hurricane-sandy - femacontract.com

FEMA Offers Guidance at Home Depot on Being Prepared for Future Disasters

NEW YORK — People whose property was damaged or destroyed in Hurricane Sandy and are ready to start rebuilding can get advice from experts. Specialists who are knowledgeable in all facets of cleanup and building safer and smarter to avoid future losses will be dispensing guidance free of charge, compliments of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA experts will staff tables at Home Depot stores in Nassau County at 1320 Corporate Drive, No. 1300, Westbury; in Suffolk County at 346 Middle Country Road, Coram, and in Kings County at 585 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 28, through Tuesday, Dec. 3, hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. They’ll be closed Monday.

Advice and direction in flood cleanup, flood-insurance matters, and repair and rebuilding will be available to all, not just to customers who are registered with FEMA.

These mitigation experts will be able to talk about elevating electrical services and appliances; installing sewer back-flow valves; removing and replacing drywall and insulation; channeling water away from foundations; repairing with water-resistant materials. They can also give guidance in the permitting process required by local authorities.

For every dollar spent on mitigation, FEMA officials say, nearly four times as much is saved when another disaster like Sandy hits.

More information on ways to protect your property from disasters to come is available at: www.fema.gov. Click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.”

Link:

FEMA Offers Guidance at Home Depot on Being Prepared for Future Disasters

Crisis Counseling for Sandy Survivors

Warwick, R.I. – Disasters complicate the lives of survivors in many ways. Property damage is obvious, but disasters like Hurricane Sandy have less visible effects. Coping with the trauma and stress of the disaster and recovery process can be a challenge.

Rhode Islanders feeling anxious or overwhelmed by Hurricane Sandy can find support by calling the Disaster Distress Helpline. The helpline is staffed by trained bilingual crisis counselors who can direct callers to other appropriate resources if needed. To reach a counselor, call 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

To increase understanding of disaster related stress, go to www.fema.gov/coping-disaster where there is information on Recognizing Signs of Disaster Related Stress, Easing Disaster-Related Stress, Helping Kids Cope with Disaster and A Child’s Reaction to Disaster by Age.

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 medical and dental expenses, 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.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov or completed on-line at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Visit link:

Crisis Counseling for Sandy Survivors

FEMA Determination Letter Is Often Not the Last Word on Eligibility

WINDSOR, Conn. – FEMA is urging disaster survivors not to miss out on federal assistance they may be entitled to simply because of a missing document or signature.

Residents affected by Hurricane Sandy who have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance are now receiving letters explaining the status of their applications. In some cases, applicants are being informed that they are not eligible for aid, but often, that is not the last word on the matter.

FEMA’s determination letters tell applicants how to appeal the eligibility decision and what additional information is needed for FEMA to review the application again.

FEMA is committed to making sure every Connecticut resident affected by the disaster receives the maximum assistance to which they are entitled. And by law, FEMA cannot provide aid unless it has all the required documents needed to determine eligibility. The agency also cannot duplicate benefits from another source, such as an insurance settlement.

All applicants are urged to read the determination letter carefully – and to ask for help if there are questions. FEMA may only need some additional information.

For example, FEMA may not have received information about an applicant’s insurance settlement. FEMA’s initial determination of ineligibility may change if private insurance or other government assistance is not sufficient to cover all eligible damage.

An application for aid might be turned down if:

An insurance settlement has not yet been received;
An applicant has not provided proof of ownership or residence;
Proof the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence is missing;
Essential documents are unsigned.

Applicants can call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center to get their questions answered. If using TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA is in Connecticut to serve every disaster survivor in need. It is every applicant’s right to ask the agency to reconsider its decisions. For appeal information, go to the video link below:

You Can Appeal: http://go.usa.gov/ggkF

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and 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.

Excerpt from:

FEMA Determination Letter Is Often Not the Last Word on Eligibility

Last Chance to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Midland Park

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors in Staten Island, NY have until 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, to visit the disaster recovery center in Midland Park.

The state and FEMA closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York disaster recovery centers. Traffic to this Staten Island center has significantly decreased, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have been met.

People who need face-to-face help at that center should visit the center Monday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the corner of Father Capodanno Blvd. and Hunter Ave.

Survivors can visit any of the four disaster recovery centers that remain open in Staten Island or one of the 30 other centers located throughout New York.

In addition, more than 1,000 FEMA community relations personnel continue blanketing damaged neighborhoods, going door-to-door delivering information vital to recovery and encouraging residents with property damage to register for assistance. They can help refer survivors to the proper resources for any unmet disaster needs, but they do not assess or document damage. FEMA inspectors will contact survivors directly after they have registered.

Help is always available by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice and assistance is available in most languages.

Survivors who have a speech disability or hearing impairment can call TTY 800-462-7585.
People who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. Individuals may also register online at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Almost 116,000 New Yorkers have already applied online.

To find the disaster recovery center nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get help as quickly as possible. More centers will become available as sites are identified and approved. Conditions at individual locations may vary and affect opening times.

See the article here:

Last Chance to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Midland Park

Use FEMA Disaster Funds Wisely

WINDSOR, Conn. – As recovery from Hurricane Sandy progresses, survivors are receiving grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help pay for getting their lives back together.

