FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound

FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-008

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that in FY2011, FEMA Region X provided $11,909,572 funding to the State of Washington to implement 19 new Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) projects in the Puget Sound Watershed.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to State and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to help communities prepare for future disasters by providing grants to implement long-term solutions for preparedness and protection against property damage and loss of life.

A primary eligible project type for FEMA’s five Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs is acquisition and demolition of flood prone structures. This results in the acquisition and conversion of developed land into permanent open space, in the form of native vegetation/wildlife habitat, active-use parks, and multi-use greenways.

A good example of a floodway buyout conversion into open space can be seen in King County, along the Cedar River in Maple Valley. This project was completed in 2008. In this project, called the Rainbow Bend Floodway Acquisition project, five residences on 6 parcels were purchased (see attached photos). The flood-prone houses were removed, and the vacant lands returned to their natural state. Now, where a row of houses stood too close to the river, there is riparian habitat.

In FY2011, six flood prone properties similar to the Rainbow Bend Acquisition project have been purchased for acquisition and demolition to be converted into permanent open space. When these projects are finished, six families will be spared the pain of repeated flooding, and the stretches of riverside where these homes once stood will be permanent open space.

Over the past three years, FEMA Region X has provided funding to the State of Washington to implement 101 new Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) projects in the Puget Sound Watershed. A total of 25 have been for acquisition/demolition of flood prone properties for conversion to permanent open space use. The total Federal share dollar value of these acquisition projects is $29.6 million, and 87 flood prone structures have been approved for acquisition.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 14:49:03

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FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound

Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA

Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4057-032

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — If you are one of the over 4,000 Kentuckians who have registered for disaster assistance with FEMA, you may have a family member, a neighbor or just know someone who has not applied for help.

Getting assistance to everyone in the Commonwealth who is eligible is the reason the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Kentucky Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration officials have begun a “Tell Your Neighbor” campaign.

Individuals and households affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding of Feb 29 through March 2 should apply for assistance as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration number at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Speech- or hearing-impaired individuals may call TTY 800-462-7585. Individuals also can apply for disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

“We are enlisting the help of area residents to make sure no one is missing a chance to apply for help,” said Libby Turner, federal officer in charge of Kentucky recovery. “Tell Your Neighbor” is a coordinated effort to make sure communities and residents get their recovery underway and no one is left behind.”

Disaster officials encourage Kentucky survivors to tell their friends, family and neighbors who may be hesitant to register for disaster assistance.

Important aspects of “Tell Your Neighbor” are the need to register for assistance with FEMA and the importance of returning SBA loan applications, even though individuals may not want or need a loan from SBA. Completion of the SBA loan application may open the door to FEMA grants and other forms of assistance available to eligible residents. An insurance claim does not have to be settled to complete and submit an SBA loan application.

It is also important your friends and neighbors know they should register with FEMA for assistance even though they have insurance, because insurance may not meet all their needs, and a low-interest loan from the SBA may fill the gap to more fully recover from damage to your home.

Disaster assistance is not charity. Disaster assistance grants come from federal taxpayer money Congress specifically sets aside for that purpose. The assistance one individual may receive will not take away from another applicant’s federal assistance funds.

FEMA Housing Assistance in the form of grants may include rental assistance, home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. Other Needs Assistance grants may be available to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.

SBA disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property and business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code required upgrades and other costs not compensated for by insurance or other sources.

For more information about SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT), Saturday, at 800-659-2955 for information and assistance. Victims may apply online at http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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.

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

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.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 13:06:43

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Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart 

Release Date: March 25, 2012
Release Number: 4057-031

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Federal Emergency Management Agency Mitigation specialists will be offering free information and answering questions about rebuilding for survivors of the recent tornadoes and storms throughout counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

The FEMA teams will be at Walmart stores on March 29 through April 1 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. in Rowan, Johnson, Laurel and Lawrence Counties.

