Time Running Out to Register With FEMA

PURVIS, Miss. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are reminding those affected by the February tornadoes and flooding that they have only a short time left to register for assistance.

The deadline for registering is April 15 for residents of Forrest, Greene, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Marion, Perry and Wayne counties.

Assistance is available for homeowners, renters and businesses who suffered loss or damage as a result of the disaster.

“The first step in getting help is registering with FEMA,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “Even if you signed up with state, county or local agencies, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA. If you are unsure whether you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility.”

Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a web-enabled cell phone or other wireless device, visit m.fema.gov.

Or call FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, The TTY number is 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 1-800-621-3362. C-Spire Wireless customers may call #362 to reach the FEMA Helpline with questions or to register for assistance.

People who register may be sent a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA, but filling out the application is essential for qualifying for further federal assistance.

Applicants wish to take out an SBA loan may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website. The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the website at www.sba.gov. The deadline for applying for an SBA loan is also April 15.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit www.msema.org, www.fema.gov/disaster/4101 and www.fema.gov/blog.

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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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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Time Running Out to Register With FEMA

FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors who have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance can take advantage of the many services available through the FEMA helpline, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Survivors can check the status of their applications, update contact information, and learn how their insurance affects FEMA assistance.

Survivors also can call the helpline to:

  • Update insurance information
  • Receive information on the home inspection process
  • Add or remove the name of a person designated to speak for the applicant
  • Find out if FEMA needs more information about their claim
  • Update FEMA on the applicant’s housing situation
  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision
  • Get answers to other questions they might have about their application

Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Survivors can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov.

The deadline to register for possible disaster assistance is March 29, 2013. FEMA offers financial help to eligible survivors of federally-declared disasters to cover uninsured losses and critical expenses that are not covered by other means.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit FEMA.gov/SandyNY, Twitter.com/FEMASandy, Facebook.com/FEMASandy and FEMA.gov/blog.

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FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

Reach Out For Help When Disaster-Related Stress Strikes

PURVIS, Miss. – Mississippians facing the loss of their homes, businesses or cherished possessions after the recent tornadoes may be struggling also with the emotional impact of the disaster. It is not uncommon for those living through a disaster to suffer anxiety, sorrow and depression. These emotions can emerge days, weeks or even months later.

Everyone has a different way of coping. Many find that talking about what has happened with trusted friends or family helps them move forward. Seeking and accepting help from counseling services also can be effective and health-restoring.

Brochures and other information are available at the MEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, at:

  • Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg
  • Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Pine Belt Mental Health Resources, with offices in nine Mississippi counties, operates a crisis-counseling hotline: 601-544-4641. See the PBMHR website at www.pbmhr.com

A Disaster Distress Helpline is run by the federal government under the Department of Health and Human Services. Trained crisis counselors are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-985-5990. TTY is 800-846-8517. You can text the helpline as well: “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

You can reach the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for information and referrals to certified service providers online at http://www.dmh.ms.gov.

Some of the most common signs of stress include:

  • Difficulty communicating or sleeping.
  • Depression, sadness or feelings of hopelessness.
  • Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Limited attention span and poor performance at work or school.
  • Headaches and stomach problems, flu-like symptoms, disorientation or confusion.
  • Reluctance to leave home (temporary agoraphobia).
  • Mood swings and frequent bouts of crying.
  • Overwhelming feelings of guilt and self-doubt.

Disaster-related anxiety can be especially acute among older adults, particularly those living alone and somewhat isolated from friends and family. It is not unusual for seniors to become withdrawn, agitated and disoriented in the wake of terrifying events. Family and others should be on the lookout for these and other stress-related problems and try to address them immediately.

