Eatontown, N.J. —  Hurricane season officially begins each year on June 1, but unlike firemen’s fairs, cookouts and fun at the beach, the season for hurricanes doesn’t end along with the summer.

As a new school year begins, now may be a good time to check your stock of batteries, bottled water and other emergency supplies that may be needed should New Jersey experience an autumn hurricane.

While storm frequency tends to peak in August and September, hurricane season in the United States extends to November 30, and while the risk of a Thanksgiving storm may seem remote, it could happen.

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy only missed it by a few weeks.

Sandy made landfall in New Jersey as a tropical cyclone on October 29, flooding coastal communities, taking down trees, tearing up infrastructure and demolishing homes and businesses throughout the state. Forty New Jersey residents lost their lives.

Two years later, the ongoing expenses of repair, rebuilding and recovery from Sandy have made it the second costliest storm in United States history after Katrina, an August 29 storm that devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005.

Like Sandy, many of the most destructive storms in United States history have occurred after Labor Day, causing massive loss of life and property damage in the billions.

On September 8, 1900, a category 4 hurricane engulfed Galveston Island, Texas. Storm tides as high as 15 feet swept away homes and businesses, killing an estimated 8,000 people.

On September 18, 1920, a category 4 hurricane bearing the highest sustained winds ever recorded at that time slammed into Miami Beach and downtown Miami. Believing the storm was over, thousands of people emerged from their homes during a half-hour lull at the eye of the storm and were trapped without shelter as it regained its ferocity. Every building in downtown Miami was either damaged or destroyed and hundreds of people were killed. The storm then crossed into the Gulf of Mexico, where it destroyed virtually every pier, vessel and warehouse on the Pensacola coast.

In the end, more than 800 people were reported missing after the storm and though records are incomplete, the Red Cross recorded 373 deaths and 6,381 injuries as a result of the hurricane.

On September 20 and 21, 1938, a fast-moving hurricane struck the Mid-Atlantic and New England with such force that thousands of people were taken by surprise. On Long Island, some 20 people watching an afternoon movie at a local cinema were swept out to sea and drowned. One of the victims was the theater’s projectionist. In downtown Providence, Rhode Island, flood waters rapidly flooded streets, submerging automobiles and street cars as their occupants fled to the high floors of office buildings to escape drowning. The record-breaking storm was responsible for 600 deaths, causing $308 million in damage in the midst of the Great Depression.

On October 14, 1954, Hurricane Hazel made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Calabash, North Carolina, inundating the coastline with an 18-foot storm surge on a lunar high tide. When the storm passed, only 5 of 357 buildings in Long Beach, North Carolina were still standing. The Raleigh, North Carolina Weather reported that “all traces of civilization on the immediate waterfront between the state line and Cape Fear were practically annihilated.” Nineteen people were killed in North Carolina, with several hundred more injured; 15,000 homes were destroyed and another 39,000 were damaged.

On September 11, 1960, Hurricane Donna barreled across Florida, then traveled east through North Carolina, the Mid-Atlantic states and New England, causing $387 million in damage in the United States and $13 million elsewhere along its path.

Accounts like the ones above illustrate the importance of making a plan to protect your family and property from the potentially devastating effects of a hurricane or tropical storm.

With that in mind, why not take a minute to inventory your emergency supplies and schedule a trip to the store to stock up on items that you may need in an emergency.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, www.ready.gov, has as wealth of information on how to plan, prepare and protect your family should another disaster like Sandy occur in the coming months.

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.twitter.com/FEMASandywww.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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.”

Source:  

Stay Prepared: Hurricane Season Doesn’t End with Summer

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 YORK More than $2.1 billion in federal aid has been approved to reimburse state, local and tribal governments for Sandy-related response and recovery efforts in New York one year after the devastating storm.

Public Assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency reimburse local, state and tribal governments and eligible private nonprofits for eligible costs of emergency response, debris removal and repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities. In New York, more than 2,700 grants have been approved so far.

FEMA’s cost-share Public Assistance program reimburses 90 percent of eligible costs. The remaining 10 percent comes from nonfederal funds. The state forwards the federal reimbursement to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

The largest single Public Assistance project to date is nearly $402 million to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for the Rapid Repairs program that allowed survivors to remain in their storm-damaged homes while repairs were made. The work also included infrastructure repairs at the Rockaway, North River and other wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, drinking water facilities and sewers.

