TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey renters who had losses during Hurricane Sandy may be eligible to receive federal disaster assistance to replace damaged contents.

Renters can receive up to $40,000 in low-interest disaster home loans from the Small Business Administration for personal property losses. Loan applications are due no later than Monday, April 1.

No one is required to accept a loan offer. Renters may be referred for Federal Emergency Management Agency grants if they are not approved for an SBA disaster home loan.

The simplest way to complete the application is online by using the SBA’s 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. 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. Survivors must register by April 1 to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

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.

Link – 

Renters: Complete and Return SBA Applications

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who had storm-related damages in New Jersey have just two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Federal disaster assistance applications are due by Monday, April 1.

April 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. Survivors can apply for an SBA disaster home or business loans by filling out an online application at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.                                                               

Survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

There are nine disaster recovery centers open in Atlantic, Cape May, Hudson, Monmouth and Ocean counties. FEMA staff is available at the centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of applications for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help. Survivors can locate their nearest center by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.       

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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.

Link:  

Two Weeks Left To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster recovery officials urge recipients of federal grants to use the money wisely.

Upon releasing the funds by direct deposit or check, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent every recipient a letter providing important information about the grant and outlining how the money can be spent.

Disaster-related grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved disaster-related costs. New Jerseyans who have questions about their grants should call FEMA’s Helpline at  800-621-FEMA (3362).

Housing funds may be used for:

  • Repairs to return a home to a safe and functional condition – may include repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems, or other structural parts of a home
  •  Replacement or rebuilding of a disaster-damaged home
  •  Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster – receipts for these expenses will be requested if the house sustained damages.
  • Rental assistance – applicants who must remain in temporary housing for a longer period than the initial assistance grant covers may request more assistance until their home can be occupied or other permanent housing arrangements can be made. Disaster-related grant recipients also must turn in proper receipts to receive further assistance.

Recipients of Other Needs Assistance may use the funds for:

  • Personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement
  • Medical, dental and funeral expenses and moving expenses

Disaster-related grant recipients are required to sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

Applicants also should be sure to update their address and phone number information by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or update your information online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.

If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, applicants may miss important letters or phone calls about their applications for assistance or payment status.

By law, FEMA grants, which are taxpayer dollars, cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those duplicated funds must be reimbursed to FEMA.

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.

Source: 

Use Disaster Grants Wisely

DENVER – There’s a hidden threat that strikes countless unprepared Americans each year – flooding.  Unlike fire, wind, hail or most other perils, flood damage is not covered by a homeowners policy. An uninsured flood loss can undo a lifetime’s worth of effort and create a mountain of bills. Fortunately, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy provides the defense against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

Flooding is an ever present threat; it can happen at any time and in virtually any location. While certain areas may be more prone to flooding – especially those in coastal areas or riverine environments – history has shown that almost no place is immune to flooding.  Flooding can have many causes: a quick heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can cause flash flooding, a blocked culvert or storm sewer drain can create flooding in a city neighborhood, or prolonged wet weather can swell streams and rivers. Even dry conditions can pose a threat, as minimal rainfall in wildfire burn areas or drought stricken regions can create flash flooding when soils are unable absorb even slight precipitation.

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in a participating community (which might be a county or other jurisdiction for those living in unincorporated areas). That’s right; you don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. In fact, if you live outside a floodplain you may be eligible for a preferred risk policy that has a much lower premium than for a policy in a higher flood risk area. And in most cases you can purchase an NFIP policy with the insurance agent you already deal with for other insurance needs.  When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put you in touch with another agent that can get you a flood insurance policy.

One key difference of an NFIP policy from another insurance policy is the 30 day waiting period prior to the policy going into effect. But that doesn’t mean anyone should view a policy like a lottery ticket, something purchased only if flooding appears imminent. A policy should be viewed as protection against a continuing threat rather than a hedge against a singular event such as anticipated spring flooding or flooding following a wildfire.

The average cost of flood insurance is about $650 a year – less than $2 a day for financial protection from what could be devastating effects of a flood to one’s home or business. By purchasing a policy now, or keeping your existing policy, you have peace of mind. As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy – how much coverage you need, coverage of contents as well as structure and any other questions you might have.

Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-2419.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Originally posted here: 

Purchasing — and MAINTAINING — Flood Insurance is a Great Investment at Any Time

SAN JUAN, PR – Every year approximately 800 seismic events occur in the Puerto Rico region. While some of them are imperceptible, others remind us of the urgency to prepare ourselves better to survive no notice emergencies, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasizes the role of prepared communities that become stronger and smarter by planning and practicing what to do to survive and recover faster from this type of events.

This week FEMA joins efforts with the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency, the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, the Puerto Rico Broadcasters Association and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) through LANTEX 2013, an exercise that will take place this Wednesday, March 20, 2013. This drill will test the Emergency Alert System (EAS) during an earthquake/tsunami event and the communications and response processes of local, state and federal governments, as well as the private sector during an activation of this kind.

