanation of the appeals process is available to all applicants and can be found online at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

Those who may not be eligible for FEMA assistance may be eligible for other programs such as an SBA low-interest disaster loan. Help may also be available from volunteer agencies.

FEMA and its state and federal partners are committed to helping Mississippi recover from December’s severe storms. Don’t let a simple paperwork issue prevent you from receiving assistance for which you may be eligible.

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, visit msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4248.

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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.

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.

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Be Sure to Read Any Correspondence from FEMA Carefully

Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Week in Ashland and Holly Springs

OXFORD, Miss. – Home and business owners looking for information on how to rebuild safer and stronger following the destructive December storms will find help this week at local hardware stores in Ashland and Holly Springs.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at the Ashland Hardware store at 15800 Boundary Drive this Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be in Holly Springs at the Booker Hardware store at 119 South Market St. this Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

The specialists will answer questions and offer advice on ways to repair or rebuild homes so they are more storm resistant. Free printed materials with additional information will also be available.

The FEMA specialists can also offer advice on dealing with contractors, in particular on how to avoid being scammed. The specialists will provide handouts on selecting and working with contractors.

Anyone interested is welcome whether or not they are receiving financial disaster assistance from FEMA.

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, visit msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4248.

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Get Advice on Rebuilding Stronger and Safer This Week in Ashland and Holly Springs

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