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FEMA, HUD announce rental assistance program for NY Sandy survivors

NEW YORK – To assist families who are still struggling to locate housing after being displaced by Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today they will reinstitute the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP), a unique rental assistance program that provides temporary rental payments directly to landlords to help families displaced by disasters. DHAP-Sandy will help families find intermediate housing as they rebuild their lives.

“It is critical that we, along with our partners on the federal, tribal, state and local levels, provide a bridge for Hurricane Sandy families as they continue to rebuild their homes and return to a sense of normal,” said U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Sandra Henriquez. “The DHAP program, which has a history of providing the temporary assistance families need after a disaster, will be that bridge to help families recover.”

“In the aftermath of Sandy, New York presents a unique housing challenge,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Bryne. “It’s a densely populated, urban environment and available rental resources are scarce. The purpose of this program is to assist those who have not been able to reach their permanent housing solution within FEMA’s standard forms of assistance.”

DHAP-Sandy will be executed through an interagency agreement between FEMA and HUD. Disaster survivors do not need to apply separately for the program. FEMA will determine which applicants qualify and will refer eligible applicants to HUD. HUD will work directly with state, and local housing agencies to administer the program.

Participation in DHAP will require survivors to take part in the State of New York or City of New York’s Disaster Case Management Program. This program is funded by FEMA and links disaster survivors with case managers who will help them develop and implement a disaster recovery plan.

The DHAP program was created in 2007, and provided a temporary housing solution to thousands of families who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. It successfully supported 37,000 families who were not previously HUD assisted following the 2005 hurricanes – Katrina and Ike. The DHAP program was also utilized to house families displaced by Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

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FEMA, HUD announce rental assistance program for NY Sandy survivors

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.

Originally from –

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

This article –

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.

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.

More here:

President Declares Disaster for Maine

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Rhode Island Declaration

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 Rhode Island.

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 for emergency protective measures. (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.

This article is from:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Rhode Island Declaration

Disaster Recovery Center In Hattiesburg To Close March 27

PURVIS, Miss. – The MEMA and FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Hattiesburg will close for good at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 27.

Mississippians affected by the recent severe weather, tornadoes and flooding can meet face-to-face with disaster-recovery specialists at the center until that time. Also on hand are representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration who can advise survivors about low-interest loans that might be vailable to homeowners and renters. The SBA can also help businesses of any size with disaster-related losses or damages.

“We want to ensure that everyone in the area that was affected by the severe weather is aware of the assistance that may be available to help get them back on their feet,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “We urge anyone who has not registered with FEMA to do so as soon as possible with the deadline just a few weeks away.”

“This is the last Disaster Recovery Center remaining open in Mississippi,” said Terry Quarles, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “We close the centers when we feel that the public has been sufficiently served and we can let our recovery specialists return home.”

The center, at Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12^th Ave., is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, it will be open from 8 a.m. to noon only.

Those seeking assistance to help recover from storm damages and losses should first register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or with web-enabled smartphones or other wireless devices at m.fema.gov.

Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. C-Spire wireless customers can register by calling #362.

After the center closes, the websites and phones at FEMA will remain available for registrations and to follow the progress of any applications. The deadline to register with FEMA or to apply to SBA for any loan is April 15.

The declared counties are Forrest, Greene, Lamar, Marion, Jefferson Davis, Perry and Wayne.

Since the president made these counties eligible for FEMA assistance, nearly $2.75 million has been disbursed in FEMA grants; SBA has dispensed $2.3 million in low-interest loans.

About 3,000 people in Mississippi have registered for assistance, and nearly 2,000 have visited the Disaster Centers that MEMA and FEMA opened after the storms.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit www.msema.org, www.fema.gov/disaster/4101 and www.fema.gov/blog.

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 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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Disaster Recovery Center In Hattiesburg To Close March 27

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.

Continue reading:

FEMA Extends Deadline For Irene-Related Mitigation Grants

President Declares Disaster for Connecticut

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 Connecticut 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 – 11, 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 Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County.

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 Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County. This type of assistance is available in Hartford and New Haven counties 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.

Albert Lewis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Lewis 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.

See the article here:

President Declares Disaster for Connecticut

Virtual Flood Map Open House Available for Greater New Orleans Residents

Public Open Houses Set for March 25-27 in St. Charles, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Greater New Orleans area who did not get a chance to visit flood map open houses March 18-20 now have a virtual option to get information about preliminary flood maps.

A ‘virtual’ open house is available online at www.floodrisk-la.org and features information on the proposed flood maps for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Charles parishes.

The website contains links to the online flood maps, and includes details on how to view your flood risk, what it means if your flood risk changes, what you can do to help reduce that flood risk, how to insure your risk, what actions are being taken to address a community’s risk and details about the mapping process.

Meanwhile, there are three flood map open houses scheduled for March 25-27 where residents can meet one on one with state, local and Federal Emergency Management Agency flood mapping partners and view the preliminary maps. Visitors can drop by anytime between 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. on the days below:

Monday, March 25 in St. Charles Parish @ RK Smith Middle School, 281 Sugarland Parkway in Luling, LA 70070
Tuesday, March 26 in St. Bernard Parish @ St. Bernard Civic Center, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette, LA 70043
Wednesday, March 27 in Plaquemines Parish @ Belle Chasse Auditorium, 8398 Hwy 23 in Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Additional information is available at www.riskmap6.com and http://go.usa.gov/gzU5. Residents can also contact their local floodplain administrators for more details.

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Virtual Flood Map Open House Available for Greater New Orleans Residents

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