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Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some survivors of the recent Alabama storms may not have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples:

I didn’t know there was assistance available.
FEMA tries to let everyone know about disaster assistance, but some people miss the message. Please be sure to spread the word among your co-workers, neighbors and friends.

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.
FEMA provides housing grants and other programs such as help with medical, dental and funeral expenses that are not income dependent. Anyone in a designated county with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA, because I have insurance.
Everyone with insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured costs.

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

I thought it was too late for me to apply since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.
You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

I thought FEMA only made loans. I don’t want a loan.
FEMA does not make loans, only grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid. The United States Small Business Administration does make loans to cover disaster damage to uninsured or under insured property for homeowners, renters and business owners.

I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners to repair their homes.
FEMA makes grants to help renters with temporary housing and help with disaster-related losses of personal property.

I’m going to register just as soon as I can find the time to get all the paperwork done.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes about 20 minutes. Don’t wait, because the deadline is July 1.

I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.
If you had damage from a previous federally declared disaster and you had damage from this declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

Other people need the help more than I do.
FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors. You will not be taking from others, if you register for aid.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

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Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

Alabamians Can Go To Home Depot, Lowes For FEMA Advice On Rebuilding Stronger

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As recovery continues from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that hit Alabama, federal officials are offering help on how to rebuild “stronger and safer” for the next disaster.

Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Home Depot and Lowe’s home improvement stores around Alabama to offer residents information about rebuilding their flood- and wind-damaged homes to make them better able to withstand future disasters.

“When you’re picking up after a disaster, preparing for the next one is sometimes the last thing on your mind,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer, Albie Lewis. “But our mitigation specialists can show you easy ways to make your home or business ‘better and safer’ the next time tornadoes, flooding or high winds hit.”

Mitigation advisors can provide valuable information on how to reinforce structures against flooding and other hazards, how to construct a safe room, and information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

They can also offer advice on mold and mildew cleanup, rebuilding structures to resist high winds, and how electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances can be protected from flooding. Free publications on a variety of rebuilding and recovery topics will also be available.

“Here in Alabama, we know that making our homes, businesses, and communities more resilient just makes sense,” said Alabama’s State Coordinating Officer, Jeff Byard. “If there are cost-effective ways to make you, your family and your property safer the next time a disaster strikes, why wouldn’t you do it?”

Mitigation teams will be at the following stores on the following dates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

June 20-21, June 23-25

Jefferson County

Home Depot

6405 Flintridge Drive

Fairfield, AL 35064

Lowe’s

1201 19th Street North

Bessemer, AL 35020

Mobile County

Home Depot

755 Schillinger Road South

Mobile, AL 36695

June 27-28, June 30

Lee County

Home Depot

2190 Tiger Town Parkway

Opelika, AL 36801

Baldwin County

Home Depot

2899 S McKenzie Street

Foley, AL 36535

In addition to the mitigation advisors, an Individual Assistance representative will also be on hand to provide general information about assistance to survivors. For specific case information, survivors can contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

To download materials on a variety of topics about strengthening property against tornadoes, flooding or other hazards, visit:

http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster or

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Alabamians Can Go To Home Depot, Lowes For FEMA Advice On Rebuilding Stronger

Two Weeks Left To Register For Disaster Assistance

Main Content

Release date:

June 16, 2014

Release Number:

NR 041

Montgomery, Ala. – Alabamians who had damage from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding have just two more weeks to register for FEMA assistance.

The deadline to register with FEMA is Tuesday, July 1. To register:

Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are operated from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Those wishing to apply for a low-interest U.S. Small Business loan also must do so by Tuesday, July 1. Call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 to apply.

