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Hurricane Isaac Three Months Later: Louisiana Looking Ahead, Moving Forward

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly three months ago, Hurricane Isaac swamped Louisiana with torrential rains, high winds and storm surge. Since then, local, state, federal and voluntary agencies, plus the private sector, have worked hand in hand with survivors to help them recover from the storm’s destruction.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal assistance have jump-started the recovery efforts of individual survivors, their families and their communities in the 55 parishes designated for Individual Assistance and/or Public Assistance. And more help will arrive with the rollout of recovery programs designed to help Louisianians over the long haul.

“Louisianians have made tremendous progress in their journey toward recovery from Hurricane Isaac,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “The efforts of the survivors themselves, combined with those of the whole recovery community, have made all the difference in Louisiana.”

Even before Hurricane Isaac made its first landfall on Aug. 28 before wobbling back out to sea, then hitting the coast again, emergency workers at all levels of government, law enforcement and voluntary agencies mobilized to prepare for the storm’s onslaught. On Aug. 27, President Obama issued an emergency disaster declaration authorizing FEMA to provide assistance for emergency protective measures to alleviate the hurricane’s impact on life and property. The major disaster declaration came just two days later.

Although weaker than Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isaac moved inland much more slowly, causing devastating flooding, some of it in areas largely unscathed by the 2005 storm. Along with the seasoned storm veterans of the coastal parishes and New Orleans, survivors unaccustomed to major storms found themselves needing help.

For many, assistance came almost immediately. Just a week after the Aug. 29 disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, more than $10 million in state and federal disaster assistance had already headed to survivors. Within 16 days, that total had soared to $100 million.

Today, disaster assistance has topped $365 million. This includes more than $116 million in grants from FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program, more than $135 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and more than $113 million in reimbursements to the state and local governments from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. Separately, the FEMA-administered National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $370 million on claims from policyholders in Louisiana.

Beyond the funds disbursed to individuals, families, businesses and communities, federal programs have helped survivors stay temporarily in hotels when their homes were unlivable; funded crisis counseling for Louisianians suffering from the emotional effects of the storm and its aftermath; helped connect survivors to other agencies’ assistance programs to ensure that they would get the help they needed; and reimbursed municipalities for emergency protective measures taken to preserve lives and property, restoring hurricane-damaged infrastructure and removing debris from parish rights-of-way and private property.

Within hours of the Aug. 29 declaration, the first Community Relations specialists began their work of providing crucial recovery information to storm survivors. Over the following weeks, hundreds of Community Relations specialists visited parishes designated for Individual Assistance, answering survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters.

Forty recovery centers served survivors throughout Louisiana, and two centers remain open in hard-hit parishes so residents can meet face to face with specialists who can help them register and answer their questions about state and federal assistance. Mitigation and National Flood Insurance Program specialists joined the staff at the centers, greatly expanding the information available to survivors.

Mitigation outreach specialists also met with more than 24,500 Louisianians in several settings, including the disaster recovery centers, home improvement stores, fairs and festivals, providing advice and tips on rebuilding stronger homes. Two strike teams in Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes visited residents, some accessible only by boat, to offer advice and mold cleanup kits.

As Louisianians continue to recover from Hurricane Isaac, they may have some needs that go beyond the scope of assistance the state or FEMA can provide. That’s when community-based long-term recovery groups can help.

With support and guidance from FEMA and the state, long-term recovery groups are already working in 15 hard-hit parishes. Formed from a network of nonprofit and voluntary agencies and faith- and community-based organizations, these recovery groups are working with survivors to determine their longer-term needs and connect them to assistance.

Staff and volunteers from some groups have helped clear debris at damaged homes, while others are recruiting volunteers and staff. Some groups have programs to help survivors pay utility bills or obtain necessities such as clothing and furniture.

On a community scale, the state of Louisiana, along with FEMA, has activated the new National Disaster Recovery Framework for the first time. Like initial response efforts, extended recovery requires a united effort beginning at the local level, plus the private sector and individuals — the whole community — and the framework aims to help make that happen.

