SBA Loans Help Individuals & Businesses on the Road to Recovery

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, along with partners from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are encouraging homeowners, renters and businesses to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund their losses.

If Illinois residents apply for assistance with FEMA and are referred to the SBA, it’s important for them to submit a loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues and they keep their options open:

  • Many survivors who register with FEMA will be contacted by the SBA. Survivors can submit their SBA disaster loan applications one of three ways: by mail, in person at a Disaster Recovery Center or online at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.
  • It is important for survivors to complete and return the application as soon as possible. Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept an SBA loan and failure to complete and submit an SBA loan application may stop the FEMA grant process. However, homeowners and renters who submit an SBA application and are declined a loan may be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs that could include assistance for disaster-related car repairs, clothing and household items.
  • Next to insurance, an SBA loan is the primary funding source for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster like a tornado. Homeowners may be eligible for low interest loans up to $200,000 for repairs.
  • SBA can help renters replace their essential items. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • Loans for businesses and private non-profit organizations. Loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets.  Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. 
  • Do not wait on an insurance settlement before returning an application. Insurance may not pay for any or all of the storm-related damage. Survivors can begin their recovery immediately with an SBA disaster loan.  The loan balance will be reduced by their insurance settlement.
     

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster. SBA customer service representatives are available at all disaster recovery centers. Centers can be found online at fema.gov/DRC.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

SBA provides low-interest, long term disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

###

View article:  

SBA Loans Help Individuals & Businesses on the Road to Recovery

FEMA Says File Insurance Claims Before Calling Agency

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that survivors with homeowner’s insurance affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes file a claim with their insurance company and then register for federal disaster assistance.

Once Illinois residents have filed their insurance claim and registered for assistance, it’s important to be aware of the next steps in the process:

  • Insured applicants will receive a determination letter from FEMA — survivors should read the entire letter carefully. The letter may state that they’re ineligible for assistance, but this isn’t necessarily a final decision.
  • FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits. To continue processing their application, survivors must submit insurance settlement documents to FEMA.
  • The insurance documents will be reviewed; then an inspector may arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to determine if the applicant has uninsured, eligible losses.
  • Federal disaster assistance may then be available to assist in filling the gaps that a survivor’s insurance has not covered.
  • Survivors can call 800-621-FEMA (3362) if they have any questions.

Applicants can mail insurance settlement information to:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Insurance settlement information can also be faxed to 800-827-8112. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will also be opening to serve people who were affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes. Visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4157 for information on these recovery centers. 

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

###

Jump to original:  

FEMA Says File Insurance Claims Before Calling Agency

Five Months Remain Before Lee County, Texas Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In five months, on Wednesday, April 14, 2014, new flood maps for Lee County, Texas will become effective.  Before that date, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.  

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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 www.twitter.com/femaregion6.  

Read this article: 

Five Months Remain Before Lee County, Texas Flood Maps Become Final

Deadline for Filing NFIP Insurance Claim is 60 Days after Flood Damage

DENVER – The deadline for Colorado residents to file an insurance claim with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is 60 days after flood damage to an insured structure. For example, if the flood damage was on Sept. 10, the claim must be filed by Nov. 9. The flood event began in the mountains Sept. 10, and ended Sept. 30, when flood waters flowed out of state.

To date, NFIP has paid out $21.37 million to 1,167 Colorado policy holders affected by the September flooding.

Floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States.

NFIP policies are sold and serviced through many private insurance companies. The policies cover physical damage to a building or personal property that is directly caused by a flood. For example, damage resulting from a sewer backup is covered if the problem is a direct result of flooding. However, if the backup is caused by something else, the damage is not covered.

Who is Eligible?

Individuals who live in 246 NFIP-participating communities in Colorado are eligible to purchase flood insurance. This includes not only homeowners, but also business owners, renters and those who own condo units. A single-family residential building can be insured up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000.

Renters can cover belongings up to $100,000, and business property owners can insure their buildings up to $500,000 and contents up to another $500,000.

Even after a home, apartment or business has been flooded, owners and renters are still eligible to purchase flood insurance if their communities participate in the NFIP. However, this insurance will be for future rather than past damage.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that regular homeowner and business insurance policies cover flood damage. They generally do not. Another misconception is that NFIP policies pay retroactively for flood damage. Policies generally do not take effect until 30 days after purchase.

Please also refer to floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance.

