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Call FEMA Hotline to Report Suspicions of Fraud

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Disasters frequently bring out the best in people but sometimes the worst. When fraud occurs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a responsibility to take action.

People who intentionally defraud the federal government are taking money away from those who truly need disaster assistance. FEMA must ensure that taxpayer dollars go only to people who incurred legitimate losses. This may include prosecuting anyone who makes a fraudulent claim.

Most cases where possible fraud is detected are not deliberate attempts to defraud the government. FEMA recommends survivors receiving disaster assistance awards to keep receipts for at least three years that document how the funds were used.

Anyone with information about individuals who may have defrauded the government in connection with the 2013 spring floods should call the FEMA fraud hotline at 800-323-8603 or email DHSOIGHOTLINE@DHS.GOV. This can include information on contractors, inspectors, disaster survivors or anyone posing as any of these. Complaints also can be made via the FEMA disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

Survivors who feel they have made a mistake in reporting damages or losses should call the FEMA disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s Office of Inspector General routinely audits individuals, local governments and nonprofit organizations that receive FEMA disaster assistance funds. The audits are independent assessments to determine whether recipients spent the funds according to federal regulations and FEMA guidelines. Auditors look at expenditures on ineligible items or instances of duplicate payments from insurance companies or other sources.

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Call FEMA Hotline to Report Suspicions of Fraud

FEMA Registration Deadline Approaching for West, Texas Survivors

AUSTIN, Texas – West, Texas residents affected by the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion are encouraged to register for disaster assistance from the state of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) before the June 18 deadline.

Survivors can register now at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

“As we approach the June 18th deadline, we encourage anyone who has not yet registered with FEMA to do so now,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “Even if you think your damages may be covered by insurance, register now and let us determine your eligibility.”

Low-interest disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster.

“Even residents who believe they have complete insurance coverage often find they have a substantial shortfall and need additional financial help,” Hannes continued. “We remain committed to helping West survivors until they have received all the state and federal assistance they are eligible to receive.”

SBA’s Disaster Assistance will continue to be available beyond FEMA’s June 18 deadline. The filing deadline to return SBA applications for property damage is July 1, 2013. The deadline to return economic injury applications is February 3, 2014.

For more information about SBA’s Disaster Assistance, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659 2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877 8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339.

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FEMA Registration Deadline Approaching for West, Texas Survivors

FEMA Working With Plant Explosion Survivors to Identify Unmet Needs

AUSTIN, Texas – An initiative launched by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the state of Texas is aimed at finding additional disaster assistance for West, Texas residents affected by the April 17 explosion.

Under the initiative, all 764 applicants who have registered with FEMA will be receiving follow-up phone calls from FEMA outreach liaisons. The 100 percent review is designed to identify any unmet needs and work with survivors to provide any additional assistance they may be eligible to receive.

FEMA’s Outreach specialists are helping applicants with the appeal process, explaining letters they may have received from FEMA, assisting applicants with gathering insurance documentation needed for their claims and providing referrals to local voluntary agencies, long term recovery resources within the community, other state agencies and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans.

So far, outreach specialists have reached more than 567 applicants and will continue to call each survivor until all applicants have been contacted.

“The recovery process is stressful for those who suffered great losses, and we want to make sure all survivors get the maximum assistance they are eligible to receive,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “Our proactive approach will continue until every registered applicant in McLennan County has been contacted.”

Since the fertilizer plant explosion, the state of Texas, FEMA and the SBA have approved more than $6.5 million in federal disaster assistance grants and low-interest disaster loans for eligible individuals and families in McLennan County. The grants are for temporary housing, home repair and reconstruction, and for other needs, including personal property replacement or disaster-related medical and dental expenses. This total also includes more than $5.86 million in low-interest disaster loans approved from the SBA. These federal disaster loans help pay for residential and business property losses as well as disaster working capital needs for eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

West survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA if they have not already done so. Residents can register now at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The registration deadline for FEMA assistance is June 18.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance will continue to be available beyond June 18. The filing deadline to return SBA applications for property damage is July 1, 2013. The deadline to return economic injury applications is February 3, 2014.

For more information about low-interest disaster loans, 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. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877 8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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FEMA Working With Plant Explosion Survivors to Identify Unmet Needs

FEMA Registration Deadline Two Weeks Away for West, Texas Plant Explosion Survivors

AUSTIN, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damages from the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas have two weeks left to register for disaster assistance from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The registration deadline for FEMA disaster assistance is June 18.

“We’re urging residents with explosion-related damages to apply for FEMA assistance before June 18 and keep us posted of any insurance settlements they may receive,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “This allows us to continue processing their registrations for any unmet needs.”

A U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is open at the POINTWEST Bank located at 210 N. Roberts Rd in West, Texas. The DLOC hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. At the DLOC, SBA representatives will answer questions, explain the application process, help individuals and businesses apply for low-interest disaster loans and close their approved disaster loans. FEMA Individual Assistance specialists are available at the DLOC to answer questions and provide information on the types of disaster assistance available from FEMA.

“Residents are encouraged to visit the DLOC or they may contact our FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 with any specific questions or concerns,” said Hannes. “We remain committed to helping West survivors until they have received all the state and federal assistance they are eligible for and we will be here as long as needed.”

Survivors should register now at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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FEMA Registration Deadline Two Weeks Away for West, Texas Plant Explosion Survivors

Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

CHICAGO – Illinois residents who are not United States citizens may be eligible for federal disaster assistance for damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5.

Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of a minor child who was born here. The child’s information, including his or her social security number, will be needed to register for assistance.

Any citizen living in the affected household can apply for FEMA aid. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

Non-citizen nationals, including those born in American Samoa or Swains Island, or those whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals (subject to certain residency requirements) also may qualify to register.

