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Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Totals More Than $24 Million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — More than $16 million has been approved through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $7 million through its low-interest disaster loan program.

The following numbers, compiled June 5, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved

$13.7 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs.
$2.9 millionfor Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
$7.6 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters or business owners.

Survivor recovery

12,194 damaged homes and property have been inspected (98 percent of requests).
3,976 visits have been made to the eight disaster recovery centers located in designated counties.
9 counties designated for Individual Assistance.
21 counties designated for Public Assistance. Most recently, Bullock, Houston and Washington counties have been added.

FEMA works with many volunteer agencies and the private sector to speed the recovery effort. Those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding need to register with FEMA for disaster assistance.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance status, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-3662 (FEMA) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Operators are multilingual. TTY 800-462-7585.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

County-by-County approved breakdown of Individual Assistance:

County	Approved Registrations	Housing Assistance	Other Needs Assistance
Baldwin	1,729	$6,596,255.81	$1,049,181.31
Blount	22	106,144.00	4,879.54
DeKalb	24	70,327.76	20,674.77
Etowah	49	419,199.49	38,049.04
Jefferson	394	1,030,823.74	164,657.17
Lee	50	255,097.11	53,860.11
Limestone	261	811,612.92	405,121.86
Mobile	3,134	4,254,685.70	1,111,002.92
Tuscaloosa	50	213,218.68	58,583.49
Total:	5,713	$13,757,365.21	$2,906,010.21

Recovery officials urge all Alabama residents who have registered for assistance to stay in close contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process. This is especially true during the first weeks after registering when FEMA housing inspectors must contact applicants to view damages. Those with mobile phones should provide that number to FEMA during the registration.

Affected survivors and business owners in the nine designated counties may apply for assistance. Those counties are: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

Alabama/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are located in Baldwin, Jefferson, Limestone and Mobile counties. These centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One of the DRCs in Jefferson County, located at the Lawson State Community College, 1098 9^th Ave., SW, Bessemer, AL, will close today, June 6 at 6 p.m. This center will transition from a DRC to an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center on June 7 with hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, then 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 12.

The deadline to register is Tuesday, July 1.

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Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Totals More Than $24 Million

More Than $14 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

JACKSON, Miss. – Federal assistance approved for disaster survivors in 12 Mississippi counties has reached more than $14.3 million.

Here is a summary through Thursday, June 5, of all federal assistance to individuals and households in the 12 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. The severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014.

More than $14.3 million in total federal disaster assistance has been approved by FEMA and SBA.
Nearly $9.7 million in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by SBA for 143 homeowners, renters and businesses.
Nearly $4.7 million in FEMA Individual Assistance grants has been approved to help Mississippi disaster survivors recover, including:
- More than $3.5 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- More than $1.1 million approved to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and household possessions. Included is approval of assistance with funeral expenses for nine disaster-related deaths. Other funeral expense requests are pending.
More than 4,900 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.
- In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration and other partner agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA refers some survivors to those agencies.
- All businesses that contact FEMA also are referred to the SBA.
- Others may be interested in other programs such as disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.

2,568 home inspections completed.
More than 4,500 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews have visited 10,454 dwellings and assisted 7,143 survivors.

Monday, June 30, 2014, is the deadline to register with FEMA for individual assistance and submitting an SBA disaster loan application.

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages. FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs such as Social Security, SNAP or Medicaid and is not considered taxable income.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster. SBA customer service representatives are available at ALL disaster recovery centers. Disaster recovery center locations can be found online at FEMA.gov/DRCLocator.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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 childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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More Than $14 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

Bullock County in Alabama Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – County and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Bullock County, Alabama may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses related to this spring’s violent weather.

Bullock County was added Thursday to the May 2 major disaster declaration issued by President Barack Obama for the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama.

Bullock County and local governments and certain nonprofit entities located in the county are now eligible to apply for all seven categories (Categories A-G) listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

Categories A and B cover debris removal and emergency protective measures such as search and rescue and provision of shelters or emergency care, while categories C through G include more permanent work on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings and contents, as well as water facilities, public utilities and parks.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA reimburses applicants a minimum of 75 percent of their eligible expenses. The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

The 21 total counties in Alabama now eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G are Baldwin, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

More information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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Bullock County in Alabama Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Child care costs following a presidential disaster declaration have been added as a reimbursable expense in some cases.