Representatives will answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster damage and offering other home improvement tips and techniques. Topics include safe room construction, flood- and wind-resistant building methods, wind straps and other measures to make homes stronger and safer such as mold and mildew cleanup and prevention. Free publications on these topics, as well as on flood insurance, will be available.

A Congressionally mandated study in 2005 by the National Institute of Building Sciences showed that every dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of four dollars in future losses due to disasters. Information about strengthening property can be downloaded at www.fema.gov/rebuild/.

Location addresses and hours of the FEMA Mitigation Team visits are as follows:

Rowan County:
Walmart
200 Walmart Way
Morehead, KY 40351

Laurel County:
Walmart
1851 Highway 192 West
London, KY 40744

Johnson County:
Walmart
470 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240

Lawrence County:
Walmart
275 Walton Drive
Louisa, KY 41230

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.

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

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.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 13:02:03

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FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center 

Release Date: March 25, 2012
Release Number: 4060-007

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — If you were affected by the Feb. 29 to March 2 tornadoes and have questions, get help by visiting a disaster recovery center.

Nine disaster recovery centers are currently open in Tennessee and staffed with recovery specialists from Tennessee state agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies.

By visiting one of the centers, you can:

  • Apply for disaster assistance with FEMA.
  • Learn about federal assistance available for temporary housing and home repairs.
  • Check on the progress of an application you’ve already submitted.
  • Get information on how to replace lost documents.
  • Ask questions regarding correspondence from FEMA.
  • Find out more about SBA’s low-interest disaster loans or what to do if you can’t afford one.
  • Get help completing your SBA loan application.
  • Learn more about local and state agencies that may be able to provide assistance.

Locations of disaster recovery centers can be found at www.fema.gov/drclocator. Or use your smartphone or tablet to access m.fema.gov.

You can also get help by calling FEMA’s helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362) (v/relay) about how to register for disaster assistance or where to find a disaster recovery center. Operators are multilingual and available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, there is a TTY line at 800-462-7585.

Other ways to register include:

Remember when registering, by any method, you should provide good contact information – such as a cellphone or work number.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 11:59:12

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Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4022-075

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – When it comes to hurricanes, many people think Vermont is not in danger. But last August, as Hurricane Irene downgraded to tropical storm status, Vermont suffered a major blow that severely tested the state’s resources.

At the 2012 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando from March 26 – 29, Vermont will be in the spotlight for its response to Tropical Storm Irene and the state’s focus on meeting the needs of residents with disabilities and those with access or functional needs who took refuge in shelters.

Presenters will be Robert Schell, Chief of Field Operations for Vermont Emergency Management and Kate McCarthy-Barnett, Disability Integration Specialist for the Boston office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The American Red Cross will also be featured in the presentation.

To help entire communities recover from Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA and VEM began working together to ensure that people with disabilities and those with access or functional needs were able to fully participate in disaster recovery programs.

Within two days of the storm, the Vermont Interagency Emergency Response Committee was formed and included representatives from FEMA, VEM and the Red Cross along with over 40 disability organizations and agencies. The committee members joined daily conference calls and collaborated on the needs of the community and shared local resources.

Tropical Storm Irene was the first large©scale disaster in Vermont since the development of the Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) guidance. It provided an opportunity to implement FNSS in a real-world response and recovery situation for individuals with disabilities. A Sheltering Team integrated partners and other specialized community leaders in planning to accommodate individuals with access and functional needs in general population shelters.

Pre©event planning and creative modifications allowed for integration in specialized shelters where disabled populations are often isolated. The team worked directly with people with functional and access needs within the shelters, ensuring they had a voice in identifying appropriate services and information formats.

“Vermont made great progress in inclusive planning for people with access and functional needs in shelters set up in affected communities,” said Vermont Emergency Management Director Joe Flynn. “We are honored to bring Vermont’s story to this national workshop.”

