MEMA, FEMA to Reimburse Local Governments for Debris Pick-up until July 26

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announce local governments in counties designated for federal disaster assistance have until July 26 to pick up eligible disaster-related debris, including stumps and root balls, from public rights-of-way.

If property owners hire contractors to move debris, the contractors must haul the debris off and cannot just move it to the right-of-way. Debris left by contractors is not eligible for reimbursement. Construction debris and concrete slabs are also not eligible.

A number of nonprofit and voluntary organizations are in Mississippi to help with the cleanup effort. Property owners who need help removing debris from their property should contact their county emergency management office.

Storm debris should be placed at the right-of-way for pickup, divided into the following categories:

  • Household garbage
  • Construction debris
  • Vegetative debris
  • Household hazardous waste
  • White goods such as refrigerators and dryers, and
  • Electronics

Property owners should contact their local governments with any questions regarding debris eligibility or debris sorting questions.

MEMA reports estimate 85 percent of eligible debris in Mississippi has been picked up.

Debris removal grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program, which reimburses local and state governments and certain private nonprofits for eligible expenses incurred before, during and after a disaster. FEMA covers the federal share, which amounts to 75 percent of eligible debris removal costs. MEMA is covering the remaining 25 percent of eligible debris removal costs.

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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MEMA, FEMA to Reimburse Local Governments for Debris Pick-up until July 26

Contact FEMA If Insurance for Tornado-Related Living Expenses Expires

JACKSON, Miss. – Disaster survivors whose additional living expenses (sometimes termed “loss of use”) from their insurance company are running out and who still have a temporary housing need should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency helpline (800-621-3362) immediately if they have not registered for disaster assistance.

Those who have registered should fax or mail a letter to the address below, explain the situation, document the use and expiration of living expenses from insurance and update their permanent housing plan.

Applicants may mail letters to:

FEMA

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD  20782-7055

Applicants may fax letters to:

800-827-8112

Attention: FEMA

People who were displaced from their homes and others who sustained damage from the April 28 through May 3 storms, tornadoes and flooding in designated disaster counties (Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston) may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, which can include temporary housing assistance. Monday, June 30, 2014, is the deadline to register with FEMA for individual assistance.

Survivors who have not yet registered with FEMA can do so online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with a mobile device at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call TTY 800-462-7585.

Contact the helpline with any questions or concerns regarding temporary rental assistance from FEMA.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

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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Contact FEMA If Insurance for Tornado-Related Living Expenses Expires

Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some survivors of the recent Alabama storms may not have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples:

I didn’t know there was assistance available.
FEMA tries to let everyone know about disaster assistance, but some people miss the message. Please be sure to spread the word among your co-workers, neighbors and friends.

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.
FEMA provides housing grants and other programs such as help with medical, dental and funeral expenses that are not income dependent. Anyone in a designated county with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA, because I have insurance.
Everyone with insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured costs.

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

I thought it was too late for me to apply since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.
You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

I thought FEMA only made loans. I don’t want a loan.
FEMA does not make loans, only grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid.   The United States Small Business Administration does make loans to cover disaster damage to uninsured or under insured property for homeowners, renters and business owners.

I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners to repair their homes.
FEMA makes grants to help renters with temporary housing and help with disaster-related losses of personal property.

I’m going to register just as soon as I can find the time to get all the paperwork done.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes about 20 minutes. Don’t wait, because the deadline is July 1.

I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.
If you had damage from a previous federally declared disaster and you had damage from this declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

Other people need the help more than I do.
FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors. You will not be taking from others, if you register for aid.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585.  Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

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Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

Nearly $16.5 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

JACKSON, Miss. – Federal assistance approved for disaster survivors in 12 Mississippi counties has reached almost $16.5 million.

Here is a summary through Thursday, June 12, of all federal assistance to individuals and households in the 12 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. The severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014.