What you need to register with FEMA:

Before starting your application, you, your co-applicant or a minor in your home must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security number, please apply for a Social Security number, then visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to complete your disaster application. Your household may still be able to receive assistance if there is a minor in the household who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien with a Social Security number.
Insurance Information. Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have, such as homeowners, flood, automobile, mobile home insurance, etc.
Damage Information. Describe your damages caused by the disaster, including the type of disaster (flood, hurricane, earthquake) and type of dwelling (mobile home, house) or vehicle (car, boat).
Financial Information. Provide your family’s total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster.
Contact Information. Give FEMA the address and phone number where the damages happened and the address and phone number where you can be reached after the disaster.
Direct Deposit Information (optional). If you are approved for assistance and want your funds deposited directly into your bank account, provide your banking information. This includes:
- Bank name
- Type of account (ex: checking, savings, etc.)
- Routing number
- Account number

After registering, you can:

Track your application. Be sure you keep your FEMA registration number and other pertinent information on hand when you contact FEMA.
Notify FEMA of changes to your mailing address, phone number or email address.
Update FEMA if you receive insurance settlements or discover additional damages.

Last Updated:

June 17, 2014 – 12:04

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region IV

Related Disaster:

Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

Link:

Two Weeks Left To Register For Disaster Assistance

After the SR 530 slide: long-term recovery in the Evergreen state

A visit to hurricane-battered Louisiana inspired prompt digital planning after the SR 530 Slide that will sustain communications needs for the long haul.

EVERETT, Wash. – A visit to hurricane-battered Louisiana in October 2013 gave seven members of the state of Washington’s Coalition of Recovery Planners a first-hand look at extensive long-term recovery projects taking place. At the time, at least one member of the tour group, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services Director Clay White, had no idea how quickly he would need to tap into his newly acquired knowledge. Then, the State Route 530 Slide happened in Oso. Everett, Wash. — June 10, 2014 – Members of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services, Planning and Technology Division, discuss their part in a larger public outreach and communications effort accomplished by Snohomish County officials after the SR 530 Slide. Immediately after the slide, Office Supervisor Lori Lollis, (left); Planner Eileen Canola, (middle) and Associate Planner Christina Ghan (right) quickly set to work organizing digital communications for Planning and Development Services that will help support long-term recovery. Photo courtesy of Snohomish County Planning and Development Services

“When I went to Louisiana, I never knew I would need this information,” White said, “but then, a few months later, the SR 530 Slide happened.”

Rather than responding by going directly to the site of the slide, White gathered staff with Snohomish County Planning and Development Services at their office in Everett. Among other things, they started organizing a digital information portal to help streamline digital communications for Planning and Development Services needs.

Within four days after the slide, the team established a Web page on the Snohomish County site that addressed the influx of public records inquiries they were receiving while filing digital information in one spot that would provide access to the public for the long term.

The informational Web page includes maps showing where building permits were issued in relation to the slide, as well as key facts and important dates that will remain available to the public in the future. The Web page is just one piece in the digital communications efforts accomplished by many groups and officials with Snohomish County after the SR 530 Slide.

“The building and land use documents that we gathered and posted provide a glimpse into historical decisions and processes that can help inform future policy decisions,” said Planner Eileen Canola.

The team’s digital communications planning was just one example of how long-term recovery has been a priority – even since the very first hours after the slide. The team also worked together to create an organizational chart related to responsibilities for assignments. They made sure departmental responsibilities were covered and then started assigning tasks. Together, they developed a strategy for going forward.

“Looking back, I think the training Clay received in St. John the Baptist Parish during his visit to Louisiana really helped,” said Barb Mock, a division manager with Snohomish County Planning and Development Services. “First, immediately after the slide, he remained calm, called a select team to a conference room and, even though we had numerous meetings that day, he added one first thing in the morning, one at lunch, and one at the end of the day. He had learned that communications and chain of command and roles and responsibilities are important.”

The trip to Louisiana was a collaborative effort between the state of Washington; the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Disaster Recovery Support (NDRS) group; the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development; and representatives from St. John the Baptist and Terrebonne parishes.

During the tour, seven emergency managers from Washington listened in on long-term recovery teams as they collaborated and discussed funding proposals and other important planning aspects.

“To see officials working together so well allowed us to see how the community had faced adversity and how they could come out on the other side,” White said.

