Putnam County: Learn to Rebuild Safer, Stronger

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Do you have questions about how you can protect your property from future damage due to flooding and other disasters?  FEMA Mitigation specialists may have answers.

Residents can visit The Home Depot in Palatka from Thursday, Nov. 17 through Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 to meet with FEMA mitigation specialists and get information on topics such as flood proofing a home, elevating utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.

WHERE:      

The Home Depot

417 N. Highway 1943

Palatka, FL 32177

 

WHEN:         

Thursday Nov. 17 and Friday Nov. 18, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday Nov. 19 and Sunday Nov. 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday Nov. 21, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday Nov. 22, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

This free information is geared to both homeowners and general contractors.

Residents can also contact FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program helpline for help with policy questions, service claims, technical assistance and general information. To speak with a flood insurance specialist call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). After choosing your language, press 2.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS – Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

 

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Putnam County: Learn to Rebuild Safer, Stronger

Brevard County: Get Answers, Rebuild Stronger

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Stopping future storm-related damage is an important consideration when rebuilding after flooding or natural disasters. But how do you build back stronger? FEMA Mitigation specialists may have answers.

Visit Lowe’s Home Improvement Center in Indian Harbour Beach from Thursday, Nov. 17 through Tuesday Nov. 22, 2016 to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists who can answer questions and offer tips on topics such as flood proofing a home, elevating utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.

WHERE:      

Lowe’s

1934 Highway A1A

Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937

 

WHEN:         

Thursday Nov. 17 and Friday Nov. 18, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday Nov. 19 and Sunday Nov. 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday Nov. 21, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday Nov. 22, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This free information is geared to both homeowners and general contractors.

Residents can also contact FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program helpline for help with policy questions, service claims, technical assistance and general information. To speak with a flood insurance specialist call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). After choosing your language, press 2.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

# # #

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 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS – Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

 

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Brevard County: Get Answers, Rebuild Stronger

Virginia Beach Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Effective Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Virginia Beach will begin operating under new hours. The new operating hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Disaster survivors are urged to register with FEMA right away, and can visit the DRC nearest them or call the FEMA help line at 800-621-3362 for assistance. To find a DRC location closest to you, go to: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers and click on ‘Search for a Disaster Recovery Center.’

DRCs are operated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The centers provide FEMA registration assistance and disaster information to residents in the cities of Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach with damage from Hurricane Matthew.

Specialists at the recovery centers can review applicant cases, answer questions about claims, review information needed to process claims, and talk with a U.S. Small Business Administration representative.

These disaster centers are open Monday through Sunday until further notice:

Starting Wednesday:

Virginia Beach: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

                      Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library

                      4100 Virginia Beach Blvd

                      Virginia Beach, VA 23452

                      Enter main door, turn right, near Cafe

Chesapeake: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                      Chesapeake Department of Human Services

                      City of Chesapeake

                      100 Outlaw St.

                      Chesapeake, VA 23320

                      Enter main door, turn right

Norfolk: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  Norfolk City Work Force Development Center

  201 Little Creek Road

  Room 208

  Norfolk, VA 23505

You don’t need to visit a DRC to register for Federal assistance, survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT until further notice. Help is available in almost any language.

Additional information about this disaster is available at www.fema.gov and www.vaemergency.gov. Virginians seeking information about disaster-related services needs should call Virginia 211, a statewide information and referral service.

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Virginia Beach Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change

Non-U.S. Citizens Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

Calls will be answered from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Help may also be available to all people impacted by Hurricane Matthew and the subsequent flooding from voluntary agencies by calling 2-1-1, a statewide information and referral service. If using a relay service call 877-541-7905. Programs such as Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal

Services and other short-term, non-cash emergency assistance are available to individuals and families regardless of citizenship status.

Your information is confidential. FEMA shares that information only with the state and designated agencies that provide disaster assistance, with your permission only.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4285; or visit the North Carolina Emergency Management website at readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @NCEmergency.

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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 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Follow this link – 

Non-U.S. Citizens Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

Disaster Assistance Is for Georgia Renters, Too

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Renters in 10 Georgia counties where homes and property were damaged by Hurricane Matthew may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing not covered by insurance. These rental grants are initially for two months.

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties. Damage or losses from Hurricane Matthew must have occurred Oct. 4-15.

Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to help Georgia renters repair or replace disaster-damaged personal property, including automobiles. Loan terms can be as long as 30 years, and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property.

Both renters and homeowners may qualify for grants for other disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs such as clothing, child care, room furnishings and appliances, medical and dental costs, vehicles and moving and storage expenses. Eligibility for some grants requires first submitting an SBA loan application.