Other major Public Assistance obligations include:

  • Nearly $325 million to the Long Island Power Authority for repairs to overhead lines and emergency work;
  • Nearly $180 million to New York University Langone Medical Center for emergency work, including the evacuation of more than 250 patients, the restoration of critical services and facilities, the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials and wastewater, debris and mold, repairs, and replacement of its information technology network.
  • $130 million to the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation for emergency work, cleanup, temporary relocation, repairs and replacement of contents at various HHC facilities, including Coney Island Hospital;
  • Nearly $128 million to the New York City Police Department for evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, distribution of critical equipment, door-to-door checks, the removal of fallen trees, traffic regulation and monitoring of fuel rationing during the gas shortage caused by Sandy;
  • More than $119 million to the New York City Department of Sanitation for debris removal;
  • Nearly $115 million to Nassau County for debris removal throughout the county;
  • Nearly $58 million to the state of New York Department of Transportation for debris removal;
  • More than $31 million to Long Beach for emergency work and repairs to waste water pump stations and fire hydrants;
  • More than $31 million to the town of Hempstead for debris removal and emergency work;
  • More than $13 million to the New York City Fire Department for coordinating more than 500 swift-water boat rescues, conducting more than 1,000 evacuations, extinguishing fires, searching 3,100 homes and businesses during Hurricane Sandy’s immediate aftermath, and temporary generators for Manhattan fire stations;
  • Nearly $7 million to Long Beach Public Schools for emergency protective measures and repairs at school and administrative facilities;
  • More than $2.1 million to Long Beach Memorial Nursing Home for emergency protective measures, demolition, cleanup and flood-related repairs.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

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

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A Year After Hurricane Sandy, More Than $2.1 Billion In FEMA Public Assistance Grants In New York Helps Clear Debris, Reopen Public Facilities

LINCROFT, N.J. — Boardwalks are the backbone of many of New Jersey’s shore communities. Often lined with shops, amusements and restaurants, and serving as the main access points to beaches, boardwalks are the magnets that attract tourists to beach towns.

The United States’ first boardwaA large crane mounted on an off-shore barge deconstructs the ruins of the Jet Star rollercoaster.Seaside Heights, N.J., May 14, 2013 — Demolition of the Jet Star roller coaster in Seaside Heights, NJ was taking less time than anticipated, as debris was placed on a large barge for removal from the ocean. The roller coaster and three other attractions were plunged into the sea from the partially destroyed Casino Pier during Sandy last October. Photo by Sharon Karr/FEMAlk was built in Atlantic City in 1870. The brainchild of rail conductor Alexander Boardman and hotel owner Jacob Keim, its stated purpose was to keep visitors to the resort from tracking sand from the beach back into the hotels and onto the train cars.

For many shore towns affected by Superstorm Sandy, rebuilding the beaches and boardwalks – and rebuilding them by the start of the summer tourist season – became a top priority.

The Federal Emergency Management Authority has obligated $79 million in aid for 84 boardwalk and beach repair projects. Communities up and down the Jersey Shore employed different methods of beach replenishment and protection.

Some municipalities constructed timber bulkheads, large rock walls and/or concrete seawalls. To stabilize their dunes, some placed geotubes (tubes filled with sand and water wrapped in geotextile fabric) and gabions (wire baskets filled with large rocks) underneath the dunes. Geotubes have been used on the north end of Ocean City and along Cape May’s beaches. Gabions were used in the West Atlantic City portion of Little Egg Harbor. Officials in these and other shore communities credited those measures with protecting homes and residents from Sandy. Mantoloking and Brick Township are two communities now considering using geotubes.

Atlantic City’s boardwalk suffered its most severe damage to the section that borders Absecon Inlet, between Oriental and Maine avenues. FEMA obligated $2.5 million to repair and replace the boardwalk, ramps, railings, and lifeguard and comfort stations. A new seawall is also being built along the Absecon Inlet section of the boardwalk. Atlantic City and neighboring Ventnor will receive a combined 2 million cubic yards of sand to replenish the beaches in both communities. Brigantine used 630,000 cubic yards of sand to replenish its beach.

