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Don’t Wait for Insurance Settlement to Apply for an SBA Loan

NEW YORK – Survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance companies before applying for Small Business Administration disaster loan assistance. FEMA and the SBA encourage survivors of Hurricane Sandy in eligible New York counties to return their completed applications, even if they have not settled with their insurance company.

If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan.

“Your insurance policy may not cover all the replacement, repair and rebuilding costs – and the disaster loan is available to cover the difference. You don’t have to wait for an insurance settlement, though. If the insurance money covers damage that you’ve borrowed for, the overlap can be used to pay down the loan,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Disaster home and business loans are available to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including contents. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes having difficulties meeting operating expenses because of the disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

“Our partnership with SBA is very important because they are a key step in recovery process,” said New York Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Survivors should make it a priority to return their application to SBA because even if they do not qualify for a loan, they may be eligible for other assistance.”

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 19 SBA business recovery centers. To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. You may also text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example, if you lived in Staten Island, you would text: “DRC 10301.” If you use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.)

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.) Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

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

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Don’t Wait for Insurance Settlement to Apply for an SBA Loan

Change Announced for Staten Island Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors in Staten Island have until 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, to visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Borough Hall.

The center is at 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. It has been open since Nov. 10 and has provided face-to-face information and help to more than 650 hurricane survivors since then. The center will be open until 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change its hours to reflect the fact that most information needs of storm survivors in the area are being met.

Other Disaster Recovery Centers in Staten Island are located at:

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat

Additional options for hurricane survivors include:

Individuals can register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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

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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Change Announced for Staten Island Disaster Recovery Center

Individual Assistance Added for Somerset County

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Federal Emergency Management Agency officials today announced that Individual Assistance has been authorized for Somerset County under President Obama’s disaster declaration for Hurricane Sandy.

Homeowners and renters may be eligible for grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses, as well as low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans also are available to businesses of all sizes and to nonprofit organizations.

Residents and business owners in Somerset County can register for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number 800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Smartphone users can go to m.fema.gov.

Survivors who receive SBA disaster loan applications, after registering with FEMA, must complete and submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers the repair or replacement of personal property, including vehicles. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental and funeral expenses.

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091.

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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Individual Assistance Added for Somerset County

Altered Weekend Schedule for Knights of Columbus Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – A Disaster Recovery Center at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brooklyn will not be open for logistical reasons on Saturday, Dec. 15, but will reopen to help Hurricane Sandy survivors at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16.

The Knights of Columbus recovery center is located at 2882 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229. Its usual hours, which will resume on Dec. 16, are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Five other Disaster Recovery Centers in Brooklyn will maintain normal hours through the weekend. Their locations and hours of operation are:

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where Hurricane Sandy survivors can obtain face-to-face help as they rebuild their homes and lives after the devastating storm. People may visit the centers to register with FEMA, apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration or seek assistance in a variety of other ways.

Additional options for hurricane survivors include:

Individuals can register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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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Altered Weekend Schedule for Knights of Columbus Disaster Recovery Center

New York Disaster Recovery Centers Change Operational Hours

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are altering the weekend schedules of Disaster Recovery Centers throughout New York to reflect the fact that most information needs of Hurricane Sandy survivors are being met.

Effective immediately, six New York recovery centers will be open Monday through Saturday to provide one-on-one, face-to-face information and help to storm survivors. All other recovery centers in New York will have new Sunday hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Dec. 16.

The centers that will be open Monday through Saturday are located at:

Arverne by the Sea
68-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Arverne, NY 11692
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fort Tilden Park
415 State Rd.
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Storefront
1001 Beach 20th St.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Another Disaster Recovery Center, at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains, NY 10606, has always operated Monday through Saturday. Its hours on those days are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

County by county and borough by borough, Disaster Recovery Centers with new Sunday hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. are located at:

Nassau

Recreation and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Sacred Heart Parish
RR station parking lot
127 Long Beach Rd.
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Rd. East
Seaford, NY 11783
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Marjorie Post Community Center
477 Unqua Rd.
Massapequa, NY 11758
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Young Israel (Gymnasium)
859 Peninsula Blvd.
Woodmere, NY 11598
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri.
Closed Sat.

Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Queens

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Ave.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Blvd.
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Richmond

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Suffolk

Town Hall West
401 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mastic Recreation Community Center
15 Herkimer St.
Mastic, NY 11950
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Kings

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Knights of Columbus Hall
2882 Gerritsen Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

While visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is a convenient way to seek help from FEMA, it isn’t the only way.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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.

New York Disaster Recovery Centers Change Operational Hours

Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — If you had losses because of Hurricane Sandy you are encouraged to register for disaster assistance. You may be eligible for grants or assistance programs from federal, state, local or voluntary agencies. Here are several facts you should know:

FACT: A FEMA grant does not affect social security benefits or any government benefit, including Medicare, Medicaid or food stamps.

FACT: Disaster assistance has no bearing on decisions about a senior’s need for nursing home care. FEMA and its state and local partners work to keep survivors in their own homes.

FACT: Specially trained FEMA staff and volunteers are available to help anyone who has a physical limitation or other problems registering. You will not have to fill out a form. The telephone specialist will input your information for you when you call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585.

FACT: You can check the status of your application online or speak to a disaster representative in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). If you need assistance getting to a DRC call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585 and FEMA will arrange to have someone take you to the nearest DRC.

FACT: If English is not your first language, FEMA telephone specialists can speak to you in almost any language. For languages other than English or Spanish press option “3”. You will be able to choose from more than 250 languages available.

FACT: Registering with FEMA is a simple process. There is no paperwork involved. Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

FACT: Depending on the information you provide, FEMA may ask you to fill out an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. You are automatically considered for other federal grant programs if the SBA application shows you cannot repay a loan. That’s why it is so important to fill out and return the SBA application.

