RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina homeowners, renters and business owners in Brunswick and Halifax counties, adversely affected by Hurricane Matthew and its impact, may apply for federal disaster assistance.

Thirty-five counties already eligible to apply for assistance, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual and Households Program, are: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Camden, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, Onslow, Pasquotank, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Wake, Washington, Wayne and Wilson.

Eligible storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred beginning Oct. 4.

If you are a survivor, you are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible even if you have insurance. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, you may find you are underinsured. If so, you may still receive help after your insurance claims have been settled.

 If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

If you do not have access to telephone or internet service, don’t be discouraged. North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA are coming to you. Teams of state and FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists will soon be moving into affected communities to help you register for assistance. 

You may be eligible for grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4285 and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @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.

 

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Brunswick and Halifax Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Disaster unemployment assistance is available to workers in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties who lost income as a direct result of Hurricane Matthew in Georgia.

The purpose of disaster unemployment assistance is to help workers whose primary incomes are lost or interrupted by a federally declared disaster. It differs from regular state unemployment insurance because it provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, loggers and employees who work on commission.

Individuals in the 10 counties approved for disaster assistance in Georgia must first apply for regular unemployment insurance by visiting the Georgia Department of Labor website at dol.georgia.gov or apply in person at any Georgia Department of Labor career center. For locations, visit dol.georgia.gov/locations/career-center.

The Georgia Department of Labor will notify claimants if they are also eligible to file for disaster unemployment assistance.

Eligible claimants in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, McIntosh and Wayne counties must apply for disaster unemployment assistance by Friday, Nov. 18.

Applicants in Evans, Liberty and Long counties must apply no later than Monday, Nov. 28.

For more information on applying for disaster unemployment assistance visit the Georgia Department of Labor website at FAQs on Disaster-Related Benefits.

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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Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available to Georgia Residents Affected by Hurricane Matthew

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can now get information about available state and federal assistance at Disaster Recovery Centers in Bladen and Sampson counties opening Friday, Oct. 28.

Location:                   Bladen County

Powell Melvin Agricultural Service Center

450 Smith Circle

Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Sampson County

Sampson County Human Services

360 County Complex Road, Suite 200, Room 274

Clinton, NC 28328

 Regular hours:         Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., until further notice.

DRCs are staffed with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can receive help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates regarding your application.

FEMA and the state also have DRCs open in 14 additional counties. To locate a DRC nearest to you, call 1-800-621-3362 or download the FEMA mobile app.  If you have access to a computer, you can go online to ncdps.gov.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is the same number if you use 711, Video Relay Service, or any other relay service.
  • Call 800-462-7585 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assests/veideos/111546

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

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 ncdps.gov/. Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4.

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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.

 

 

 

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Bladen and Sampson Counties

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Free legal assistance is now available to low-income Georgia disaster survivors who need help with home repair contracts and contractors, counseling on landlord-tenant issues or assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims.

Disaster often brings chaos, which can result in disagreements. Legal help is available to survivors in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne who can’t afford to hire a lawyer to deal with disaster-related issues. Damage must have occurred from Oct. 4-15.

Legal assistance can include:

  • help securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors

  • replacement of wills and other important legal documents lost or destroyed in the disaster

  • assistance with consumer protection issues such as price gouging and avoiding contractor scams in the rebuilding process

  • counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems

The toll-free legal hotline to connect disaster survivors affected by Hurricane Matthew with legal aid providers is 866-584-8027. Local residents may call 404-527-8793. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Individuals who qualify for assistance will be matched with Georgia lawyers who have volunteered to provide free, limited legal help. Assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee; for example, those cases in which attorneys are paid part of the settlement by a court. Such cases are referred to a local lawyer referral service.

Consultations with attorneys are confidential.

Legal services are provided by FEMA partners, including the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Georgia Legal Services Program and Atlanta Legal Aid Society.

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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Free Legal Services Available to Eligible Georgia Survivors Affected by Matthew

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can get information about federal assistance at a disaster recovery center opening Sunday in Wilson County.

Location:       DaVita Dialysis Center (Old Location)

2693 Forest Hills Rd.

Wilson, N.C.  27893

Hours:            Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. (until further notice)

Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Disaster recovery centers are staffed with representatives from FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates about applications.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (American Sign Language interpreting, Braille large print, etc.) while visiting a recovery center may call the appropriate Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

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 ncdps.gov/. Follow FEMA on Twitter at @femaregion4.

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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 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 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 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.

 

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center to Open Sunday in Wilson County

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can get information about disaster assistance in Harnett and Nash counties at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) opening Saturday, October 15. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice.

The Disaster Recovery Centers are located at:

Harnett County Governmental Complex

309 West Cornelius (Harnett) Blvd.

Lillington, NC 27546

 

Continuing Education Building

Nash Community College

3866 Eastern Ave.

Rocky Mount, NC 27804

 

Representatives from North Carolina Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and registration assistance.