Children also can be severely affected by a disaster. Some simple ways to help calm their anxieties include:

  • Keeping routines as consistent as possible and answer questions openly and honestly at a level a child can understand.
  • Allowing your kids to talk about the disaster. Listen to their concerns and questions. Let them know it is OK to feel angry or sad.
  • Reassuring them that they are loved and will be cared for.
  • Providing a peaceful household to the extent possible under the circumstances.
  • Limiting their exposure to frank adult discussions and lurid news reports about the disaster.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov/coping-with-disaster or http://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth.

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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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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Original article:

Reach Out For Help When Disaster-Related Stress Strikes

Two Steps To Disaster Assistance: FEMA And SBA

PURVIS, Miss. – The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency work together in assisting disaster survivors. Registering for federal assistance and completing the SBA application are two steps toward one goal: to help those rebuilding their lives after a disaster.

FEMA grants may cover essential needs including personal items such as clothing and vehicles. These grants do not make disaster survivors whole again.

The SBA is a primary source of federal funds for recovery for both individuals and businesses; filling out the SBA loan application is necessary for most homeowners and renters to be considered for all forms of disaster assistance.

The SBA’s low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 can help qualified homeowners repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, renters and homeowners may get up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property. In both cases, these SBA loans are only for damages not covered by your insurance. Loans may be increased up to 20 percent of verified losses to cover the cost of measures to prevent possible damages from a future natural or man-made hazard.

Though FEMA and the SBA work hand in hand with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and local governments to help disaster survivors, many Mississippians affected by the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding who were sent an SBA application have not completed and returned them. The process begins with FEMA;  it continues with the SBA.

The reasons Mississippi disaster survivors find for not applying for a low-interest disaster loan are the very reasons they should apply – on or before the April 15 deadline.

Oh I’m not eligible and I don’t own a business.

SBA disaster loans also go to individuals and families – as well as businesses. Interest rates may be as low as 1.688 percent with terms up to 30 years.

I don’t want a loan or can’t qualify for one.

Filing the loan application does not obligate you to accept the loan, but most individual and family applicants must still complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs. That could include assistance for disaster-related medical and dental expenses, car repairs, clothing and household items. Completing the SBA application assures that the federal disaster recovery process continues and keeps your options open.

It’s just too much trouble to fill out an application.

It only takes about 30 minutes to fill out a loan application. You also can receive one-on-one assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center.  A simple, fast, and very available way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Updates on loan application status are available by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339.

But I’m a renter not a homeowner.

Renters can get help from the SBA. They may qualify for long-term, low-interest loans to repair or replace personal property items, such as clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

I’m going to wait for my insurance settlement.

Don’t wait to settle with the insurance company. If you do not know how much of your loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided you agree to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay your SBA loan.

I own the property but it’s not my primary residence.

If your property is used as a normal part of a business, such as rental property, you may be eligible to apply as a business owner. Submit your application and let SBA determine your eligibility.

Our neighbors were turned down for an SBA loan and they make more than we do.

Don’t make the mistake of eliminating yourself.  Everyone’s situation is unique and SBA will work with you if you feel you may have a problem qualifying for the loan.  Remember, if a homeowner or renter cannot qualify for the SBA loan, they will be referred back to FEMA for additional grant consideration.

Eligibility for a loan depends on your ability to repay the loan, not on your income. If you qualify for a loan, the amount could be significantly higher than FEMA grants. If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for additional grants.

If you have questions about the disaster assistance process, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or, with a tablet or smartphone, or other web-enabled device, go to m.fema.gov.C-Spire Wireless customers can reach the helpline by dialing #362.

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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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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Two Steps To Disaster Assistance: FEMA And SBA

FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have a useful tool at their fingertips: their phone.

Although the deadline has passed for hurricane survivors to register for assistance, survivors may check status of applications or receive other assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

FEMA urges all applicants to stay in touch with FEMA, especially to keep contact information up to date. This can be done by phone or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web device.

Survivors creating a profile online may view application status or FEMA documents sent to them, but cannot submit new information other than contact data. However, via the Helpline, survivors may:

  • Update insurance information;
  • Receive information on the home inspection process;
  • Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant;
  • Find out if FEMA needs more information about the claim;
  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision; and
  • Get answers to any other questions they might have about their application.