To make sure the whole community is engaged, FEMA’s McCarthy-Barnett has been in Vermont since the storm to not only advise FEMA and state leadership on the issues, but also to engage local and state community leadership as partners. She was the keynote speaker and a participant in Vermont’s annual Disabilities Awareness Day activities on March 21.

“The collaborations that took place after Irene between state, federal and the disability community enhanced the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and those with access and functional needs,” said McCarthy-Barnett. “That has continued into the long-term recovery phase.”

Considerations in reaching the target population include:

  • Physical needs: Shelters, meetings, disaster recovery centers and other physical locations must be accessible.
  • Communication needs: Materials should be available in plain language and in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, sign language interpreters, and by TTY.
  • Programmatic needs: The approach is holistic to ensure that all programs, policies, services, and messages are accessible. When not possible, alternatives are offered. For example, if a meeting is advertised, a phone contact or e-mail address should be included for people to request reasonable accommodation to their specific needs.

The community has been engaged in a number of other ways including facilitating a series of presentations and meetings to get the word out about disability integration in emergency management, building capacity for response efforts, and enhancing community networks.

“FEMA is committed to ensuring that key aspects of recovery are available equally to all residents of Vermont or any other state where a disaster is declared,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “We need to provide accurate and accessible information to everyone who needs it.”

The National Hurricane Conference is a nationwide forum for education and professional training in hurricane-related topics. Participants include law enforcement, amateur radio, hospital and nursing home officials, transportation interests, engineers, insurance company representatives, armed forces disaster preparedness officials, fire and emergency services personnel and emergency managers.

More information on the National Hurricane Conference may be found at http://www.hurricanemeeting.com/.

###

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

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 11:48:11

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Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice 

Alcoa, Chattanooga and Cleveland displays open Saturday, March 25

Release Date: March 24, 2012
Release Number: 4060-006

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be in Alcoa, Chattanooga and Cleveland to provide free rebuilding information Sunday, March 25, through Saturday, March 31. Mitigation is building or rebuilding to reduce the loss of life, the loss of property and damage caused by (future) disasters.

Advisors have suggestions and publications to help homeowners, renters and business owners protect their families, properties and businesses against damaging winds, floods and fires.

FEMA mitigation advisors will be available Sunday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Lowe’s Home Improvement
2180 Gunbarrel Road
Chattanooga, TN. 37421

Lowe’s Home Improvement
229 Paul Huff Parkway
Cleveland, TN. 37312

Lowe’s Home Improvement
1098 Hunters Crossing
Alcoa, TN. 37701

Mitigation measures help reinforce structures against high wind, flood, fire and other hazards.

The mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish, including:

  • Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now
  • Taking Shelter From the Storm
  • Help After a Disaster
  • Tornado Protection

For more information about strengthening property visit www.fema.gov/rebuild/. Or visit www.tnema.org/ema/preparedness/mitigation.html.

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 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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 10:45:26

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FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

Renters May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

Renters May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance 

Release Date: March 24, 2012
Release Number: 4057-030

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Persons and families in Kentucky who lost their rental homes or personal property in the recent severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred Feb. 29 through March 3 may be eligible for disaster-related assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Renters who resided in an apartment, mobile home or leased house that was made unlivable because of disaster damage also are encouraged to contact FEMA.

“As numerous persons who rented their homes at the time of the disaster are discovering, disaster aid is not limited to homeowners,” said Libby Turner, federal officer in charge of the Kentucky disaster. “Already over 250 renters have registered with FEMA and many are receiving help as they began to rebuild their lives.”

Through Housing Assistance, FEMA offers two kinds of help to eligible renters:

  • Money to rent a different place to live for a limited period of time while repairs are done to a rented residence that was made unlivable by the disaster
  • A free referral service to find a safe replacement rental property

Both renters and homeowners may also be eligible for Other Needs Assistance, designed to help survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. These grants can be used for:

  • Disaster-related medical and dental expenses
  • Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses
  • Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, household items such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the self-employed for their jobs
  • Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster

It’s important for survivors to understand that if they receive a U.S. Small Business Administration loan application package, they must complete and mail it to SBA in order to be eligible for Other Needs Assistance. Even if they don’t want an SBA loan, information provided on the application may be used to help determine eligibility for Other Needs Assistance. Survivors do not have to submit an SBA loan application to be considered for FEMA rental assistance.