Some of the services may include:

  • Status FEMA application

  • Disaster recovery guidance

  • Clarification of any written correspondence received

  • Housing assistance and rental resources information

  • Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA also may be available to 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 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 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 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.

 

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Harnett and Nash Counties

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges people dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew to stay vigilant as they begin to clean up the damage done, while others still face a serious flooding threat.

Dangers could exist for residents who are returning home in the form of debris, downed power lines and lingering floodwaters. During this process, people are urged to listen to their state, tribal and local officials and only go back when they say it’s safe. High water could be deeper than it looks and also hide ground that’s washed away. Drivers are encouraged to avoid flooded areas at all costs – turn around, don’t drown. Just two feet of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.

National Weather Service experts say the remnants of Matthew have moved further away from the East Coast and the storm is no longer causing direct impacts. However, significant-to-potentially record flooding could happen for several areas along and east of the I-95 corridor in the Carolinas, with river flooding persisting well into next week. An extensive and significant freshwater flood event continues to unfold as a result of 10 to 18 inches of rain, mainly from Savannah, Ga., to southeast Virginia.

“Now is the time to really pay attention and be careful – whether you are still dealing with flooding or are assessing the damage from Matthew,” said FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. “If you explicitly follow the directions from your state, tribal and local officials and use common sense to avoid dangerous situations, everyone’s recovery efforts will move along more quickly and safely.”

People who have flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and whose property suffered flood damage are encouraged to contact their local insurance agency or company to file a flood insurance claim. When calling, they should have their policy number and a telephone number/email address where they can be reached. They can find their insurance company’s toll-free phone number here.

Anyone with additional questions about filing a claim or their NFIP policy can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 and press option “2.”  For a TTY line, call 800-462-7585. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT Monday to Friday.

Shelters are open across the affected areas. Download the FEMA mobile app for shelter information, disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, in English and in Spanish. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

After the Hurricane – Safety and Preparedness Tips as you Return to Your Home and Begin Cleaning Up

  • Don’t walk through flooded areas. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 for help.
  • Avoid standing water. It can hide dangerous toxins and chemicals.
  • Do not enter a flood-damaged home or building until you’re given the all clear by authorities. If you choose to enter a flood-damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can compromise the structural integrity and its foundation. Make sure the electrical system has been turned off, otherwise contact the power company or a qualified electrician.
  • Photograph the property damage in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
  • Take steps to prevent further damage to the affected property (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
  • Because mold may be a serious health risk, it’s important to remove flood-damaged objects.
  • When setting out debris for curbside pickup, follow the instructions of local officials.
  • Debris should be separated into the following six categories:       
    • Household garbage such as discarded food, packaging and papers.
    • Construction debris such as building materials, carpeting, furniture and mattresses.
    • Vegetation debris such as tree branches and leaves.
    • Household hazardous waste such as batteries, paint and cleaning supplies.
    • White goods such as refrigerators, washers/dryers, water heaters and air conditioners.
    • Electronics such as televisions, stereo equipment and computers.
    • More information on debris removal is available here.                  

Tips for Mosquito Control

For people living in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew, especially when it comes to flooding, mosquitos may be a problem in the coming days. Prevention is important because mosquitos carry diseases and can spread illness.

The Centers for Disease & Prevention provides critical tips for mosquito prevention:

  • Use insect repellant, especially Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellants, which are proven safe and effective when used as directed.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Control mosquitos inside and outside your home by:
    • Using screens on winds and doors and repairing holes to keep mosquitos outside.
    • Use air conditioning when available. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available, or if sleeping outdoors.
    • Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, or throw items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots or trash containers. Mosquitos lay eggs near water.
    • More information can be found here.

For more information about Hurricane Matthew, including resources deployed, photos and b-roll go to: 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.

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.

Originally from:

FEMA Urges Residents to Watch Out for Dangers When Returning Home & for Possible Flooding Threat

WASHINGTON –The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents returning home or in affected areas to listen to state, local and tribal officials as dangerous flooding following Hurricane Matthew impacts areas throughout the Southeast United States. People returning home should exercise extreme caution as emergency crews respond to affected areas and avoid driving through flooded roadways. 

National Weather Service experts predict that Matthew should move well east of the North Carolina coast by this afternoon and should weaken over the next 48 hours. However, an extensive and significant freshwater flood event is unfolding over northeastern South Carolina into central and eastern North Carolina. Between six to 12 inches of rain, with isolated amounts up to 20 inches, have been reported mainly from Savannah to eastern North Carolina. An additional one to three inches are possible across eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia. Numerous rivers are expected to reach moderate to major flood levels from northeast South Carolina into central and eastern North Carolina later today. The rivers will be slow to recede, with the flooding continuing through the week.

