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Greene County Designated for FEMA Public Assistance for Sandy Response, Rebuilding Costs

14 New York counties now eligible for public infrastructure repair, emergency work and cleanup reimbursement

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that Greene County is now eligible for disaster aid under the FEMA Public Assistance program.

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, tribal organizations and certain private nonprofit entities at least 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

In order to qualify, damage must be a direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

“I am pleased to announce that Greene County has been added to the disaster declaration,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “As the recovery continues, FEMA is working with our state and local partners to rebuild New York. We have been here since the beginning and will stay here until our work is done.”

With the addition of Greene County, there are now 14 New York counties designated for Public Assistance under President Obama’s federal disaster declaration for New York, including: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and Greene.

In the seven weeks since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA has awarded more than

$318 million to local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations.

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

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Greene County Designated for FEMA Public Assistance for Sandy Response, Rebuilding Costs

Rhode Islanders Urged to Be Smart and Cautious When Repairing Flood Damage

WARWICK, R.I.– Federal and state recovery specialists urge Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy to be careful and smart about rebuilding. Be careful about hiring contractors and be smart about improving your property’s resistance to future floods. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency offer the following tips on rebuilding and working with contractors.

Here are some recommendations to reduce the amount of damage from a future flood. Details are in brochures from FEMA that are available online at http://go.usa.gov/gwAh.

Rebuild with materials that resist flood damage: Building materials are considered flood resistant if they can withstand direct contact with flood waters for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged.
Elevate or relocate electrical system components, the HVAC system and appliances. Flood waters quickly destroy electrical elements. Panel boxes, circuit breakers, wall switches, wall outlets, the HVAC system and appliances should be located at least one foot above the base flood elevation or even moved to a higher floor for safety.
Install a sewer backflow valve: Flooded sewer systems can force sewage back into the home. This complicates cleanup and, more importantly, creates a health hazard. Backflow valves installed inside or outside the structure will stop sewage backup.
Anchor fuel tanks. Fuel tanks, either inside or outside the home, should be anchored to prevent them from overturning or breaking loose in a flood. Metal straps and bolts should be non-corrosive and wood structural supports should be pressure treated.

Most of these modifications should be carried out only by a professional contractor licensed to work in your area. When hiring contractors to repair homes damaged by flooding, be cautious to avoid being taken advantage of by scam artists.

Get a written estimate. Compare services and prices before choosing a contractor.
Check references.
Use a licensed, insured contractor. Get proof—see the card issued by the Rhode Island Contractors Registration and Licensing Board that the contractor is registered and insured. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.
Require a written contract. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved.
Get guarantees in writing.
Make final payments only when work is satisfactorily completed.
Pay by credit card, if possible, or by check. Avoid on-the-spot cash payments. A reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total cost of the project, to be paid upon first delivery of materials.
If necessary, cancel a contract. Be sure to follow the procedures for cancellation that are set out in the contract. Send the notification by registered mail with a return receipt to be signed by the contractor.

You can find out if a contractor is licensed and insured and get more information about hiring contractors on the web site of the State of Rhode Island’s Contractors Registration and Licensing Board, www.crb.ri.gov/.

If you suspect contractor fraud, contact the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit at 401-274-4400.

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 medical and dental expenses, 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.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

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Rhode Islanders Urged to Be Smart and Cautious When Repairing Flood Damage

FEMA Obligates $1.1 Million to St. Tammany Parish for Debris Removal

BATON ROUGE, La. – A $1.1 million federal grant has been awarded to St. Tammany Parish to help with costs for removing debris created by Hurricane Isaac’s high winds and flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced.

The FEMA grant, totaling $1,127,286, is obligated to the parish to help defray the cost of removing and disposing of hazardous trees as well as vegetative and other debris from public rights of way, and private and public improved properties in the parish.

“FEMA places a high priority on getting debris cleaned up after a disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “This federal assistance will contribute significantly to St. Tammany’s recovery efforts.”

The FEMA grant covers the federal share of the parish’s eligible costs for the work. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pays the remaining 25 percent.

The newly obligated funds are a portion of the more than $144.1 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29 declaration for Hurricane Isaac.

