TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who had storm-related damages in New Jersey have just two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Residents must register for disaster assistance by midnight (EDT), May 1.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.

May 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which are the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. Survivors can apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan by filling out an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela by midnight, May 1.         

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

FEMA staff is available at the disaster recovery centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of applications for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help.

Residents are reminded that three disaster recovery centers will transition Saturday, April 20, and reopen Monday, April 22, as Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers.

The DRCs transitioning are located at the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center in Leonardo, the Little Egg Harbor Senior Center in Little Egg Harbor Township and the Ocean County Southern Resource Center in Manahawkin.

Residents may choose to visit the remaining disaster recovery centers in New Jersey, located in Ocean, Cape May, Hudson, Atlantic and Monmouth counties. Survivors can locate the address of their nearest center by going to FEMA.gov/DRC or calling 800-621-3362.

As of April 15, more than $384 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance and other needs. Another $718.9 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans has been approved for more than 10,900 homes and businesses.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 800-659-2955 OR TTY 800-877-8339.  Survivors may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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

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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New Jerseyans Have Two Weeks Left To Register For FEMA Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana property owners whose homes or other structures were damaged during Hurricane Isaac-related flooding have only a short time remaining to file claims for their losses. Most policyholders have until April 22 to complete their proof of loss claims.

Because of the widespread destruction caused by the storm, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authorized four extensions to the initial 60-day filing deadline, increasing policyholders’ time to file to 240 days from the date of loss.

Hurricane Isaac first made landfall in Louisiana Aug. 28, 2012, with heavy rainfall and flooding occurring several days before and after it hit. For this reason the date of loss varies for property owners.

The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Since Isaac made landfall, 13,181 claims have been filed in Louisiana and NFIP has paid out nearly $472 million.

“Hurricane Isaac disrupted the lives of thousands of people here in Louisiana so it was important to give policyholders time to collect information and file their flood insurance claims,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “However, people who haven’t yet submitted claims to their agents should do so now before it’s too late.”

Policyholders with questions about flood insurance or concerns about their claims should call the Hurricane Isaac Flood Insurance Call Center at 1-866-331-1679 or 1-866-330-7286 or talk to their local insurance representative.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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Deadline Approaching in Louisiana for Hurricane Isaac Flood Insurance Claims

BATON ROUGE, La. – Seven months after Hurricane Isaac slammed into the Louisiana coast, two Louisiana parishes are creating new paths to recovery with the help of state and federal partners.

Scores of residents and community leaders in St. John and Plaquemines parishes have gathered at open houses and community meetings over the past few months to learn how they can get involved in their communities’ recovery and to identify projects to help bring their visions of recovery to life.

In St. John Parish, a volunteer Citizens Advisory Committee launched the initiative “One Parish, One Future: Building Back Better and Stronger” in January to help rally public support for and participation in the local effort. Since then, residents of all ages and walks of life have contributed ideas and strategies for rebuilding — both in person at community events and through the parish’s online surveys. Plaquemines Parish, meanwhile, has held public input sessions and is forming committees to begin organizing its local initiative.    

“This kind of grassroots participation lays the foundation for successful recovery in any community,” said National Disaster Recovery Coordinator Wayne Rickard. “When the people who live and work in affected communities set their own recovery priorities, they take ownership of the plan and their enthusiasm infects their friends and neighbors – and that can help jumpstart a community’s cycle of success.”

One motivation behind both of the local efforts is the pledge of federal assistance in developing their plans – and the potential that state and federal agencies will help steer dollars their way.

“To have the support at the state and federal level not only during the disaster and immediately after it, but during the long haul, is something we’re extremely grateful for,” said St. John Parish President Natalie Robottom. “With the Framework, there are other agencies at the table that have an understanding of other resources. Their presence with us has been extremely powerful.”

This assistance has come under the aegis of the new National Disaster Recovery Framework, which defines an overall process by which hurricane-affected communities can capitalize on opportunities to rebuild stronger, smarter and safer. Rickard is the recovery coordinator at the federal level; Mark Riley serves as Louisiana’s disaster recovery coordinator.

Although the Framework relies greatly on government resources, the private sector also plays a role. At the local level, businesses may be able to contribute resources or personnel as well as participate in community recovery planning.  At the regional, state and national levels, corporations, foundations, individuals or other entities may be approached for technical assistance and grants or other resources.  