Continue at source: 

Deadline for Filing NFIP Insurance Claim is 60 Days after Flood Damage

New England: One Year After Hurricane Sandy

BOSTON – One year ago today, on October 29th, 2012, the Northeast braced for impact as Hurricane Sandy came barreling toward our coastline. Although New England was spared the brunt of the storm, residents and businesses along the shores of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire suffered severe damages from wind and water, many losing homes and livelihoods. Towns along the coasts of Connecticut and Rhode Island were nearly impassable after the storm, roadways choked with debris and sand from a significant storm surge that swept through beachfront communities.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with its partners to help individuals and communities recover from Hurricane Sandy.

In the past year over $125.9 million in FEMA funding has been obligated toward Hurricane Sandy recovery in New England:

Individual Assistance

More than $15.5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency grants approved for individuals and households region-wide, which includes:

Connecticut:

  • More than $13.8 million for housing assistance
  • More than $1.1 million for other needs assistance

Rhode Island

  • $378,748 for housing assistance
  • $42,592 for other need assistance

More than $51.6 million in Small Business Administration disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses in Connecticut.

More than $285.3 million in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders. Including:

Connecticut

  • More than $249.5 million paid to flood insurance policy holders

Rhode Island

  • More than $35.8 million paid to flood insurance policy holders

Public Assistance

More than $59.1 million in Public Assistance grants to reimburse local, state and tribal governments and eligible private nonprofits region-wide for some of the costs of:

  • Emergency response
  • Debris removal
  • Repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities

The committed efforts of  many additional federal, state and local agencies and organizations continue to assist  states, towns, communities and individuals in the recovery process.

Original source: 

New England: One Year After Hurricane Sandy

New FEMA Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps Released Soon for Cumberland and York Counties in Maine

BOSTON – Communities throughout Cumberland and York counties in the state of Maine are receiving updated preliminary flood hazard maps on November 5, 2013, as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s nationwide program to modernize Flood Insurance Rate Maps.  The maps should be available for viewing shortly after November 5, 2013.

The release of these maps is the result of a long process which involved extensive collaboration with state and local partners.  This long term project began in 2004 and will culminate when these maps are reviewed and finally approved at the end of the process. 

Flood hazard maps, also known as Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps, indicate whether properties are in areas of high, moderate or low flood risk.  In reviewing the new maps of Cumberland and York counties, many property owners may find that their risk of flooding is higher or lower than they thought.  If the risk level for a property changes, so may the requirement to carry flood insurance.

Community officials and residents should look at the new preliminary flood maps to become familiar with the flood risks in their community and to see whether the flood zone has changed around their property.  The maps can be viewed at each community’s municipal office, or online at the FEMA Map Service Center, found at https://msc.fema.gov.  Every community will receive both a paper copy and a digital copy of the new maps to share with their residents for review before the maps become finalized.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages residents of Cumberland and York counties to view the new maps, understand their level of flood risk, and learn how their properties may be affected. Residents are also encouraged to contact an insurance representative to learn more about financial steps they may be able to take in order to protect their investment.  Additional information outlining the entire map adoption process and the next steps for communities and residents will be provided soon after the maps are released on November 5, 2013.

                            

View original post here: 

New FEMA Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps Released Soon for Cumberland and York Counties in Maine

Four Steps to Appeal Your Flood Insurance Claim

DENVER – As the November 14 deadline draws near for filing flood damage claims, survivors may have questions or need additional information regarding any determination their insurer might make regarding their claim.

If an insurer sends a written denial of the claim or part of a claim, an owner can appeal this determination.  To file an appeal, follow these four steps:

  • Talk with the adjuster first regarding any questions about the claim.
  • If a satisfactory resolution isn’t reached, get contact information for the adjuster’s supervisor.
  • If the adjuster’s supervisor can’t resolve the issues, contact the insurance company’s claim representative. Ask the insurance agent or company representative for assistance.
  • If questions or concerns remain after steps one through three are completed, send a written letter to FEMA within 60 days from the date the denial letter was received from the flood insurer. Address this letter to: 

FEMA

Mitigation Directorate

Federal Insurance Administration

1800 South Bell Street

Arlington, VA 20598-3010

The letter should be written by the person named on the NFIP policy or by their legal representative.  If someone other than the policy owner writes the letter, clearly identify the relationship to the insured.

The letter of appeal must contain the following six items:

  • Policy Number as shown on the NFIP policy declarations page
  • Policyholder’s name as shown on the NFIP policy declarations page
  • Property address as shown on the NFIP policy declarations page (not a mailing address)
  • Contact information—where and how the policyholder can be reached
  • Complete details of the concerns
  • Dates of contact and contact details for the person(s) spoken with in steps one through three

Documentation of everything that supports the appeal should also be included, including a copy of the insurer’s written denial and a statement of the basis of the appeal. (Keep originals, send only copies.)