“A destructive earthquake can occur anytime and once it happens, it’s too late to prepare ourselves. We encourage everyone in our communities to be ready NOW as you might not be with your family, your children might be at school or you could be at work,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director Alejandro De La Campa. “This exercise provides everyone with a great opportunity to practice their emergency plans and become involved in their emergency preparedness.”

A great first step to include in your emergency plan is to look for information about emergency plans in places where you and your family spend time: work, daycare and school. If no plan exists, the following simple steps can help you begin developing your family emergency communications plan:

  • Identify an out-of town contact.  It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
  • Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
  • Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

In addition to being aware of your risks, learn what to do during diverse emergency situations.  Here are a few tips to remember:

When an earthquake hits:

  • DROP to the ground;
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk, table or other piece of furniture. If there is none around to get under, get down near an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands; and
  • HOLD ON to the furniture or to your head and neck until the shaking stops.  

Pay attention to some of these tsunami warning signs:

  • A strong earthquake, or one that lasts for 20 seconds or longer
  • The ocean withdraws or rises rapidly
  • A loud, roaring sound (like an airplane or a train) coming from the ocean
  • Tsunami warnings broadcast over television and radio, by beach lifeguards, community sirens, text message alerts, National Weather Service tsunami warning center Web sites and on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

When a tsunami hits:

  • Keep calm;
  • Immediately move to the local tsunami shelter using defined tsunami evacuation routes.
  • If there are no evacuation routes defined, move to higher ground that is at least 100 feet in elevation, a mile inland, or to the highest floor of a sturdy building and STAY there.
  • If you are already in a safe location, STAY there.
  • Move by foot when possible – do not drive – this keeps the roads unobstructed for emergency vehicles.
  • Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or news broadcasts for changes in tsunami alerts.
  • Stay away from the coast and low-lying areas until local officials say it’s safe to return.

 

For more information on earthquake safety, including what to do before, during, and after an earthquake and how to check for earthquake hazards, visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/. Further information regarding tsunami safety, evacuation, safe relocation and the tsunami ready program is available at www.tsunami.gov and http://prsn.upr.edu.  For emergency planning information and how to put together an emergency kit and other preparedness initiatives to be ready for disasters, visit www.ready.gov.

FEMA News Desk (787) 296-3554, 3560

 

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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.

See original:

Earthquakes and Tsunamis: The Time to Get Ready is Now

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Last year, Puerto Rico endured numerous severe weather events including flooding, heavy rains and storm surges which affected families and businesses in various degrees, but were not extensive enough to justify a federal disaster declaration. However, more than half a million dollars were paid to flood affected business owners, renters and families who own flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“Buying and maintaining flood insurance assures you that assistance will arrive when you have to deal with a flood damaged property. Take steps now to protect your property and financial well-being,” said Alejandro De La Campa, FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director. “Buy flood insurance now and be covered by the start of hurricane season, because when you purchase a flood insurance policy there is a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.”

Through the NFIP, homeowners can insure their homes for up to $250,000 and its contents for up to $100,000. Renters can buy coverage for personal property for up to $100,000. Nonresidential property owners can insure a building and its contents for up to $500,000.

Currently, 56,572 policy holders in Puerto Rico participate in the NFIP. This insurance can be purchased through your local insurance agent or company. Also, you can go online at www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 for general flood insurance information.

Furthermore, FEMA advises residents to contact their local floodplain management officials to view current local flood maps. Additional information is also available online through FEMA’s Map Service Center at www.msc.fema.gov or www.jp.gobierno.pr/avi/ to see the updated flood map for your community.

Decide to be ready for any type of disaster, visit www.ready.gov and www.fema.gov for tools and resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events.

FEMA News Desk (787) 296-3554; (787) 296-3560

 

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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.

 

Source article:  

It Pays To Have Flood Insurance

PURVIS, Miss. – State and federal recovery officials are urging Mississippians to obtain any necessary building permits before starting new construction or repairs to property damaged by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“Getting building permits is necessary for those with homes or businesses damaged by the storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “Residents need to know that permits are based on local ordinances enforced by their communities.”

In Mississippi, depending on the size and nature of the project, additional building permits beyond a basic document may be required before rebuilding begins. There also might be a need for a flood-elevation certificate. Special permits are required for demolition work, asbestos removal, and sometimes for use of portable storage containers. Typically, all permits must be obtained before construction begins.

“Having the proper permits before repairs or rebuilding begins will protect the homeowner,” said State Coordinating Officer Robert Latham. “These permits will ensure that the local government knows what work is occurring in their area and that it will be done to their standards.  It can be frustrating for residents who make repairs without a permit to find out after the fact that the repairs are not up to local ordinances and they may have to spend more money on additional repairs to their property.”

Securing the correct local building permit is the homeowner’s responsibility. Those who agree to have their contractors secure permits on their behalf should follow up with building officials to verify. Permits may be required for repairs to roofs, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Local permitting offices can provide suggestions and information on how to protect homes or businesses from future disaster-related damages and might be able provide consumers with information on choosing licensed contractors as well as advice on protecting homeowners from unscrupulous contractors.

