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FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

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

New York recovery from Hurricane Sandy

Main Content

Release date:

March 8, 2013

Release Number:

NR-184

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy:

More than $2.8 billion in direct assistance to homeowners, renters, businesses and repair or replacement of public infrastructure
- More than $923 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households:
  - Nearly $797 million for housing assistance
  - More than $126 million for other needs assistance
- Nearly $1.2 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
- More than $721 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
More than $2.8 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed (95 percent)
269,591 people contacted FEMA for help or information
181,121 housing inspections completed
167,113 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
25 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 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. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

March 8, 2013 – 12:55

State/Tribal Government or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

Link:

New York recovery from Hurricane Sandy

Two Steps To Disaster Assistance: FEMA And SBA

PURVIS, Miss. – The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency work together in assisting disaster survivors. Registering for federal assistance and completing the SBA application are two steps toward one goal: to help those rebuilding their lives after a disaster.

FEMA grants may cover essential needs including personal items such as clothing and vehicles. These grants do not make disaster survivors whole again.

The SBA is a primary source of federal funds for recovery for both individuals and businesses; filling out the SBA loan application is necessary for most homeowners and renters to be considered for all forms of disaster assistance.

The SBA’s low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 can help qualified homeowners repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, renters and homeowners may get up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property. In both cases, these SBA loans are only for damages not covered by your insurance. Loans may be increased up to 20 percent of verified losses to cover the cost of measures to prevent possible damages from a future natural or man-made hazard.

Though FEMA and the SBA work hand in hand with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and local governments to help disaster survivors, many Mississippians affected by the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding who were sent an SBA application have not completed and returned them. The process begins with FEMA; it continues with the SBA.

The reasons Mississippi disaster survivors find for not applying for a low-interest disaster loan are the very reasons they should apply – on or before the April 15 deadline.

Oh I’m not eligible and I don’t own a business.

SBA disaster loans also go to individuals and families – as well as businesses. Interest rates may be as low as 1.688 percent with terms up to 30 years.

I don’t want a loan or can’t qualify for one.

Filing the loan application does not obligate you to accept the loan, but most individual and family applicants must still complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs. That could include assistance for disaster-related medical and dental expenses, car repairs, clothing and household items. Completing the SBA application assures that the federal disaster recovery process continues and keeps your options open.

It’s just too much trouble to fill out an application.

It only takes about 30 minutes to fill out a loan application. You also can receive one-on-one assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center. A simple, fast, and very available way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Updates on loan application status are available by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339.

But I’m a renter not a homeowner.

Renters can get help from the SBA. They may qualify for long-term, low-interest loans to repair or replace personal property items, such as clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

I’m going to wait for my insurance settlement.

Don’t wait to settle with the insurance company. If you do not know how much of your 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 you agree to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay your SBA loan.

I own the property but it’s not my primary residence.

If your property is used as a normal part of a business, such as rental property, you may be eligible to apply as a business owner. Submit your application and let SBA determine your eligibility.

Our neighbors were turned down for an SBA loan and they make more than we do.

Don’t make the mistake of eliminating yourself. Everyone’s situation is unique and SBA will work with you if you feel you may have a problem qualifying for the loan. Remember, if a homeowner or renter cannot qualify for the SBA loan, they will be referred back to FEMA for additional grant consideration.

Eligibility for a loan depends on your ability to repay the loan, not on your income. If you qualify for a loan, the amount could be significantly higher than FEMA grants. If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for additional grants.

If you have questions about the disaster assistance process, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or, with a tablet or smartphone, or other web-enabled device, go to m.fema.gov.C-Spire Wireless customers can reach the helpline by dialing #362.

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 public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and 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.

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Two Steps To Disaster Assistance: FEMA And SBA

$2 billion provided to NY survivors by FEMA, SBA

Main Content

Release date:

March 1, 2013

Release Number:

NR-180

NEW YORK — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $2 billion in direct assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy. This includes:

Nearly $918 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
- More than $793 million for housing assistance
- More than $124 million for other needs
More than $1.1 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses

Other assistance:

More than $717 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and eligible nonprofit organizations that serve the public
More than $2.6 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed
269,192 people contacted FEMA for help or information
180,406 housing inspections completed
164,194 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
25 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. The phone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

March 1, 2013 – 13:10

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

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$2 billion provided to NY survivors by FEMA, SBA

3 Months Remain Before Ellis Co, TX Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In three months, on Monday, June 3, 2013, new flood maps for Ellis 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:

To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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.