Once FEMA reimburses the state of Louisiana it is the state’s responsibility to manage the funds, which includes making disbursements to local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Obligates $1.1 Million to St. Tammany Parish for Debris Removal

FEMA Helps Survivors Solve Housing Needs

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and our federal partners are working closely with the state to address the housing needs of New Yorkers displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Our priority is to help survivors move out of hotel rooms and into apartments or their safe, repaired homes.

FEMA has identified rentals in the area damaged by Hurricane Sandy and is working to match survivors to that available housing. A goal is to place survivors in rentals within their neighborhoods, or as close as possible to those areas. This not only is better for survivors, it helps neighborhood businesses.

Our goal is to maximize the number of people who are able to move back into their own homes; and for them to get home as quickly as possible.

There are several programs in place to help ease this housing crunch in a place where there is always a housing crunch.

The STEP Program

FEMA has authorized an emergency program designed to make damaged homes safe so survivors can return during the recovery process. The program, Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP), pays for those temporary and necessary repairs that help restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences prior to permanent repairs. This program is implemented by NYC, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

First, if it’s safe to inspect the home, damages will be assessed. If it’s practical, electricity will be restored along with other basic repairs.

Some homes may be eligible for other temporary repairs. Temporary repairs could include securing broken windows, covering damaged exterior walls and roofs, and patching and securing damaged exterior doors.

An inspector will decide what elements of the STEP Program are available for each residence.
Certain defined components of STEP are included in New York City’s Rapid Repair Program.

Residents in NYC can call 3-1-1 or go a New York City Restoration Center.
Nassau County residents: 888-684-4267.
Suffolk County residents: 2-1-1.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

To get people out of shelters, FEMA activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program to move eligible survivors into hotels or motels if they can’t return to their damaged homes. TSA lodging expenses are paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

The program has been extended four weeks. The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels during the holiday season. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended four-week period and the checkout date of Jan. 12, 2013.

TSA-eligible survivors can receive help finding a hotel by calling: 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

Help finding TSA participating hotels also is available online: www.femaevachotels.com.

Rental Assistance

Renters with a need for housing because of storm damage to their dwelling may be eligible for a FEMA temporary rental grant. This assistance may be provided while renters are working to accomplish a permanent housing plan.

Returning to a permanent home is a significant milestone on the road to recovery. FEMA rental assistance may last for up to 18 months from the date of declaration. So it’s important for survivors to have a permanent housing plan.

FEMA has a Housing Portal at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm to help families find rental units. In addition to apartments or homes normally available, the portal identifies units provided by our federal partners.

To be eligible for possible rental assistance, survivors must first register with FEMA. There are many ways to register.

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov. People may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline to register with FEMA is Jan. 28, 2013.

U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, led by Secretary Shaun Donovan, is also playing an active role in providing temporary housing to storm-displaced families. HUD has identified thousands of available units in HUD-assisted housing and is getting that information to displaced individuals, primarily at Disaster Recovery Centers.

The Department has also increased fair market rental allowances to make it easier for displaced Section 8 voucher recipients to find replacement housing, and is allowing owners of HUD-funded senior developments the flexibility to open up vacant units to storm evacuees.

Secretary Donovan was also instrumental in bringing together New York City and State government officials and real estate trade groups in the aftermath of the storm to find housing for New York displaced families. This has led to a government and private sector partnership that gives displaced families greater options in finding vacant apartments that are affordable and safe.

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

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FEMA Helps Survivors Solve Housing Needs

For Sandy, a Huge Response from the New York Community

NEW YORK – The Met Council distributed 170,000 pounds of food and prepared 85,000 meals.

A rock climbing gym in Brooklyn became a staging ground for first responders.

Taxicabs in New York are displaying disaster assistance information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

All over New York, the whole community is responding to those who lost homes, cars, possessions and a sense of security after Hurricane Sandy swept over the region.

“New York is made up of neighborhoods,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne, a New Yorker himself. “Every neighborhood is distinctly different, with different traditions, dialects and sense of community.”

That sense of community, in this case, is greatly expanded. It involves FEMA, other federal, state and local agencies, the private sector, voluntary groups and faith-based organizations.

