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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Summers County

CHARLESTON, WV—A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Summers County to help survivors affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began June 22.

Disaster Recovery Centers serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies are at the centers to answer questions. Centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. All centers will be open July 4.

The centers currently open are:

Greenbrier County

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

Southeastern Labor Council, AFL-CIO

65 West Main St.

White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

Town Hall

201 Kanawha Ave.

Rainelle, WV 25962

Kanawha County

Kanawha County School Operations Center

3300 Pennsylvania Ave.

Charleston, WV 25302

Nicholas County

City of Richwood City Hall
6 White Ave.

Richwood, WV 26261

Summers County

Summers County Memorial Building gym

451 1^st Ave.

Hinton, WV 25951

State and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers. Survivors can locate the center closest to them, by visiting http://go.usa.gov/x3NnJ or downloading the FEMA App to their mobile device to:

Apply for disaster assistance
Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center
Find shelter locations
Get weather alerts
Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Survivors do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA.

Those who have not yet registered can do so by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors may also register by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. For those who use 711 or the Visual Relay Service, call 800-462-7585. FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Summers County

Two West Virginia Counties Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

CHARLESTON, WV – At the request of the state of West Virginia, Jackson and Lincoln counties have now been added to the federal disaster declaration of June 25. They join the 10 counties already designated for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance-Category B (emergency protective measures): Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers, and Webster.

West Virginians who suffered damage or losses as a result of the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22, 2016, are encouraged to apply for Individual Assistance. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses.

Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Insurance payments cannot be duplicated, but under-insured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Survivors can also download the FEMA App to their mobile devices to:

Apply for disaster assistance
Get directions to their nearest Disaster Recovery Center
Find shelter locations
Get weather alerts
Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available for eligible survivors.

SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and can cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information about disaster loans, survivors may call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov , or visit SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. TTY users may call 800-877-8339.

The 12 designated counties are also eligible for Public Assistance-Category B (emergency protective measures). The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations at least 75 percent of disaster-related expenses to help West Virginia communities recover. Eligible costs for emergency protective measures, such as police overtime for extra work caused from responding to the disaster, may be eligible for reimbursement.

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Two West Virginia Counties Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

Ten Safety Tips for this 4th of July

CHICAGO –Ensure your Independence Day weekend is filled with celebration and not regret with these 10 fire safety tips, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V office in Chicago:

Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before using or buying them.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers alone account for one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.
If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal.
Use your grill well away from your home and deck railings, and out from under branches or overhangs.
Open your gas grill before lighting.
Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below your gas or propane grill so it cannot be ignited.
Declare a three-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around the grill to keep them safe.
Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire when cooking on the grill.

You can find more information and tips on being fire safe this Fourth of July, by visiting www.usfa.fema.gov and be sure to download the FEMA app, available for Apple, Android and Blackberry mobile devices. The app includes home fire safety tips and reminders users can set to test smoke alarms (monthly), change smoke alarm batteries (yearly), and practice fire escape plans (every six months).

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at 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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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Ten Safety Tips for this 4th of July

FEMA Awards $1,071,593 Grant to Hubbard County

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $1,071,593 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Hubbard County, Minn., for the construction of two safe rooms at Camp Wilderness Boy Scout camp.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “The construction of these safe rooms will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornadoes and other high wind events.”

“Boy Scouts visiting Camp Wilderness will be safer when severe weather hits, thanks to a local, state, and federal partnership,” said Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management director Joe Kelly. “Safe rooms are one way communities across the state are reducing the risk that comes with disasters. These lifesaving projects are possible when we combine resources and work together, and we encourage more cities and counties to apply for grants that will help them protect their residents.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $1,428,790 eligible project cost. The Boy Scouts of America Northern Lights Council will contribute the remaining 25 percent, or $357,197.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at 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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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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FEMA Awards $1,071,593 Grant to Hubbard County

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Washington County

AUSTIN, Texas – The disaster recovery center in Brenham in Washington County will close on June 30.