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3 Months Remain Before Ellis Co, TX Flood Maps Become Final

Waterbury Complex Funding Progressing

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The process of determining the federal government’s share of funding for rebuilding the Waterbury State Office Complex is progressing but will not be complete at the end of February.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Vermont had hoped to announce how much of the cost of reconstructing the Waterbury campus – flooded by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011 – would be eligible for FEMA reimbursement on February 28.

“As part of our ongoing partnership with the state, we are exploring all potential funding solutions within the bounds of federal law and policy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont field office.

The Waterbury State Office Complex consists of 47 buildings – including the Vermont State Hospital – that sustained varying levels of damage when the complex was inundated by floodwaters from the nearby Winooski River.

“This is a complex project and we are working at all levels to secure the maximum funding possible to allow the state to start rebuilding,” Landry said. “We are nearly there but it will take some additional time and we don’t want to leave money on the table by moving too fast.”

Officials have said the funding of repairs to the complex will come from a combination of insurance proceeds, FEMA funding, and state funding.

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Waterbury Complex Funding Progressing

Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In less than three months, on Thursday, May 16, 2013, new flood maps for Curry County, New Mexico 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.

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 food insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

New York Recovery By the Numbers

Main Content

Release date:

February 22, 2013

Release Number:

NR-177

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy:

$2.4 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
Nearly $909.9 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
- $788.5 million for housing assistance
- $121.4 million for other needs
$1.07 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
$669 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed (95 percent)
268,290 people contacted FEMA for help or information
179,516 housing inspections completed
160,131 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
25 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

February 22, 2013 – 16:00

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

See the article here:

New York Recovery By the Numbers

Federal Disaster Aid in Connecticut Following Hurricane Sandy Tops $45.4 Million

Federal Disaster Aid in Connecticut Following Hurricane Sandy Tops $45.4 Million

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $45.4 million in federal disaster grants and loans has been approved for Connecticut survivors of Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today.

As of close of business Feb. 14:

More than 12,380 Connecticut residents in the counties of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London County have registered for federal disaster assistance;
More than $11,552,000 has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs;
More than $920,000 has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions;
More than 6,322 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted statewide;
More than $32,189,000 in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;
More than $9,380 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been approved as a result of Sandy; and
More than $808,000 in Public Assistance grants has been obligated to municipalities statewide for Sandy-related expenses. Under the PA program, FEMA expects to reimburse the state, local governments and tribal nations for $52,465,131 in storm-related expenses, which represents the 75 percent federal share of such projects.

Additionally, 3,761 flood insurance claims totaling $135,433,203 have been paid to date, representing nearly 70 percent of total National Flood Insurance Program claims in the state of Connecticut following Hurricane Sandy.

Although the deadline has passed for hurricane survivors to register for assistance, survivors may check status of applications or receive other assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Check status online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web device.

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

Link:

Federal Disaster Aid in Connecticut Following Hurricane Sandy Tops $45.4 Million

FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have a useful tool at their fingertips: their phone.

FEMA urges all applicants to stay in touch with FEMA, especially to keep contact information up to date. This can be done by phone or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web device.

Survivors creating a profile online may view application status or FEMA documents sent to them, but cannot submit new information other than contact data. However, via the Helpline, survivors may:

Update insurance information;
Receive information on the home inspection process;
Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant;
Find out if FEMA needs more information about the claim;
Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision; and
Get answers to any other questions they might have about their application.

Insured applicants should not wait on FEMA to file an insurance claim. They should provide FEMA a copy of the insurance settlement as soon as it is available. FEMA does not duplicate insurance benefits, but applicants may discover their insurance does not cover as much as they thought it would and the settlement could prompt reconsideration for an applicant declared ineligible for assistance. The Helpline can provide answers to any question regarding insurance and its impact on FEMA assistance.

Any decision of FEMA can be appealed within 60 days of the determination. The Helpline can provide details on where to file a written appeal.

Applicants with questions regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration loan application may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY users, call 800-877-8339). Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

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