For people who evacuated and are returning today, do so only when authorities indicate it is safe. Watch out for debris and downed power lines and avoid walking or driving through flood waters.  Flood waters may be electrically-charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.

You are also advised to photograph damaged property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim and do what is possible to prevent further damage to property (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof).

“Flash floods are the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States,” said FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. “As people head back home to assess damage it is vital they do not drive through flooded roadways, avoid downed power lines, and stay off the roads to let first responders do their work.  Turn around, don’t drown.” 

Shelters remain open across the impacted states. You can download the FEMA mobile app for shelter information, disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, in English and in Spanish. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

After the Hurricane – Safety and Preparedness Tips as you Return to Your Home

·       Listen to local officials for updates and instructions. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

·       Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.

·       When you return to the impacted area, watch out for debris and downed power lines.

·       Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.

·       Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

·       Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

·       Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

File an Insurance Claim then Register with FEMA (or for Federal Assistance)

·        Contact your insurance company and file a claim. Get your company’s contact information online at the Department of Insurance for the state where the damage occurred.

·        If you have flood insurance questions call 800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT and select option two. Call center staff are available to assist with information regarding your policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery and answer other flood insurance questions. You can be transferred to your insurance carrier for additional assistance if you have further questions.

·        For those in Georgia and Florida who have been affected by Hurricane Matthew, you can pre-register for federal disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. Survivors who use TTY may call 800-462-7585.

Communications

If you live in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew or know someone in those areas, social media sites like Facebook or Twitter are good way to let friends and family know you’re safe or to inquire about your loved ones.

However, the National Coordinating Center recommends keeping your calls to the minimum and to using several alternative communication methods as networks in the area may become congested.  People in the emergency area should still call 9-1-1 if they need emergency services.

Please keep in mind a few recommended best practices for placing calls during a large emergency:

  1. Limit non-emergency phone calls.
  2. Keep all phone calls brief.
  3. For non-emergency calls, try text messaging, also known as short messaging service (SMS) when using your wireless phone.
  4. If possible, to reduce congestion, try a variety of communications services if you are unsuccessful in getting through with one.
  5. Wait 10 seconds before redialing a call. On many wireless handsets, to re-dial a number, you simply push “send” after you’ve ended a call to redial the previous number.

To report a missing child, please contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570. Anyone who finds an unaccompanied child who may have been separated from his/her parents or caregivers because of the hurricane can enter basic information and/or a photo into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Unaccompanied Minors Registry (UMR): http://umr.missingkids.org or call 1-866-908-9570.

For more information about Hurricane Matthew, including resources deployed, imagery, and b-roll go to: http://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.

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.

See more here: 

FEMA Urges Residents to Heed Direction of Local Officials Regarding Flooding; Exercise Caution When Returning Home

Over 3 Million People Still Under Hurricane Warning, Residents Advised to Heed Instructions from Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents to be prepared for severe, potentially record historic flooding as Hurricane Matthew continues to impact the eastern Carolinas. Hurricane Matthew remains a dangerous storm and FEMA urges residents in affected states to heed instructions from state, local, and tribal officials. As of 8 a.m. Eastern Time, over three million residents remained under a Hurricane Warning.

For residents in Georgia and the Carolinas, dangerous flooding continues in many areas and may worsen throughout the day into Sunday, particularly along and east of the I-95 corridor.  Flash flood warnings are in effect for significant portions of the Carolinas and the threat will continue for several more days. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. If residents encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.

Residents should listen for local warnings and information and return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Upon returning home, FEMA advises residents to be aware of emergency workers working on damaged infrastructure and assisting people in damaged areas. Residents should stay off the roads and out of the way.

“Residents need to stay focused on staying safe and be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “This hurricane is still very dangerous and its effects can be deadly even after it passes. Take flooding seriously, avoid downed power lines, and return home only when local officials say it is safe to do so.” 

Shelters are open across the impacted states. Download the FEMA mobile app for shelter information, disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, in English and in Spanish. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

Residents in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew can use social media sites like Facebook or Twitter to reconnect with loved ones.

Earlier in the week, President Barack Obama declared emergencies for requested counties in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina authorizing FEMA to provide support and resources necessary to save lives and protect property.   

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued:

For a hurricane:

  • A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 74 miles-per-hour poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. 
  • A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 miles-per-hour or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

For a tropical storm:

  • A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 miles-per-hour or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
  • A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 miles-per-hour or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.

For flooding:

  • A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding.
  • A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

To learn more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov.

After the Hurricane

  • Listen to local officials for updates and instructions. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
  • Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
  • When you return to the impacted area, watch out for debris and downed power lines.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
  • Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
  • Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

For more information about Hurricane Matthew, including resources deployed, imagery, and b-roll go to: http://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.

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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.

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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FEMA Urges Residents in Affected States to Continue to Take Hurricane Matthew Seriously, Be Prepared and Ready for Severe Flooding

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