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Many Good Reasons to Apply to SBA

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Nov. 17 tornado survivors who fail to return completed Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan applications may be saying no to federal assistance.

Some survivors may be counting on a future insurance settlement to cover all the costs of rebuilding. Maybe they don’t want a disaster loan or fear they cannot afford one. Or maybe they need assistance completing the SBA disaster loan application.

But there are good reasons for FEMA applicants who have been contacted by SBA to submit a completed disaster loan application by the Monday, Jan. 27 deadline.

SBA offers disaster loans to tornado-affected homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for physical damage in the following Illinois counties: Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford.

Economic injury disaster loans are available to provide working capital to eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations located in the counties listed above and the adjacent counties.

Some of the top reasons for submitting an SBA application by the deadline include:

A future insurance settlement may fall short. Survivors may find out they are underinsured for the amount of work it takes to repair or replace a damaged home. An SBA low-interest loan can cover the uninsured costs. By submitting the loan application on time, survivors may have loan money available when it is needed. SBA can approve a loan for the repair or replacement of a home up to $200,000. The loan balance will be reduced by a survivor’s insurance settlement. However, the opportunity for an SBA disaster loan may be lost if they wait until after the application deadline.
SBA can help renters repair or replace disaster damaged personal property. Renters, as well as homeowners, may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, appliances, damaged vehicles.
By submitting an SBA loan application, survivors keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. SBA may refer applicants who do not qualify for a loan to FEMA for grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or cover storage expenses, among other serious disaster-related needs. But if survivors do not submit their disaster loan applications, the assistance process may stop. Survivors are not required to accept a loan offer.

For more information, homeowners and renters may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 TTY or visit SBA.gov/Disaster. Survivors can complete disaster loan applications online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA/.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding 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 uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Many Good Reasons to Apply to SBA

Two Weeks Remain to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While nearly $12 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for Nov. 17 Illinois tornado survivors, the deadline to register for help is approaching.

Survivors must register by Monday, Jan. 27 to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

No applications can be accepted after the deadline, but FEMA will continue to approve disaster assistance for eligible survivors who applied in time.

The FEMA helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362) will remain operational after Jan. 27 for survivors who have questions about the status of their applications or letters they may receive from FEMA.

FEMA continues working throughout Illinois to ensure survivors do not lose eligible grants. This includes:

Face-to-face help at the Disaster Recovery Center in East Peoria at the Festival of Lights Building and the Disaster Recovery Center in Brookport at the Brookport Library. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams providing one-to-one help in affected areas.
FEMA voluntary agency liaison specialists working with community- and faith-based organizations to identify and provide assistance to survivors.

Federal disaster assistance may be available for the following:

Temporary housing for homeowners and renters.
Home repairs.
Other serious disaster-related expenses for homeowners and renters not met by insurance or other assistance programs.
Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration that may cover losses for homeowners, renters and business owners not fully compensated by insurance.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center to register and check the status of a FEMA application. Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Two Weeks Remain to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

Nearly $12 Million Approved for Nov. 17 Tornado Survivors

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Less than two months after tornadoes swept across Illinois, nearly $12 million in federal disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration has been approved to help survivors recover.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Jan. 9:

Nearly $9.8 million in low-interest disaster loans approved by SBA for homeowners and renters.
More than $2 million in FEMA grants for temporary rental assistance, home repair costs, and other essential disaster-related needs like medical and dental expenses and replacement of lost personal possessions.
1,181 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
603 home inspections completed.
2 disaster recovery centers currently open.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors are urged to apply for help before the Jan. 27 deadline. They can use any of the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Survivors who register with FEMA and are referred to SBA will be contacted with options on how to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. After being contacted by SBA, survivors should complete and submit an application even if they do not plan to accept a loan. Failure to complete and submit the SBA loan application may stop the FEMA grant process. SBA disaster loans are available with interest rates as low as 2.25 percent and terms up to 30 years.

Complete an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Call the SBA customer service center with questions at 800-659-2955. People who use TTY can call 800-877-8339. For more information, visit sba.gov.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Nearly $12 Million Approved for Nov. 17 Tornado Survivors

FEMA Supporting West Virginia Response Efforts Urges Residents in Affected Area to Listen to Local Officials

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its regional office in Philadelphia, Pa., continues to work in close coordination with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to support state and local efforts to ensure public health and safety, in response to emergency conditions resulting from a chemical spill in Charleston, West Virginia on Thursday.

This morning, President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration making federal disaster assistance available to West Virginia to supplement state and local response efforts in Boone, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam and Roane counties to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Earlier today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson spoke with West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to convey concern for those impacted by this incident and to make sure there were no unmet needs as the response continues.

