fema - femacontract.com

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Center Closes in Natchitoches Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Richland Parish Disaster Recovery Center in Rayville will close on Saturday, May 14 at 4 p.m.

The center is located at the following address:

Sheriff’s Annex
112 S. Eugene Street
Rayville, La.

Louisiana disaster survivors in Richland Parish may still visit centers in other parishes to meet with recovery officials. For other locations go to fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or call 800-621-3362.

Residents can still register for disaster assistance or ask questions by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. They can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4263. Cuando llame al 800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

Call the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA’s determination. All applicants have the right to appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

FEMA advises applicants to have their nine-digit FEMA registration number on hand when they call. They also will be asked to verify their identity if they want access to their information.

###

We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s 511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at getagameplan.org.

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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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

FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

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 businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800 877-8339.

Read article here:

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Center Closes in Natchitoches Parish

Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration could lose some income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit SBA’s loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they have completed and returned the SBA loan application. The information on the application is used to determine eligibility for income-based assistance.

Applicants from Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties should complete the SBA loan application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“If you don’t complete the SBA loan application, you could be leaving ‘money on the table’ for your recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “We use that application to check eligibility for additional grants.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors should start the loan process as soon as possible, and those who qualify for an SBA loan are under no obligation to accept it. If approved and the loan is not accepted, the survivor may be ineligible for additional federal assistance.

Submit an SBA loan application even if you are waiting for an insurance settlement. You may be able to begin your recovery immediately with a low-interest SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement from your insurance. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 from SBA to replace personal property.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.Toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

From:

Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Parker County

AUSTIN, Texas – A team of specialists from FEMA will visit Gibson’s Ace Hardware and Simms Lumber Do-it-Best in Parker County to offer tips and techniques that can lessen the impact of disaster-related property damage.

Specialists will be available at the following locations:

Where: Gibson’s Ace Hardware, 411 S. Main St., Weatherford, TX 76086

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 12-14

9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 15

Where: Simms Lumber Do-it-Best, 1150 Fort Worth St., Weatherford, TX 76086

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, May 16-17

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips that can reduce damage from disasters. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as storm shelters and safe rooms.

Booklets are available in both English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and other natural disasters. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access Braille, large print or American Sign Language interpreters, please let our representatives know. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation and fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA), select option 2, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

# # #

View this article:

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Parker County

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris County at the Lowe’s in Baytown and at the North Loop West Home Depot in Houston

AUSTIN, Texas – A team of specialists from FEMA will visit Lowe’s and The Home Depot in Harris County to offer tips and techniques to lessen the impact of disaster-related property damage.

Specialists will be available at the following locations:

Where: Lowe’s, 5002 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday May 12-17

Where: The Home Depot, 999 N. Loop W., Houston, TX 77008

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday May 12-17

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as storm shelters and safe rooms.

# # #

Originally posted here:

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris County at the Lowe’s in Baytown and at the North Loop West Home Depot in Houston

Deadline to Seek Federal Aid for Texas March Floods is May 18

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the March tornadoes and flooding are running out of time to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

Individuals who had disaster-related damage or losses living in the counties of Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler only have until Wednesday, May 18, to register for FEMA assistance.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 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.

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.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the March storms at fema.gov/disaster/4266; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

See the original article here:

Deadline to Seek Federal Aid for Texas March Floods is May 18

Be On Alert for Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal recovery officials encourage Texans to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals. Also, FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.

FEMA encourages survivors as well as local residents and businesses to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent building contractors. When hiring a contractor:

Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Do not pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations. Often, unscrupulous solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors, residents and business owners. Be aware that disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. To ensure a charity is legitimate:

Ask for the requestor’s name as well as the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and website address – then call the charity directly to confirm the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
Whether making a donation by cash or with a credit card, request a receipt including the charity’s name, street address and phone number.
With text messages, the five-to-six digit numbers known as a short code makes it difficult to tell who is on the receiving end. A legitimate charity will not ask for personal information or a credit card number by text.

Identity theft. Beware of visits, calls or e-mails from people claiming to be from FEMA, the state of Texas or a volunteer group. They will ask for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information because their real goal is to steal personal identity and money.

Don’t fall for scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Phony housing inspectors. Homeowners and registered FEMA applicants should watch out for housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the SBA.

Inspectors already have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number and a FEMA inspector will not ask for this number.
FEMA inspectors NEVER require banking or other personal information.
The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

Federal and state representatives carry photo identification. Ask to see it. If unsure, call FEMA to verify the employee at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585.

If fraud is suspected, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are a victim, suspect a home repair scam, are contacted for unsolicited information, or believe a business is practicing price gouging, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011.

###

Read article here:

Be On Alert for Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

Louisiana Disaster Survivors: Don’t Throw That SBA Loan Application Away!

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you’re a survivor of the Louisiana storms and flooding that struck the state March 8 through April 8 and you’ve received an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan, you should complete and return it as soon as possible.

Obtaining a low-interest disaster loan may be the solution to your recovery needs by providing you the funds you need for home repair, rebuilding and property loss. Returning the application also may lead you to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery grants that do not have to be repaid.