Washington County

Location: Washington County Fairgrounds
1305 East Bluebell Rd.
Brenham TX 77833

Closing: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30

Recovery officials encourage Texans who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change their addresses or phone numbers they should update FEMA with the information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Washington County

7 More Texas Counties Hit by May Floods Can Apply for Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Individuals and families in Bastrop, Burleson, Eastland, Lee, Liberty, Stephens and Tyler counties are now encouraged to register with FEMA for disaster assistance for the May floods.

With damage assessments completed, the state requested the seven counties be added to the June 11 disaster declaration, bringing to 19 the number of Texas counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

The original 12 counties designated for assistance are: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington.

Texans who suffered damage or loss as a result of the severe storms and flooding that began May 26 are encouraged to apply for assistance. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses.

Survivors in the designated counties may register for assistance the following ways:

online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled. They should also register even if they’ve already registered for or received aid for another declared disaster.

Before starting repairs or rebuilding a home or business, it is important to contact the local building code official or floodplain manager. Visit fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for free publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available for eligible survivors. SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, survivors may contact SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting the SBA website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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7 More Texas Counties Hit by May Floods Can Apply for Disaster Assistance

FEMA In Close Coordination with the State of West Virginia As Severe Weather Continues

PHILADELPHIA – FEMA Region III is deploying an Incident Management Assistance Team and Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams to West Virginia to provide support and guidance on the Federal Disaster Declaration Process and PDAs in response to current flooding and severe weather.

These teams will participate in joint PDAs with the State of West Virginia, local officials, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to assess damages and the impact to communities. PDAs, which are an information gathering process, are the first step in helping a governor determine whether the scope of damage is beyond what the state is capable of handling and if additional assistance is necessary.

Information is jointly compiled and reviewed by the state, at which point, the state may decide that a request for federal assistance is warranted. The PDAs will include Clay, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Webster, and other counties.

FEMA Region III and our partners at the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) want to encourage individuals and families to take steps to be safe during severe weather and flooding events. If drivers encounter water on roadways, turn around, don’t drown.

Residents in potentially affected areas should continue to monitor local radio or television stations for updated emergency information, and follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please dial 9-1-1.

When severe weather hits, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups. The individuals within these organizations provide emergency assistance to protect the public’s health and safety and services to meet immediate needs. For additional safety information, check with your local officials and media sources through social and traditional media accounts.

To learn more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov.

FEMA’s support of State and Local response and recovery operations are in direct accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Act. For additional information on flood preparedness, visit www.fema.gov/ or www.dhsem.wv.gov.

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

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FEMA In Close Coordination with the State of West Virginia As Severe Weather Continues

High Water Mark Event Addresses Past, Future of Flood Risk

PHILADELPHIA – On Thursday, June 23, 2016 the City of Richmond, Virginia unveiled a High Water Mark at Pony Pasture Rapids Park. The marks, also established at Brown’s Island and Great Shiplock Park, show areas where flood water has risen in the past in an effort to raise awareness of flooding and encourage individuals to consider their risk.

“Whether it is a hurricane or a flood, it only takes one storm to significantly impact our communities,” stated FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The High Water Mark campaign highlights for us that by being prepared for these events, we can reduce their impact on us and make our communities safer for all.”

The High Water Mark Campaign represents a partnership between FEMA’s High Water Mark Campaign program, the Region III office, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, the Virginia Silver Jackets, and others to encourage flood awareness and steps individuals, families, and communities should take to protect themselves against future flooding events.

“Flooding is the most prevalent natural disaster in Virginia and we know that many are under-insured against floods,” said VDEM State Coordinator Dr. Jeffrey Stern. “Our goal is to increase preparedness in flood-prone communities. These signs are a constant reminder that major flooding can occur in the Commonwealth and should prompt individuals and businesses to take action, obtain flood insurance and prepare.”

