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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $131.1 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Federal assistance in Illinois has reached more than $134.1 million, distributed among more than 54,540 individuals and households, since a major disaster was declared for storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5.

Storm damage after May 5 is not included in the presidential disaster declaration for Illinois.

The latest summary of federal assistance includes:

More than $134.1 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $115 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
More than $18 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 81,500 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
More than $33.2 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To address unmet needs, LaSalle County has organized a Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) with the help of FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaison division. LaSalle County experienced some of the most severe damage from the storms, especially in Marseilles where a large portion of the town’s residents were affected, with over 200 having to vacate their homes.

In the next several weeks, the Lutheran Disaster Response will be providing guidance to the LTRC to canvass affected areas to determine who may have unmet needs for housing and rental assistance, construction and repair help, food, clothing, spiritual and emotional guidance or financial support.

In Illinois, 82 out of its 102 counties and 770 communities have adopted and enforce floodplain ordinances, making residents eligible to purchase flood insurance. Flooding accounts for more than 90 percent of declared disasters in Illinois. The state has one of the largest inland systems of rivers, lakes and streams in the United States with nearly 15 percent of its total land area flood prone.

Two additional counties have been added to the major disaster declaration for individual assistance. Putnam and Warren county survivors along with survivors of the 33 counties already declared for individual assistance now have until July 24 to register for federal disaster assistance.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only.

FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $131.1 Million

Sayreville, New Jersey—From Flood-Prone Neighborhood To Greenspace

TRENTON, N.J. — As recovery from Superstorm Sandy continues in New Jersey, one major improvement project is the conversion of a destroyed residential neighborhood in the Borough of Sayreville to a permanent greenspace.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $29 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for the voluntary acquisition and demolition of approximately 129 residential properties in Sayreville.

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is managing the grant, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Blue Acres Program will implement the project and work directly with homeowners.

All of the homes in the project neighborhood are located in a National Flood Insurance Program Special Flood Hazard Area. This hazard designation indicates the structures are highly vulnerable to flooding.

In addition, many of the homes are on the National Flood Insurance Program’s severe repetitive loss and repetitive loss list of residential structures with excessive flood loss.

Acquisition of these repetitive loss properties removes them from the risk of flooding and reduces the impact on the National Flood Insurance Program and on both Federal and State disaster assistance funding.

“By acquiring and removing these homes, FEMA is diminishing the borough’s vulnerability to natural disasters and removing residents from a potentially dangerous area,” said Gracia Szczech, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer for New Jersey.

“This funding will go a long way to help the affected families move on with their lives.”

Once the homes are acquired and demolished, further construction will not be allowed on the properties.The land will be restricted to open space in perpetuity. Sayreville has accepted responsibility for all maintenance and upkeep of the land.

The use of federal funds to purchase these properties allows families to relocate to safer areas.

Under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the state solicits project proposals from local jurisdictions then prioritizes the projects for approval by FEMA.

The project grant was awarded and funded by FEMA. The total project cost is $39,274,060, the Federal share $29,455,545.

The remainder of the cost of the project will come from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acre/Blue Acre Program.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration.

The grants help to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

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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Sayreville, New Jersey—From Flood-Prone Neighborhood To Greenspace

Protecting A Home From Storms And Flooding Begins On The Inside

TRENTON, N.J. — To protect a home from damage from a flood or a hurricane takes more than just making the outside stronger. The inside of the house can be better protected from wind and water with a little planning and preparation.

Several things can be done to minimize damage inside a structure. Here are some ideas:

Floors:

Consider using one or more area rugs or carpet remnants rather than wall-to-wall carpet; smaller pieces can be rolled up and stored on an upper floor in a heavy rain event.
Completely dry subflooring before laying new flooring.
Do not use laminate flooring on top of concrete – especially in a basement – where the floor could retain moisture or get wet.

Drains:

Install a sewer backflow valve to prevent sewage from backing up into the house.
Install a sump pump or pumps in the basement floor to help keep groundwater from entering a structure. Sump pumps are used to remove water from basements and other low areas. Consider choosing a model with a battery backup so that it continues to work if the power goes out.