To help parishes identify potential resources, the National Disaster Recovery Support team in Louisiana has developed a Community Recovery Resource Guide containing Louisiana-specific information. Currently available on CD, the guide profiles nearly 900 specific recovery assistance programs through which communities can seek funding possibilities, grant writing guides, planning manuals and even examples of how governments can create recovery-related staff positions. 

Louisiana activated the Framework shortly after Hurricane Isaac hit the state in late August, opening the door for parishes to ask for technical assistance and guidance that fall outside the restrictions of the Stafford Act, the law under which the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides assistance immediately after a disaster. Plaquemines and St. John parishes soon named local disaster recovery managers to start the process. Additionally, Orleans Parish and the City of New Orleans sought technical assistance to add a recovery preparedness plan to the parish’s existing development plan.

St. John has used the Framework to organize local recovery and development planning around the economic development, health and social services, housing, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources sectors. At the parish’s meetings and open houses, residents, business owners and others submitted dozens of ideas to move the parish’s recovery forward. Ideas have ranged from creating a farmers market to improving drainage capacity at critical points in the parish to initiating a St. John Parish cultural history project. Voting to prioritize those projects has just concluded.

Although state and federal agencies provide help, community leadership and local involvement are vital in developing recovery priorities and activities that are realistic, well-planned and clearly communicated.

“As the first parish or county in the nation to make full use of the resources outlined in the Framework, St. John one day may serve as a model for the recovery efforts of other communities across the nation,” Rickard said.

Indeed, St. John Parish officials note how working together has benefited the parish.   

“This whole process has made St. John stronger,” Robottom said. “We’re very pleased to be a part of this.”  

Further details about the Framework are available at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/recoveryframework/ndrf.pdf.   

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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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Parishes Take Charge of Recovery Using National Disaster Recovery Framework

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey who do not return their Small Business Administration disaster loan applications could be missing out on valuable funds for their recovery.

Returning SBA disaster loan applications is a critical step for homeowners and renters who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be considered for federal loans or grants that could be valuable recovery assets.

SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. They are the largest federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, who may be able to qualify for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may apply to receive up to $40,000 for personal property losses.

Homeowners can receive an additional 20 percent of the approved loan amount for mitigation improvements including building elevation, retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps and relocating utilities.

In some cases, the SBA may be willing to refinance all or part of a previous mortgage when the survivor does not have credit available elsewhere and has suffered substantial disaster damage not covered by insurance.

Proceeds from insurance coverage on a survivor’s home will be deducted from the total damage estimate to determine eligible loan amount. The SBA is not permitted to duplicate benefits.

The simplest way to apply is online at DisasterLoan.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Help is also available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They can also call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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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Dont Miss Your Chance To Receive Federal Disaster Recovery Money

NEW YORK – At the request of the State of New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a 15-day extension for Hurricane Sandy survivors to apply for disaster assistance.

Survivors now have until April 13 to register with FEMA and to return their disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

Hurricane Sandy survivors should keep all options open for assistance in their recovery.

Registering with FEMA is a critical step.

Survivors who have delayed registration for any reason should apply for potential assistance. Registering with FEMA opens the possibility of disaster assistance provided by FEMA and its federal partner, the SBA.

New York City and the State of New York have developed plans for using federal funds to help homeowners, small businesses and communities impacted by three storms: Sandy, Irene and Lee. Those plans are being reviewed by HUD. Registration with FEMA might lead to eligibility for future grants or assistance, regardless of funding administered by New York City or the State of New York.

Survivors who register and receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application should return the application. It might lead to additional FEMA assistance.

FEMA assistance can include:

  • Rental assistance: Temporary rental assistance is provided by FEMA to assist homeowners until damaged homes can be repaired or rebuilt and to help renters until they can return to former rentals or relocate to a new residence.
  • Home Repair: Grants are available to homeowners to repair disaster-related damage that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the home safe, sanitary and functional.
  • Other Needs: Grants are available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage and other expenses authorized by law.

Applying for an SBA disaster loan

There’s no need to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for an SBA disaster loan, which may help if applicants later find they are underinsured.

Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Survivors may also visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center or a Business Recovery Center. To locate the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362.

For assistance, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

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

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FEMA registration deadline extended for Sandy survivors in N.Y.

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who had storm-related damages in New Jersey have just two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Federal disaster assistance applications are due by Monday, April 1.