To qualify for any FEMA assistance, renters must first register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Specialists are available by phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. Renters also may register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone or smartphone at m.fema.gov.

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.

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

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.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 10:02:48

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Renters May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

Public Assistance for Five Storm-Impacted Indiana Counties

Public Assistance for Five Storm-Impacted Indiana Counties 

Release Date: March 24, 2012
Release Number: 4058-014

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal Public Assistance (PA) has been made available to Indiana. Federal aid has been granted to augment state and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes Feb. 29-March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott and Washington counties.

All seven categories of PA (A-G) are now available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a 75 percent cost-sharing basis for eligible expenditures. These may include emergency work, debris removal and repair or replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other elements of the infrastructure. Public Assistance funding also covers partial or complete repair of schools and other critical functions such as public water tanks or sewer systems. Projects will be approved only if they are necessary as a direct result of storm damage during the designated timeframe.

FEMA will pay 75 percent of the cost of PA projects; the remainder is the responsibility of state and local government and, in some cases, non-profit organizations.

In cases where small improvements may reduce the risk of future disaster damage, FEMA may pay for cost-effective mitigation measures. For example, FEMA may cover the cost of such projects as increasing the size of a culvert if the increase could prevent future flooding. Otherwise, FEMA generally pays only to bring facilities back to pre-disaster condition.

PA categories

Category A: Debris Removal

Removal of obtrusive items on public property, including trees, woody debris, sand, mud, silt, gravel, building components, wreckage, vehicles and personal property to eliminate an immediate threat to lives,

public health and safety. An example of an eligible project is the removal of debris from a street or highway to allow the safe passage of emergency vehicles. An example of an ineligible project is the pre-disaster sediment from engineered channels.

Category B: Emergency Protective Measures

Emergency Protective Measures are actions taken by applicants before, during and after a disaster to save
lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent damage to improved public and private property. Emergency communications, emergency access and emergency public transportation costs may also be eligible. These can include such projects as search and rescue, sandbagging and removal of health and safety hazards.

Category C: Roads and Bridges

Roads (paved, gravel, and dirt) are eligible for permanent repair or replacement, unless they are Federal-aid roads. Eligible work includes repair to surfaces, bases, shoulders, ditches, culverts, low water crossings and other features, such as guardrails. Damage to the road must be disaster-related to be eligible for repair. Eligible work includes repairs to such elements as piers and approaches.

Category D: Water Control Facilities

Water control facilities include such elements as dams and reservoirs, levees and engineered drainage channels. Restoration of the carrying capacity of engineered channels and debris basins may be eligible, but maintenance records or surveys must be produced to show the pre-disaster capacity of these facilities.

Category E: Buildings and Equipment

Buildings, including contents such as furnishings and interior systems such as electrical work, are eligible for repair or replacement. FEMA may also pay for the replacement of library books and publications. Removal of mud, silt, or other accumulated debris is eligible, along with any cleaning and painting necessary to restore the building.

If an insurance policy applies to a facility, FEMA will deduct from eligible costs the amount of insurance proceeds, actual or anticipated, before providing funds for restoration of the facility.

Category F: Utilities

Typical Utilities include:

  • Water treatment plants and delivery systems
  • Power generation and distribution facilities, including generators, substations and power lines
  • Sewage collection systems and treatment plants
  • Telecommunications

Category G: Parks, Recreational Facilities and Other Items

Repair and restoration of parks, playgrounds, pools, cemeteries and beaches are eligible. This category also is used for any work or facility that cannot be characterized adequately by Categories A-F. Other types of facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities, that are located in parks and recreational areas are also eligible and are subject to the eligibility criteria for Categories C, D, E and F.