“FEMA is not the team,” Byrne said. “FEMA is part of a much larger team, one that represents every aspect of the community. Individuals, groups and government agencies all came together to respond and begin recovery. This disaster was so immense that it required a massive effort by thousands of people. Those people are still at work, and will be for a long time.”

Some examples of the team effort:

Russian-speaking storm survivors in Brighton Beach and Coney Island came to FEMA
Disaster recovery centers to seek assistance and wound up volunteering to stay and translate for other Russian-speaking survivors.
A woman lost her job and her basement apartment after the storm. She found another job as a caregiver and was sleeping on her client’s couch. She came to a recovery center and was able to get transitional housing and legal assistance with the help of the American Red Cross, FEMA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division is operating a hotline
(800-699-5636), coordinating with FEMA and the Legal Services Corporation to provide information and help to Sandy survivors.
Sandy survivors are being given priority for 2,500 vacant apartments by private landlords in New York City, under an agreement between property owners and government officials.
The Humane Society of the United States partnered with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, Nassau County SPCA, the North Shore Animal League and the Pet Safe Coalition to care for nearly 300 pets daily in an emergency shelter on Long Island.
More than 500 survivors with access and functional needs are being assisted by FEMA specialists. Some Disaster Recovery Centers are using iPads to help survivors with speech disability or hearing loss. The iPads have a Skype app that can provide video relay to help the survivor with the assistance process.
The private sector displayed FEMA disaster assistance information on large screens at Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, movie theaters and taxicabs, increasing public awareness of disaster assistance information.

More than 500 voluntary organizations have participated in the effort, including NY Cares, NY Disaster Interfaith Services, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Mennonite Disaster Services, among others.

Federal partners have involved FEMA, Small Business Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, General Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and Department of Justice, to name a few.

In many cases, it requires a coordinated effort by several organizations to deliver assistance to people in need.

After the storm, a Five Towns family lost their home to fire, caused by a candle when the power was out. They registered with FEMA and were staying in an aunt’s living room on the floor. The wife gave birth and, with three other children, the family needed a place to stay. The father found an apartment but had no money because he was out of work.

A FEMA Community Relations team directed the family to a distribution center, where they received blankets, cots, baby formula, food and water. The FEMA team contacted a faith-based organization and a community center, both of which provided rent money. The family found an apartment and was being processed for FEMA assistance.

To join the whole community effort, FEMA encourages volunteers and donors to work directly with our nonprofit partners to ensure that survivors’ needs are addressed in the most effective and efficient way. For online links to those organizations, visit:

www.fema.gov/hurricane-sandy-donate-and-volunteer

www.serve.gov

www.nycservice.org

www.newyorkcares.com

Storm survivors who need assistance can register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

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

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For Sandy, a Huge Response from the New York Community

Altered Weekend Schedule for Knights of Columbus Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – A Disaster Recovery Center at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brooklyn will not be open for logistical reasons on Saturday, Dec. 15, but will reopen to help Hurricane Sandy survivors at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16.

The Knights of Columbus recovery center is located at 2882 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229. Its usual hours, which will resume on Dec. 16, are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Five other Disaster Recovery Centers in Brooklyn will maintain normal hours through the weekend. Their locations and hours of operation are:

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where Hurricane Sandy survivors can obtain face-to-face help as they rebuild their homes and lives after the devastating storm. People may visit the centers to register with FEMA, apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration or seek assistance in a variety of other ways.

Additional options for hurricane survivors include:

Individuals can register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They 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. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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

Original source:

Altered Weekend Schedule for Knights of Columbus Disaster Recovery Center

New York Disaster Recovery Centers Change Operational Hours

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are altering the weekend schedules of Disaster Recovery Centers throughout New York to reflect the fact that most information needs of Hurricane Sandy survivors are being met.

Effective immediately, six New York recovery centers will be open Monday through Saturday to provide one-on-one, face-to-face information and help to storm survivors. All other recovery centers in New York will have new Sunday hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Dec. 16.

