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Disaster Assistance Tops $110 Million One Year after Oklahoma May Tornadoes

OKLAHOMA CITY – One year after severe storms and tornadoes, including an EF-5 tornado, devastated the central region of Oklahoma, progress continues to be made for survivors and communities affected.

Millions of dollars in state and federal assistance has helped in repairing and rebuilding homes, businesses and schools damaged by the storms.

To date, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have awarded more than $15 million to eligible survivors in Canadian, Cleveland, Le Flore, Lincoln, McClain, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties for rental assistance, repair or replacement of damaged homes and other disaster-related needs; the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $50.9 million in low-interest disaster loans to 937 Oklahoma residents and businesses to help with their recovery; and more than $41 million in state and federal aid will pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and infrastructure repair and replacement in Atoka, Canadian, Cleveland, Coal, Craig, Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, Lincoln, McClain, McIntosh, Nowata, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pottawatomie, Pushmataha and Seminole counties.

Also, $3.5 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding has already been fast-tracked to support projects designed to help reduce damage in future disasters. This included residential safe room programs, warning systems and other projects.

“The spring of 2013 was a horrific time for Oklahomans, but the hard work and determination we’ve seen in only a year has been amazing,” said OEM Director Albert Ashwood. “We continue to work with FEMA, local emergency managers, other state, local and federal agencies, as well as voluntary organizations and private sector partners to help ensure the best possible recovery for these communities.”

“Oklahomans are a resilient people who come together to support one another when disaster strikes and stay together through both the short- and long-term recovery efforts,” said FEMA R6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We were proud to work side by side with our local, state, federal, tribal, volunteer and private sector partners during this challenging time.”

The storms of May 18 to June 2, 2013 resulted in a federal disaster declaration on May 20 for Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties, while other counties and more FEMA programs were added at later dates. Find more information on the disaster operations at www.oem.ok.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4117.

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The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

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.

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 nonprofit 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.

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Disaster Assistance Tops $110 Million One Year after Oklahoma May Tornadoes

Agricultural and Aquaculture Businesses May Be Eligible for Disaster Aid

JACKSON, MS – Mississippians engaged in agriculture or aquaculture who sustained damage from recent tornadoes or storms might be eligible for financial assistance for damage or losses occurring during that period.

Along with residents of the 12 counties named in the presidential major disaster declaration for tornado and storm damage April 28 through May 3, they may be eligible for federal help to repair or replace their primary residence.

Additionally, there are federal programs directed specifically at some categories of farm and ranch disaster losses. Those benefits do not require a presidential disaster declaration and thus could be available for storm losses in any Mississippi county.

FEMA grants to help repair damage to a primary residence are available from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Additionally, long-term, low-interest disaster assistance loans may be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help repair or replace their primary residence. The starting point for both funding sources is registration with FEMA.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program 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.

Producers who suffered production agriculture losses, including loss of livestock, honeybees, farm-raised fish, orchards, bushes or vines, may be eligible for federal disaster program assistance as well as low-interest farm loans from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Information is available from local Farm Service Agency offices or USDA Service Centers. For local FSA Service Center contact information, please visit: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app .

While the SBA is not authorized to provide loans to individual farmers, ranchers or agricultural producers, it is authorized to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small agricultural cooperatives or small aquaculture enterprises to help meet working capital needs caused by a disaster.

For more information on SBA disaster loans, visit sba.gov/disaster, send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov, or call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339)

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

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 receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Agricultural and Aquaculture Businesses May Be Eligible for Disaster Aid

Disaster Recovery Center Schedule Changes Begin Saturday, May 17

JACKSON, Miss. – Beginning Saturday, May 17, hours of operation of the eight Disaster Recovery Centers open in Mississippi will change. Survivors may visit any center for assistance. The new schedules are:

Itawamba County:

265 Tishtontee Dr., Mantachie, Miss.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

Jones County:

1425 Ellisville Blvd., Laurel, Miss.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (unchanged).

Lee County:

320 Court St., Tupelo, Miss.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Lowndes County:

222 Lawrence Dr. and 381 Stadium Rd., Columbus, Miss.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

Rankin County:

601 Marquette Rd., Brandon, Miss.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

Wayne County:

810 Chickasawhay St., Waynesboro, Miss.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

Winston County:

826 S. Church St., Louisville, Miss.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

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. If possible, they should register for FEMA assistance before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. At a center they can check on the status of their application and learn about other recovery services available from other agencies, including the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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

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Disaster Recovery Center Schedule Changes Begin Saturday, May 17

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Assist Cocos Firefighting Efforts in San Diego County, California

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California combat the Cocos Fire burning in San Diego County, in the San Marcos community.

On May 14, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Cocos Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,500 homes in and around the community of San Marcos with a population of 86,752. Mandatory evacuations due to the Cocos fire are in effect for approximately 6,000 people. The fire started on May 14^, 2014 and has burned in excess of 200 acres of state and private land.