Natural features are not eligible facilities unless they are improved and maintained. This restriction applies to features located in parks and recreational areas. Specific criteria apply to beaches and to trees and ground cover.

A detailed description of the seven PA categories is available online. Visit: www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/re_categories.shtm.

The state begins the PA process by announcing a schedule of briefings through which potential applicants are guided through the application process. A list of meeting places and times for each county will be announced within the next week. During the briefings, specialists will describe the application process. After the general applicant briefing, each applicant will meet one on one with an assigned Public Assistance Coordinator (PAC) at a scheduled kick-off meeting. The PAC will contact their assigned applicants within one week after a request for PA is submitted. Applicants should contact their State Public Assistance Officer to arrange the first meeting if they have not heard from their PAC within two weeks.

Here’s what to expect at a kick-off meeting:

A PAC will provide a detailed list of required records and can recommend ways of organizing them.

Applicants should be prepared to bring documents with them to their kick-off meeting, including a list of damage and a description of intended repair or replacement projects.

Applicants should try to identify circumstances that require special review, such as insurance coverage, environmental resource issues and historic preservation. The earlier these conditions are known, the faster they can be addressed, and they must be addressed before funding can be approved.

After the meeting, applicants will be able to contact their PAC with any questions or requests for assistance.

Applicants are responsible for maintaining records of completed work and work to be completed.
For a complete list of frequently asked questions about the PA process, visit: www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/faq.shtm

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Federal Individual Assistance was made available March 9 to support the recovery of families and businesses in the same areas and in Warrick County.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 09:15:21

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Public Assistance for Five Storm-Impacted Indiana Counties

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties 

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Release Number: 4060-005

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the openings of disaster recovery centers in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding Feb. 29 – March 2. The centers will open at noon Saturday, March 24, and will remain open that day until 6 p.m.

Sunday hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Beginning Monday, March 26, center hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The centers will remain open until further notice.

Representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors register for disaster aid.

The disaster recovery centers will be located at the following addresses:

DeKalb County
County Administrative Building
724 South Congress Blvd.
Smithville, TN 37166

Jackson County
Dodson Branch Community Center
16160 Dodson Branch Hwy.
Cookeville, TN 38501

Overton County
911 EMS Building
253 Industrial Park Dr.
Livingston, TN 38750

If possible, before visiting a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants using TTY can call 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If using a smartphone or tablet, register at m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the SBA to cover disaster related damages or losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

For more information, visit www.TNEMA.org and www.FEMA.gov/assistance.

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

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 08:47:58

Originally from: 

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties

FEMA, State Open Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County Saturday

FEMA, State Open Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County Saturday 

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Release Number: 4061-005

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — A state and federal Disaster Recovery Center will open in Logan County to assist individuals, households and businesses that suffered damage from the recent flooding, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said Friday. The facility will begin to serve the public officially at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at:

Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV 25601

The center is staffed with disaster-recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about flood-related assistance, according to FEMA. Operating hours after Saturday are 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

“Before stopping by at the disaster recovery centers, people seeking assistance are strongly urged to register with FEMA first,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “Having spoken with or otherwise having contacted state or local officials does not count. You must register with FEMA in order to apply for help.”

Registration is fast and easy, Criswell said. By phone, call the FEMA Hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing disabilities, use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with any PDA device at m.fema.gov.

Information needed when registering with FEMA includes the address of the damaged property, names of those living in the household, a general description of the damage, the Social Security Account number of any family member living in the home, the extent of insurance coverage and certain other information needed to expedite the process.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration who can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. These loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation, medical, dental and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. But applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement and moving and storage expenses.

Centers already in operation are:

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV
The DRC in Griffithsville will be closed on Saturday, March 24, for one day only and will reopen on Sunday at 8 a.m.

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV 25570

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 23-Mar-2012 16:11:57

Link: 

FEMA, State Open Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County Saturday

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