The centers that will be open Monday through Saturday are located at:

Arverne by the Sea
68-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Arverne, NY 11692
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fort Tilden Park
415 State Rd.
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Storefront
1001 Beach 20th St.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Another Disaster Recovery Center, at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains, NY 10606, has always operated Monday through Saturday. Its hours on those days are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

County by county and borough by borough, Disaster Recovery Centers with new Sunday hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. are located at:

Nassau

Recreation and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Sacred Heart Parish
RR station parking lot
127 Long Beach Rd.
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Rd. East
Seaford, NY 11783
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Marjorie Post Community Center
477 Unqua Rd.
Massapequa, NY 11758
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Young Israel (Gymnasium)
859 Peninsula Blvd.
Woodmere, NY 11598
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri.
Closed Sat.

Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Queens

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Ave.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Blvd.
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Richmond

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Suffolk

Town Hall West
401 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Mastic Recreation Community Center
15 Herkimer St.
Mastic, NY 11950
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Kings

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Knights of Columbus Hall
2882 Gerritsen Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun.

While visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is a convenient way to seek help from FEMA, it isn’t the only way.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They 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. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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

New York Disaster Recovery Centers Change Operational Hours

Guard Against Future Damage with Home Elevations; FEMA Can Help

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors along Connecticut’s coast are asking an important question: How can I protect my home from future flooding?

One of the most effective methods is for them to elevate their home.

“Elevation may be one of the best ways to protect your home, your family and your possessions,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “Home elevation isn’t simple or cheap, but it is extremely effective.”

The advantages of elevating homes include:

Reducing the flood risk to the house and its contents;
Eliminating the need to move vulnerable contents to areas above the water level during a flood;
Reducing the physical, financial and emotional strain that accompanies floods;
Providing additional parking and storage space at home; and
Decreasing flood insurance premiums by reducing the risk to a property.

Through the National Flood Insurance Program, local communities enact and enforce floodplain management regulations. Flood survivors should check on local code requirements before repairing or elevating their homes.

To get an idea of how home elevations are accomplished, view the following videos on FEMA’s website:

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/1849

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/2281

Related online FEMA publications include:

“Above the Flood: Elevating Your Flood Prone House” www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=1424

“Protecting Your Home and Property from Flood Damage” www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=4654

Homeowners also can get technical assistance by calling FEMA’s building science helpline at 866-927-2104 or submitting questions by email to FEMA-Buildingsciencehelp@dhs.gov.

Guard Against Future Damage with Home Elevations; FEMA Can Help

December 31 Deadline For SBA Disaster Business Physical Loss Loans

TRENTON, N.J. — Time is running out for business owners with property damage due to Hurricane Sandy to apply for Business Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline to apply for loans covering physical losses is December 31, 2012.

Business Physical Disaster Loans are made to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business. This includes real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible, as are private non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc.

The SBA also administers the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Economic injury disaster loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid if the disaster had not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Federal law limits business loans to $2 million for the combined physical and economic injury, mitigation and refinancing.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

SBA customer service representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) throughout the state and at the following ten Business Disaster Recovery Centers (BRCs):

Richard Stockton College, 35 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Bergen Community College, 355 Main St., Room 121, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, 13 Crest Haven Rd. Cape May, NJ 08210
Rutgers University, 25 James Street, Newark, NJ 07102
N.J. City University, 285 West Side Avenue, Suites 189-191, Jersey City, NJ 07305
John F. Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ 07738
So. Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
William Paterson University, 131 Ellison St., Paterson, NJ 07505
Kean University, Business One-Stop-Service, The Incubator, 320 Park Ave. Plainfield, NJ 07060

These locations may change. Disaster Recovery Center locations can be found online at fema.gov/DRC.

Registration with FEMA is not mandatory to apply for an SBA Business Disaster Loan, but it is preferred. For additional information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2855 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov.

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.

Original source –

December 31 Deadline For SBA Disaster Business Physical Loss Loans

New Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Kings, Nassau Counties

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have new Disaster Recovery Centers in Kings and Nassau counties to assist Hurricane Sandy survivors.

Locations and hours of the centers are:

Kings County
MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Nassau County
Meadowmere Park
14 Meyer Ave.
Lawrence, NY 11559
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Fri., Dec. 14

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get face-to-face help as quickly as possible.

In addition to the new sites in Kings and Nassau counties, about 25 other recovery centers remain open throughout New York to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Anyone who sustained damage in counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any of the centers.

To find the nearest center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the DRC locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

This article is from:

New Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Kings, Nassau Counties

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