FEMA has identified a regional staging area in Charleston, West Virginia. FEMA will deliver more than a million liters of water, which is currently on its way from FEMA’s distribution centers in Cumberland and Frederick, Maryland, to the area for use by the state as needed.

In support of state and local response efforts, a FEMA liaison and an Incident Management Assistance Team are on site in Charleston, and a Mobile Emergency Response team is en route to help coordinate assistance to the state as needed. In addition, FEMA’s Regional Response Coordination Center in Philadelphia is activated to support coordination efforts and assist in mobilizing resources.

“We urge those in the affected area to continue to follow the direction of local officials,” FEMA Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney emphasized. “Monitor local radio and TV reports for the latest emergency information.”

Residents can follow The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at www.twitter.com/wvdhsem and www.facebook.com/WVDHSEM .

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States that are available to state and local partners if needed and requested.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

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FEMA Supporting West Virginia Response Efforts Urges Residents in Affected Area to Listen to Local Officials

FEMA Awards Nearly $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

DENTON, Texas – Nearly $2.7 million was recently awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the implementation of mitigation measures to several University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Hospital buildings.

The FEMA funding allows for the protection of critical facility infrastructure for John Sealy Hospital Annex Buildings #8 and #91 by elevating all mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements.

To date, FEMA has awarded nearly $3.4 million to Texas for such mitigation measures at four UTMB buildings.

FEMA’s contribution, which is made possible by Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding, represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

HMGP provides grants to states and tribal and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. The grants also enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.
Learn more about FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program online at http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program.

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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. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Awards Nearly $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

One Month Remains to Request FEMA Help

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Survivors of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes have until Monday, Jan. 27 to request assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Federal disaster assistance may be available for the following:

Temporary housing for homeowners and renters.
Home repairs.
Other serious disaster-related expenses for homeowners and renters not met by insurance or other assistance programs.
Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration that may cover losses for homeowners, renters and business owners not fully compensated by insurance.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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One Month Remains to Request FEMA Help

New Recovery Center Hours Begin Dec. 30

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The State of Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Centers helping Illinoisans affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes will change hours beginning Monday, Dec. 30.

The new hours at the centers in East Peoria and Brookport are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Centers are closed Sunday.

Tazewell County

Festival of Lights

2200 E. Washington St.

East Peoria, IL 61611

Massac County

Brookport Library

7415 S. U.S. Highway 45

Brookport, IL 62910

Survivors do not need to visit a center to register for federal disaster assistance. They can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 or with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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New Recovery Center Hours Begin Dec. 30

Resolve to Rebuild Safer and Stronger in 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Take advantage of a new year to make your family safer in the face of future disasters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages Illinois residents to resolve to rebuild stronger and smarter, reducing the risk of potential devastation caused by events like the Nov. 17 tornadoes.

Through New Year’s Day, FEMA will offer simple tips and ideas to construct and maintain a home that can better withstand weather risks your community faces. This information will be posted and updated on FEMA’s Illinois recovery website FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157 as well as Facebook.com/FEMA and Twitter.com/FEMAregion5. Learn about rebuilding techniques and tips such as:

Reinforcing your Residence. Retrofitting your home can provide structural updates that didn’t exist when it was constructed. For instance, a homeowner can install straps to their roof’s structural beams to make it strong enough to resist the “uplift” effect of high winds that can cause it to lift and collapse back down on the house.
Fortify those Floors. Homeowners can secure their structure to its foundation by using anchors or straps. This can minimize the chances of a home moving off its foundation during events like tornadoes and earthquakes.
Trim & Tighten. Consider cutting away any dangling tree branches that pose a threat to your home and securing outdoor furniture and fuel tanks that can serve as projectiles during high wind events.
Elevation is a Smart Renovation. Flooding is a real risk in Illinois and elevating your home and its critical utilities can significantly reduce the risk of water damage. Contact your local floodplain manager to learn your flood risk and elevation requirements for your residence.
Assure You’re Fully Insured. Take the time to review your insurance coverage. Are you adequately insured for the risks your community faces? Are you covered for wind, flood or sewer back-up coverage? Has your policy been updated to reflect the value of your home? Contact your insurance agent to get these questions answered and ensure your home is financially protected.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Resolve to Rebuild Safer and Stronger in 2014

Illinois Tornado Recovery News: Capsule of Illinois tornado recovery news for weekly newspapers

Springfield, Ill. – This capsule of recent disaster recovery information is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Don’t let misinformation keep you from registering for disaster assistance.

