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Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson Counties

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks.

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these coastal communities better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public have been scheduled. The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress. The open houses will help to educate the public about the current flood risk in the area. Public meetings will be posted on www.txchart.com.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson counties, the effort also includes Aransas, Brazoria, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is currently undergoing a thorough modernization.

Meanwhile, contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

Media note: If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 1p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson Counties

Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

PURVIS, Miss. – There will be changes this week at Disaster Recovery Centers in Mississippi.

The State of Mississippi and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change hours or be considered for possible closure.

The last chance to visit two centers will be Sat., March 2 until 6 p.m.:

Marion County

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth

Wayne County

Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St Waynesboro

Survivors can still meet face-to-face with disaster-recovery specialists at three centers where hours and days of operation will change this week. Effective Sat., March 2, these disaster recovery centers will serve storm survivors 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Effective Sun., March. 3, these centers will be closed Sundays.

Forrest County:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg

Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St., Petal

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants 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., seven days a week until further notice.

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

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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Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

PURVIS, Miss. – As Mississippians clean up from the recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding, some will have to deal with mold before returning home. Mold can be a health hazard; it can also cause structural damage.

It’s important to recognize mold and to remove it safely before moving back into or repairing a residence.

Mold needs three things to spread: a food source (paper, wood, leaves etc.), moisture, and a place to grow. People can have severe reactions to mold. Those with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold. People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to infections caused by mold.

Mold also can cause structural damage. When wood gets wet and moldy and then dries, it can warp. Walls can crack and the building can weaken.

Quick action can minimize health risks and damage caused by mold – and stop its spread:

Open windows and doors and use fans to dry out the building. If possible, use wet vacuums to remove water and use dehumidifiers in closed spaces.
Remove baseboards and soaked drywall to a foot above the watermark and discard. Drain walls by drilling holes or pulling non-porous paneling away from the studs. Check the inside of wallsfor mold.
Wash hard, non-absorbent surfaces (metal, glass, solid wood, plastic) with non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Scrub rough surfaces such as concrete. Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a solution of water and bleach; rinse with water after 10 minutes.
Remove absorbent materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. That includes carpets and padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, leather, wood, paper, food and clothing.
When in doubt throw it out!

If the area to be cleaned is larger than 10 square feet or if assistance is required to complete cleanup, consult a professional contractor.

The basic rule is: if you can see or smell mold, eliminate the excess moisture then, cleanup and remove the mold.

Be safe during cleanup:

Never mix bleach with ammonia; the fumes are toxic.
Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Air out the working area by opening doors and windows and using fans.
Protect your lungs. Use an N-95 respiratory mask that can be purchased at most hardware stores for about $10.

For more information, see:

Mississippi Department of Health: http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/43,0,230,331.html

Centers for Disease Control: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/

Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html

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Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – While the destruction of large parts of Vermont’s road system by Tropical Storm Irene received much attention, the state’s railroad network was also heavily damaged.

Now, federal and state officials say that more than $22 million has been put into repairs of damaged railroad tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure, including almost $20 million worth of Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

“Vermont’s roads took a significant hit during Irene, but many residents may not have been aware how much of the rail infrastructure was also damaged or destroyed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s mission in Vermont. “Restoring these bridges and rail lines has been an important part of the recovery effort.”

“The Rail Division of the Vermont Agency of Transportation did a remarkable job restoring service immediately after Irene, and their work in making permanent repairs to the rail system has been a success story that deserves recognition,” said Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Joe Flynn.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program has approved funding for a total of 80 projects related to the repair or replacement of damaged rail infrastructure, including 16 for bridges and 64 for the repair of damage to various segments of track, including the rail bed and associated culverts.

Total estimated project costs to date are as follows:

Project	Cost	Est. federal share

16 Bridges	$18,272,212	$16,444,990

Repairs to rail beds and small structures	$3,740,920	$3,366,829

Total estimated project costs to date:	$22,013,132	$19,811,819

For projects related to Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 90 percent of the eligible costs and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 10 percent.

To date, FEMA has provided Vermont with more than $23 million in grants to individuals and households for losses related to Irene, and another $133 million in grants to cover the cost of emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities.

FEMA has also obligated nearly $13 million for hazard mitigation efforts including home buyouts to remove damaged or destroyed homes from harm’s way.

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Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

FEMA Team At Lowe’s With Tips On Smart Building

PURVIS, Miss. – An outreach team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Lowe’s home improvement store in Hattiesburg this week to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from high-wind events. The team will also offer tips on rebuilding stronger and safer after the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding.

A FEMA advisory team is staffing a table at Lowe’s, 6004 U.S. 98, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 to provide free “how-to” information about wind-resistant building methods, and guidance to help prevent damage to a business or home in the face of another natural disaster. The team will be present from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 and continuing daily until further notice.

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

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FEMA Team At Lowe’s With Tips On Smart Building

Disaster Survivors May Get Tax Deadline Postponement

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi taxpayers living in counties that were designated as major disaster areas as a result of recent storms and tornados may be able to postpone filing their federal tax returns and paying what they owe.

This would apply to residents of Forrest, Lamar, Wayne and Marion counties. Under Internal Revenue Service rules, taxpayers in these counties whose returns and payments are due Monday, April 15, can hold off on filing until April 30. Businesses who must file by March 15 or on any date after that can also postpone filing.

IRS rules and regulations tend to be very complicated. Taxpayers should talk to their tax preparers to make sure they qualify for relief under Section 7508A of the Federal Tax Code and what any new deadlines might be.

