FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Kentucky Wildfires

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Kentucky to fight the Eagles Nest Fire in Breathitt County.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“FEMA has approved these funds to make sure that Kentucky has the resources to fight this fire and protect lives, structures and property,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “These federal dollars will help commonwealth responders continue the hard work to combat the fire.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted shortly afterwards, on November 8, 2016, at 11:32 PM EST. The fire started on November 2, 2016, and had burned in excess of 2,000 acres of commonwealth and private land. Across the commonwealth, fires had burned more than 24,000 acres. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,100 homes in and around the City of Jackson, population 2,170.  

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fight fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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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.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

 

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Kentucky Wildfires

Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following July’s Storm Damage in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As important as it is to make home repairs as soon as possible following a natural disaster, it is also important to take some time to plan the project, consult with local officials and choose a contractor wisely.

Before You Start:

  • Contact the local permitting office. Follow all local and state requirements.  
  • Check with your local building official to make sure your work is safe and meets all local and state codes and requirements.

How to Help Reduce Future Damage:

  • Consider using building materials that are more resistant to flood, wind, corrosion and decay.
  • If siding or roof sheathing needs replacement, consider installing hurricane/seismic connectors at the rafter-to-wall or truss-to-wall connections. Adding wall-to-foundation ties may also be necessary.
  • Windows, doors and skylights should be checked for leaks. If they need replacement, consider impact-resistant units.
  • Check your attic for adequate insulation. Straps should be added from rafters to wall top plates, and gable end-wall framing should be braced.
  • Inspect soffits to determine if structural upgrades are necessary.
  • If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate appliances such as air conditioners.

How to Select Your Contractor Carefully:

  • You are advised to watch out for home improvement scammers saying they have left over materials or say they noticed your home was damaged and can repair it. Take your time to choose your contractor.
  • Look for a contractor with an established physical address.
  • Get bids from more than one person. Make sure they are in writing and specify exactly what will be done.
  • Beware of a low-ball price.
  • Ask for references and contact them.
  • Make sure the contractor has the proper licenses and insurance coverage required in Kentucky.
  • Never pay the full price in advance.

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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.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following July’s Storm Damage in Kentucky

Applicant Registration Site Opens in Breathitt County

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Survivors of July’s storms can register for federal disaster aid at a temporary site in Breathitt County. The site will help people who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring July 11 through July 20.

The registration site is located at:

Breathitt County Library

1024 College Ave.

Jackson, KY 41339

It will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT until further notice.

The site, staffed by a Disaster Survivor Assistance team, will offer registration assistance. Applicants can also check the status of their applications or get referrals to other resources. Specialists will also be available to provide guidance and answer questions on Individual Assistance.

Applicants who cannot come to the Applicant Registration Site and wish to update their contact information or ask questions concerning Federal Emergency Management Agency correspondence can call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) or go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.

The deadline for survivors to register for federal assistance is Oct. 12.

The Small Business Administration will also be on hand to discuss its disaster loan program.

FEMA and the Commonwealth have made it a priority to reach survivors who need help – including people with disabilities and/or access and functional needs, senior citizens and people with limited English proficiency.

Survivors who need reasonable accommodation to apply for assistance or to visit the registration site may call 502-209-2749 or Kentucky 711 for TTY.

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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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov. On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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Applicant Registration Site Opens in Breathitt County

Disaster Recovery Centers to Close For Labor Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Disaster recovery centers, which are operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will not be open on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

The Johnson County disaster recovery center (120 Tays Branch Road in Paintsville) and the Carter County center (539 Hitchins Ave. in Olive Hill) will close Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. and reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. (EDT).

At the centers, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration can answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors of July’s severe storms and flooding. Specialists can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about an application or review information needed to process an application.

Survivors who suffered losses in Breathitt, Carter, Fleming, Johnson, Perry, Rowan and Trimble counties can continue to register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EDT).

Assistance can include money for temporary housing and essential home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov. On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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Disaster Recovery Centers to Close For Labor Day

Three Kentucky Counties Designated for Federal Assistance After July Storms

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has amended a recent disaster declaration for severe storms in July in order to make survivors in Breathitt, Fleming and Perry counties eligible for its Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Disaster assistance applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing should call 800-462-7585 (TTY); those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.

On Aug. 12, President Obama declared Kentucky a major disaster. At that time, Carter, Johnson, Rowan and Trimble counties were designated for Individual Assistance.

Individual Assistance can include money for temporary housing and essential home repairs for primary homes, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov. On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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Three Kentucky Counties Designated for Federal Assistance After July Storms

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Carter County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A disaster recovery center operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is now open in Carter County.

The center will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Saturday until further notice. The Carter County center is located at Northeast Kentucky Community Action, 539 Hitchins Ave. in Olive Hill.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available after the severe storms in July.

Survivors who suffered losses in Carter, Johnson, Rowan and Trimble counties can get help with registration, questions about an application or review information needed to process an application.

Before visiting a center, if possible, survivors should register for assistance.