Applying for disaster assistance is a two-step process that ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the SBA disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the SBA loan application, if one is offered.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. Insurance is a property owner’s first line of defense. Most homeowner’s policies will cover wind damage; only a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program covers flood-related losses. Those who suffered damage may need to file claims under both the flood insurance policy and FEMA disaster assistance, which may be available to cover uninsured or underinsured losses.

For more information about SBA disaster loans, call SBA’s disaster assistance customer service center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit sba.gov/disaster. TTY users can call 800-877-8339.  Applicants may also apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For updates on Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4284. 

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Continued here:

Disaster Assistance Is for Georgia Renters, Too

Matthew Survivors: 30 Days Left to Register for Federal Disaster Aid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Survivors rebuilding their lives from Hurricane Matthew have 30 days left

to register for federal disaster assistance. Individuals who have underinsured or uninsured damages or losses from Hurricane Matthew and who reside in one of the eligible counties still have until Friday,

Dec. 16, 2016, to apply for FEMA assistance. Designated counties include Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Nassau, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Don’t wait to register. Applying for federal disaster assistance now may help if you still have unmet needs after receiving your insurance payment. While FEMA cannot duplicate assistance covered by insurance, you may still be eligible for assistance for losses not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, are nontaxable and do not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, which is Video Relay Service (VRS) accessible. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

The storm caused widespread damage in northeastern/central Florida along Florida’s eastern coastline, and the State of Florida, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to support individual and family recovery efforts.

As of close of business Nov. 14, 2016, about $68.8 million in federal assistance has been provided to homeowners, renters and business owners in designated areas for Hurricane Matthew, including:

  • Nearly $30.8 million in flood insurance approved for policyholders under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • More than $15.3 million approved to help individuals and families recover from the disaster, including nearly $13.3 million for housing assistance.

  • More than 39,000 Floridians have contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance.

  • More than 4,100 Floridians have visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to get one-on-one help from various state agencies, FEMA, SBA and certain nonprofit organizations.

Survivors should note that second to insurance, SBA low-interest disaster loans are the primary source of financial assistance to rebuild disaster-damaged private property for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations. Make sure to complete and return the SBA loan application if you receive one. There is no charge to apply for the loan and no obligation to accept it if approved. A completed SBA loan application is also an important step in order to qualify for other state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property. If SBA does not offer a homeowner or renter a loan, they are referred to FEMA for possible additional grant consideration. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $2 million for disaster-related losses.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit, https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers.

                                                                        ###

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.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Link:  

Matthew Survivors: 30 Days Left to Register for Federal Disaster Aid

A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Visits Bamberg County

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, Nov. 14) –A mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is making a three-day stop in Bamberg County Nov. 14-16. The center will serve homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage or losses from Hurricane Matthew.

The DRC is located at:

Bamberg County Emergency Management 847 Calhoun St.
(next to the water tower) Bamberg, S.C. 29003
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Wednesday, Nov. 16
At the center, representatives from the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nongovernmental organizations and the local community will be on hand to provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Disaster assistance from FEMA may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement and for other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or relay service) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

If possible, register for FEMA assistance by phone or online before visiting a center. Going to a DRC is not a requirement of registration, but specialists there can provide guidance regarding disaster recovery and rental resources, explain written correspondence received from FEMA, inform survivors of the status of their application, make referrals to other organizations and answer questions.

After registering with FEMA, survivors may also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. Disaster loans help fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. SBA offers loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA are available to small businesses and private-nonprofits to assist with working capital needs as a direct result of the disaster. SBA loans are for uninsured or underinsured disaster losses.  SBA advises it is not necessary to wait for an insurance settlement before submitting a loan application.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured losses.

FEMA mitigation specialists are available at DRCs to provide information to survivors on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to make homes more flood- and wind-resistant.

Survivors who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the NFIP call center at 800-621-3362 (Option 2) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Specialists can help with service claims, provide general information regarding policies and offer technical assistance to aid in recovery.

To find a complete list of DRC locations and hours, download the free FEMA app to your mobile device or visit asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.  DRCs open and close based on community need and visitor demand.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities.  The centers have magnifiers, tools to amplify sound, materials in alternative formats, and video remote interpretation. Sign language interpreters are available upon request at the center.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4286 or the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at scemd.org/recovery-section/ia.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at  https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Visits Bamberg County

Hermine Survivors: Assistance Still Available, 14 Days Left to Register for Federal Disaster Aid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Survivors rebuilding their lives from Hurricane Hermine have 14 days left to register for federal disaster assistance. The storm caused widespread damage along Florida’s western coastline, and the State of Florida, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to support individual and family recovery efforts.