FEMA and MEMA are not permitting agencies and do not authorize rebuilding or repair simply by providing disaster grants, loans or, in FEMA’s case, settling flood-insurance claims. The agencies do not recommend or endorse any contractors, and recovery officials warn people to be wary of any contractors who claim they are authorized by FEMA or MEMA. They are not.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for 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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Local Permits Are Needed Before Rebuilding Begins

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering to improve public awareness for National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22, 2013.  The agencies’ goal is to improve understanding about flood risk among individuals, families, businesses and communities.  Knowledge and the right precautions can protect families, homes and finances.

“We’ve seen the devastation that floods can cause.  They can happen at any time, anywhere across our region, which means we all need to be prepared now,” said FEMA Region III Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Having a flood insurance policy for your home or business is just one way to prepare; there are also simple steps you can take now to be prepared for flooding such as developing a family emergency plan, having an emergency supply kit ready to go, and learning about your flood risk.”

Floods are the most common hazard in the United States.  However, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly.  Chunks of ice from a thawing river can block its normal flow and force water out of its banks. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly.  Hurricanes can bring flooding to areas far inland from where they first hit the coast, as we witnessed two years ago from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and last year from Hurricane Sandy.

There are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods.  Flood Safety Awareness Week is an excellent time for people and communities to learn about their flood risk and implement precautions to mitigate the threat to life and property.

“Flooding is dangerous and costly, killing nearly 100 people and causing an average of eight billion dollars in property damage in the United States each year,” said Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, director, NOAA’s National Weather Service, which produces an array of flood outlooks and forecasts, including watches and life-saving warnings.  “A weather-ready nation is a prepared nation; one that will reduce flood losses by planning ahead, staying abreast of weather forecasts, and heeding the warnings.”

Dr. Uccellini emphasized that a primary flood killer is flooded roadways.  People should never attempt to drive through them, but should “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” NOAA’s flood safety slogan.

NOAA will issue the 2013 U.S. Spring Outlook and flood assessment on March 21.

FEMA and NOAA will provide the public with key information related to flood hazards, and ways to protect yourself and your property each day of National Flood Safety Awareness week. 

For more information on flood safety tips and information, visit ready.gov/floods or the Spanish-language web site listo.gov.  For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit floodsmart.gov.

 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources.  Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

Source:

FEMA and NOAA Promote National Flood Safety Awareness Week

PURVIS, Miss. –Students, staff, alumni and fans at the University of Southern Mississippi may have noticed some new faces around campus and sporting events. Folks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and FEMA Corps were on campus and at athletic events this past month to assist Golden Eagle fans affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

A Disaster Information Station set up on campus in the R.C. Cook Student Union served as a hub for busy students and faculty to receive information and ask questions about disaster assistance. More than 50 people visited the station between Feb. 25 and March 1.

To get the word out even more, the MEMA/FEMA community relations teams were at the USM men’s basketball game March 2 when the Golden Eagles defeated East Carolina at the Reed Green Coliseum. They greeted people at the gates, handed out flyers and answered questions as fans filed in for the game.

“Some people would walk by and we’d hand them a card and some would stop to talk,” said MEMA Individual Assistance Director Dan Magee. “A lot of people would walk up and say thank you, we appreciate ya’ll. They were really great and thankful.”

At the USM baseball game Saturday, teams stood outside the gates at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field, greeting fans and making themselves available for questions.

“We were there to provide info if they needed it,” said FEMA Corps member Katy Cobb. “They mostly just kind of gave us a smile and walked into the game.”

Though they weren’t donning black and gold like the fans, they were still there for the same reason: to support the USM community.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age,disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for 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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Excerpt from:  

FEMA, MEMA and FEMA Corps Reach Out to University of Southern Mississippi

BATON ROUGE, La. – State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofits in Louisiana parishes hit hard by the Jan. 8-17 storms and flooding have about two weeks to file their official requests for federal assistance.

The deadline to file a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) is March 25.

Filing such a request with the state is the first step in the process of applying for federal reimbursements under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

Applicants must file RPAs within 30 days of a presidential disaster declaration. President Obama issued Louisiana’s major disaster declaration on Feb. 22 for Acadia, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Madison, St. Landry, and Vermilion parishes.

“We urge all eligible applicants to make their requests for assistance quickly,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “The sooner they do so, the sooner we can start the process of getting their eligible costs reimbursed, which helps get communities back on track.”

The grants are obligated to the state to reimburse eligible applicants for expenses incurred while taking emergency measures to protect lives and property; cleaning up downed trees, power poles and other debris; and repairing public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent.

Although the program is oriented to public entities, private nonprofit organizations may apply directly to FEMA via the RPA for uninsured costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, nonprofits may qualify for FEMA assistance to make infrastructure repairs if they provide critical services, such as fire and emergency rescue; medical treatment; power, water and sewer resources; and communications systems.

Details of the PA program are on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

Excerpt from – 

Deadline is March 25 for Applicants to File Requests for Public Assistance

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