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April 13 deadline nears for FEMA registration, SBA applications

NEW YORK – April 13 is the deadline to register for possible federal disaster assistance and to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan to help New York recover from Hurricane Sandy.

As the registration and application deadline nears a week from Saturday, more than $3.1 billion in disaster assistance has been approved for survivors.

That figure translates into families getting back into their homes and schools, businesses reopening, and neighborhoods beginning to move forward.

The deadline for survivors to register for possible FEMA assistance and to apply for an SBA disaster loan is April 13. Registration can be made by using one of several sources:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Via smartphone or tablet, go to m.fema.gov or download the FEMA app.
By phone, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

SBA disaster loan applications can be completed at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. For more information about SBA disaster loans call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Recovery has been a whole community effort that has included local, state, tribal and federal agencies, the private sector and voluntary and faith-based organizations. And as rebuilding continues into the months ahead, resources and expertise from these organizations will be united through Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination, driven by individual, local and state needs.

In the months since Sandy swept across New York, nearly 271,000 people have registered for assistance in the 13 designated counties. More than $943 million has been put into the hands of survivors for rental assistance, repairs and replacement of items lost in the storm.

The SBA has approved loans totaling more than $1.3 billion for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.

The National Flood Insurance Program has paid claims totaling $3.2 billion to 56,688 policy holders.

Just a few days after the storm, the state and FEMA opened its first Disaster Recovery Center for survivors. In all, 65 recovery centers were opened to assist more than 176,000 disaster survivors.

At its peak, FEMA and other federal agencies deployed more than 4,156 personnel to New York from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Nearly 2,000 – including 500 New Yorkers hired for recovery work – remain.

And to relieve the local, state and tribal governments of a significant portion of the financial burden of paying for infrastructure impacted by Sandy, FEMA’s Public Assistance program has approved $817 million for the repair or replacement of public facilities, debris removal and emergency costs resulting from the disaster. The program is funded by FEMA and administered by the state.

To date, 628 projects have been approved for funding under the Public Assistance program, including hospitals, schools, public parks and libraries, transportation and private non-profit organizations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local and state agencies have removed 5.6 million cubic yards of debris – enough debris to fill the 102-story Empire State Building a little more than 3.5 times. The Corps also drained 270 million gallons of water from subways, tunnels and underpasses within two weeks of the storm, enough to fill a space equal to 843 football fields one foot deep.

More than 500 local, state and national voluntary and faith-based organizations have helped people in need. They are providing donations, volunteer management, home repair, child care, counseling services and removal of muck and mold from homes.

FEMA, along with local and state leaders, developed the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) program that provided emergency repairs and enabled more than 21,000 families in New York City, Nassau and Suffolk counties to return to their homes until permanent repairs could be completed.

To ensure that language was not a barrier to receiving assistance, FEMA provided information in 26 languages, deployed multilingual field specialists and established a toll-free Language Assistance Line to support non-English/non-Spanish speakers.

Meeting the needs of deaf, hard of hearing or blind survivors was addressed using assisted technology tools that included text-to-speech software and a variety of magnifiers for blind or low vision people visiting recovery centers. Deaf or hard of hearing survivors were offered enhanced listening devices, iPad 3s with sign language interpreting apps, and captioned phones.

The private sector also played a key role in spreading information about the kinds of assistance available. The business community has displayed the message on video screens in Times Square, Madison Square Garden and Lincoln Center, among other places. The Metropolitan Transit Authority placed posters at bus stops and subway entrances and on the Staten Island Ferry. The NYC Taxi Commission put the message on video screens in taxi cabs.

Because of a shortage of available rental units after the storm, FEMA temporarily housed 99,243 individuals and families in hotels and motels through its Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program while they sought longer-term housing arrangements.

FEMA utilized social media to reach the large New York audience and amplify the availability of state and federal programs. News releases about programs and audio and video best practices were posted for the world to see. Since the beginning of this disaster the “@FEMASandy” Twitter account has accumulated 3,100 followers and the Sandy Facebook page has received 2,490 “likes.”

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April 13 deadline nears for FEMA registration, SBA applications

FEMA Extends Disaster Assistance Deadline For New Jersey Hurricane Survivors To May 1

TRENTON, N.J. — Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until May 1 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return Small Business Administration disaster loan applications.

People with storm losses in all counties in New Jersey can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

The simplest way to complete an SBA application is online by using the electronic loan application. Go to DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for individuals with property or content losses.

The deadline was extended one month at the request of the state of New Jersey. Through March 29, more than 60,000 storm survivors have been approved for help through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program in New Jersey.

Help is available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

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 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.

Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey who do not return their Small Business Administration disaster loan applications could be missing out on valuable funds for their recovery.

Returning SBA disaster loan applications is a critical step for homeowners and renters who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be considered for federal loans or grants that could be valuable recovery assets.

SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. They are the largest federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, who may be able to qualify for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may apply to receive up to $40,000 for personal property losses.

Homeowners can receive an additional 20 percent of the approved loan amount for mitigation improvements including building elevation, retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps and relocating utilities.

In some cases, the SBA may be willing to refinance all or part of a previous mortgage when the survivor does not have credit available elsewhere and has suffered substantial disaster damage not covered by insurance.

Proceeds from insurance coverage on a survivor’s home will be deducted from the total damage estimate to determine eligible loan amount. The SBA is not permitted to duplicate benefits.

The simplest way to apply is online at DisasterLoan.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Help is also available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They can also call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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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Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

How N.Y. Sandy survivors can protect against fraud

NEW YORK – Sandy survivors need to watch out for people trying to take advantage of their most vulnerable moment. There are a few simple steps survivors can take to protect against fraud and ensure they’re dealing with honest people.

When receiving offers for state or federal aid

Identity thieves are always looking for ways to find their next targets, and some are using offers of state or federal aid to steal personal information from disaster survivors.

It is important to know that:

Federal or state workers never solicit or accept money for disaster assistance, inspections or to fill out applications.

To protect against identity thieves and online scams:

Never give money, your Social Security number or your banking information to anyone claiming to be a state or federal worker, or to someone who claims they can speed up the disaster assistance application process – whether by phone, e-mail or in-person.
Only supply your Social Security number and banking information when registering for FEMA assistance. To register, call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. You may also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

When hiring a contractor

Especially if the damage to your home is visible to the outside, fraudulent contractors may come offering to help you rebuild.

Be suspicious if a contractor:

Demands cash or full payment up front.
Demands you sign something you haven’t had time to review.
Urges you to borrow from a specific lender or tries to act as an intermediary between you and a lender.

To ensure a contractor is legitimate and you get the best work for your money, follow these guidelines:

Get written estimates and reliable references from at least three licensed contractors.
Ask to see proof of a contractor’s license and building permit.
Compare quotes, repayment schedules and rates. Make sure the estimates include cost information for labor and materials.
Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Read the fine print of any estimate or agreement before signing.
Do not sign over an insurance settlement check to a contractor.

When donating to disaster-related charities

Some scam artists play on sympathy for disaster survivors. To make sure you are giving to a legitimate organization:

Call the charity directly to verify the solicitor is a legitimate volunteer or employee.
Only pay by check in case funds must be stopped later.
Request a receipt with the charity’s contact information.
Visit fema.gov/volunteer-donate-responsibly for a list of major nonprofits that provide assistance to communities impacted by disaster

Additional steps to protect against fraud

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Consumers in New York State encountering these issues may also report them to the New York State Department of State using the online Consumer Complaint Form at dos.ny.gov or by calling their toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220.

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How N.Y. Sandy survivors can protect against fraud

FEMA registration deadline extended for Sandy survivors in N.Y.

NEW YORK – At the request of the State of New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a 15-day extension for Hurricane Sandy survivors to apply for disaster assistance.

Survivors now have until April 13 to register with FEMA and to return their disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

Hurricane Sandy survivors should keep all options open for assistance in their recovery.

Registering with FEMA is a critical step.

Survivors who have delayed registration for any reason should apply for potential assistance. Registering with FEMA opens the possibility of disaster assistance provided by FEMA and its federal partner, the SBA.

New York City and the State of New York have developed plans for using federal funds to help homeowners, small businesses and communities impacted by three storms: Sandy, Irene and Lee. Those plans are being reviewed by HUD. Registration with FEMA might lead to eligibility for future grants or assistance, regardless of funding administered by New York City or the State of New York.

Survivors who register and receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application should return the application. It might lead to additional FEMA assistance.

FEMA assistance can include:

Rental assistance: Temporary rental assistance is provided by FEMA to assist homeowners until damaged homes can be repaired or rebuilt and to help renters until they can return to former rentals or relocate to a new residence.
Home Repair: Grants are available to homeowners to repair disaster-related damage that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the home safe, sanitary and functional.
Other Needs: Grants are available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage and other expenses authorized by law.

Applying for an SBA disaster loan

There’s no need to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for an SBA disaster loan, which may help if applicants later find they are underinsured.

Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Survivors may also visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center or a Business Recovery Center. To locate the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362.

For assistance, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA registration deadline extended for Sandy survivors in N.Y.

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maine Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

March 25, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-026 Factsheet

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

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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.

