New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kings County on Thursday

 NEW YORK – The state of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a new Disaster Recovery Center in Brooklyn at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, to provide one-on-one, face-to-face help for Hurricane Sandy survivors. 

The center will be located at Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club, 3076 Emmons Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11235.

Normal operational hours for the Disaster Recovery Center are:

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice

Individuals may visit the Brooklyn center to obtain useful FEMA information and apply forlow-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Two months after Hurricane Sandy struck, 22 Disaster Recovery Centers are open throughout New York. They have hosted more than 114,000 survivors of the severe weather. 

To find the nearest recovery center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until Jan. 28, 2013 to register for federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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.

Link:  

New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kings County on Thursday

Less than Two Weeks left for Rhode Islanders to Seek Aid for Sandy Losses

Less than Two Weeks left for Rhode Islanders to Seek Aid for Sandy Losses

WARWICK, R.I. — Time is running out for anyone hit with losses from Hurricane Sandy to seek state-federal disaster recovery assistance. The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency is Monday, January 14.

“Don’t assume you wouldn’t qualify for assistance,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “Let us figure that out. We want to ensure that everyone who is eligible receives help. If Sandy caused you any kind of losses–regardless of whether you are a property owner, renter, have already cleaned up or made repairs or have insurance–call or go online and register now.”

FEMA-state assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, uninsured vehicle damage, lost or damaged personal property and many other costs incurred because of Hurricane Sandy.

State and federal officials particularly want to remind anyone who has insurance, including flood insurance, to go ahead and register with FEMA. Once you are registered, you can go back to FEMA down the road for help if insurance shortfalls result in uncompensated losses. But if you don’t register before the deadline, FEMA will not be able to help you cover those losses. Registration keeps the financial assistance option open.

Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362). The phone line is open from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Multilingual recovery specialists are available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.  Rhode Islanders with questions about federal disaster assistance or their registration may call 800-621-3362 and select the “help” option.

Low interest disaster loans are vital to full recovery for many who had storm damage.  The U.S. Small Business Administration provides these loans, not just for businesses, but also for renters, homeowners, businesses of any size and private non-profits to cover uncompensated real or personal property losses. The deadline to apply for an SBA loan is Tuesday, January 15.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Find tweets about Sandy recovery at www.twitter.com/femaregion1. For Rhode Island specific information go to http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4089. Other online resources include http://blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/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.

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 medical and dental expenses, 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.

 

 

Original article: 

Less than Two Weeks left for Rhode Islanders to Seek Aid for Sandy Losses

Resolve To Rebuild Stronger, Safer, Smarter

NEW YORK – Most of us make New Year’s resolutions to look better, feel better or reach a long-term goal.

This year resolve to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter after Hurricane Sandy to save lives and property when the next weather disaster strikes.

Hazard mitigation is building smart, strong and safe to prevent future damage from severe weather. Smart building includes mitigating damage against floods, strong winds and even tornadoes.

Always contact a local building official before undertaking rebuilding, renovating or retrofitting to be sure your plans meet local and state government requirements. You also need the proper permits from your local municipality to avoid future problems.

Such simple mitigation measures as elevating electrical and heating systems and anchoring fuel storage tanks can provide a windfall of protection against severe weather. 

Mitigation can also include landscaping. For instance, sea oats and other grasses can provide soil stability against storm surge. Ask your landscaper what indigenous plants withstand severe weather and protect property. Professional tree pruning can save not only the tree but can minimize the damage caused by a tree in severe weather. 

Flooding

Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.

The average annual U.S. flood losses in the past 10 years (2002-2011) were more than $2.9 billion.

Rebuilding smartly in a flood-prone area means preventing future damages from flooding such as elevating your structure above the base flood elevation or higher. Flood hazard maps show different zones of hazard which determines policy premiums. The lower the degree of risk, the lower the flood insurance premium.