The skeleton of the damaged Atlantic City boardwalk overlooks a fishing boat out on the ocean.Atlantic City, N.J., Feb. 5, 2013 — The old boardwalk, which was severely damaged by Sandy, has been removed. Photo by Liz Roll/FEMAParts of Long Beach Island had 22-foot-high dunes and a 200-foot berm in front of coastal homes. The Sandy Disaster Relief Act will provide funds for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete the project on the whole island. Three million cubic yards of sand were dredged and pumped onto the beach. Repairs were also made to the boardwalk, sand fence and access roads at Island Beach State Park. The Corps is also making first-time beach restorations in Ship Bottom, Beach Haven and Long Beach Township, areas not protected by the original dunes and berm on the island.

Belmar’s 1.3-mile boardwalk and everything on it was destroyed by Sandy. Construction started in January and the new boardwalk opened May 22. FEMA covered $7.6 million of the $10 million cost of the project. Belmar is also designing a new $6 million dune system to protect the new boardwalk.

FEMA obligated $1.6 million for the reconstruction of Sea Girt’s boardwalk. Parts of the boardwalk that were damaged will be repaired using salvaged boards and rails. A 2,335-foot section will be rebuilt as the second phase of the project. The municipality is also rebuilding its dunes, which prevented serious damage to homes but took the brunt of the storm surge. The new dunes are expected to be more than 20 feet high.

Traffic cones overlooks a missing segment of the boardwalk along Sea Girt's beach.Sea Girt, N.J., Jan. 16, 2013 — Sandy’s storm surge penetrated the boardwalk systems and there are several missing sections up and down the State’s shorelines. Photo by Adam DuBrowa/FEMASpring Lake’s boardwalk, which had been seriously damaged by Hurricane Irene in 2011, was hit again by Sandy. The storm pushed the boardwalk off its supports, damaged several support piles, and completely washed away the dunes protecting the boardwalk and town. FEMA reimbursed the borough for $4.1 million of the $5.5 million cost of rebuilding the boardwalk. The new boardwalk, made of a composite wood, was completed in April.

Seaside Heights had to take out a $14 million emergency appropriation loan to pay for essential repairs to its boardwalk and other areas after Sandy. Construction on the boardwalk began in mid-February, and a six-block section of the mile-long boardwalk was completed in early May. The main section reopened days before Memorial Day, and the $7.6 million reconstruction was completed in mid-June. Mayor William Akers has also suggested that a seawall may be built, though no decision has been made, and as a new project, it would be ineligible for FEMA funding.

Not all of the boardwalks along the shore have been restored. The older southern portion of the Long Branch boardwalk will not be rebuilt until 2014. “My goal isn’t to get it done quickly, it’s to make sure it is done right,” Mayor Adam Schneider said in December.

FEMA is covering $6.2 million of the $8.2 million cost of various repair projects in Long Branch, including completely rebuilding the southern section and repairing damage to the northern section. While the newer northern section, including Pier Village and the Long Branch Promenade, did not escape Sandy unscathed, Schneider said that section of boardwalk was designed to survive a hurricane, “and it did.”

 

 

Video-links: Long Beach Island, NJ Beach Replenishment, Roller Coaster Removed From Ocean,
New Jersey Bird Environment After Sandy

Next, the One Year Later series examines the restoration of the Atlantic Highlands Harbor, a vital link to lower Manhattan.

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.

Originally from – 

One Year Later: Beaches And Boardwalks: Restoring The Jersey Shore’s Lifelines

AURORA, Ill. Federal assistance continues to flow to Illinois as the state recovers from storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5. About $1.5 million has now been obligated to help state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations recover.

 

This federal assistance will reimburse for debris removal, and materials—including gravel and sandbags—equipment, and overtime used in responding to the spring’s severe weather event.

FEMA’s Public Assistance is a reimbursement program that helps communities deal with the financial burdens imposed by a disaster. Federal reimbursement is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration.  Thus far, more than 631 requests for Public Assistance have been submitted.

Counties designated for public assistance are: Adams, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Crawford, DuPage, Fulton, Green, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Will, and Woodford.

 

Registration has ended for FEMA Individual Assistance with 97, 286 registrations. To date, $155 million has been disbursed to individuals and families for their recovery. The Small Business Administration has approved $62.9 in disaster loans.

 

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: 571-408-1835

 

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Federal Disaster Aid for Illinois Public Assistance at $1.5 Million

AURORA, Ill. Federal assistance continues to flow to Illinois as the state recovers from storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5. More than $148 million has now been distributed among more than 83,000 individuals and households.