FACT: FEMA funding is available to all eligible survivors who had disaster losses. Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with losses your insurance does not cover.

FACT: Income is not a consideration when you apply for FEMA assistance.

FACT: Even if you received disaster assistance in the past, following Hurricane Irene, for example, you may be eligible for assistance if you suffered changes from Hurricane Sandy.

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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Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

FEMA, State Join Forces to Kick Off Flood Insurance Education Initiative in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the state of Connecticut and the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut, Inc., is kicking off a flood insurance education initiative this week.

The goal is to provide insurance agents with more in-depth knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program — its policies and processes — to better serve Connecticut property owners and renters affected by Hurricane Sandy.

FEMA is mailing an NFIP “Agent Tool Kit” to each member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut. The material is informative, practical and can be shared with policyholders.

The NFIP Flood Response Office is now open in Meriden. The office is staffed by a lead general adjuster and support staff with knowledge of policy provisions. They are capable of assisting insurance agents and their policyholders with any questions about NFIP claims.

The office is located at 1064 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The office will remain open for as long as there is a need for the service in the wake of Sandy. The Flood Response Office can be reached at 203-634-1118.

The Connecticut Insurance Department has a number that policyholders can call if they are having issues with their insurance companies related to homeowners insurance claims or other insurance claims matters in the wake of Sandy. Call the Consumer Helpline at 860-297-3900 or 800-203-3447. Policyholders can also e-mail their questions or complaints to the Insurance Department at: cid.ca@ct.gov or visit the Department’s Web site at www.ct.gov/cid.

FEMA’s NFIP insurance specialists are meeting with all agents in the hardest-hit coastal communities to discuss procedures, claims and recovery efforts. These visits started the week of Dec. 2 and will continue throughout the recovery phase of operation.

FEMA is offering special NFIP informational webinars and agent training workshops to be held in Connecticut over the next two months.

Another goal of this initiative is to improve insurance agents’ working knowledge of how Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, included in most NFIP flood insurance policies, can help policyholders pay the added cost of rebuilding to comply with local floodplain ordinances.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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FEMA, State Join Forces to Kick Off Flood Insurance Education Initiative in Connecticut

Changed Your Mind About Staying In Your Storm Damaged Home? Tell FEMA Now

TRENTON, N.J. – Nearly six weeks after Hurricane Sandy ravaged New Jersey, survivors have a chance to reconsider a decision they made in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Thousands of New Jersey survivors answered “will not relocate” when FEMA housing inspectors asked what they planned to do while repairs are being made on their homes or apartments. That response made them ineligible for FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Some who would like FEMA help today may find the window still open.

Here’s what to do:

If it has been less than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, call 800-621-3362 and tell FEMA that your housing situation has changed and that you’d like temporary housing assistance.
However, if it has been more than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, you will need to reply in a letter to FEMA stating that you want to change your earlier response, explain how your circumstances have changed and that you’d like FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Survivors can follow up on previous applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Help is also available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, which can be found at www.fema.gov/DRCloc.

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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Changed Your Mind About Staying In Your Storm Damaged Home? Tell FEMA Now

Loans are Key to Disaster Recovery for Many Rhode Islanders

WARWICK, R.I.— In-person help is available in Westerly to help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes that were affected by Hurricane Sandy with applications for low-interest disaster recovery loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster recovery loans are the primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery.

SBA officials urge Rhode Islanders who have questions about SBA loans or would like help completing an application to visit the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly. Hours of operation are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Wednesday, December 19. SBA specialists will assist with preparation and can send the application overnight free of charge to the SBA’s national processing center.

While grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are helping individuals and families in the Ocean State with immediate recovery needs, they are rarely large enough to restore survivors to their pre-disaster condition. After a disaster, loans from the SBA are not just for businesses. Loans up to $200,000 are available to qualified homeowners to repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, up to $40,000 may be available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged personal property.

Many individuals and households who registered for disaster assistance from FEMA will be mailed an application for an SBA disaster recovery loan. If the SBA finds an individual does not qualify for a loan, the applicant may be referred back to FEMA to be considered for additional assistance from FEMA. No one is ever required to accept a loan. But failure to complete and submit the SBA application can deprive the family of the opportunity to access more aid from FEMA.

Businesses, regardless of size, can apply to SBA for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also offers small business owners and most private nonprofit organizations economic injury disaster loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. The SBA can make economic injury disaster loans even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

Businesses are urged to visit the SBA Business Recovery Center at the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce, One Chamber Way, Westerly. Hours of operation are weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through Wednesday, December 19.

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Loans are Key to Disaster Recovery for Many Rhode Islanders

FEMA Hiring Locally to Help in Disaster Recovery

WARWICK, R.I. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is hiring a number of Rhode Islanders to assist in the state’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy.

“It is FEMA policy, and the agency makes it a priority, to employ local residents,” explained FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “It gives us an opportunity to tap into the skills and experience of people who live right here in the Ocean State. Moreover, a paycheck makes it into the hands of some local, unemployed workers on a temporary basis.”

FEMA is currently seeking up to 15 local employees, which will comprise 10 percent of the FEMA workforce, at its Joint Field Office in Warwick. Civil engineering, administrative management, accounting, and charting and mapping are but a few of the skill sets being sought.

This is the second time in recent years FEMA has recruited locally in Rhode Island. Many individuals were hired in 2010 when the agency helped the state recover from spring storms and flooding at that time.

Individuals interested in applying should register online at www.EmployRI.org. The initiative is supported by EmployRI and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

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FEMA Hiring Locally to Help in Disaster Recovery

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