Sometimes unexpected, uninsured expenses arise weeks or even months after a disaster. For example, you might identify additional damage to your home in the spring when temperatures rise and contractors are able to conduct a more comprehensive inspection. If your insurance settlement is delayed, you may qualify for temporary rental assistance if your home is uninhabitable. Or you may exhaust the additional living expenses provided by your insurance company. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance may help cover some of these expenses.

Registering with FEMA is quick and easy. You should register even if you have insurance and regardless of your income level or the level of damage your home sustained. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with a mobile device by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585.

SBA low-interest disaster loans are a major recovery funding source for Illinois.

If you apply for assistance with FEMA and are referred to the SBA, it’s important to submit a low-interest disaster loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues. You are not obligated to accept a loan, but failure to complete and submit the application may stop the FEMA grant process. Homeowners may be eligible for loans up to $200,000 for repairs. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. For businesses, loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

You can apply online at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela. 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.

Rental assistance is available if you have been displaced as a result of the storms.

If you are making repairs to or rebuilding your home, you may be eligible for assistance from FEMA to cover temporary rental expenses if your home is uninhabitable – but you must register with FEMA to be considered. Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center if you have questions or need help finding a rental property. You can also go Nestrent.com or IlHousingSearch.org to identify available rental properties.

FEMA decision letters are not the end of the line for disaster assistance.

After registering with FEMA, you will receive a letter explaining the status of your application. The letter may state that you’re ineligible for assistance, but this isn’t necessarily a final decision. It is important to read the entire letter carefully because it states exactly what needs to be submitted for potential federal assistance. If you have insurance, you must submit all of your insurance information for FEMA to review your eligibility. Sending your insurance declaration page is not sufficient. You need to submit actual insurance settlement information. If you are unsure of how to obtain this document, contact your insurance company, call the FEMA helpline (800-621-FEMA) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Insurance documents will be reviewed, then an inspector may arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to determine if there are uninsured, eligible losses. Federal disaster assistance may assist in covering some expenses not covered by insurance. You can appeal FEMA’s decision. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. More information is available by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by taking the letter to a Disaster Recovery Center. You can locate the nearest center by going to fema.gov/drclocator.

Help is available to repair damaged vehicles.

If you had a vehicle damaged or destroyed in one of the counties affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Even if you are not a resident of one of the designated counties, you may still be eligible for this assistance if you were working or visiting one of the counties. You must register with FEMA to be considered for eligibility. In addition to FEMA assistance, homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 through SBA’s low-interest disaster loan program to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

Illinois recovery photos and videos available

Visit fema.gov/disasters/4157 to access FEMA’s online library of photos and videos documenting response and recovery efforts to the Nov. 17 storms and tornadoes in Illinois. The page also includes updated information and important messages regarding Illinois’ recovery.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Illinois Tornado Recovery News: Capsule of Illinois tornado recovery news for weekly newspapers

FEMA Says Disaster Assistance Good Holiday Topic

Springfield, Ill.— FEMA wants anyone who was affected by the Nov.17 tornadoes to apply for disaster assistance, and family gatherings this holiday season could be a good time to ask around the table: Have you registered with FEMA?

Applying for assistance may unlock valuable FEMA grants to pay for a temporary place to live while your home is being repaired and to help pay for those repairs. Even lost personal items may be covered.

Applying is easy. You can apply on line or use that smart phone to call or connect to the FEMA app, and it only takes about 20 minutes.

FEMA grants can fill insurance gaps. Uninsured and underinsured losses may be covered by FEMA grants. Register and let FEMA determine if you’re eligible, and don’t wait on the insurance settlement to register.

Return that completed SBA loan application. Registering with FEMA may refer you to SBA for you to complete and return a disaster loan application. Not submitting the disaster loan application could stop the FEMA grant process. Receive every FEMA dollar you may qualify for. Get that disaster loan application in today, and remember, qualifying for a loan doesn’t mean you have to accept it.

Grants and loans ease later worries. Let FEMA and the SBA determine the extent of your damage and help with your recovery. FEMA grants are a helping hand while SBA disaster loans – up to $40,000 for contents and up to $200,000 for home repairs can help finance your full recovery. The SBA disaster loan balance will be reduced by your insurance settlement.

Insurance first, then FEMA. A FEMA application must wait on an applicant’s insurance settlement, so when you receive a letter from FEMA describing documents needed to process your FEMA grant, mail or fax those documents right away. Don’t leave a possible FEMA grant on the table.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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FEMA Says Disaster Assistance Good Holiday Topic

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