  • Nearly $16.5 million in total federal disaster assistance has been approved by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  • Nearly $11.6 million in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by SBA for 170 homeowners, renters and businesses.
  • More than $4.9 million in FEMA Individual Assistance grants has been approved to help Mississippi disaster survivors recover, including:
    • Almost $3.7 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
    • Nearly $1.3 million approved to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and household possessions. Included is approval of assistance with funeral expenses for 11 disaster-related deaths. Other funeral expense requests are pending.
  • More than 5,000 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.
    • In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by SBA and other partner agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA refers some survivors to those agencies.
    • All businesses that contact FEMA are also referred to SBA.
    • Others may be interested in other programs such as disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.
  • 2,705 home inspections completed.
  • More than 4,700 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
  • FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews have visited more than 11,000 dwellings and assisted more than 7,600 survivors.

Monday, June 30, 2014, is the deadline to register with FEMA for individual assistance and to submit an SBA disaster home loan application.

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages. FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs such as Social Security, SNAP or Medicaid and is not considered taxable income.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

SBA disaster loan outreach centers are now open in Louisville and Tupelo at the former disaster recovery center locations. Survivors who need help completing their SBA disaster loan applications can visit the centers to talk with SBA representatives and get help with their applications. MEMA and FEMA will also have representatives at the centers to answer questions about the FEMA disaster assistance process. The disaster loan outreach centers are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday at the following locations:

Lee County

Old Tupelo Water and Light

320 Court St.

Tupelo, MS 38804

Winston County

Georgia Pacific

826 S. Church Ave.

Louisville, MS 39339

 

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

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

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Nearly $16.5 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

Storm Survivors Have 30 Days to Register for FEMA Individual Assistance

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Residents of Faulkner, Pulaski, Randolph and White counties who suffered damages as a result of the flooding, severe storms and tornadoes of April 27 have until June 30 to register for state/federal Individual Assistance.

Disaster assistance can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. So far, about 1,340 Arkansans have registered for assistance, and more than $2.4 million in assistance has been approved, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors can continue to register for FEMA assistance online until June 30 at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Additionally, two Disaster Recovery Centers, in Mayflower and Vilonia, remain open to serve survivors. They are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Saturday.

Disaster Recovery Center Locations:

600 Hwy 365

Mayflower, AR 72106

 

1122 Main Street

Vilonia, AR 72173

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources. Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available at both centers to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

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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.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.  For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.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.  Follow us on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov. For information on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger, visit fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation.

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 non-profit organizations 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 information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

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Storm Survivors Have 30 Days to Register for FEMA Individual Assistance

Be Prepared; Have a Family Emergency Plan

Montgomery, Ala. – Severe weather can happen any time of the year. The best way to prepare for it is with a family emergency plan. If you don’t have one, develop one. If you have an emergency plan, review and update it, then go over it with your family at least once a year.

An emergency plan should include how everyone will contact each other, where to go, how you will get back together and what to do in different situations. A good place to begin is Ready.Gov, the disaster preparedness website managed by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Forms are available at that site for contact information on each family member, phone numbers of out-of-town contacts, work locations and other important phone numbers.

Also inquire about emergency plans in places where your family spends time, such as work, school and daycare. Incorporate this information into your plan.

Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as a contact person for your family members. During an emergency each member of the family will call the contact and let them know they are safe. An out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

Decide where to go in an emergency. Plan for different scenarios, such as where to go if there is a fire. Where in the home is the safest place if a tornado hits? If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, decide whether to evacuate or stay. Plan several evacuation routes, if possible, in case some roads become impassable. Identify where you will stay until it is safe to return home. If you have pets, find, in advance, places to board them or hotels and shelters that are pet friendly.

During a wide-scale disaster, such as tornado or hurricane, prepare for power outages. Keep fresh batteries for flashlights, keep cell phones fully charged. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing a cell phone charger for your vehicle. Also, keep your gas tank full.

During hurricane season, keep a basic disaster supply kit of nonperishable food, water, first aid supplies, medicines, disposable diapers, formula and baby food (if necessary), plus extra food and water for pets. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Keep these items in a waterproof container and include enough food and water for several days.

