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Preliminary Flood Maps in Tarrant County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas –Residents of Arlington, Garland and the rest of Tarrant County have new preliminary flood maps to review.

These maps help homeowners and businesses decide about purchasing flood insurance. By knowing the risks, individuals and community leaders can make informed decisions about building and development.

“We’ve worked with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county. We hope that everyone reviews the maps to understand the flood risks involved,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Having the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To see the revised flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator. He or she may be located at City Hall or the local county government building. You can also visit http://msc.fema.gov/portal or http://maps.riskmap6.com. To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

What happens after flood risks are identified? The next step is to consider purchasing a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

Preliminary Flood Maps in Tarrant County, Texas Ready for Public View

FEMA Extends South Carolina’s Disaster Assistance Application Deadline

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The deadline for survivors of South Carolina’s historic floods to register for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance has been extended an additional 30 days to Jan. 3, 2016.

The extension agreed upon by the state and FEMA is for survivors living in 24 counties designated for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Assistance program: Bamberg, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dorchester, Fairfield, Florence, Georgetown, Greenville, Greenwood, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Spartanburg, Sumter and Williamsburg.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families may include money for temporary housing; rental assistance; emergency home repairs; personal property losses; medical, dental and funeral expenses; and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

There are several ways to register. Individuals may register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Survivors who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a disaster recovery center may call 800-621-3362.

Survivors may also register at a disaster recovery center. They can locate their closest center by visiting asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For more information on South Carolina’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4241.

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FEMA Extends South Carolina’s Disaster Assistance Application Deadline

Texas Receives Federal Disaster Declaration; Texans Urged to Apply for Disaster Aid

Texas Receives Federal Disaster Declaration; Texans Urged to Apply for Disaster Aid

DENTON, Texas – Texans affected by the recent severe storms should register now with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

President Barack Obama issued a major disaster declaration Nov. 25 for 15 Texas counties. It makes federal Individual Assistance available to eligible families, individuals, renters and business owners in Bastrop, Brazoria, Caldwell, Comal, Galveston, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Liberty, Navarro, Travis, Willacy and Wilson counties.

People in these 15 counties who had damage from the Oct. 22-31 storms can register for FEMA assistance three ways:

Online, or via smartphone or web-enabled device, at www.DisasterAssistance.gov;
By calling 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The registration hotline will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization such as the American Red Cross, or local community or church organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. Applicants will be asked to provide:

Social Security number
Address of the damaged home or apartment
Description of the damage
Information about insurance coverage
A current contact telephone number
An address where they can get mail
Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance.

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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.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations 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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

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Texas Receives Federal Disaster Declaration; Texans Urged to Apply for Disaster Aid

Federal aid programs for the state of Texas

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Texas.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

Affected individuals and business owners in designated areas can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

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Federal aid programs for the state of Texas

FEMA Reminds Survivors: One Call Gets You In

COLUMBIA, S.C. –Survivors of South Carolina flooding Oct. 1-23 can get help with one phone call.

Call the Federal Emergency Management Agency helpline at 800-621-3362 for information about many federal disaster assistance-related matters. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Survivors who use TTY may call 800-462-7585; those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. They can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

During the holiday period, FEMA encourages residents to assist South Carolina recovery by passing along to those affected by storms and flooding the various ways the helpline can assist them. They can:

Register for federal disaster assistance by the Friday, Dec. 4 deadline. FEMA allows one registration per household. Households should register only once.
Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. All applicants may 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 questions answered about federal disaster assistance and the application process.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number available if they want to discuss their application.

Survivors should have the following information before registering:

Date of loss
Social Security number
Current mailing address and damaged home address, including Zip Codes
Telephone numbers
Names of household members at the time of the disaster
Insurance information
Total gross income for the household
Bank account numbers if they want to have money deposited directly if eligible
Loss descriptions

For the latest information on South Carolina flood recovery operations, visit scemd.org and fema.gov/disaster/4241.