Already, framework coordinators have held the first public meetings in two parishes to identify local recovery priorities, with more public sessions expected in the coming weeks, said Wayne Rickard, who was appointed the federal disaster recovery coordinator for Louisiana’s Hurricane Isaac recovery effort. After this stage, agencies at the state and federal levels will pool their resources and information to help communities and parishes find alternative pathways to secure technical assistance and funding.

Meanwhile, our Public Assistance mission continues to gain momentum and meet the challenges in Louisiana’s hard-hit coastal parishes. We are coordinating with our state and local partners, and reaching out to the federal family as well as FEMA Headquarters and Region VI leadership to find viable solutions to the more complex issues that stand in the way of full community recovery.

Because we extended the Individual Assistance registration deadline, Hurricane Isaac survivors have until Nov. 29 to register with FEMA for potential assistance. Louisianians can register for assistance or check the status of their cases online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.)

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Hurricane Isaac Three Months Later: Louisiana Looking Ahead, Moving Forward

Centro de Recuperación por Desastre es Reubicado, Abre Lunes al Medio Día

Centro de Recuperación por Desastre es Reubicado, Abre Lunes al Medio Día

WINDSOR, Conn. – El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre de FEMA y el Estado en Milford, se trasladará a la antigua escuela elemental Simon Lake.

El Centro abrirá al media día, lunes, 19 de noviembre, en la nueva ubicación, y entonces estará abierto de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. de lunes a sábado.

La nueva ubicación es:

Simon Lake Elementary School (antigua)

65 Devonshire Rd.

Milford, CT 06460

Hay dos Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en la ciudad de Fairfield.

El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en el Senior Center en 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT estará abierto desde el medio día hasta las 8 p.m. el sábado, 17 de noviembre. El centro estará cerrado los domingos, entonces abrirá de lunes a sábados de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m.

Los especialistas en los centros pueden ayudar con su registro, verificar casos individualmente, contestar preguntas sobre su reclamo o revisar la información necesaria para procesar su reclamo. Especialistas de Recuperación también pueden proveer contactos para otros programas que podrían ayudar.

Para la ubicación de un centro de recuperación cerca de usted, busque en línea en: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm

Las personas con pérdidas por la tormenta deben registrarse con FEMA en línea en: www.disasterassistance.gov/espanol; con un teléfono inteligente o dispositivo habilitado para la red en: m.fema.gov/esp. Los solicitantes también pueden registrase por teléfono llamando a FEMA al: 800-621-3362. El número para TTY es 800-462-7585. Operadores Plurilingües están disponibles las

24 horas de día, siete días a la semana.

Asistencia para recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, destreza en inglés, o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 800-621-FEMA (3362). Para TTY llame 800-462-7585.

La Administración Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA por sus siglas en inglés) es la fuente principal de dinero del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de propiedad privada dañada por desastres. SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, arrendatarios, negocios de todos los tamaños, y organizaciones sin fines de lucro a financiar reparaciones o esfuerzos de reconstrucción y cubre el costo de remplazar propiedad personal perdida o dañada por el desastre. Estos préstamos por desastre cubren perdidas que no han sido completamente cubiertas por los seguros u otras indemnizaciones y no duplican beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a nuestros ciudadanos y personal de primera respuesta para garantizar que como nación trabajemos juntos para construir, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos para, proteger contra, responder a, recuperarnos de y mitigar todos los peligros.

Centro de Recuperación por Desastre es Reubicado, Abre Lunes al Medio Día

Federal Disaster Aid Total Exceeds $7.6 million in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $7.6 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for Connecticut survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

As of close of business Nov. 18:

More than 9,100 Connecticut residents in Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County have registered for federal disaster assistance.
More than 2,000 survivors have visited the FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers.
More than $7.3 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
More than 4,200 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted.
More than $353,000 has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.