Last Updated:

March 25, 2013 – 16:43

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Maine

and

Region I

Related Disaster:

Maine Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maine Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Maine

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 Maine to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, snowstorm, and flooding during the period of February 8 – 9, 2013.

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, snowstorm, and flooding in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, and York counties.

In addition, assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. This type of assistance is available in Knox County for a 72- hour period.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

James N. Russo has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Russo 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 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 Maine

FEMA Coastal Construction Information Available For Post – Sandy Rebuilding

TRENTON, N.J. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has produced materials to give technical guidance to home builders and property owners planning post-Sandy construction or repairs in coastal areas.

Investigations conducted by FEMA and other organizations have consistently shown that properly sited, well-designed and well-constructed coastal residential buildings generally perform well in coastal disasters.

For residential builders and do-it-yourselfers, FEMA offers a series of Fact Sheets (available free at Fema.gov) that provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings.

The Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series is aimed at improving the stability of buildings in coastal environments that may be subject to flood and wind forces.

The 37 fact sheets are divided into 10 categories that cover various aspects of the construction process. Each fact sheet provides specific information on topics like National Flood Insurance Program regulatory requirements, the proper siting of coastal buildings and recommended design and construction practices.

Many of the fact sheets also include lists of FEMA and other resources that provide more information about the topics discussed. Where appropriate, resources are accompanied by active web links.

Updated in 2011, a Coastal Construction Manual — prepared with assistance from other agencies, organizations and professionals involved in coastal construction and regulation — is intended to help designers and contractors identify and evaluate practices that improve construction quality.

The two-volume publication provides a comprehensive approach to planning, siting, designing, constructing and maintaining homes in the coastal environment.

Volume 1 provides information on hazard identification, siting decisions, regulatory requirements, economic implications and risk management.

Volume II contains in-depth descriptions of design, construction and maintenance practices that, when followed, will increase the durability of residential buildings in the harsh coastal environment and reduce economic losses associated with coastal natural disasters.

The primary audience for Volume I includes design professionals, officials and those involved in the decision making process. The primary audience for Volume II is the design professional who is familiar with building codes and standards and has a basic understanding of engineering projects.

The Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA publication P-55) and the Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA publication P-499) may be downloaded in Portable Document Format as PDF files or as plain text (.txt) files at fema.gov.

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 Coastal Construction Information Available For Post – Sandy Rebuilding

President Declares Disaster for Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of February 8 – 9, 2013.

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 and snowstorm in Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Follow FEMA online at 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 Rhode Island

FEMA Extends Deadline For Irene-Related Mitigation Grants

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The state and Vermont municipalities and non-profits seeking federal grants for projects to make their communities more resilient in future disasters will have more time to apply for these funds.

Officials with the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that the deadline for submitting Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications related to Tropical Storm Irene to FEMA has been extended to September 1, 2013. The state will establish its own deadlines for municipalities and other eligible applicants in order to meet FEMA’s deadline.

The HMGP program provides grant funds in addition to the disaster aid given to individuals and state or local governments after a federally-declared disaster for projects designed to reduce the risks to life and property in future disasters.

“This is an important deadline extension,” said Dave Rapaport, Vermont’s Irene Recovery Officer. “The huge size of this disaster means that we’re receiving more funding through this program than we’ve had the capacity to use before time ran out. The additional time will mean that we’ll be able to avoid leaving money on the table and formulate more eligible projects to prevent damage from future storms.”

The amount of money available is a percentage – 15 percent – of the total disaster aid provided by FEMA, and the program is administered by the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Only state, municipal, or tribal governments and certain non-profits can apply and are responsible for a 25-percent match.

Projects can include flood-proofing structures or making them resistant to hurricanes or tornadoes, or buying out flood-prone properties as Vermont has chosen to do.

“FEMA has already obligated about $13 million in HMGP funds to Vermont, and there could be as much as $21 million more coming,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations.

FEMA had already granted Vermont two extensions of three months each from the normal one-year deadline, Landry said, and utilized a little-known provision of the Stafford Act – the law named after former Vermont Senator Robert Stafford that helped create FEMA – to give the state another six months.

An HMGP application can be downloaded from DEMHS’s website at http://vem.vermont.gov/mitigation, or interested parties may contact the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, Ray Doherty, at 800-347-0488 or ray.doherty@state.vt.us for an application or assistance in applying for funds. He will be providing additional detailed guidance for applicants shortly.

HMGP funds are awarded on a competitive basis and all applications are reviewed and selected by the state mitigation project selection committee, then subject to approval by FEMA.

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.

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FEMA Extends Deadline For Irene-Related Mitigation Grants

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