Examples of the kinds of documentation that FEMA requires can be found in the FEMA Flood Insurance Claims Handbook and downloaded at: http://tinyurl.com/pp8vz4l

Register with FEMA by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MDT, seven days a week; or online:  DisasterAssistance.gov. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.

Register by Web-enabled device, tablet or smartphone: type m.fema.gov in the browser.

Original link:  

Four Steps to Appeal Your Flood Insurance Claim

A Year After Hurricane Sandy: New Jersey Recovery By The Numbers

Sandy facts

  • October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy strikes with a storm surge weather experts had never seen before
  • 37,000 primary residences destroyed or damaged
  • 8.7 million cubic yards of debris left behind
  • 2.7 million New Jerseyans without power

The first 48 hours

  • 548 FEMA specialists on the ground in New Jersey
  • Three mobile disaster recovery centers open
  • 3 States responded with Emergency Medical Services – 385 people
  • 8 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and U.S. Public Health Strike Teams arrive
  • October 31, 2012, the first FEMA Individuals and Household Program disbursement of $155,027

Response milestones at one year

  • More than $5.67 billion in total federal assistance approved for Individual Assistance grants, SBA low-interest disaster loans, National Flood Insurance Program payments and Public Assistance grants.

Individual Assistance

  • More than $413 million approved for individuals and households including:
    • Nearly $356 million for housing assistance
    • More than $56.6 million for other needs, including clothing, household items, disaster-related damage to a vehicle, and disaster-related medical and dental expenses
  • More than 261, 000 people contacted FEMA for help or information
  • 127,046 housing inspections completed
  • 36 disaster recovery centers opened
  • 90,000 visits to disaster recovery centers
  • 5,546 individuals and families housed temporarily in hotel rooms under the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program
  • 3,410 survivors received disaster unemployment assistance

U.S. Small Business Administration

  • More than $819.8 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses

National Flood Insurance Program

  • More than $3.5 billion paid on all claims in flood insurance payments made to policyholders

Public Assistance

  • More than $926 million was approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
  • 4,959 projects approved so far

A whole community response

  • 507 voluntary agencies were involved in recovery
  • More than 1.6 million meals and 1.4 million liters of water were distributed
  • 21 languages were used to communicate assistance information to survivors
  • More than 1 million multilingual fliers were distributed
  • Nearly 8.7 million cubic yards of debris was removed
  • At peak, more than 2,429 people were deployed to New Jersey by FEMA and other federal agencies
  • 36 federal agencies assisted FEMA during Hurricane Sandy in New York
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received 335 requests for generators – 106 installed at peak
  • Approximately 300,000 pounds of food was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • The Defense Logistics Agency delivered 2.3 million gallons of fuel to distribution points in New York and New Jersey
  • The Port of New Jersey was closed to incoming and outgoing vessel traffic because of Superstorm Sandy, according the U.S. Coast Guard

This article is from:

A Year After Hurricane Sandy: New Jersey Recovery By The Numbers

Talk to Local Officials Before Rebuilding Your Flood-Damaged Home

DENVER– Before beginning any repair work, property owners should contact their local building officials to find out what permits are required to repair or rebuild.

Some Colorado property owners may find that September’s flood has caused substantial damage to their home or business.

Substantial damage is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as a home or structure that has incurred substantial damage, is located in a special flood hazard area and the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s pre-event market value.

Local building officials make the determination that substantial damage has occurred.

When local officials determine a building is located in a special flood hazard area and has substantial damage, the structure must be brought into compliance under the community’s current building ordinances and regulations. 

For more information on general flood insurance, contact your local floodplain administrator, the National Flood Insurance Program at 800-427-4661 or your local insurance agent. Information also is available at www.fema.gov and floodsmart.gov.

See original article:  

Talk to Local Officials Before Rebuilding Your Flood-Damaged Home

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Announces Brief Delay in Release of Preliminary Flood Risk Maps for York and Cumberland Counties in the State…

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is announcing today that they are briefly delaying the issuance of the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for York and Cumberland Counties for the State of Maine that was planned for Monday, September 16, 2013. Over the past several years, FEMA has been working closely with state and local partners on these latest map revisions.  The reason for this brief delay is to allow time to ensure that FEMA has a viable engagement plan, given possible financial challenges associated with a new and uncertain fiscal year. FEMA remains committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged appropriately, and anticipates providing a revised schedule by the end of September.

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 twitter.com/femaregion1,  www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Excerpt from:  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Announces Brief Delay in Release of Preliminary Flood Risk Maps for York and Cumberland Counties in the State…

 Page 20 of 30  « First  ... « 18  19  20  21  22 » ...  Last »