People with storm losses should register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Applicants can also register by phone by calling FEMA at: 800-621-3362. The number for TTY is: 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nine FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Connecticut.

Specialists at the centers can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about their claim, or review information needed to process their claim. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.

Please note: All Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed for Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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Federal Disaster Aid Total Exceeds $7.6 million in Connecticut

New Yorkers Warned to Watch Out for Post-Disaster Scam Artists

NEW YORK – As many New Yorkers work to recover from Hurricane Sandy, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are warning of another danger: Phony building contractors and other scam artists often appear in communities struggling to recover from a disaster.

“In times of crisis, New Yorkers pull together,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “However, some people will try to take advantage of vulnerable survivors. We strongly recommend that folks take a few simple steps to make sure they’re dealing with an honest person.”

Here are a few of the most common post-disaster fraud practices:

Phony housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be especially vulnerable to the phony housing inspector who claims to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). An applicant should ALWAYS:

Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge if he or she does not offer to show it. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. All federal employees and contractors carry official, laminated photo identification.
Do not give bank account numbers to an inspector claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require banking information.

It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine your eligibility for assistance.

Fraudulent building contractors: Damage visible from the street also can bring out fraudulent contractors who visit an applicant’s home offering to begin work immediately. When hiring a contractor:

Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references, get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print.
Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Unscrupulous solicitors may play on the sympathy for disaster survivors. They know that many people want to help others in need. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. Verify legitimate solicitation:

Ask for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number, and web address, then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
Don’t pay with cash — instead, pay by check made out to the charity in case funds must be stopped later.•Request a receipt with the charity’s name, street address, phone number and web address (if applicable). Legitimate nonprofit agencies routinely provide receipts for tax purposes.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: Beware if anyone claiming to be from FEMA or the state visits, calls or emails asking for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Beware — that information may be sold to identity thieves or used to defraud. A twist on this scam is the phone or in-person solicitor who promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process. Then there are scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full. Here’s what to do:

Know that federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police.
Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362.

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and to the New York State Attorney General’s office in New York at 212-416-8300 or go to their web site at: www.ag.ny.gov.
Disaster survivors who have any questions can call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/40805.

More information about common of forms fraud watch our video: FEMA Media Library: Avoiding Frauds And Scams. You can follow FEMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA . Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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New Yorkers Warned to Watch Out for Post-Disaster Scam Artists

West Virginia Disaster Aid Deadline Extended

CHARLESTON, Wv. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) announced today, the deadline to apply for disaster aid for damages resulting from the late-June/early-July derecho is being extended to December 19, 2012.

“We don’t want people with uninsured damages to their homes or businesses to miss the opportunity to register, especially with many of those same people recovering from Hurricane Sandy” said Robert Hoban, Federal Coordinating Officer. “That is why we are extending the deadline.”

Residents affected by the derecho in the disaster-designated counties are encouraged to register with FEMA for assistance if they have not already done so. The disaster-designated counties are: Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Roane, Tyler, Webster, and Wood.

The fastest and easiest way to register is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. You may also register on your smartphone at m.fema.gov. If you do not have access to the internet, you may call FEMA’s toll-free hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the deaf or hard of hearing.

After the application deadline, FEMA’s toll-free phone line will still be available to assist those who have already registered. Applicants who have questions about disaster assistance programs or questions about the status of their previously filed applications should continue to use FEMA’s toll-free number.

To date, 849 West Virginia residents have been approved for over $2 million in disaster assistance. To stay updated on the derecho recovery effort, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4071.

Temporary housing assistance from FEMA does not require that an applicant file for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for additional assistance under the part of the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. There are other ONA grants such as public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses that do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan to be eligible. FEMA will process applications for housing assistance regardless of whether the applicant has applied for an SBA loan, and eligibility determinations for applicants requesting FEMA’s temporary housing assistance will not be held up because the applicant has or has not filled out an SBA application.