 

Insured applicants should not wait on FEMA to file an insurance claim. They should provide FEMA a copy of the insurance settlement as soon as it is available. FEMA does not duplicate insurance benefits, but applicants may discover their insurance does not cover as much as they thought it would and the settlement could prompt reconsideration for an applicant declared ineligible for assistance. The Helpline can provide answers to any question regarding insurance and its impact on FEMA assistance.

Any decision of FEMA can be appealed within 60 days of the determination. The Helpline can provide details on where to file a written appeal.

Applicants with questions regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration loan application may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY users, call 800-877-8339). Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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 covers 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.

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.

Original link – 

FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

Marion and Wayne Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

ATLANTA – Two additional counties have been designated for disaster assistance to households and businesses as part of Mississippi’s federal disaster declaration, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  The latest counties are Marion and Wayne.

Counties previously designated are Forrest and Lamar.

Applicants should register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Homeowners and renters can register for federal disaster assistance that may help pay for:

  • Temporary housing;
  • Home repairs;
  • Other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs; and
  • Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration that may cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

People in the newly designated counties who have already registered for federal disaster assistance do not need to do so again. If they have any questions about their applications for disaster assistance, they should call 800-621-3362.

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

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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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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See the original article here – 

Marion and Wayne Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

FEMA Rental Assistance May be Used for Security Deposits

NEW YORK – As the Jan. 28, 2013 deadline to register for FEMA assistance approaches in New York, recovery officials want to make sure Hurricane Sandy survivors know that they may be able to use Temporary Rental Assistance funds to help pay for a security deposit.

If a landlord requires a security deposit, you can use up to one month of FEMA rent money to cover it and you will not have to return it at the end of the lease. If you already paid a security deposit with your own money, FEMA will not reimburse it. However, if you need more help with rent, you can show the security deposit receipt to support your request for additional assistance.

To receive additional temporary rental assistance, you must complete the Continuing Need form with a copy of the lease and all receipts for rent and security deposits, and mail it to the address printed on the form. If you don’t have the form, contact FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Families in hotel or motel rooms who are preparing to move into an apartment may use FEMA rent money for security deposits and rent. This money may not be used to pay for telephone or television service or utilities.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until midnight EST on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 to register for federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Individuals also can find a disaster recovery center – and register with FEMA – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Rental Assistance May be Used for Security Deposits

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions

NEW YORK – As the Jan. 28, 2012 deadline to register for FEMA assistance approaches in New York, recovery officials want to make sure survivors have all the information they need about disaster aid.

New York’s Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Sandy, Michael Byrne, hosted the first of a series of ‘live’ chats on Twitter this week to address questions and concerns about disaster assistance, tweeting about FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and housing repair grants in the one-hour session. He will be doing additional chat sessions in the coming weeks. Keep following  @FEMASandy for the latest information on the next chat.

Following are some of the most commonly asked disaster aid questions, (in more than 140 characters). For additional Q&As, go to www.fema.gov/SandyNY.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

I submitted my papers for disaster assistance but have not heard anything, how long does it take to hear back?

If you submitted an application for assistance due to damage to your home, a FEMA-contracted inspector should contact you to schedule an appointment within 10 days of registering. If you are seeking other forms of assistance, and you have completed and mailed in your SBA disaster loan application, you should receive an eligibility letter within 10 days of returning your paperwork. If 10 days have passed and you haven’t heard from us, call the FEMA toll-free Helpline 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585.)

If you were asked to provide additional documentation and did so and have not heard back, call the helpline as well.

How can I extend my FEMA rental assistance?

To receive additional temporary rental assistance, you must complete the Continuing Need form with all the applicable information and mail it back to us at the address printed on the form. If you don’t have the form, contact FEMA’s toll-free Helpline.