Individuals who have underinsured or uninsured damages or losses from Hurricane Hermine and who live in the 11 eligible counties still have until Monday, Nov. 28, to register for FEMA assistance. The counties included in the federal disaster declaration are Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Taylor and Wakulla.

Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, which is Video Relay Service (VRS) accessible. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Don’t wait to register. Applying for federal disaster assistance now may help if you still have unmet needs after receiving your insurance payment. While FEMA cannot duplicate assistance covered by insurance, you may still be eligible for assistance for losses not covered by insurance. The maximum amount of assistance FEMA can legally provide is limited. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, are nontaxable and do not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Make sure to complete and return the SBA loan application if you receive one. There is no charge to apply for the loan and no obligation to accept it, if approved. Second to insurance, SBA low-interest disaster loans are the primary source of financial assistance to rebuild disaster-damaged private property for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations. A completed SBA loan application is also an important step in order to qualify for other state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property. If SBA does not offer a homeowner or renter a loan, they are referred to FEMA for possible additional grant consideration. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $2 million for disaster-related losses.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers.

                                                                        ###

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.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

 

Source:

Hermine Survivors: Assistance Still Available, 14 Days Left to Register for Federal Disaster Aid

FEMA Hires Local Residents for Disaster Recovery Jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, Nov. 14) — In partnership with the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aims to hire dozens of workers for a variety of temporary jobs in Blythewood, Florence and North Charleston.

Those selected will join the team—made up of state and federal workers, voluntary agencies, and community leaders—already in place to help the state recover from Hurricane Matthew. Through local hires, FEMA can gain community insight and give an added boost to the area’s economy.

Many FEMA employees started as local hires in their own states following a declared disaster.

Nationwide the FEMA workforce of 8,000 people includes full-time employees and reservists who travel across the country to help survivors recover after a disaster, including floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires and hurricanes.

In South Carolina, FEMA has the following positions currently available:

  • Environmental Specialist
  • Historic Preservation (Structures) Specialist
  • Couriers
  • Voluntary Agency Liaison
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Hazard Mitigation Program Community Outreach Education Specialist

Salaries are between $14 and $28 an hour. If needed, FEMA will post more jobs to take advantage of the large pool of talented workers in South Carolina. Positions are temporary. Qualified applicants should possess strong customer service skills, whether the job entails helping survivors in the field or serving as support staff in the office.

To become part of FEMA, go online to SCworks.org. Once there, interested parties should conduct a job search by employer. Then filter by “government” and enter “FEMA” as their keyword.

Each FEMA job candidate must be a U.S. citizen 18 years of age or older. Candidates must pass a complete background investigation, fingerprint check and credit check prior to being hired by FEMA. Disaster work may require 10-hour workdays seven days a week.

FEMA remains committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation and the people we serve. The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation and any other non-merit factor.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4286.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Originally posted here – 

FEMA Hires Local Residents for Disaster Recovery Jobs

Hurricane Matthew Survivors Encouraged to Use Disaster Grants for Intended Purpose

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Officials urge Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew survivors to use their federal disaster aid for its intended purpose.  Improperly using the funds could be a violation of the declaration survivors sign to receive the grants and could result in future assistance being denied.

Once approved for disaster grants, Georgia survivors receive FEMA aid via check or an electronic direct deposit to their checking account. They receive a letter from FEMA providing information about the grant and how the money can be spent.

Before survivors receive their grants, they must sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

These grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved, essential disaster-related costs. Disaster recovery officials are available to help survivors understand the way grants should be spent after they receive the funds. Georgia survivors who have questions about their grants should call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Federal officials caution that the funds may be deposited into bank accounts before letters announcing the grants are delivered to survivors.

Housing funds may be used for:

  • Rental assistance. Applicants who have a continuing need for temporary rental assistance must turn in valid lease and utility receipts to receive additional assistance.

  • Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster.

  • Repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems or other structural elements to return a home to a safe and functional condition.

  • Rebuilding a disaster-damaged home.

    Recipients of FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program grants may use the funds for:

  • Essential personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement.

  • Disaster-related medical, dental, moving and child-care expenses.

    Applicants should be sure to update their personal information including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, disaster survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their applications for assistance or payment status.

    FEMA grants cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those duplicated funds must be returned to FEMA.

    Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties. Damage or losses from Hurricane Matthew in Georgia must have occurred Oct. 4-15.

    Survivors are encouraged to keep their information updated by logging into their account:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
  • Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish).
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages.

For updates on Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4284. 

# # #

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.

# # #

Visit link: 

Hurricane Matthew Survivors Encouraged to Use Disaster Grants for Intended Purpose

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