While no survivor is obligated to accept a loan, you will be considered for other federal disaster assistance only if you return the SBA loan application.

There are important reasons for you to file the loan application (even if you don’t think you currently need a loan):

Your insurance settlement may fall short. As you began to recover from the effects of your personal disaster, you may discover that you were underinsured for the amount of work required to repair or replace your home. An SBA low-interest disaster loan can cover the gap.
SBA will work with you to provide a loan that fits your personal budget. If you already have a mortgage on damaged property, SBA specialists can help with a low-interest loan you can afford. In some cases, that may mean your current mortgage loan could be included in your SBA loan which could give you one overall, affordable loan payment on your home.
Don’t know how you’ll replace household contents or vehicles? SBA may be able to help. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate. Both homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
What about businesses that were damaged? If you’re a business owner, you may be able to borrow up to $2 million for physical damage and economic injury.
By submitting your SBA loan application, you keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. If SBA does not approve a loan, you may be offered a FEMA grant or grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses or meet other serious disaster-related needs.

SBA Loans have Low Interest Rates.

Interest rates for loans for homeowners and renters can be as low as 1.813 percent. For private nonprofit organizations rates can be a low as 2.625 percent. For businesses rates can be as low as 4 percent.

Even if you qualify for an SBA loan, you are under no obligation to accept it.

Refinancing and relocation loans may be available on a case-by-case basis. Survivors are encouraged to speak with an SBA representative for details.

For more information, call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (800- 877-8339 TTY). Homeowners, renters and businesses may visit SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply online for disaster loans.

Although it’s not required to register with FEMA to apply for an SBA loan, you are strongly urged to do so as grants could be available to you from FEMA.

Register with FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance: call 800-621-FEMA (3362), register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4263. Help is available in many languages. Cuando llame al 800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.
Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-426-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, every day.

###

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

FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation

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 businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Continue reading:

Louisiana Disaster Survivors: Don’t Throw That SBA Loan Application Away!

Flood Maps for Three Counties in Oklahoma Become Final

Release Number:

Flood Maps for Three Counties in Oklahoma Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective in Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties on Sept. 30, 2016. Residents are encouraged to examine the maps so they can determine the need to buy flood insurance. By knowing their risks, individuals and community leaders can make informed decisions about building and development.

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy, or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Residents with federal mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in flood hazard areas. Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to see the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator. “Floods can happen anywhere,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We all need to learn what our risks are.”

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.

•   To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•   To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
•   To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map:
o   Rogers – http://maps.riskmap6.com/OK/Rogers/
o   Tulsa – http://maps.riskmap6.com/OK/Tulsa/
o   Wagoner – http://maps.riskmap6.com/OK/Wagoner/

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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

Jump to original:

Flood Maps for Three Counties in Oklahoma Become Final

FEMA to Evalute Readiness of Delaware

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a biennial emergency preparedness exercise for the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Emergency Planning Zone portion in Delaware. The station is located in the State of New Jersey. The exercise will occur during the week of May 16th to test the ability of the State of Delaware to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to test government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. “We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities in Delaware within the 10-mile emergency-planning zone of the nuclear facility as well as the adjacent support jurisdictions within the State of Delaware.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public about 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 10 a.m. on May 20, 2016, at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 600 Jefferic Blvd, Dover, Del. Scheduled speakers include representatives from FEMA, NRC, and the State of Delaware.

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6^th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “off-site” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. On-site activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at https://www.fema.gov/radiological-emergency-preparedness-program.

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.

# # #

See the original article here:

FEMA to Evalute Readiness of Delaware

A Letter From FEMA May Require Follow-Up

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas storm survivors who receive a letter from FEMA that they are ineligible for disaster assistance should not give up—but should follow up instead. The issue may be as simple as a misprinted number or an unsigned document.

After registering with FEMA, applicants can expect a notice by mail about whether they qualify for federal disaster assistance. Read the letter carefully.

If eligible, the letter explains the amount of the grant and how it is to be used.
If ineligible—if the grant amount reads “0”—applicants may still qualify.

Applicants who are denied assistance can call the FEMA Helpline for an explanation why, or go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. A denial letter may mean the application is missing information such as verification of occupancy of the damaged property, proof of identity, documentation of disaster damage, or what is covered under an insurance policy. Call the FEMA Helpline if you do not receive a letter.

FEMA examines several factors to determine if a survivor will receive disaster assistance. The agency must be able to:

Verify disaster-related damage. If your property was inspected and you believe the inspector did not see all the damage, call the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 (FEMA).
Collect an applicant’s insurance information.
Verify an applicant’s identity.
Verify home occupancy. Applicants must provide proof of occupancy such as a utility bill.

In Texas, federal disaster assistance is available to residents of Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler counties who suffered damage from the March 7-29 storms.

Survivors who suffered damage in the impacted counties are urged to register for assistance. To do so:

Go to DisasterAssistance.gov; or
By phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362 (FEMA), TTY 800-462-7585. Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
Visit any disaster recovery center in the disaster-affected counties.

The deadline to register for federal assistance is May 18.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4266 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

View post –

A Letter From FEMA May Require Follow-Up

Page 27 of 183 « First ... « 25 26 27 28 29 » ... Last »