The child care program falls under the Individuals and Households Program within Individual Assistance. Child care costs will be subtracted from the applicant’s total grant amount.

To be eligible, survivors must live in a declared county and use a licensed child care service (center-based, group home, in-home or other provider). The children can be up to age 13, disabled children, as defined by federal law and who need assistance in caring for themselves, may be up to age 18. They also must be occupants of the household, are listed on the Application for Disaster Assistance and are dependents of the applicant.

Costs per child may be awarded for a total of eight weeks, which may or may not be consecutive. Eligible expenses include child care expenses, one-time registration fee, plus health inventory fee if the applicant must change child care providers.

“We know that many households rely on child care and that it can take a big chunk out of their budget,” said Albie Lewis, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama. “If you have a disaster-related impact on your income, you may want to explore child care assistance.”

The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1.

For more information or to register for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Applicants who apply for the benefit will receive a letter outlining documentation FEMA needs to evaluate the request for disaster-related child care assistance.

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Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

It has been 75 days since the SR 530 slide took the lives of dozens and left thousands without access to their normal routes traveled for work, medical purposes and other critical life necessities. As recovery continues, here is a look back at 10 stories about the work of tireless emergency workers, volunteers and community organizers.

$1.7 million	Almost $1.7 million in state and federal disaster assistance funding has been approved for individuals and families who were affected by the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
$1.2 million	The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance has approved approximately $1.2 million in low-interest disaster loans. SBA provides disaster loans for qualifying homeowners, renters, business owners and private nonprofits throughout the disaster area.	(Photo courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration)
$10 million	So far, FEMA has approved more than $10 million to help state, local and tribal communities cover costs such as emergency response operations and removing debris to help communities recover from the SR 530 slide. More funding is forthcoming as the state and FEMA continue reviewing requests.	(Photo by Chelsea Kneeland/FEMA Corps)
$7 million	A total of more than $7 million in donations from across the U.S. was received by three nonprofit organizations: American Red Cross, United Way and the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation, which is based in Arlington, Wash.	(Courtesy of American Red Cross)
80 People served by Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe	On April 24, the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe hosted a traditionally prepared salmon dinner for 80 people who were involved in the SR 530 slide response and recovery. Attendees included residents of Darrington, first responders and volunteers, as well as representatives with Snohomish County and FEMA.	(Photo by Timara Timmens/FEMA)
600 National Guard soldiers	Nearly 600 National Guard soldiers were deployed to assist with the response efforts at the site of the SR 530 slide. Washington National Guard members sorted donations at a Joint Resource Center and managed other critical needs.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
37,000 meals	Nearly 37,000 meals have been provided by volunteers. Among them were American Red Cross members who provided more than 29,000 meals and snacks; the Soup Ladies who served 6,655 hot, homemade meals to disaster relief crew members at the site of the SR 530 Slide; and a group of students from Darrington who made more than 1,300 sandwiches for the first responders.	(Courtesy of The Soup Ladies)
150 Oso Strong Flags	The Oso Proud Oso Strong Flag Fundraiser sold 150 flags, 38 of which have been donated to local businesses and community members of Oso. The proceeds go to the communities affected. So far, $750 has been raised.	(Courtesy of Oso Proud Oso Strong Fundraiser)
29 local voluntary organizations	Approximately 29 local voluntary organizations have provided assistance, including firefighters from the Oso Fire Department and members of the Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 7.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
45 Search and Rescue Dogs	More than 45 search and rescue canines were active in the response to the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marty Bahamonde/FEMA)

Help is still available. Those directly impacted by the SR 530 slide may call a help line operated by the state of Washington. The number is (800) 688-3469. Hours of operation for the help line are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time.

SR 530 slide survivors can also continue to speak directly with FEMA representatives by calling the FEMA help line. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) is available through this number. Survivors who use TTY, may call (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, seven days a week.

For more information, click: www.emd.wa.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4168.