Applying for FEMA disaster assistance will not affect one’s eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

Undocumented immigrants from a household with no one eligible to apply for federal financial assistance may still be eligible for programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies.

Those in the United States with temporary tourist visas, student visas, work visas and temporary resident cards are not eligible for disaster assistance.

To register for disaster assistance, go to www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Under the presidential declaration, disaster assistance is available for residents in the following counties: Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

Hurricane Season Approaches

PHILADELPHIA – Over the past two years, our region has seen numerous major hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought fierce winds, and heavy rains. Last year Hurricane Sandy brought battering storm surge to coastal and bay areas, and heavy snows to inland areas. All areas of our region saw the various effects that hurricanes and tropical storms can have.

As the 2013 Hurricane Season approaches, FEMA Region III continues to proactively work with its state, local, and federal partners to increase preparedness, coordinate response and recovery capabilities, and empower individuals to take an active role in their community’s emergency management team.

Starting on June 1^st, hurricane season lasts until November; the greatest potential for storm activity is the months of August and September. A great time for the Whole Community to begin planning for hurricane season is Hurricane Preparedness Week designated May 26 – June 1, 2013.

Everyone should take time to ensure that their family, household, and/or business is properly prepared for a potential hurricane or tropical storm. Residents should also communicate and interact with their local emergency officials. By talking to local officials, citizens gain valuable insight, lend input, and develop relationships for planning and communications before a storm.

FEMA recommends that everyone have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Emergency supply kits should include essential items like bottled water, battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries, medicines, toiletries, non-perishable food items, manual can opener, and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance policies, and birth certificates.

When planning, think about the potential needs of everyone in the household during an emergency. If your household includes a person with a disability, an infant, or a senior citizen, be sure to take the necessary steps to assist and make them comfortable during an emergency.

Pets are part of the family too! It is up to pet owners to research pet boarding options and pet friendly emergency shelters within your area in case of an evacuation. Be aware that animals may not always be welcome at some public shelter facilities.

Finally, hurricane season is an appropriate time to assess your risk of flooding and consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding, so evaluate whether a flood policy is right for you. Don’t delay though, flood insurance policies take thirty days to take effect. To assess flood risk for your home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov or call toll-free at 888-379-9531.

For more preparedness information, visit fema.gov, ready.gov, and nhc.noaa.gov.

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

Media Contact: (215) 931-5597 FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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Hurricane Season Approaches

FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for Modoc County

Latest study reveals increased flood risk along the Pit River

OAKLAND, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with the city of Alturas and Modoc County, Calif., to update flood hazard risk information. FEMA released preliminary flood maps that will help community officials, individuals and business owners identify known flood risks. When finalized, the maps will be used for flood insurance, land use, and development decisions. The revised maps are digital, incorporating the latest technology to identity flood risk based on detailed engineering models, decades of rainfall, storm gauge information, and current topographic data.

The preliminary flood maps propose changes to areas for structures near the Pit River, North Fork Pit River and South Fork Pit River. Currently, there are approximately 210 structures located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high risk flood zone. The preliminary flood maps propose approximately 145 structures may be added to the SFHA, from moderate to high flood risk and 15 structures may be removed from the SFHA, from high to moderate flood risk. The last map update was June 4, 2010.

Individuals and business owners who believe the proposed flood maps contain errors will be able to submit appeals by submitting additional scientific or technical information through their community officials to FEMA. Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will make any necessary updates and notify community officials. Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing.

To view preliminary maps online visit: http://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload.

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States. Homeowners, renters and business owners are encouraged to look at the preliminary flood maps to become familiar with flood risks in their community. These flood maps can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures. For more information about flood insurance and to find a local agent, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

For questions about flood maps, visit http://msc.fema.gov, call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for Modoc County

New Jersey Recovers From Superstorm Sandy: By The Numbers

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster assistance to New Jersey survivors of Superstorm Sandy by the numbers as of May 6:

$393.6 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
- $339.3million for housing assistance
- $54.3 million for other needs
$755.8 million in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
$307.3 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
$3.4 billion in total National Flood Insurance Program payments made on claims to date
261,442 people contacted FEMA for help or information
182,226 housing inspections completed
123,416 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers made

Individuals can check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Survivors who have questions about their flood insurance claims and the appeals process can call 800-427-4661.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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 applications.

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New Jersey Recovers From Superstorm Sandy: By The Numbers

Be Prepared for Severe Weather: Get Flood Insurance and Develop a Disaster Plan

WINDSOR, Conn. – Springtime brings with it the risk of flooding, but flood damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Only a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program provides flood insurance, but it takes 30 days to go into effect.

The sooner a homeowner or business owner purchases flood insurance, the sooner their property will be covered against the destructive hazard of flooding. A separate policy is required to cover a structure’s contents.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages those lacking flood insurance to visit www.floodsmart.gov, the official website of the National Flood Insurance Program. Find out more about flood risks, residential and commercial coverage, preparation and recovery.

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week (March 3 – 9) is an opportunity for all individuals, families and communities to focus on disaster preparedness. A disaster supply kit is essential – make sure that your family has the provisions needed for each individual. Get information on preparedness from local emergency management agencies or from FEMA at www.ready.gov/severe-weather and develop a plan so that your family knows what to do when disaster strikes.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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Be Prepared for Severe Weather: Get Flood Insurance and Develop a Disaster Plan

Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey have five days remaining to register for recovery assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Survivors can register by phone until 10 p.m. March 1 or online until midnight.

March 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding.

The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is to fill out an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

New Jerseyans who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

To date, more than $361.7 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance and other needs. Another $495.7 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans has been approved for nearly 7,300 homes and businesses.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov until midnight March 1. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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 applications.

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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Five Days Remain To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

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