A battery-operated weather radio will be invaluable in an emergency. These radios can be programmed to your local weather service office and will provide information on approaching severe weather in your area. Heed their advice if you are directed to evacuate.

Keep enough cash on hand to get through several days. Banks will likely be closed and ATMs won’t function during a power outage.

Several government agencies work together to help you and your family stay safe. If you would like additional information, try these links:

 

 

 

 

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Be Prepared; Have a Family Emergency Plan

Survivors Have Until Saturday to Visit the Registration Intake Center in Jackson County

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Survivors of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Jackson County have until 6 p.m. Saturday, June 7, to visit the registration intake center.

The State Emergency Response Team and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visits by disaster survivors at all centers. The center will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 7.

Even though the registration intake center is closing, survivors will still be able to contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585.  Multilingual operators are available.

Survivors may also visit any of the open disaster recovery centers currently open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the following locations:

Escambia County

Brownsville Community Center

3100 W. DeSoto St.

Pensacola, FL 32505

Okaloosa County

Senior Centerview Parks & Recreation

205 Stillwell Blvd.

Crestview, FL 32536

Santa Rosa County

Gulf Breeze Recreation Center

800 Shoreline Drive

Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Walton County

Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach

3524 U.S. 98

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4177. Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

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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.

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 childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

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Survivors Have Until Saturday to Visit the Registration Intake Center in Jackson County

Bullock County in Alabama Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – County and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Bullock County, Alabama may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses related to this spring’s violent weather.

Bullock County was added Thursday to the May 2 major disaster declaration issued by President Barack Obama for the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama.

Bullock County and local governments and certain nonprofit entities located in the county are now eligible to apply for all seven categories (Categories A-G)  listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

Categories A and B cover debris removal and emergency protective measures such as search and rescue and provision of shelters or emergency care, while categories C through G include more permanent work on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings and contents, as well as water facilities, public utilities and parks.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA reimburses applicants a minimum of 75 percent of their eligible expenses. The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

The 21 total counties in Alabama now eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G are Baldwin, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

More information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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Bullock County in Alabama Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Child care costs following a presidential disaster declaration have been added as a reimbursable expense in some cases.

The child care program falls under the Individuals and Households Program within Individual Assistance. Child care costs will be subtracted from the applicant’s total grant amount.

To be eligible, survivors must live in a declared county and use a licensed child care service (center-based, group home, in-home or other provider). The children can be up to age 13, disabled children, as defined by federal law and who need assistance in caring for themselves, may be up to age 18. They also must be occupants of the household, are listed on the Application for Disaster Assistance and are dependents of the applicant.

Costs per child may be awarded for a total of eight weeks, which may or may not be consecutive. Eligible expenses include child care expenses, one-time registration fee, plus health inventory fee if the applicant must change child care providers.

“We know that many households rely on child care and that it can take a big chunk out of their budget,” said Albie Lewis, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama. “If you have a disaster-related impact on your income, you may want to explore child care assistance.”

The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1.

For more information or to register for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585.  Multilingual operators are available.

Applicants who apply for the benefit will receive a letter outlining documentation FEMA needs to evaluate the request for disaster-related child care assistance.

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Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama storm survivors should register for disaster assistance even if they may believe insurance will cover their losses from the recent storms.

“Insurance is an important part of the recovery process,” said Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama storm recovery, Albie Lewis. “But, insurance may not meet all your needs, so registration with The Federal Emergency Management Agency and staying in touch with FEMA is very important.”

After an insurance claim has been paid, there could be uninsured losses that could be eligible under disaster assistance programs or SBA loans.

“It is important to know what your policy covers,” said Art Faulkner, Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. “For example, if insurance does not include the expense of being displaced from your home, FEMA disaster housing assistance may help,” Faulkner said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration offer assistance programs for homeowners, renters, and business owners in nine Alabama counties designated for Individual Assistance.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585.  Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for uncompensated losses. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets.  Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Link: 

Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

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