Additional information and links to multiagency resources can also be found on the Snohomish County website, http://snohomishcountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide.

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75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

Ahead of the Game: New Jersey’s Hazard Mitigation Initiative Will Pay Off in Future Storms

LINCROFT, N.J. – New Jersey’s 21 counties are following the state’s lead in developing hazard mitigation plans that will ensure all of the state’s 565 municipalities will be eligible for federal funding for mitigation projects.

On April 25, 2014, the State of New Jersey’s Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and adopted by Governor Chris Christie. The acceptance of the statewide plan enables governmental entities to apply for federal funding under programs such as: Fire Management Assistance Grants, Public Assistance (Categories C-G), the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance.

The federal Stafford Act requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including mitigation funding. It was amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which provided a new set of standards for coordinating the development and implementation of mitigation plans at the state and local levels.

With the approval of the state’s plan, the 21 counties in New Jersey must also have plans in place to be eligible for the same sources of funding. All 21 counties either have plans in place or are in the process of updating their plans, FEMA’s Howard Wolf said.

This is the second wave of mitigation plans for the counties. Development of the initial plans under the terms of the Disaster Mitigation Act started in 2003, and the first of those plans were approved in 2008. Hazard mitigation plans are valid for five years.

A total of 19 counties are in the process of updating their original mitigation plans. The state has approved a plan update for Somerset County as well as Ocean County’s very first hazard mitigation plan. Currently, the state is reviewing Burlington County’s plan, and Monmouth County is expected to submit its plan update for state review later in 2014. Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties are still working on updating their plans. To date, 14 counties, funded under DR-4086, will receive a total of $2,212,000 in FEMA funds to update their plans before they expire.

The process of creating a mitigation plan can take up to three years. The county mitigation plans are designed with a strong focus on local conditions and hazards. This information is incorporated into the construction of the state mitigation plan.

There are six goals within the state hazard mitigation plan: Protecting life, protecting property, increasing awareness and preparedness, developing and maintaining an understanding of risks and hazards, enhancing mitigation capabilities to reduce hazard vulnerabilities and supporting continuity of operations. These are recurring themes for past, present and developing county plans. A county plan requires the active participation of its municipalities, and when a plan is approved and adopted, it is posted on the county’s website, usually in an area related to emergency management.

Natural hazards (flooding, coastal erosion, drought, hail, extreme temperatures and even earthquakes) are the focus of New Jersey’s plans. Because of the stark differences in the state’s population density, geography and ecology, the process of risk assessment and identifying natural hazards varies from county to county and community to community. Coastal counties such as Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and Monmouth have to protect against flooding and storm surge from the Atlantic Ocean. Heavy rains can cause the Delaware River to crest, causing potential problems for Mercer, Hunterdon and Warren counties. Flooding on the Passaic, Raritan and Millstone rivers has caused repeated flooding in Somerset, Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties. The Pine Barrens and other forested areas are vulnerable to fire. Man-made hazards (pandemic, animal diseases, nuclear accidents) are also included in planning.

Wolf says FEMA’s role in the planning process is mostly advisory. “There is constant communication between FEMA and the state,” he said. “A lot of it is coordination and technical support; responding to changes in legislation and funding.”

“The goal is to have all of the municipalities covered,” Wolf said, a goal that he expects will be reached when all of the counties’ plans are approved.

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http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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

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

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Ahead of the Game: New Jersey’s Hazard Mitigation Initiative Will Pay Off in Future Storms

We’re listening: saying thank you, a source of healing

EVERETT, Wash. – Members of the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe said “thank you” to first responders and emergency workers on April 24 by preparing a traditional meal of salmon, which is one of the most vital economic, cultural and historic elements of the communities that were directly impacted by the slide.Snohomish County, Wash., April 24, 2014 — The Sauk-Suiattle Tribe hosted a traditionally prepared salmon dinner for 80 people who were involved in the SR 530 Slide response and recovery. Attendees included residents of Darrington, first responders and volunteers, as well as representatives from Snohomish County and FEMA. (Photo by Timara Timmens)

The salmon dinner acknowledged the recovery work – much of which continues – of the National Guard, Darrington firefighters and the Bellingham Incident Management Team. The salmon was cooked outdoors, according to tradition, on the Sauk-Suiattle reservation.