By elevating your home above that potential flood elevation, you not only reduce the risk of flooding, you save on the cost of flood insurance. The FEMA’s NFIP policy can cover structures and personal property. You don’t have to live in a flood-prone area to buy FEMA’s flood insurance policy which is sold by most insurance agents.

To be eligible to buy FEMA’s flood insurance your community must participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Check the Community Status Book to see if your community is already an NFIP partner. (http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program/national-flood-insurance-program-community-status-book)

Wind

Wind will quickly damage vulnerable homes and buildings. The roof is most susceptible to wind. The type of roof is the first factor in limiting damage.

Whether with new construction or retrofitting an existing roof, build to ensure the connections between the roof and walls are strong enough to resist the “uplift” effect of high winds. When the roof lifts off it may collapse back down on the house.

Getting down to the foundation, many homes are built on concrete pads to which they are only slightly connected. Severe winds pull the walls right out of the foundation. To resist high winds, structures must be firmly connected to foundations.

Mitigation Dollars at Work

For New York damages caused by Hurricane Sandy, the U. S. Small Business Administration has provided $357 million to help homeowners, businesses and private non-profit organizations rebuild their properties damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Some funds have also been allocated for the mitigation of similar damages during future events.

More information about Resolving to Be Ready and Rebuilding Strong and Smart are available online:

  • Listo America –Ready.Gov

http://www.ready.gov/translations/spanish/america/beinformed/index.html

  • FEMA also has videos on YouTube: “What is Mitigation?”           

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=057ZkeoFyc4

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.

Read article here:

Resolve To Rebuild Stronger, Safer, Smarter

Help Available For Sandy Survivors Stressed By Holidays

TRENTON, N.J. — The holiday season can create its own stress. This stress can be especially trying for those recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

Free help is available just a phone call away for New Jersey survivors who feel overwhelmed during the holidays.

The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline at 877-294-4357 or TTY 877-294-4356 is open  from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Hours for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All calls are free and confidential.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also supports a Disaster Mental Health Helpline run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration where counselors are available 24 hours a day including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The number is 800-985-5990.

Rest, exercise and healthy eating help the body deal with stress. But disaster-induced mental distress may include:

  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Stomach aches or headaches.
  • Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why.
  • Lack of energy or always feeling tired.
  • Severe disorientation or confusion.
  • Overwhelming sense of guilt.
  • Depression, sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
  • Increased use of substances like drugs or alcohol.

Disaster survivors may doubt that happiness will ever be possible again. Talking about those feelings with friends or counselors can help.

Talking to someone can help survivors keep perspective. Eventually, these out-of-balance times will improve. In the meantime, it is important to connect with others.

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.

Continue reading here – 

Help Available For Sandy Survivors Stressed By Holidays

Two Months Later, Recovery Efforts Are Still Going Strong in New York

NEW YORK — In the two months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York, recovery moves forward for survivors, businesses and communities.

“New Yorkers have made tremendous progress in their journey toward recovery from Hurricane Sandy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The efforts of the survivors themselves, combined with those of the whole recovery community, have made all the difference in New York.”  

Below is a snapshot of significant milestones achieved by FEMA, the state of New York and federal partners since the Oct. 30 disaster declaration:

  • FEMA and the state have approved more than $816.3 million in disaster assistance for New Yorkers through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, which helps eligible applicants with emergency home repairs; uninsured personal property losses; and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. It also helps cover other disaster-related expenses.
  • 13 New York counties are designated for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. These are Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Greene County has been designated for Public Assistance only.
  • A total of 258,527 New Yorkers have registered for disaster assistance in the 13 counties designated for Individual Assistance including more than 140,000 who have applied through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.

Assistance to residents in the heaviest hit counties includes:

  • Bronx                $2.2 million
  • Kings                 $177.8 million
  • Nassau               $266.3 million
  • New York         $12 million
  • Queens              $208.6 million
  • Richmond         $83.8 million
  • Suffolk              $60.6 million
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $322 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center and 19 Business Recovery Centers in the New York area to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance.