The latest summary of federal assistance includes:

  • More than $148 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
  • Of that amount, more than $128 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
  • More than $20 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
  • More than 89,000 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
  • More than $54 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA has extended the registration deadline by 15 days to August 8, 2013. Affected residents of 35 counties covered in the Illinois disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Counties designated for individual assistance for this disaster declaration are: Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford.

Federal assistance is only available for individuals who incurred damage in a designated county as a result of storms and flooding that occurred April 16 to May 5. Registering for assistance for damages sustained as a result of a storm in any other period could be considered fraudulent and claimants could face recoupment of grant money received and/or fraud charges.

To register or to ask questions about your claim, call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Residents can also register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. All phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Multi-lingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. Those with storm damage who do not register are disqualifying themselves from any possible assistance if their insurance settlement is not enough. 

In addition to assisting individuals and families, FEMA is helping state,  local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations recover from the flooding event. This arm of FEMA assistance, Public Assistance (PA), is a reimbursement program that helps communities deal with the financial burdens imposed by a disaster. The federal share of PA is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration.  Thus far, more than 600 requests for Public Assistance have been submitted.

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.twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.  

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Visit source: 

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $148 Million

AURORA, Ill. Federal assistance in Illinois has reached more than $144 million, distributed among more than 58,000 individuals and households, since a major disaster was declared for storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5.

The latest summary of federal assistance includes:

  • More than $144 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
  • Of that amount, more than $124 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
  • More than $20 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
  • More than 87,000 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
  • More than $49 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA has extended the registration deadline by 15 days to August 8, 2013. Affected residents of 35 counties covered in the Illinois disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Counties designated for individual assistance for this disaster declaration are: Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford.

Federal assistance is only available for individuals who incurred damage in a designated county as a result of storms and flooding that occurred during the period of April 16 to May 5. Registering for assistance for damages sustained as a result of a storm in any other period   could be considered fraudulent and claimants could face recoupment of grant money received and/or fraud charges.  

To register or to ask questions about your claim, call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Residents can also register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. All phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Those with storm damage who do not register are disqualifying themselves from any possible assistance if their insurance settlement is not enough. 

Those owning homes or businesses in areas that flood frequently may be required to elevate, relocate or demolish the structures to prevent future loss. The National Flood Insurance Program’s standard flood insurance policies will pay up to $30,000 of the eligible costs under the increased cost of compliance (ICC) coverage.

To qualify for ICC, the NFIP-insured structure must be located in a Special Flood Hazard Area and the cost to repair the structure must equal or exceed 50 percent of its market value prior to the flood damage.

Another way to qualify is if your community has a more restrictive floodplain management ordinance provision that requires damaged buildings to be brought into compliance when the cost exceeds a threshold lower than 50 percent, or by calculating the cost to repair cumulatively over a period of time, for buildings that are damaged repetitively.

The insurance agent that sold you flood insurance and your local building official can provide more information.

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.twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.  

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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From:

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $144 Million

AURORA, Ill. – FEMA has extended the registration deadline by 15 days to August 8, 2013. Affected residents of 35 counties covered in the Illinois disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Federal assistance is only available for individuals who incurred damage in a designated county as a result of storms and flooding that occurred during the period of April 16 to May 5. If you incurred damage as a result of a storm that occurred before April 16 or after May 5, you are not eligible for assistance.  Registering for assistance for damages sustained as a result of a storm that occurred before April 16 or after May 5 could be considered fraudulent, and you could face recoupment of grant money you receive and/or fraud charges.   

Counties designated for individual assistance for this disaster declaration are: Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford.

Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary rental assistance and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs. Assistance for homeowners also can include grants for home repair. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Individuals affected by the storms and flooding that occurred in the designated counties during the period of April 16 to May 5 can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov.  Applicants 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. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116 Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. Information and assistance from SBA is available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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.twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.  

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

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FEMA Extends Registration Deadline

AURORA, Ill. Federal assistance in Illinois has reached more than $94 million, distributed among more than 35,400 individuals and households, since a major disaster was declared for the state May 10.

The latest summary of federal assistance to individuals and households for losses due to the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 includes:

  • More than $94 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
  • Of that amount, more than $82 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
  • More than $12 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
  • More than 49,500 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
  • More than $12.8 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration; and
  • More than 3,000 visits have been made to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated jointly by FEMA and the state of Illinois.