“It is important for survivors to use this money for their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis, who is in charge of the FEMA recovery effort in Connecticut. “With the holidays approaching, don’t be tempted to use some of this money in ways it is not intended to be used. Don’t slow down your recovery; use this money wisely.”

Money from FEMA for housing or other needs assistance must be used for rent, home repair, personal property or other disaster-related expenses.

Disaster officials caution survivors who have received grants that FEMA can and does look at a survivor’s use of grant funds through audits, so it is essential all receipts for rent, materials, labor, etc., be kept in a safe place.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deadline to register is Dec. 31, 2012.

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.

Visit source:

Use FEMA Disaster Funds Wisely

President Declares Disaster for Delaware

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Delaware to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 27 to November 8, 2012.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Kent, New Castle, and Sussex Counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Jack Schuback has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Schuback said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

Link –

President Declares Disaster for Delaware

All New Jersey Residents and Governments Now Eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — The full range of federal disaster assistance is now available for all 21 counties in New Jersey.

Expansion of federal help in recovering from Hurricane Sandy means that all New Jersey residents who have losses may apply for Individual Assistance. Depending on damage, help may be available to repair a dwelling to a basic safe, sanitary, livable condition. Cost of temporary lodging elsewhere may be available if the residence is inaccessible. Other needs that may be covered could include basic appliances, clothing, bedding and transportation.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are available for those whose jobs were impacted by the hurricane. That includes people not normally eligible for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed persons and farm workers.

County and local governments will be eligible for at least 75 percent federal funding for hurricane-related emergency costs and debris removal from public roads and property, plus repair or replacement of a wide variety of public facilities. Those include public roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, public utilities, public parks, public recreation facilities and other public facilities.

Also eligible are certain private non-profit organizations that perform governmental-like public services.

Funding to prevent damage from future events also is available throughout New Jersey from the state-administered Hazard Mitigation Grant program.

Those who suffered hurricane damage may register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled cellphone or mobile device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Users of 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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.

Continue reading:

All New Jersey Residents and Governments Now Eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance

FEMA Online Registration for Disaster Assistance Is Available 24/7

WINDSOR, Conn. – Hurricane Sandy survivors may register with FEMA for disaster assistance anytime day or night online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have a web-enabled device, enter m.fema.gov in the web browser.

Call volume to the toll-free registration line for Hurricane Sandy survivors across the Northeast is high, but registering online can bypass any potential wait. Survivors who are unable to access a computer at home or who do not have smart devices can visit a Disaster Recovery Center or a public library.

Applicants can still register by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. If you use a TTY, call
800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.

“Online registration is fast and relatively easy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “Just go to the website and follow the prompts. You’ll need your Social Security number, available insurance information, a description of the damages, location of the property and a daytime phone number if we need to contact you.”

Homeowners and renters who suffered losses in the designated counties should register for disaster assistance such as grants for temporary housing or essential repairs to make their homes safe and secure. Low-interest disaster loans may also be available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding effort, 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.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Online Registration for Disaster Assistance Is Available 24/7

Register Online with FEMA for Assistance after Hurricane Sandy

HARTFORD, Conn. – Residents living in Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties who suffered damage during Hurricane Sandy must register with FEMA in order to receive federal assistance. FEMA is urging storm survivors with computer access to register online.

Applicants can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device, tablet or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

Applicants can also register by phone by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.

Individuals, families and business owners who suffered losses in the designated counties should register for disaster assistance such as grants for temporary housing or essential repairs to make their homes safe and secure. Low-interest disaster loans are also available through the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/sandy.

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 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.

See original article –

Hurricane Sandy Response Underway in Pennsylvania with FEMA, other Federal Agencies, Commonwealth and Local Officials

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Joint preliminary damage assessments are underway in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where teams are reviewing Hurricane Sandy damage in several counties.

A preliminary damage assessment is an information-gathering process and does not guarantee federal assistance. Federal, Commonwealth and local officials are working together to assess the damage. The Commonwealth will use the information to determine whether to make an official request for federal assistance.

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett requested joint preliminary damage assessments of Hurricane Sandy-affected counties. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have been teamed up with Commonwealth and local officials to review damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses in Berks, Bucks, Franklin, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties. The teams will not visit every home or business.

Earlier this week, the Civil Air Patrol provided officials with a bird’s eye view of damages in Franklin County, flying over Hurricane Sandy-impacted homes and businesses there.

Additionally, FEMA coordinated the issue of 239,703 liters of water; 103,668 shelf-stable meals; 10 infant-toddler kits; and 15 generators in Pennsylvania.

At the request of the Commonwealth, FEMA has been coordinating the installation of generators since before Hurricane Sandy swept through the area. FEMA tasked a specialized U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Power Planning and Response Team to install generators in locations such as medical facilities, emergency operation centers and emergency shelters.

Community Relations Specialists have been assisting emergency managers in counties impacted by Sandy. Earlier this week, specialists assisted in Kintnersville at the Bucks County American Red Cross Shelter in Palisades High School. The FEMA teams helped distribute water, shelf-stable meals and other necessary supplies at the shelter, where hundreds of Hurricane Sandy-impacted residents have sought assistance.

FEMA will remain in the Commonwealth for as long as necessary, supporting residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

Continued:

Hurricane Sandy Response Underway in Pennsylvania with FEMA, other Federal Agencies, Commonwealth and Local Officials

Page 9 of 10 « First ... « 6 7 8 9 10 »