FEMA PA program reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

  • In the two months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA Public Assistance has awarded more than $318 million dollars to local governments and eligible nonprofits.
  • New York University Langone Medical Center: $149.5 million to reimburse the cost of evacuating patients, performing emergency repairs, cleaning facilities and replacing critical equipment.
  • New York Police Department: More than $75.7 million to help pay for uniformed and civilian personnel who patrolled streets, distributed food and water to hurricane survivors and assisted residents in obtaining emergency medical care.
  • City of New York Department of Sanitation: More than $46.8 million to reimburse labor and equipment expenditures for the removal of an estimated 1.3 million cubic yards of debris.  
  • City of Long Beach: More than $24.3 million for expenses incurred collecting and clearing more than 700,000 cubic yards of debris scattered across the city.
  • Nassau County: More than $18 million for costs associated with debris removal and disposal throughout the county.
  • Nassau County: More than $2.8 million to help pay for the implementation of the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program.
  • Suffolk County: More than $1.1 million for costs associated with STEP.
  • More than 258,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance.
  • FEMA housing inspectors have completed 167,107 home inspections, an important first step in determining eligibility for housing assistance.
  • Nearly 1,300 Community Relations specialists who responded to Hurricane Sandy have met face-to-face with more than 88,000 survivors at homes, schools, and community- and faith-based organizations. The CR teams visited counties designated for Individual Assistance, providing information, and answering survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters early in the response. They also reported critical issues in real-time for immediate action. 
  • Workers who have lost their jobs or those who are self-employed and unable to provide their services because of Hurricane Sandy have received $1,755,266 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
  • 22 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the affected areas. These include mobile sites as well as fixed sites, and to date more than 110,000 survivors have been assisted at Disaster Recovery Centers in New York.
  • FEMA Mitigation specialists have provided advice and tips on how to repair and rebuild safer and stronger homes to 18,900 New Yorkers at recovery centers and home improvement stores.
  • FEMA specialists numbering 4,931 deployed from around the United States to help New York respond to and recover from Hurricane Sandy. FEMA teams continue to work with whole community partners to advance the recovery effort and mitigate against future hazards.
  • Nearly 900 National Service Members (AmeriCorps, FEMA Corps, and Senior Corps) have responded to communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  Areas of operation include: shelter operations, mass care, needs assessments, call centers, debris removal, and management of spontaneous volunteers.
  • More than 500 national and state voluntary organizations; local community and faith-based organizations have called upon their volunteers, to provide help to Sandy survivors in a range of programs and services. A number of the agencies will be part of the long-term recovery effort, working to meet the needs of hurricane survivors that go beyond state and federal assistance dollars.
  • More than 200 FEMA Corps young adults joined the Hurricane Sandy response under their assignment with the new program. Aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people, FEMA Corps is a unique partnership between FEMA and the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps.

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.  Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

Editor: A related story can be located at: http://www.fema.gov/updates/two-months-later-strong-recovery-effort-new-york

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085,http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog

More – 

Two Months Later, Recovery Efforts Are Still Going Strong in New York

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Assist Hurricane Survivors

TRENTON, N.J. — If you’re a Hurricane Sandy survivor and have questions about a letter you received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, need help finding a place to stay, or have any concerns about your recovery, a visit to a disaster recovery center can help.

FEMA staff is available at centers throughout New Jersey to provide clarification to your letters, assist you with finding a temporary home if your primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of your application for assistance, or refer you to other agencies that may provide additional help.                                                                                              

Also, you can consult with U.S. Small Business Administration customer service representatives about low-interest disaster loans to repair or rebuild your home and FEMA mitigation specialists about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damages in future disasters.

New Jersey centers will continue to provide assistance for survivors during the holiday season. Normal center hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Saturday, Dec. 29. Centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. They will be closed New Year’s Day. Normal hours will resume Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

To find the nearest center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. You also can visit www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

You should register for disaster assistance before visiting a center. You can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. You also can register by phone or 711/VRS by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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.