April 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. Survivors can apply for an SBA disaster home or business loans by filling out an online application at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.                                                               

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

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

There are nine disaster recovery centers open in Atlantic, Cape May, Hudson, Monmouth and Ocean counties. FEMA staff is available at the centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of applications for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help. Survivors can locate their nearest center by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.       

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

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

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.

Link:  

Two Weeks Left To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering to improve public awareness for National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22, 2013.  The agencies’ goal is to improve understanding about flood risk among individuals, families, businesses and communities.  Knowledge and the right precautions can protect families, homes and finances.

“We’ve seen the devastation that floods can cause.  They can happen at any time, anywhere across our region, which means we all need to be prepared now,” said FEMA Region III Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Having a flood insurance policy for your home or business is just one way to prepare; there are also simple steps you can take now to be prepared for flooding such as developing a family emergency plan, having an emergency supply kit ready to go, and learning about your flood risk.”

Floods are the most common hazard in the United States.  However, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly.  Chunks of ice from a thawing river can block its normal flow and force water out of its banks. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly.  Hurricanes can bring flooding to areas far inland from where they first hit the coast, as we witnessed two years ago from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and last year from Hurricane Sandy.

There are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods.  Flood Safety Awareness Week is an excellent time for people and communities to learn about their flood risk and implement precautions to mitigate the threat to life and property.

“Flooding is dangerous and costly, killing nearly 100 people and causing an average of eight billion dollars in property damage in the United States each year,” said Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, director, NOAA’s National Weather Service, which produces an array of flood outlooks and forecasts, including watches and life-saving warnings.  “A weather-ready nation is a prepared nation; one that will reduce flood losses by planning ahead, staying abreast of weather forecasts, and heeding the warnings.”

Dr. Uccellini emphasized that a primary flood killer is flooded roadways.  People should never attempt to drive through them, but should “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” NOAA’s flood safety slogan.

NOAA will issue the 2013 U.S. Spring Outlook and flood assessment on March 21.

FEMA and NOAA will provide the public with key information related to flood hazards, and ways to protect yourself and your property each day of National Flood Safety Awareness week. 

For more information on flood safety tips and information, visit ready.gov/floods or the Spanish-language web site listo.gov.  For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit floodsmart.gov.

 

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

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources.  Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

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FEMA and NOAA Promote National Flood Safety Awareness Week

NEW YORK – Survivors of Hurricane Sandy have two weeks to register for possible disaster assistance and to return applications for low-interest disaster loans to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline for both is March 29.

FEMA urges everyone who sustained losses from Hurricane Sandy to register, including those who have insurance. Insurance may not cover all losses.

The 13 designated counties are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

There are several ways to register:

  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Via smartphone or tablet, go to m.fema.gov or download the FEMA app.
  • By phone, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors who receive a low-interest disaster loan application from SBA after registering with FEMA should complete and return the application even if they do not plan to accept a loan. By completing the application, applicants may become eligible for additional grants from FEMA. By not completing and returning the applications, survivors could potentially be leaving recovery assistance money on the table.

A simple and fast way to complete a disaster loan application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Applicants can receive an update on the status of their application by calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and SBA business recovery centers and disaster loan outreach centers. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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

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Two weeks remain to register with FEMA

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

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

Survivors also can call the helpline to:

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

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

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

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

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FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

DENTON, Texas – More than $2.7 million was recently awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the implementation of mitigation measures during repairs to the University of Texas Medical Branch’s (UTMB) 1902 Harborside Building.

Storm surge from Hurricane Ike flooded the 1902 Harborside Building which houses medical records; payroll information; acquisitions; information systems and print shop functions. Hurricane-force winds also damaged the roof and exterior façade.

The FEMA funding, as part of the repair process, allows UTMB to incorporate flood-proofing measures such as replacing the first-floor slab; reinforcing and waterproofing perimeter walls; installing flood gates at first-floor-level doorways; and relocating mechanical, plumbing and electrical equipment to the second floor.

“The UTMB facilities play a critical role for the city of Galveston, serving citizens and their healthcare needs,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “These flood-proofing measures will reduce the threat of future flood damage to the 1902 Harborside Building. We are proud of the work that is being done, in conjunction with our local and state partners, to help restore these facilities after Hurricane Ike.”

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 90 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.
                                                                        
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 http://twitter.com/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Awards More Than $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

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