The President’s Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible costs covered by the grant can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Assist Cocos Firefighting Efforts in San Diego County, California

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Poinsettia Fire in San Diego County, California

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California combat the Poinsettia Fire currently burning in Carlsbad, Calif.

On May 14, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Poinsettia Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 2,500 homes in and around the community of Carlsbad, Calif., with a combined population of 105,000. All of the threatened homes are primary residences; none are secondary residences. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 15,000 people. The fire started on May 14, 2014 and has burned in excess of 100 acres of State and private land. There are 5 other large fires burning uncontrolled within the State.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Poinsettia Fire in San Diego County, California

FEMA Public Assistance Now Available in Four Florida Panhandle Counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Four Florida Panhandle counties are now eligible for additional disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The aid will help the state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits cover disaster-related expenses and the repair or rebuilding of critical infrastructure.

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties were added Wednesday to the May 6 major disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that overwhelmed parts of the Panhandle from April 28 through May 6.

The state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits can now request funding through all categories of the Public Assistance grant program to help pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of eligible roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Funding under the Public Assistance program goes to the state and its agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. The state manages the program and forwards the federal funds to eligible applicants that incurred costs.

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

Additionally, individuals and households in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties can register for FEMA’s 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.

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FEMA Public Assistance Now Available in Four Florida Panhandle Counties

Don’t Be Victimized by Fraudulent Contractors or Disaster Workers

JACKSON, MS – Mississippians whose homes were damaged in the recent storms and tornadoes may encounter people attempting to cheat them by posing as inspectors, government officials or contractors. These persons may try to obtain personal information or collect payment for disaster assistance or repairs.

Please keep in mind that FEMA employees DO NOT solicit or accept money from disaster survivors. Many legitimate disaster assistance employees may visit your property such as insurance agents, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams and inspectors.

Here are some tips to remember to safeguard against fraud:

Ask to see ID badges. All FEMA representatives will have a laminated photo ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter, please contact local law enforcement.
Safeguard personal information. Be cautious when giving personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone. FEMA will only request an applicant’s bank account numbers during the initial registration process. However FEMA inspectors will require verification of identity.
Beware of people going door-to-door. People knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be con artists, especially if they ask for personal information or solicit money.
Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help to fill out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages, but do not involve themselves in any aspect of the repair nor recommend any contractor.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in your community providing information and assisting people in registering with FEMA or updating their files. The teams coordinate their activities with local emergency managers and make local law enforcement agencies aware of their presence. The teams always consist of at least two people, and may include employees of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) as well as FEMA. They will always be wearing FEMA (or MEMA) shirts and laminated photo IDs. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams never ask for or accept payment for their services.

Always use licensed and bonded contractors and ask for credentials. Use Mississippi contractors if you can. You can verify a Mississippi contractor’s license online at msboc.us. If you have a complaint about anyone soliciting your business, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office toll-free number at 800-281-4418.

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

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.

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Don’t Be Victimized by Fraudulent Contractors or Disaster Workers

FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Nine Mississippi Counties Hit by Storms

JACKSON, MS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended federal disaster aid in nine Mississippi counties to help the state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits cover disaster-related expenses and the repair or rebuilding of critical infrastructure.

The state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Newton, Rankin, Wayne and Winston counties can now request funding through all categories of the Public Assistance grant program to help pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Itawamba, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Rankin, Wayne and Winston counties were previously designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken before, during and after the disaster.

“The additional federal infrastructure funding is intended to help Mississippi’s hard-hit communities recover from the devastation left by the tornadoes of April 28,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry.

Supplementary funding under the Public Assistance program goes to the state and its agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Under the program, the federal share of a project’s expenses typically cannot be less than 75 percent of eligible costs. The remaining 25 percent of eligible cost is usually split by the state and applicant. The state manages the program and forwards the federal funds to eligible applicants that incurred costs.

Individuals cannot apply for FEMA Public Assistance program funding. However, survivors who sustained damage in any of the 12 Mississippi counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance can register for that program. Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties are all eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

All Mississippi counties are eligible to apply for funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is partially funded by FEMA and managed by MEMA.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

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FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Nine Mississippi Counties Hit by Storms

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Madison County

PEARL, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Madison County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

Madison County Road Department

3137 S. Liberty St.

Canton, MS 39046

Specialists from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions. Survivors will be able to:

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at

800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

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Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Madison County

Another Disaster Recovery Center Open in Mississippi

PEARL, Miss. – An additional disaster recovery center is open in Lowndes County to assist survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Mississippi.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

East Columbus Gym

222 Lawrence Drive

Columbus, MS 39702

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification. documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health also has representatives at the center to provide crisis counseling assistance.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you of someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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Another Disaster Recovery Center Open in Mississippi

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