White and the others who visited Louisiana long-term recovery groups soon realized that, while long-term recovery begins immediately after a disaster, the process continues for years to come.

“While dealing with today, focus on what you’re going to be doing in a few months,” White said. “The visit to Louisiana helped me understand how the long-term response is just as important as the initial response. There is a need to think ahead, to prioritize the recovery. There is recovery, and then there is something called long-term recovery.”

See the original article here –

After the SR 530 slide: long-term recovery in the Evergreen state

Recovery Centers in Baldwin County and Mobile to become SBA Disaster Loan Centers June 13

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Baldwin County and Mobile County will become SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers at the same locations beginning Friday, June 13, at 9 a.m.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both FEMA and SBA staff will be on hand.

The Mobile center is at:

The Old Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center, 4851 Museum Dr., Mobile, AL, 36608.

The Baldwin County centers are at:

Fairhope Civic Center (Delchamps Room), 161 North Section St., Fairhope, AL, 36532;
Elberta Town Hall, 10352 Main St., Elberta, AL, 36530.

After the FEMA centers become SBA centers, survivors will still be able to contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

The deadline for individuals to register for federal disaster assistance and apply for SBA disaster loans is July 1, 2014.

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace uncompensated losses. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Loans to businesses, including nonprofits, are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the

disaster.

The deadline for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is February 2, 2015.

Link to article:

Recovery Centers in Baldwin County and Mobile to become SBA Disaster Loan Centers June 13

Recovery Center in Limestone County to become SBA Disaster Loan Center June 13

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Athens in Limestone County will become an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the same location beginning Friday, June 13, at 9 a.m.

The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both FEMA and SBA staff will be on hand.

The center is located at the Ripley Woodmen of the World Hall, 11281 Ripley Road, Athens, AL, 35611.

After the FEMA center becomes an SBA center, survivors will still be able to contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

The deadline for individuals to register for federal disaster assistance and to apply for SBA disaster loans is July 1, 2014.

The deadline to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is February 2, 2015.

Original post:

Recovery Center in Limestone County to become SBA Disaster Loan Center June 13

Hundreds of Volunteers Return to Repair and Rebuild Homes

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The first teams of skilled volunteers arrived in Alaska earlier this week to continue rebuilding efforts in four Interior communities affected by the 2013 floods. The State of Alaska has been working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure a speedy recovery on all fronts, which includes bringing volunteers to the state.

“We anticipate more than 500 men and women will spend their two-week vacations installing windows, doors, roofs, plumbing and other essential components,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Willie G. Nunn. “The collective focus is to get displaced families home, make damaged residences safe and secure for occupancy, and complete our mission by September.”

According to State Coordinating Officer Bryan Fisher, this is the first housing disaster in 20 years that required two building seasons in Alaska due to the severity.

“The safety of survivors has always been our priority whenever responding to a disaster,” Fisher said. “In 2013, the volunteer groups helped us immensely by ensuring the majority of those affected were able to return home before winter.”

Following the disaster and during the gap in construction seasons, the state provided temporary housing in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Galena for those unable to return home.

Nunn stated that 116 homes were repaired or rebuilt by survivors and skilled volunteers in 2013. The work last summer was conducted in six rural Alaskan communities including Alakanuk, Circle, Emmonak, Fort Yukon, Galena and Hughes. This summer, 48 homes will be repaired or rebuilt in Alakanuk, Circle, Emmonak and Galena. The primary agencies involved with rebuilding these communities this summer are the Disciples of Christ, Lutheran Ministries, Mennonite Disaster Service, Samaritan’s Purse and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.

While many volunteers are paying their own way, the state and FEMA have partnered to help with in-state travel costs, as well as meals and accommodations while staying in affected communities. Faith-based organizations in Fairbanks and Anchorage are providing lodging, meals and local transportation for the teams before they travel to their designated communities.

Follow the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Twitter @AlaskaDHSEM and on Facebook. You can also follow the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Twitter @femaregion10.