As recovery continues, help is still available.

To see information and links to multiagency resources on the Snohomish County website, click: http://snohomishcountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide.

Those directly impacted by the SR 530 Slide may call a help line operated by the state of Washington. The number is (800) 688-3469. Hours of operation for the help line are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time. For more information, click: www.emd.wa.gov.

SR 530 Slide survivor can also continue to speak directly with FEMA representatives by calling the FEMA help line. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) is available through this number. Survivors who use TTY, may call (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, seven days a week. For more FEMA information, click: www.fema.gov/disaster/4168.

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We’re listening: saying thank you, a source of healing

FEMA to Offer Alabama Residents Advice on How to Rebuild ‘Better and Safer’

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As Alabamians clean up the damage left by the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding and begin to rebuild, federal officials are offering help on how to make the next natural disaster less destructive.

Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be appearing at Lowe’s home improvement stores around Alabama, to offer residents information about rebuilding their flood- and wind-damaged homes to make them better able to withstand future disasters.

“Our mitigation specialists can really help with rebuilding after a disaster,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer, Albert “Albie” Lewis. “We can show you cost-effective ways to make your home or business ‘better and safer’ the next time tornadoes, flooding or some other disaster strikes.”

Mitigation advisors can provide valuable information on how to reinforce structures against flooding and other hazards, how to construct a safe room, and information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

They can also offer advice on rebuilding structures to resist high winds, mold and mildew cleanup, and how electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances can be protected from flooding. Free publications on a variety of rebuilding and recovery topics will also be available.

“As our state rebuilds, we should take every step we can to make our homes, businesses, and communities more resilient,” said Alabama’s State Coordinating Officer, Jeff Byard. “Spending just a little more today could save lives and property the next time a disaster strikes.”

Mitigation teams will be at the following stores on the following dates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

Limestone County
June 6-7, June 9-11
Lowes Store # 1799
1109 US Highway 72 East
Athens, AL 35611

Etowah County
June 13-14, June 16-18
Lowes Store #1640
615 George Wallace Dr.
Gadsden, AL 35903

Tuscaloosa County
June 13-14, June 16-18
Lowes Store #2488
5703 Mcfarland Blvd
Northport, AL 35476

Baldwin County
June 13-14, June 16-18
Lowes Store #577
3101 South Mckenzie Hwy 59
Foley, AL 36535

In addition to the mitigation advisors, an Individual Assistance representative will also be on hand to provide general information about assistance to survivors. For specific case information, survivors can contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

To download materials on a variety of topics about strengthening property against tornadoes, flooding or other hazards, visit:

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FEMA to Offer Alabama Residents Advice on How to Rebuild ‘Better and Safer’

Two Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible For FEMA Public Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in two additional Alabama counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses.

Houston and Washington Counties were added Monday to the May 2 major disaster declaration issued by President Barack Obama for the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama.

The two additional counties are now eligible to apply for all seven categories (Categories A-G) listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

The twenty total counties in Alabama now eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G are Baldwin, Blount, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

More information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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Two Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible For FEMA Public Assistance

One Month Later: Recovery Continues in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama emergency managers kept one eye on the destruction occurring in Mississippi as they prepared for supercell storm systems to enter their state during the afternoon and early evening of April 28.

Alabamians heeded meteorologists’ dire warnings that this system appeared to be “a particularly dangerous situation” by closing schools and government offices in the early afternoon. Gov. Robert Bentley issued a state of emergency for all 67 counties because of the threat.

Storms Enter the State at 1 p.m.

All the ingredients for tornado development were parked over Alabama as the storms rolled into the northwest region of the state at about 1 p.m. When the outbreak subsided at 6:30 p.m., 29 tornadoes were recorded, homes and buildings were destroyed by high winds of up to 88 mph and hail the size of baseballs damaged roofs and vehicles.

The damage was widespread with roads impassable, trees and electrical wires down and several reports of people trapped in their homes. Five people died, 16 were injured.