Taken from: 

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Assist Hurricane Survivors

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

“Although local, state and federal governments are ready to assist the public during times of emergencies and disasters, preparedness starts at home.  In the event of large scale disasters, it may take time to respond immediately,” said KYEM Director John W. Heltzel.

“The severe weather and tornadoes that destroyed much of West Liberty last March and other past disasters have taught us many valuable lessons which we continue to learn from,” continued Heltzel. “One of the most important lessons is the value of individual and family preparedness.”

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.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.

 

###

 

See the article here:

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

 

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.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.

 

###

See the article here:  

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

FEMA Breaks Down Barriers to Disaster Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is breaking down barriers so all people have full access to disaster assistance.

“We’re reaching out to the whole community,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “FEMA is working to make sure that everyone in the community can get access to disaster assistance information, programs and registration.”

After the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, FEMA created a team of disability integration specialists/advisors, who ensure recovery assistance is accessible and inclusive.

For example, interpreters for deaf people, who use American Sign Language, have been available in Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Centers in Connecticut.

In addition, FEMA equipped each center with accessibility kits to ensure all people have full access to FEMA information and assistance programs. The kits include devices to help people with a range of needs for mobility, sensory, physical or other impairments.

Also, FEMA reaches out to people with limited English proficiency by providing multilingual operators, making printed literature available in multiple languages and having translators available in the field.

Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, medical waiver programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.

Disaster survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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.

View post:

FEMA Breaks Down Barriers to Disaster Assistance

Cerrará El Centro Ubicado En Bayonne, Cambio En El Horario De Atención Del Centro Ubicado En Bay Head

Trenton, N.J. — Uno de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) enel condado de Hudson cerrará este sábado.

El centro ubicado en Bayonne City Museum en Bayonne cerrará a las 7:00 p.m. el 29 de diciembre.

Funcionarios federales y estatales estuvieron muy atentos a la cantidad de solicitantes que visitan los centros en todo el estado. En las últimas semanas, el número de personas que buscó ayuda en el centro de Bayonne disminuyó, lo cual indica que las necesidades de información de los sobrevivientes del área han sido satisfechas.                                                                                                                           

Los sobrevivientes del huracán Sandy en el área de Bayonne pueden visitar cualquier centro ubicado en el estado.

Entretanto,  el centro ubicado en Bay Head Fire Station No. 1 en Bay Head cambió el horario de atención; el horario actual es de lunes a sábado de 9:00am a 7:00pm, de ese modo atenderá en el mismo horario que el resto de los centros ubicados a través del estado.

En los centros los residentes pueden hablar personalmente con representantes de recuperación. Especialistas en programas de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) están disponibles en los centros para brindar información sobre la inscripción y otro tipo de información así como para responder preguntas. También cuentan con especialistas en mitigación que pueden brindar asesoramiento sobre cómo reconstruir económicamente y técnicas de reparación para reducir los daños a la propiedad en futuros desastres.

Además de los especialistas en programas de FEMA, representantes de atención al cliente de la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) de los Estados Unidos están disponibles para responder preguntas acerca del programa de préstamos por desastre de bajo interés de la SBA y para brindar asistencia con las solicitudes de préstamos por desastre.

Las ubicaciones de los DRC pueden cambiar. Visite FEMA.gov/DRC para encontrar el centro más cercano abierto.

No es necesario acudir a un centro para recibir asistencia.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que, como país, trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

Siga a FEMA en Internet en www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema y www.youtube.com/fema.  Además, siga las actividades del administrador Craig Fugate en www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

Los enlaces de medios sociales mencionados se brindan únicamente como referencia. FEMA no avala a ninguna compañía, aplicación o sitio web que no sea gubernamental.

See the article here:  

Cerrará El Centro Ubicado En Bayonne, Cambio En El Horario De Atención Del Centro Ubicado En Bay Head

 Page 136 of 183  « First  ... « 134  135  136  137  138 » ...  Last »