Residents of 33 counties in the major disaster declaration have until July 9 to register for federal assistance. Three Disaster Recovery Centers closed this week – in Peoria, Rock Island and Woodford counties.  FEMA staff continues to set up temporary offices in affected locations to provide registration assistance.

Public Assistance (PA) was previously approved for 24 Illinois counties. Another 15 counties were added this week bringing the total to 39 counties. Eligible counties now include Adams, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Crawford, DuPage, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McHenry, McDonough, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Will and Woodford.

PA provides local governments and certain eligible nonprofits with funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and infrastructure repairs such as building roads and bridges. This assistance is on a cost-sharing basis with FEMA paying 75 percent and the remainder the responsibility of the state and local governments. State-led applicant briefings are under way.

Hazard Mitigation teams are located at six home improvement stores to provide information on how to repair or rebuild stronger and safer to help avoid damage from future storms.

Once they have registered, survivors can keep the process moving forward by using these tips:

  • Keep critical appointments. A FEMA-contracted inspector will make an appointment to visit the property. Homeowners should be there for the inspection, or authorize someone who is 18 or older and lived in the home at the time of the disaster to represent them during the inspection.
  • Read all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants deemed eligible for disaster assistance will receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance on the disaster relief grant. The document will explain ways the money can be spent for recovery and explain that federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or other assistance received.
  • Return forms and respond promptly. Sometimes FEMA sends letters indicating that more information is necessary before approval. Applicants should read the correspondence carefully and promptly return the necessary information.
  • Stay in touch with FEMA to update an address, phone number or e-mail address.

Accepting a U. S. Small Business Administration loan is not necessary, but applying for one is required as part of the FEMA application process:

  • Survivors may receive an SBA loan application package. Loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding.
  • Fill out and return these forms promptly. It is not necessary to accept a loan, but this application must be completed before certain grants and other programs can be considered.
  • SBA representatives at Disaster Recovery Centers will assist in completing the loan application as well as answer any questions. Information and assistance from SBA also is available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339. Survivors also can apply online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register or stay in touch with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants 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. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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: 571-408-1835

 

Original article: 

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $94 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Illinois residents who had damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 have only 30 days left to register for FEMA disaster assistance.

Federal disaster assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

FEMA provides several ways for residents of the 33 counties included in the major disaster declaration to register by the deadline of Tuesday, July 9.

Currently, Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are going door-to-door in hard-hit areas and also visiting senior centers, churches and other community gathering places. The crews are meeting with local officials and community leaders to provide additional support for determining where unmet needs exist.

The goal is to identify anyone who needs help – homeowners, renters, business owners, eligible nonprofit agencies and faith-based organizations. This includes people with disabilities, those with access and functional needs, seniors and people with limited English proficiency.

It is important to remember that FEMA staff members who assist residents with registration are federal employees. They have received federal security clearances and carry photo identification badges. Always ask to see an ID before giving personal information to anyone.

Another way to register for federal disaster assistance is to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) operated by the state of Illinois and FEMA. The eight DRCs currently open are in Chicago and in Cook, DuPage, Peoria, Rock Island and Woodford counties; however, three are closing later this week. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
 

Chicago

North Park Village

5801 N. Pulaski, Bldg. C

Chicago, IL 60646

 

Chicago

Royal Savings Bank

9226 S. Commercial Ave.

Chicago, IL 60617

 

Cook County

Forest View Fire Department

7010 W. 46th St.

Forest View, IL 60402

 

Cook County

1486 Miner St. (Next to Des Plaines Theater)

Des Plaines, IL 60016

 

DuPage County

Lisle Police Department

5040 Lincoln Ave.

Lisle, IL 60532

 

Peoria County (Closing June 14)

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)

217 W. Chestnut St.

Chillicothe, IL 61523

 

Rock Island County (Closing June 12)

Rock Island County Emergency Management Agency

6120 78th Ave.

Milan, IL 61264

 

Woodford County (Closing June 14)

Woodford County Emergency Management Agency

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

However, it is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants 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. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

Have the following information handy to speed the process:

  • Social Security number;
  • Telephone number where you can be reached;
  • Address of the damaged property;
  • Current mailing address;
  • Brief description of disaster-related damages and losses;
  • Insurance information; and
  • Direct deposit information to speed delivery of funds.

The 33 Illinois counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance include:  Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford.

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: 571-408-1835

More: 

One Month Left for Illinois Residents to Register With FEMA

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