In the southern part of the state, flooding was a major problem with 23.67 inches of rain recorded in Mobile. Search and rescue teams were dispatched for door-to-door searches to find trapped survivors throughout the state.

At the height of the storm, more than 126,000 power outages were reported by the state. The American Red Cross opened five shelters in hardest-hit counties. Some 65 community safe rooms were utilized, saving countless lives.

Later, meteorologists pronounced that the April 28^th storms spawned the fourth highest number of tornadoes in a single event. According to the National Weather Service, the outbreak left a swath of damage almost 200 miles long across the state. The weather service also confirmed four EF-3 tornadoes (the Fujita Scale of tornado strength ranges from EF-0 to EF-5), severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding affecting 31 counties.

At the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Clanton, staff compiled and analyzed reports coming in from the counties. With more than $6.7 million in damages and knowing that amount surpassed the state’s ability to absorb, State Emergency Manager Art Faulkner reported to Gov. Bentley that he should seek federal assistance.

The governor asked for the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. President Obama expedited a major disaster declaration on May 2, opening the doors for federal aid.

Initially, four counties were declared for Individual Assistance and five counties for Public Assistance. Following a declaration amendment on May 8, another five counties were added for Individual Assistance, which provides grants for individuals and households.

On May 12, 13 counties were added for Public Assistance, which includes emergency reimbursements for protective measures, repairs to roads and bridges, public buildings and infrastructure as well as debris removal.

Counties designated for Individual Assistance include: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

Counties designated for Public Assistance include: including Baldwin, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens and Tuscaloosa.

Recovery Begins

FEMA, one of Alabama’s federal partners, prepositioned a mobile command center at the Alabama EOC to assist in the response effort.

Within 24 hours of the declaration, preliminary damage assessments for Public Assistance had been completed for Baldwin, Jefferson and Limestone counties. Individual Assistance preliminary damage assessments were started in Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Mobile and Tuscaloosa counties.

Meanwhile, FEMA staff worked to prepare for and deploy equipment for three Disaster Recovery Centers – two in Jefferson and one in Lee counties, while teams of Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists traveled to the state EOC. These teams would fan out across the state to assess, inform and report the situation in communities, as well as going door-to-door to provide on-the-spot FEMA registration for survivors.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, another federal partner, dispatched its staff to Alabama to assist in the outreach to survivors and offer low-interest rate loans to individuals and businesses.

Registration was underway. By close of business May 6, more than 1,800 registrations had been received via the FEMA call center, online and mobile registration. Twenty-six inspectors were in the field, with 1,195 damage inspections completed.

FEMA Grants Help Bring Relief to Survivors

By May 20, more than 300 FEMA and state employees were working in the Montgomery Joint Field Office to bring a sense of normalcy back to the lives of those affected by the storms.

Three weeks after the storm, FEMA had approved more than $11 million in Individual Assistance grants, another federal partner, the SBA, had approved $1.6 million in low-interest, long-term loans. Millions more in Public Assistance dollars will help with the impact to municipalities and government services.

At peak operations, 11 Disaster Recovery Centers were operating in affected counties. More than 3,100 visits to the centers had been made to register for FEMA assistance, ask questions of state and federal officials and learn what programs were available.

At the busiest period, 52 FEMA housing inspectors were in the field, resulting in 95 percent of home damage inspections completed within two days – a rate that remains one month from the date of the disaster.

Also one month after the disaster, federal aid for Alabama tops $20 million with $15 million approved through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program and another $5 million through approved SBA low-interest disaster loans.

With 38 FEMA housing inspectors now in the field, 95 percent of home damage inspections are being completed within two days.

As of Monday, June 2, six Disaster Recovery Centers remain open: two centers in Baldwin, two in Jefferson, and one center in each Limestone and Mobile counties. The SBA is operating a Disaster Loan Outreach center in Tuscaloosa, which also will have FEMA registration information available.

The deadline for FEMA registration is July 1.

Survivors can register at the recovery centers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; by phone, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, multilingual operators are available; TTY is 800-462-7585; by computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov; or by smartphone and tablet, use m.fema.gov.

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One Month Later: Recovery Continues in Alabama

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