FEMA Reminds Survivors: One Call Gets You In

Last day to register with FEMA and apply for SBA disaster loans

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today is the last day that wildfire survivors in Calaveras and Lake counties can register to receive housing or other needs assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and apply for disaster recovery loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Wildfire survivor registration for FEMA assistance will be accepted until midnight tonight online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Registration in person with a FEMA Individual Assistance expert is available today until 6 p.m. at any of the three Disaster Recovery Centers:

Calaveras County:

The Calaveras County Disaster Recovery Center in San Andreas

891 Mountain Ranch Rd., San Andreas, CA 95249

Lake County:

The Lake County Disaster Recovery Center in Clearlake

14860 Olympic Dr., Clearlake, CA 95422

The Lake County Disaster Recovery Center in Middletown

21256 Washington St., Middletown, CA 95461

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow, the San Andreas site in Calaveras County and the Middletown facility in Lake County will transition to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) to assist homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. DLOCS will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov 27. The DLOCS will reopen on Monday, Nov. 30, and be open until further notice.

Last day to register with FEMA and apply for SBA disaster loans

In addition, business owners and residents may contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@SBA.gov or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

The Lake County Disaster Recovery Center in Clearlake will close permanently after today.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 and @Cal_OES and on Facebook at Facebook.com/FEMA and Facebook.com/CaliforniaOES.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing 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 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 are referred to SBA for a disaster loan must apply to be eligible for additional FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

The 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.

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Last day to register with FEMA and apply for SBA disaster loans

Know Before You Go: Travel Safety Tips for Your Thanksgiving Holiday

CHICAGO –The Thanksgiving week ahead is one typically filled with travel, a busy schedule and potentially bad weather.

“Don’t let this hectic time of year sidetrack you from safety on the road,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Take some time now to talk to your family about how to handle a travel emergency, and stockpile necessary supplies in your car in case you become stranded.”

Remember to take these simple steps to help ensure safe travel for you and your family:

1. Know the risks before leaving home. Listen to the radio or television for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. If bad weather is forecast, drive only if absolutely necessary.
2. Keep your gas tank above half-full. When temperatures are extremely cold, condensation can build up in a near-empty gas tank, potentially freezing fuel lines and leaving you stranded.
3. Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle:
• Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system – repair as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters – replace as needed.
• Battery and ignition system – make sure they’re clean and functioning properly.
• Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
• Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires – make sure the tires have adequate tread.
4. Have an emergency supply kit for your car in case it’s needed. Include the following items:
• Jumper cables – consider including flares or reflective triangles.
• Flashlights – with extra batteries.
• First aid kit – remember any necessary medications, baby food or diapers.
• Food – non-perishable food such as canned food, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars.
• Manual can opener
• Water – at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days.
• Basic toolkit – pliers, wrench, screwdriver.
• Radio – battery or hand cranked.
• Cat litter or sand – for better tire traction.
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Clothes – warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold.
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Charged cell phone – and car charger.
• Pet supplies – food and water.

You can always find valuable information to help you prepare for winter at www.ready.gov/winter-weather, and click here to watch our video on preparing your car for weather emergencies. Bookmark FEMA’s mobile site http://m.fema.gov, or download the FEMA app today to have vital information just one click away.

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

FEMA Grants to Help Washington Communities Recover Costs from August Windstorm

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – As Washington responders pick up the pieces from the latest round of severe weather, specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) are working with local and tribal officials to help communities recover from last summer’s severe wind event.

The presidential disaster declaration and the subsequent amendment stemming from the August 29 windstorm make FEMA Public Assistance (PA) grants available to eligible applicants in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

The PA program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of the storm and in any subsequent cleaning up and needed repairs.

“Washington’s responders made enormous efforts to protect our citizens and get power lines fixed and debris removed during and after the August windstorm,” said State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin of EMD. “FEMA grants will go a long way toward reimbursing applicants for much of their expenses.”

To date, 31 potential applicants have filed a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) to initiate a disaster claim under the Oct. 15 disaster declaration.

Since the declaration, the EMD, with FEMA support, has held a series of briefings for potential applicants to provide a general overview of the grant program, outline program deadlines and answer any questions.

Also taking place are initial meetings among applicants and project officers from EMD and FEMA to discuss which types of emergency expenses and projects are federally reimbursable. They also discuss the process of rebuilding structures to resist damage in the future. These meetings are an important step in getting assistance dollars back into the communities.

“By helping state, local and tribal governments, and looking for ways to reduce future damages, the Public Assistance program has an impact on every person who lives in those communities,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas Dargan of FEMA.

Under the PA program, FEMA reimburses qualifying applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and other entities that incurred costs directly related to the disaster.