Disaster recovery centers are accessible to people with disabilities. The centers have tools to amplify sound, magnifiers and materials in alternative formats along with video remote interpretation and available sign language interpreters. Survivors with a disability, and need an accommodation when visiting the disaster recovery center, should call 502-209-2748 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Survivors can register by using the following methods:

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and essential home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov. On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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Disaster Recovery Center Open in Carter County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

FEMA Specialists Reach Out to Survivors in Kentucky Communities

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are reaching out to survivors in Kentucky’s storm-ravaged communities of Carter, Johnson, Rowan and Trimble counties to help individuals register for assistance. Survivors may meet a specialist in their neighborhood or speak to one on the phone.

FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists and FEMA Corps members are canvassing affected areas to provide on-site registration assistance, address immediate and emerging needs, and answer any questions about the registration process. Specialists can also provide referrals to additional resources.

FEMA crews are visiting homes, businesses, local organizations and churches in the four counties, which were declared eligible for federal assistance. Using wireless tablets, FEMA crews can help a survivor fill out an application for assistance on the spot. FEMA representatives wear FEMA clothing and will provide FEMA photo identification. Kentuckians should ask for this federal identification before providing personal information.

Survivors may also receive a phone call from FEMA specialists after they have registered for disaster assistance.

If called, applicants could be asked to verify their identity with some of the following information:

  • The last four digits of their Social Security number.
  • The address of their damaged home.
  • The applicant’s current mailing address.
  • The applicant’s current phone number.

If applicants receive a phone call from FEMA representatives and question the validity of the caller, they can contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the source of the call. FEMA will not call applicants to request any banking information.

Should residents receive a call asking for banking information, they should contact the Kentucky Attorney General’s office at 888-432-9257 or local law enforcement.

Survivors in the four counties currently designated for Individual Assistance can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on Kentucky disaster recovery, visit http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4239 or visit the Kentucky Emergency Management Agency website at http://kyem.ky.gov/DisasterNews.                                                                  

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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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov. On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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FEMA Specialists Reach Out to Survivors in Kentucky Communities

Survivors of Kentucky’s July Storms May Register by Phone or Internet for Disaster Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentuckians whose home, apartment or business was affected by the July severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Carter, Johnson, Rowan and Trimble counties must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to see if they are eligible for disaster assistance.

Individuals, families and business owners in the designated counties can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA).  Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 800-462-7585 directly. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

The only way for survivors to know if they are eligible for federal assistance is by registering with FEMA – even if survivors have already signed up with another disaster organization. Those with insurance could also be eligible for federal aid and are encouraged to apply, though FEMA cannot determine eligibility until insurance claims are settled.

Names must match those on Social Security cards.

Applicants must have the following information available:

  • Social Security number
  • Address of the residence
  • Description of the damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • Current contact telephone number
  • Mailing address

For more information on Kentucky disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4239 or the Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) site at http://kyem.ky.gov/DisasterNews.

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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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov. On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

Original source:

Survivors of Kentucky’s July Storms May Register by Phone or Internet for Disaster Assistance

Kentucky Storm Survivors Urged to Register for Disaster Assistance

FRANKFORT, KY. – Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Kentucky are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as they may be eligible for disaster assistance.

The presidential disaster declaration of August 12, makes federal assistance available to eligible individuals and business owners in Carter, Johnson, Rowan and Trimble counties.

Individuals and business owners in the designated counties can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to

8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Kentucky residents should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card.

Applicants will be asked for the following information:

  • Social Security number
  • Address of the damaged home or apartment
  • Description of the damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • A current contact telephone number
  • An address where they can receive mail
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

For more information on Kentucky disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4239 or visit the Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) site at http://kyem.ky.gov/DisasterNews

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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Kentucky Storm Survivors Urged to Register for Disaster Assistance

Deadline For Federal Assistance For Kentucky Storm Survivors Approaching

 

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – Kentucky storm survivors have until June 30 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance and complete their Small Business Administration disaster loan application.

Survivors who suffered losses during the severe storms in April in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties who have delayed registering for any reason should apply for potential assistance that could include:

Housing Assistance that offers temporary rental assistance and money for essential home repairs to eligible survivors. FEMA’s ultimate goal is to ensure survivors’ dwellings are safe, sanitary and functional.

Other Needs Assistance is also available for disaster-related costs associated with medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage, or other necessary expenses.

No matter the degree of loss, survivors are urged to register with FEMA. They can use the following methods:

·         Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

  • By calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362)
  • By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov

Survivors who are referred to SBA should complete their low-interest disaster loan application by June 30. Applicants are not obligated to accept a loan; however, completing it may lead to additional FEMA assistance. Survivors are encouraged to consider all sources of aid.

It is not necessary to wait for an insurance claim determination to apply for an SBA disaster loan, which may help if applicants later find they are underinsured.

Small businesses and most nonprofits with or without physical damage may apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which is a working capital loan to help with disaster-related cash flow problems.

To apply for an SBA disaster loan online use the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.  Survivors with questions about an SBA disaster loan application can also call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

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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 800-621-3362. 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.

 

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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Deadline For Federal Assistance For Kentucky Storm Survivors Approaching

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