Taxpayers who don’t use a tax-preparing service or a tax accountant can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for individual taxpayer help or 800-829-4933 for business help.

For personal service, visit any of the six IRS offices in Mississippi. There is a list of these offices with their addresses and phone numbers at www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Mississippi.

Assistance grants from state or federal sources do not count in a taxpayer’s gross income, nor do they affect the amount of Social Security he or she receives.

The IRS will forgive any penalties for late filings (as long as they are filed before any new deadline) for individuals and businesses in the declared counties. In addition, any individual or business whose necessary records are in those counties might also get relief.

According to the IRS, “If an affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice from the IRS, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate any interest and any late-filing or late-payment penalties that would otherwise apply.”

In some cases, taxpayers who reside or have a business outside the disaster-declared counties can also seek relief. Phone the IRS Disaster Help Line at 866-562-5227. Residents within the declared areas are identified by IRS computers and don’t have to file relief requests.

Losses that were not covered by insurance or state and FEMA grants can be deducted from a taxpayer’s gross income on either their 2012 or 2013 tax return. If anyone wants to claim a loss deduction on his or her return that was already filed and wishes to have any refund sent, he or she should note “Mississippi/Tornado and Flooding” at the top of the tax form.

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Disaster Survivors May Get Tax Deadline Postponement

Mississippians: Tips to Speed Up Your Disaster Assistance

PEARL, Miss. — Mississippi residents and businesses recovering from the recent storms and tornadoes can help speed the process of obtaining federal assistance by starting as soon as possible and following some simple steps.

FEMA can’t help if you don’t apply. Registration is simple and can be done:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.

By phone or video relay at 800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.
By TTY at 800-462-7585.
C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

After registration: It’s about follow-up

Keep critical appointments. A FEMA-contracted inspector will make an appointment to visit your damaged home. Make every effort to be at home, or authorize someone 18 or older who lived in the residence at the time of the disaster to stand in during the inspection.
Stay in touch with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to change an appointment, to update an address or telephone number or to provide additional information.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center: Get face-to-face-guidance and answers to questions at recovery centers. Five are open in four counties in Mississippi from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until further notice:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg, 39401

Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St., Petal, 39465

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg, 39402

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth 39483

Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St., Waynesboro, 39367

Return forms promptly. After registering, survivors may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application package in the mail. Fill out and return these forms promptly. You don’t have to accept a loan but this application may open new doors of assistance. SBA representatives at Disaster Recovery Centers will assist in completing your home or business disaster loan application as well as answer any of your questions.
Read all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants deemed eligible for disaster assistance will receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance on their disaster relief grant. It will explain ways the money can be spent for recovery and explain that federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or other assistance received.

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Mississippians: Tips to Speed Up Your Disaster Assistance

Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

PEARL, MISS., – Mississippians rebuilding from the recent storms and tornadoes should be aware that disasters often bring out phony contractors and rip-off artists who try to take advantage of storm survivors in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest ways people can protect themselves.

Before allowing anyone to do work on your home, get a written contract. The contract should detail the work to be done, the agreed-upon costs, a project schedule and a completion date. This is one of the best ways homeowners can protect themselves from contractor fraud.

The contract should also detail procedures to cancel the contract, negotiate changes and settle disputes. All guarantees should be in writing.

Before signing a home repair contract, homeowners should:

Get three written estimates.
Check each contractor’s credentials and references.
Check with the Mississippi Board of Contractors at www.msboc.us to make sure the contractor is licensed.
Make sure the contractor carries liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage.
Check the website of the contractor, if there is one. If the site is unfinished or unprofessional in appearance, it may be that it was quickly constructed to give the impression of being in business, when in fact, the contractor is not. A website does not verify the existence of a business.
Confirm instructions for project clean up and construction debris removal.

Don’t pay any more than 10 percent or $1,000 down on proposed work and don’t pay with cash.

Scam artists also look for other ways to part people from their money using a storm survivor’s information. Don’t give out personal information such as your Social Security number or FEMA registration number. Credit card numbers should not be given out unless the contractor’s legal status has been verified.

If you are a victim of contractor fraud, notify the Mississippi State Board of Contractors in writing by completing the complaint form found online at www.msboc.us. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection can investigate allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a Mississippi business. Contact them at 800-281-4418.

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Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Foxworth

PEARL, Miss. – With the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center today in Foxworth, disaster survivors in Marion, Forrest, Lamar and Wayne counties can meet face-to-face with recovery specialists in five locations.

The centers are staffed with recovery professionals from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

All centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

Marion County:

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth 39483

Forrest County:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12^th Ave., Hattiesburg, 39401

Petal Civic Center, 714 S. Main St., Petal, 39402

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Dr., Hattiesburg, 39402

Wayne County:

City of Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St., Waynesboro, 39367

The first step to receiving federal disaster aid is to register with FEMA. Registration is simple and can be completed several ways:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.

By phone or video relay at 800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.

By TTY at 800-462-7585.
C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov. Select “Disaster Survivor” then “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents can meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Survivors are encouraged to register before visiting a center if possible. Specialists at the center can explain the disaster assistance process, describe the types of help available, and answer survivors’ questions.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Foxworth

President Declares Disaster for Louisiana

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 Louisiana to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms during the period of January 8 to January 17, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribes, 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 in Acadia, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Madison, St. Landry, and Vermilion Parishes.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Gerard M. Stolar has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Stolar 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 Louisiana

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