The High Water Mark Campaign is a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which seeks to increase local communities’ awareness of flooding and flood risks. In addition to signs marking historic flood levels, the campaign seeks to promote continued education and awareness of flooding and to encourage communities to take steps to mitigate their risks. FloodSmart.gov has information on risk and insurance options to help individuals make the best decision for them and their families.

FEMA and VDEM encourage individuals, families and communities to prepare for disasters and take steps to protect themselves from hazards such as floods. More information on the High Water Mark Campaign may be found at http://www.fema.gov/high-water-mark-initiative.

Visit Ready.gov and www.vaemergency.gov for information on flooding and other hazards as well as preparedness information.

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High Water Mark Event Addresses Past, Future of Flood Risk

City of Baltimore Enters Voluntary Floodplain Management Program

PHILADELPHIA – Residents of the City of Baltimore, Maryland have received a reduction in their flood insurance premiums through implementation of floodplain management measures encouraged by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the NFIP, which administers a program called the Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP requirements. The program includes 10 different class rating levels based on the number and type of activities voluntarily initiated by the participating community. Each level corresponds to a percentage discount on National Flood Insurance policy premiums within the municipality.

“The CRS program provides a strong incentive for communities to take flood risk reduction into their own hands,” stated FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Mitigation actions that reduce the impact of future floods on communities are to be championed, and the City of Baltimore has taken strong steps in this direction.”

As a member of the CRS, the City of Baltimore is within an elite group of 14 Maryland communities that have received this recognition. With the continued steps taken by the City of Baltimore to protect its citizens and increase its resiliency, it has entered the Community Rating System program as a Class 5 participant. The Class 5 rating qualifies eligible National Flood Insurance Program policy holders in floodprone areas an average of $213 savings on their annual premium. In total, entry into the program accounts for a total savings of over $400,000 annually for citizens of Baltimore.

Under the CRS, local officials are asked to meet three goals: (1) reduce flood losses; (2) facilitate accurate insurance rating; and (3) promote the awareness of flood insurance. Communities can earn a CRS rating by submitting an application explaining the projects they have in place or development. Once the information is verified and approved, FEMA provides flood insurance premium discounts through the NFIP. The amount of a property owner’s policy discount is based on the community’s CRS rating.

For each class that a community moves up to, it provides its residents with an additional 5% reduction in their flood insurance premiums up to the 45% reduction that a Class 1 community receives. As a Class 5 community, the City of Baltimore enables its residents to receive a 25% reduction on eligible flood insurance premiums.

For information about flood insurance, property owners should contact their insurance agent, visit floodsmart.gov, or call the NFIP’s toll-free information line at 800-427-4661. To learn more about the CRS, visit floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/crs/community_rating_system.jsp.

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City of Baltimore Enters Voluntary Floodplain Management Program

FEMA Offers Assistance for Renters, Too

AUSTIN, Texas – Renters displaced by the May storms and flooding may be eligible for federal disaster assistance, including grants from FEMA and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA offers eligible renters grants for rental assistance. These grants help pay for temporary housing while a damaged home or apartment is being repaired.

Eligible renters may receive grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program. These grants help uninsured or underinsured survivors with expenses and serious needs caused by the May storms including:

child care
moving and storage expenses
disaster-related funeral and burial expenses
disaster-related dental and medical expenses, such as wheelchairs, canes and prescription drugs
repair or replacement of storm-damaged personal property, including furniture and appliances, as well as job-related tools and equipment required by the self-employed
primary vehicles, and approved second or modified vehicles damaged by the disaster

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans with rates that remain the same for the life of the loan. Renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property, including automobiles.

Applicants may apply online for an SBA loan using the electronic loan application at the secure website DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

Texans can register for disaster assistance the following ways:

online at DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
at a disaster recovery center.To find the nearest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

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Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

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FEMA Offers Assistance for Renters, Too

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