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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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West Virginia Disaster Aid Deadline Extended

Letter From FEMA is the Starting Point

LINCROFT, N.J. — After registering with FEMA, disaster survivors receive a letter from FEMA concerning the status of their application. The letter is a starting point about whether or not the applicant will receive disaster assistance.

Applicants should read the letter carefully. Even if the letter says that you are ineligible, the reason might simply be that you have not provided all the information or documentation required. It does not necessarily mean “case closed.” When applicable, the letter explains what additional information is needed or how to appeal a decision that you do not qualify for assistance.

Ask for help if you don’t understand the letter. Call the helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center where you can talk with a FEMA representative about your particular situation.

To find the nearest center, log on to www.fema.gov/drclocator.

You may not have qualified for financial help right away, but that decision may change if you submit additional documents. Some of the reasons for an initial ineligible decision can be that you:

Have not submitted a settlement or denial determination from your insurance company.
Did not provide FEMA with all the information needed to process your application.
Have not provided proof of ownership or occupancy.
Did not provide records that showed the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.
Did not sign essential documents.

FEMA can never duplicate assistance from insurance or other government sources, but FEMA may be able to cover some of your uninsured losses.

Providing the requested information or taking the required actions outlined in the letter might change FEMA’s determination. The letter also explains how to appeal a determination. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date of the ineligible decision.

Remember: the letter from FEMA is a starting point. You should:

Read the letter carefully.
Ask questions and ask for help.
Tell FEMA if you think the decision is incorrect. You have the right to ask FEMA to reconsider the decision.

This video, http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6486 gives more information about how to appeal a FEMA determination.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Letter From FEMA is the Starting Point

Louisiana Disaster Recovery Centers to Close for Thanksgiving Day Holiday

BATON ROUGE, La. — The remaining two State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisiana will be closed for Thanksgiving, on Thursday, Nov. 22.

The centers in St. John and Jefferson parishes will resume operations on Friday, Nov. 23. They are located at:

Jefferson Parish:

2654 Jean Lafitte Blvd.

Lafitte, LA 70067

St. John Parish:

1931 W Airline Hwy

La Place, LA 70068

Hours for both centers are: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.

State/FEMA recovery specialists, as well as representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to Hurricane Isaac survivors.

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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Louisiana Disaster Recovery Centers to Close for Thanksgiving Day Holiday

Get Rid of Mold

LINCROFT, N.J.– Everywhere they look, survivors of Hurricane Sandy see reminders of the destruction – fallen trees, washed out roads, smashed windows. But the most persistent reminder may be the least visible: mold.

The microscopic fungus grows wherever moisture is present – in debris, inside walls, under floors, in attics. If not treated, mold can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and damage materials long after the storm.

The good news: mold, and its close relative mildew, can be controlled. Once a home is habitable, dry it out with fans, dehumidifiers and vacuums. Remove all wet items including carpeting, furniture, insulation, food products and bedding. Any material that has been wet more than 48 hours should be thrown out!

Unsaturated porous material, such as drywall, ceiling tiles, furniture that contains wood by-products and carpeting, and non-porous items – metal, glass, wood, plastic – can be treated in a few simple steps:

Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection. Make sure the area is well ventilated.
Wash items with non-ammonia based detergent and hot water and allow to dry.
Disinfect cleaned surfaces with a solution of a cup and a half of bleach in a gallon of hot water. Let the solution stay on the surface at least 10 minutes.
Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.
Monitor treated materials for several days. If mold develops, discard them.

Severe mold infestations should be treated by qualified professionals. Survivors who have flood insurance should carefully document the damage with photos, receipts and samples from water-damaged goods.

The primary concern is health. Survivors should take precautions, because mold affects the nervous system, causes headaches, mood changes, memory loss, respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion and skin, eye, nose and throat irritation.

For more information about mold, its removal, its prevention and associated health problems, go

to the New Jersey Department of Health Mold website. See also the FEMA publication Mold & Mildew: Cleaning Up Your Flood-Damaged Home and FEMA video,Eradicating Mold and Mildew.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Get Rid of Mold

What to Expect From a FEMA Inspector

LINCROFT, N.J. — The arrival of a housing inspector is a vital step in determining both the amount and types of housing assistance FEMA may provide.