FEMA recovery photos and videos can be found online by visiting www.fema.gov/disaster/4122, selecting “Blog, Newsroom, Videos and Photos,” and clicking on either “Photos” or “Videos” under the Multimedia Library section.

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Hundreds of Volunteers Return to Repair and Rebuild Homes

Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama storm survivors should register for disaster assistance even if they may believe insurance will cover their losses from the recent storms.

“Insurance is an important part of the recovery process,” said Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama storm recovery, Albie Lewis. “But, insurance may not meet all your needs, so registration with The Federal Emergency Management Agency and staying in touch with FEMA is very important.”

After an insurance claim has been paid, there could be uninsured losses that could be eligible under disaster assistance programs or SBA loans.

“It is important to know what your policy covers,” said Art Faulkner, Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. “For example, if insurance does not include the expense of being displaced from your home, FEMA disaster housing assistance may help,” Faulkner said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration offer assistance programs for homeowners, renters, and business owners in nine Alabama counties designated for Individual Assistance.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for uncompensated losses. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Link:

Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

Recovery Center in Jefferson County to Close June 6; Re-Opens June 7 as an SBA Center

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Disaster Recovery Center at Lawson State Community College in Jefferson County will re-open as an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location on Saturday, June 7 at 9 a.m. The Center will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, then, Monday through Thursday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The SBA Center will have both SBA and FEMA staff on hand.

The Disaster Recovery Center is located at Lawson State Community College, 1100 Ninth Ave. SW, Bessemer, AL. The Recovery Center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, June 6.

After the center closes, survivors will still be able to contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Survivors may also visit any of the open Recovery Centers.

The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is July 1, 2014.

Recovery Centers in Alabama are currently open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the following locations:

Baldwin County

Elberta Town Hall,10352 Main St., Elberta, AL 36530
Fairhope Civic Center (Delchamps Room), 161 North Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532

Jefferson County:

Maurice C. West Community Center, 171 Second St. SW, Graysville, AL 35073
Lawson State Community College, 1100 Ninth Ave. SW, Bessemer, AL 35022
(An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center opens Sat., June 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. through Thu., June 12.)

Limestone County:

Ripley Woodmen of the World Hall, 11281 Ripley Road, Athens, AL 35611

Mobile County:

Old Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center, 4851 Museum Dr., Mobile, AL 36608

Loans to businesses, including non-profits are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. The deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is February 2, 2015.

See the original article here –

Recovery Center in Jefferson County to Close June 6; Re-Opens June 7 as an SBA Center

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Alabama to Meet Survivors’ Needs

PHOTO: Disaster Survivor Assistance Team member, Patricia Wiedmer

MONTGOMERY, Ala – Within two weeks in early May, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams knocked on 3,000 doors in Alabama’s hardest hit areas to assess survivor needs after the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.

In one instance, they were told about a woman with special needs who was unable to register with FEMA. The team visited her residence and registered her on the spot using their government-issued tablet computer.

These teams, totaling 67 FEMA specialists, are tasked with helping survivors by being the eyes and ears on the ground. They assess, inform and report issues to the proper authorities; assist survivors in their own homes or neighborhoods to apply for FEMA grants; guide survivors in the registration process, follow-up on pre- or post-survivor needs; and coordinate with local, tribal and state governments and other partners.

“They have the ability to help people on the spot,” said Albie Lewis, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama. “They serve as a walking Disaster Recovery Center going door-to-door and people have been very receptive to the service.”

FEMA DSA teams are made up of disaster specialists as well as FEMA Corp members, 18- to 24-year olds who for 10 months volunteer their time to FEMA and the emergency management field.

The teams currently are canvassing eight counties that sustained some of the worst damage. They visit homes, businesses, organizations and high-traffic areas providing survivor support and coordinating with officials. The counties include Baldwin, Blunt, DeKalb, Etowah Jefferson, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

DSA specialists, who travel in pairs, are easy to spot – they wear FEMA badges as well as navy blue shirts, jackets and/or hats that say FEMA.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Alabama to Meet Survivors’ Needs

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