Electrical System:

Raise wiring and electrical components – panel boxes, switches, outlets – at least 1 foot above the Base Flood Elevation. Homeowners who are not in a designated floodplain, should consider raising these components an extra 1 foot above the level required by building codes.
Use wire rated for underground use if it has to run into areas that could get wet.
Ensure that all junctions are in approved junction boxes.
Change all outlets to Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI).
Raise electric baseboard heaters above the Base Flood Elevation.
Hire a licensed electrician for all wiring work and be sure the work is properly permitted and approved by the local building department.
For questions about a home or building’s Base Flood Elevation contact the local building or floodplain management department.

Appliances:

Elevate appliances – water heaters, furnaces, washers and dryers.
When possible, move them from a basement or lower level to an upper floor. Otherwise, relocate appliances on a masonry or pressure-treated lumber base that’s at least 1 foot above the Base Flood Elevation (or at least 6 inches tall if there is no Base Flood Elevation).
Make sure washers/dryers will not vibrate off the platform during use.
Hire a licensed contractor when plumbing or electrical changes are needed.

Interior Walls:

Wash and disinfect the studs and sills if the drywall and insulation have been removed. Give the studs and sills plenty of time to dry before hanging new drywall.
Use a moisture meter to be doubly sure.
Cut drywall so that it is one-half to 1 inch off the floor, especially in basements.
Concrete floors commonly absorb ground moisture – especially in winter months.
- That moisture can wick up the wallboard if it’s touching the floor, allowing mold to grow out-of-sight within the walls. (Hide the gap with wood or rubberized floor trim).
- If greenboard or other moisture-resistant drywall got wet, replace it. These materials can present the same health hazards as regular drywall when soaked with floodwaters.

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.

Original source –

Protecting A Home From Storms And Flooding Begins On The Inside

Hotline Available For New Jersey Flood Map Information

TRENTON, N.J. — As the Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to release Preliminary Work Maps of flood zones in New Jersey, residents with questions about National Flood Insurance Program policies have a helpline to call to get the most up-to-date information.

New Jersey residents who need information about flood insurance based on the newly released National Flood Insurance Program Preliminary Work Maps for New Jersey may call 877-287-9804 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Policyholders with questions or concerns about their claims may also speak with NFIP specialists at 877-287-9804.

The helpline operates from 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional information is available at www.floodsmart.gov.

Additional information about the coastal mapping efforts and Hurricane Sandy recovery can be found on the Region 2 Coastal Analysis Mapping website at www.region2coastal.com.

More information on New Jersey disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4086 or www.state.nj.us/njoem. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femasandy and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/femasandy. For information on ways of building stronger, safer and smarter, visit www.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.

Original post:

Hotline Available For New Jersey Flood Map Information

Fema Inspectors Continue To Help Recovery In New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — As New Jersey continues recovery from Sandy inspectors from many different program areas of the Federal Emergency Management Agency are working in the Garden State.

FEMA inspectors may be:

verifying damage to homes
working with the National Flood Insurance Program to estimate substantially damaged structures in hard-hit areas.

Many but not all FEMA inspectors will be wearing FEMA clothing however, all FEMA inspectors will carry official FEMA identification.

The arrival of an inspector from FEMA means the damage to a home will be identified and recorded.

Identifying damage is an important step in determining both the amount and the types of assistance FEMA may provide.

In addition to FEMA inspectors, other government agencies, such as Housing and Urban Development or the SBA, may also have inspectors working in communities across the state.

FEMA inspectors never charge a fee to inspect damage.

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.

Source:

Fema Inspectors Continue To Help Recovery In New Jersey

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Montana Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

July 10, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-072Factsheet

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 Montana.

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 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:

July 10, 2013 – 14:56

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Montana

and

Region VIII

Related Disaster:

Montana Flooding

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Montana Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Montana

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 Montana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding during the period of May 19 to June 3, 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 flooding in the counties of Blaine, Chouteau, Custer, Dawson, Fergus, Garfield, Hill, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Rosebud, and Valley and the Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, and Rocky Boy’s Reservations.

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

Thomas J. McCool has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. McCool 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.