More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and on the Washington EMD website at http://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division/.

Additional information regarding the federal response to the windstorm disaster, including funds obligated, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4242.

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FEMA Grants to Help Washington Communities Recover Costs from August Windstorm

FEMA’s Pacific Northwest Region wishes you #SafeTravels for the holidays

SEATTLE, Wash. – With so many people on the move for the holidays, FEMA’s regional office in the Pacific Northwest is running two week-long social media campaigns to encourage holiday travelers to stay safe Nov. 22 – 28, and Dec. 20 – 26. The campaign has tips for families, pet owners, smartphone users, and people traveling domestically by car and plane, and internationally.

Here are three tips from the campaign:

Pack a small emergency kit for your suitcase. Batteries, a flashlight, a portable radio and USB power bank are good items to start with.
Download FEMA’s app, which lets you receive with weather alerts for up to five locations – set one for your holiday destination to stay informed.
Use STEP, the Department of State’s the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program if you’re traveling abroad. This will help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency in the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency.

This campaign a combined effort with partners in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. You can get these tips from FEMA’s Twitter account @FEMARegion10 and Facebook page, and by watching the hashtag #SmartTravels.

FEMA’s Pacific Northwest Region wishes you #SafeTravels for the holidays

Keep Your Important Documents Safe from a Disaster

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Fumbling through files for important papers can be frustrating. But when an emergency strikes, trying to gather up all those documents can be downright frightening.

There is a way around all the late-minute hassle, but it will take some time and a way to organize and contain them so that you can grab and go when a disaster strikes. And, with predictions of more severe weather and flooding this winter due to El Nino, now is a good time to organize your papers.

Container options can range from a fireproof lock box or safe, a safety deposit box or something as simple as a three-ring binder with plastic sleeves into which you can insert the documents.

The list of documents and records you will want to have is long, but will be invaluable after you have evacuated your home. You will need access to some of these items sooner than others, but all are important enough to include in your “must have” list:

Vital Records: Driver’s licenses, birth certificates, adoption papers, Social Security cards, passports, citizenship papers (such as a “green card” or naturalization documents), marriage license, divorce decrees, child custody papers, current military ID, military discharge (DD Form 214), medical and vaccination records for pets along with current photos and ID chip numbers in case you are separated.
Insurance Policies: Homeowners, renters, flood, earthquake, auto, life, health, disability, long-term care; have at least the policy number and insurance company contact information for each type of coverage.

Keep Your Important Documents Safe from a Disaster

Property Records: Real estate deeds of trust and mortgage documents (at least the two-page settlement statement provided by the title company showing the actual cost of the house and purchase expenses); rental agreement or lease; auto/boat/RV registration and titles; video, photos or a list of household inventory.
Medical Information: Immunization and other medical records, prescription information (drug name and dosage), health insurance identification cards, physician names and phone numbers, powers-of-attorney for health care, and living wills.
Estate planning documents: Wills, trusts, funeral instructions, powers-of-attorney, attorney names and phone numbers.
Financial records: First two pages of your previous year’s federal and state tax returns, stock and bond certificates, investment records, brokerage and retirement account information, credit card, checking and savings account numbers, contact information for credit unions, banks, financial institutions, credit card companies and financial advisers.
Other: Personal address book, a letter with instructions for family or friends (for use in a situation where you’re not present), backups of important computer files, a list of usernames and passwords for online accounts, a key to your safe deposit box, a recent photograph, fingerprints and dental records for each member of the household (some police stations and nonprofits fingerprint children free);, account and contact information for utilities and other services (you may have to provide a new billing address or cancel certain services), a list of important documents and where originals and copies are located.

Those who don’t have the time or ability to gather all of these documents should focus on the most important and most difficult to replace.

In addition, take time now to think about the priceless personal items you would want to protect from danger or take with you if you had to suddenly evacuate your home.

The first step is to take an inventory of your household valuables. Those who wish more complete checklists or guidance on collecting and safeguarding this important information, go to www.ready.gov/financialpreparedness.

If you have lost documents in the Butte or Valley fires, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4240 to learn how to replace them.

Survivors can register for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Registration ends Nov. 23.

Keep Your Important Documents Safe from a Disaster

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @Cal_OES and @femaregion9 and at Facebook.com/California OES and Facebook.com/FEMA.

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Keep Your Important Documents Safe from a Disaster

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