Survivors seeking housing assistance must first register with FEMA. Applicants who register will be given a personal application number. The number is used throughout the disaster assistance process. Survivors should record the number and keep it secure and handy for all future dealings with FEMA.

A FEMA housing inspector will call survivors if they need a housing inspection and set up a time for a visit. The inspector usually comes within 14 days after the survivor applies. The inspector will have the application number assigned at registration.

When the FEMA inspector calls, write down:

Inspector’s name
Date(s) of calls
Date(s) and time(s) of appointment(s), and
Inspector’s telephone number.

Inspectors are contractors, not FEMA employees, who have been hired by FEMA to conduct the inspection. Every contractor has an official identification badge. Ask to see the badge if it is not visible during the inspection.

Remember, FEMA never charges a fee for an inspection. The inspector will never ask for bank information. FEMA inspectors verify damage; but do not hire or endorse specific contractors or recommend repairs. Inspectors do not determine cost estimates, but provide confirmation of the existing damage, from which costs estimates are calculated.

It is important to meet with the inspector to avoid delays in the inspection process. Those who cannot be present for the scheduled appointment can appoint someone 18 or older who lived in the house before the disaster to stand in during the inspection.

The inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes but can be shorter, and consists of a general inspection of damaged areas of the home and a review of the survivor’s records.

When the inspector arrives, be prepared to provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport or other official photo ID. Inspectors also require written proof of home ownership, such as a tax receipt, mortgage payment book or home insurance policy showing the property’s address. If proof of ownership is not available, the inspector will complete the inspection, but proof of ownership must be provided to FEMA.

Most applicants receive a written response from FEMA regarding a decision within 7 to 10 days after the inspection.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and private insurance companies also have inspectors in the field in New Jersey.

To date, FEMA housing inspectors have completed 80 percent of the more than 92,000 inspections requested by disaster survivors in New Jersey.

Survivors may apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Anyone in New Jersey who suffered losses from Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for disaster assistance.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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What to Expect From a FEMA Inspector

Returning SBA Loan Application May Open Doors to More FEMA Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. – Hurricane survivors who receive a loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration after registering for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency need to complete and return it. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2012.

While SBA’s low-interest disaster loans represent the major source of federal funding for recovery, the application itself may open the door to other FEMA grant programs. People who do not qualify for a loan may be eligible for grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or cover storage expenses.

“In a disaster, SBA helps individuals as well as businesses,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “No one is obligated to accept an SBA loan. If you receive a loan application, it’s important to fill it out and return it. If you don’t submit the loan application, the assistance process may stop prematurely.”

Registering with FEMA often prompts SBA to send an application for a low-interest disaster loan. The application takes little time to complete.

FEMA grants are designed to jump-start the recovery process and may not cover all damage or property loss. SBA low-interest disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to eligible homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters may apply for loans up to $40,000 for personal property. Loan amounts cannot exceed uninsured losses.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Recovery officials note several reasons for completing the application. For instance:

An insurance settlement may fall short. A survivor may be underinsured for the amount of work needed to repair or replace a structure. An SBA low-interest disaster loan can cover the cost. Survivors are encouraged not to miss the filing deadline by waiting for an insurance settlement. A settlement can be used toward the loan.
SBA can offer a loan that fits an applicant’s budget. SBA specialists can help with an affordable low-interest loan. In some cases, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage.
SBA can help renters replace household contents and vehicles. Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the hurricane.

Applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. For more information, call the SBA’s toll-free line at 800-659-2955. If you use TTY, call 800-877-8339. Homeowners and renters who want to apply online can visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

People with storm losses who still need to register with FEMA can register anytime online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime day or night by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. People who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register is Dec. 31, 2012.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

See the article here:

Returning SBA Loan Application May Open Doors to More FEMA Assistance

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