From:

President Declares Disaster for Montana

Disaster Legal Assistance Available for Alaskans

Who:

Alaskans living or working within the Alaska Gateway REAA, Lower Yukon REAA, Yukon Flats REAA and the Yukon Koyukuk REAA which were impacted by the May 17 through June 11 flooding who are self-employed or not eligible for the state’s unemployment compensation program. The services are implemented through a collaborative agreement between the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Alaska Legal Services Corporation.

What:

A toll-free helpline is now available for survivors who are unable to afford a lawyer. For free legal help call 1-800-478-5401 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ADT Monday through Friday. Messages can be left at any time.

The type of free legal help includes:

•   Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors
•   Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
•   Help with home repair contracts and contractors
•   Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the flood
•   Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
•   Counseling on mortgage foreclosure problems
•   Counseling on landlord-tenant issues

Where:

Includes individuals living or working in the communities of Eagle, Tok, Circle, Fort Yukon, Galena, Hughes, Koyukuk, Manley, Stevens Village, Tanana, and Emmonak, as well as other communities within the areas affected by flooding from May 17 through June 11, 2013.

How:

The service allows callers to request the help of a lawyer

Why:

When the U.S. President declares a major disaster, FEMA in conjunction with the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, establishes a toll-free number for disaster survivors to request legal help.

Disaster Legal Assistance Available for Alaskans

Insurance May Not Cover Everything So Stay In Touch With Fema

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster assistance may be available for losses not covered by an insurance settlement for New Jersey survivors of Superstorm Sandy.

That is why the Federal Emergency Management Agency urges survivors who have registered for disaster assistance to call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 as soon as they receive their insurance settlement.

When the insurance check finally comes it may not cover all the losses a survivor has had, so if you applied for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency you should let FEMA know that you have your insurance settlement.Make sure you have the registration number FEMA assigned to your application.

If you received a letter from FEMA saying you were not eligible for assistance, part of the reason may be that your insurance settlement could not be factored into your application.

If you have already filed an appeal of the original assistance decision, that appeal may be amended based on your insurance settlement.

These are just a few of the reasons it is important applicants stay in touch with FEMA.

Survivors who have registered for assistance should keep their contact information current to ensure timely delivery of important assistance updates.

Keeping one’s contact information current with FEMA will also help connect survivors with FEMA’s home inspectors. Unnecessary delays may occur if an inspector is unable to reach an applicant by phone to schedule an appointment. Applicants are also urged to keep their appointments with home inspectors in order to avoid delays.

Applicants who need to update their contact information or who have questions regarding their application can call the toll-free FEMA helpline, 800-621-3362, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.

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.

Link:

Insurance May Not Cover Everything So Stay In Touch With Fema

Ahead of Tropical Storm Chantal FEMA Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prepare, Listen to Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its Caribbean Area office in Puerto Rico and in coordination with the National Weather Service, is monitoring the conditions of Tropical Storm Chantal.

According to the National Weather Service, a tropical storm watch is in effect for the coastal waters of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours somewhere within the specified areas. Tropical storms often bring storm surge and significant rainfall and flooding.

FEMA urges residents in potentially affected areas to closely monitor the storm and take steps now to be prepared in advance of severe weather and most importantly, follow the direction of commonwealth and territory officials. At this time, it is still too early to know whether the storm could pose an immediate threat to the eastern coast of the United States, but for individuals in areas that could be affected now is the time to refresh your emergency kit and review your family plan. If you do not have an emergency kit or family plan, or to learn about steps you can take now to prepare your family for severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov.

Residents or visitors in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands:

Listen to the instructions of local officials. Local officials make decisions on sheltering in place or going to your pre-designated safe meeting location.

Have important supplies ready to sustain you and your family, if needed. This includes water, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, cell phone charger, medicines, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies.

Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast – Follow local radio and TV reports, as well as forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.

FEMA encourages the public to remain vigilant, to continue monitoring Tropical Storm Chantal and to use this opportunity to reassess their readiness for the 2013 hurricane season. For more information on preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, visit www.Ready.gov or www.listo.gov. Information regarding emergency preparedness and what to do before and after a disaster can also be found at m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app from your smartphone’s app store.

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Ahead of Tropical Storm Chantal FEMA Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prepare, Listen to Local Officials

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