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions – Page 2

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

What should I do if I’m still waiting on my flood insurance settlement?

Contact your claims adjuster or carrier to see if you may be eligible for an expedited flood insurance payment to cover repairs of your home’s mechanicals damaged in the disaster. You

can call the NFIP Help Center 800-427-4661 to address questions about your flood insurance claim or payment.

Why am I required to build above the minimum elevation requirement?

Each community develops their own local building requirements. You should contact your community’s floodplain manager to discuss elevation requirements for your property. Elevation requirements are meant to protect your home from future flood damages. In general, if your home is located in a high-risk area, the higher you build above the base flood elevation, the lower your premium and potential for flood damage.

To find out how you need to build contact your community’s floodplain manager who can help you walk through the elevation requirements for your property.  His/her contact information is usually available on your city government web site.

MITIGATION: REBUILDING BETTER AND STRONGER

Is there money available to elevate/mitigate my home?

There may be assistance available to help you mitigate your home.

  • If you applied for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan and it was approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of improvements – such as elevating your home – to protect your property against future damage. Contact SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.
  • If you already had a flood insurance policy before the storm, and your home was substantially damaged, you may be eligible to receive up to $30,000 in increased cost of compliance coverage to elevate your home after you file your claim. Talk to your insurance agent to determine if you’re eligible.
  • FEMA provides hazard mitigation grants to states for activities such as structure elevation, property acquisition, and flood proofing. The state determines which activities will be funded with hazard mitigation grants. To learn more about these grants, visit www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance or contact your local floodplain manager for more details.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Originally posted here: 

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Disaster Aid Questions

FEMA Helpline Still Available to Assist Hurricane Sandy Survivors in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — FEMA’s registration Helpline is still available for Connecticut residents who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Although all FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers in Connecticut have closed, the Helpline remains available for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance. Sandy survivors who have already registered for aid can call to ask questions, update contact information or check the status of their applications.

Disaster survivors can call 800-621-3362 to register for assistance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators can be reached after the initial English message concludes.

The deadline to register with FEMA has been extended to Jan. 28.

Disaster survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

As of Dec. 28, 2012, more than 2,500 Connecticut residents have been approved for federal disaster assistance. FEMA offers financial help to survivors of federally-declared disasters to cover uninsured losses and critical expenses which cannot be covered by other means.

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.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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 covers 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.

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.

Taken from: 

FEMA Helpline Still Available to Assist Hurricane Sandy Survivors in Connecticut

Help Offered For Stressed Survivors Of Hurricane Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. — Feeling blue?  Disoriented?  Powerless?

For disaster survivors who may feel overwhelmed after Hurricane Sandy, help is just a phone call away.

The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline at 877-294-4357, or TTY 877-294-4356, is open and ready for talk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“The help is free and confidential,” said Lynn Kovich, Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “Simply talking with a counselor can sometimes ease the symptoms. We can help folks in distress move forward on their path to recovery.

“The majority of calls are from people having temporary reactions, people who before the disaster were healthy and functioning normally. Hotline crisis counseling can help keep the symptoms from escalating into major mental health concerns,” she said.

Disaster-induced mental distress may include:

  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Stomach aches or headaches.
  • Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why.
  • Lack of energy or always feeling tired.
  • Severe disorientation or confusion. 
  • Overwhelming sense of guilt.
  • Depression, sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
  • Increased use of substances like drugs or alcohol.

Disaster survivors often doubt that happiness will ever be possible again.  Talking about those feelings with friends or counselors can help, according to experts.

Talking to someone can help survivors keep perspective.  Eventually, these out-of-balance times will improve.  In the meantime, it is important to connect with others.

Rest, exercise, and healthy eating help the body deal with stress.

FEMA also supports a Disaster Mental Health Helpline run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, where counselors are available 24/7.  The number is 800-985-5990.

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 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.

Credit: 

Help Offered For Stressed Survivors Of Hurricane Sandy

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