Commonwealth-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers In West Liberty, Hazel Green Closing; SBA Center To Open In West Liberty

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4057-050

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. –The Commonwealth of Kentucky and The Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the closure of the Disaster Recovery Centers for Morgan County in West Liberty and Hazel Green for Wolfe County on Wednesday, April 11 at 6 p.m.

The recovery center in West Liberty will re-open as an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 12, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“We’re closing the disaster recovery centers but FEMA will still be available to help folks who need us,” said Libby Turner, federal officer for Kentucky recovery. “If you had damage from the storms, you will still be able to register for assistance until May 7.”

Those applicants who have questions after the recovery centers close or those who have suffered damage and have not registered may call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The deadline for registration for FEMA disaster assistance is May 7. Helpline assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.

By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

The SBA Center will continue to provide one-on-one assistance to homeowners, renters and business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by the severe storms, tornadoes, winds and flooding that occurred Feb. 29 through March 3, 2012.

A FEMA representative will be present in the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to assist survivors with questions about registration or an application.

The SBA outreach center is located at:

Kentucky Housing Corporation
1084 Highway 7
West Liberty, KY 41472

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 09:26:18

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Commonwealth-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers In West Liberty, Hazel Green Closing; SBA Center To Open In West Liberty

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

Release Date: April 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-017

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The five state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia to assist individuals, households and businesses that suffered damage from the recent storms will be closed Sundays beginning April 8.

The regular hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County
Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance, according to FEMA.

Before stopping by at the disaster recovery centers, people seeking assistance are strongly urged to register with FEMA, said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell.
By phone, call the FEMA Hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing disabilities, use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled device at m.fema.gov.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration who can explain the low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. These loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 04-Apr-2012 09:21:03

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State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-016

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — For people who suffered damages as a result of the recent tornadoes, severe weather and flooding, the first step in seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is to register, according to FEMA officials. This applies only to survivors living in the federally designated counties – Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne.

“It’s easy to do,” said Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “You can call our toll-free number, which is 800-621-3362. Or you can go online at DiasterAssistance.gov. You absolutely must register to begin the process.”

Once registered, Criswell said, an applicant can expect a telephone call from a FEMA inspector to set up an appointment. Normally, this call will come within a few days after one registers, but almost always within 10 days. The applicant or someone at least 18 years old who lived in the home before the incident occurred must be present when the inspection takes place.

FEMA inspectors are contracted independent experts qualified to assess damages to buildings and other property that might have been damaged from the storms and flooding. Inspectors will always carry an official FEMA identification – and applicants are urged to jot down the badge number of the inspector who visits for future reference.

Inspectors do not determine whether an applicant or the damaged premises qualify for federal assistance. That is done by FEMA Individual Assistance personnel after evaluating the inspectors’ reports.

There is no fee charged for these inspections, Criswell said. The applicant will need to provide documented proof of ownership (for homeowners) and permanent occupancy (for both homeowners and renters). For example, these might include a utility bill or a copy of a rental lease.

The inspector will ask the applicant to sign a form authorizing FEMA to verify that the information given is accurate. Within about 10 days a letter will be sent by FEMA to the applicant with notification about the decision of whether the applicant is eligible for help. If so, that letter will be followed by a check (or there will be an electronic transfer to the appropriate bank account). The letter will explain what the money can be used to pay for, and applicants should be careful to use the funds as indicated.

If FEMA decides the applicant is not eligible for help, the letter will state the reasons for the denial of benefits, Criswell said. The letter will outline the process to appeal any decision the applicant thinks is erroneous.

An applicant might be referred to the Small Business Administration for help. If so he or she will receive an application for a low-interest loan to repair or replace real estate (up to $200,000) or personal property (up to $40,000). No one is required to accept any SBA loan, but filling out the application is part of the assistance process and helps FEMA in evaluating or re-evaluating any data.

Once FEMA receives an application for assistance and it is approved, the funds will be in the applicant’s hands within 10 days. For electronic bank-account deposits, the money will be available sooner. Applicants who do not receive their checks by mail promptly should phone the FEMA Help Line at 800-621-3362 or visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center for information.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 16:32:02

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What to Expect After Registering With FEMA

Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties

Laurel, Magoffin, Menifee, and Morgan counties continue cleanup efforts

Release Date: March 31, 2012
Release Number: 4057-044

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Because field observations have determined that four Kentucky counties suffered the most extensive damage from the Feb. 29 and March 2 tornadoes, the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC) Division of Waste Management is offering additional grant dollars for cleanup activities.

“As with the first round of grant dollars, county leaders will be able to use this funding for the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste generated by tornado damage,” said EEC Secretary Len Peters. “It is our hope that this additional funding will assist these communities in their recovery efforts.”

Morgan County is eligible receive $150,000, while Laurel, Magoffin and Menifee counties are each eligible for an additional $75,000.

Counties have 120 days to complete the activities outlined in the grant agreement. A final spending report will be due to the waste management division on Aug. 2.

Kentuckians should be aware of health, safety and compliance hazards associated with debris handling and disposal. These hazards include burning of debris, asbestos removal and mold growth. Detailed information on storm debris cleanup may be obtained at the Division for Air Quality’s website at air.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx, by clicking on “Disposing of Storm and Flood Debris” at the bottom of the page.

A listing of county solid waste coordinators can be found online at waste.ky.gov/RLA/Documents/Solid%20Waste%20Coordinators%208-25-10.pdf.

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:24:44

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Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties

FEMA’s ‘Rambo’ Ready To Expedite Fire Management Grants

Release Date: March 29, 2012
Release Number: 4029-108, 1999-018

» More Information on Texas Wildfires
» More Information on Texas Wildfires

AUSTIN, Texas — As wildfires raged throughout Texas in 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared a record 55 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) to help local governments and other applicants recoup some of their firefighting costs. Now FEMA wants to help those applicants get their money.

Through an innovative pilot program called Recovery Assistance Mobile-Based Operations (RAMBO), FEMA Public Assistance teams can work with the applicant much the way a tax preparer works with a client during tax season — and RAMBO is available to go right to the applicant’s office.

“Contacting a RAMBO team leads to expedited assistance,” said FEMA Public Assistance Branch Director Karri DuBois. “Not only is a checklist provided beforehand to help the applicants know the kind of paperwork to collect, we then save everyone time by reviewing the documentation and helping them work through the process.”

The team goes over receipts and other documents with the applicant, making sure that all paperwork is in order and asking and answering questions so that the final project worksheet can be completed and funds quickly obligated.

In Kimble County, for instance, the RAMBO team helped get funds obligated within a couple of weeks rather than the normal timeframe of several months or longer.

“We worked closely with our state partner, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, to find a way to expedite the FMAG process, and RAMBO was the answer,” said Kevin L. Hannes, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Texas wildfire disasters. “Our goal is to get local governments reimbursed as quickly as possible so they can focus on the current wildfire season.”

An FMAG is federal assistance approved while a fire is burning uncontrolled and threatens such destruction as to constitute a major disaster. It offers 75 percent reimbursement for eligible expenses such as overtime labor, equipment and supplies, provisions for shelters, safety items for firefighters and mutual aid. The grant recipient for an FMAG is the state. State agencies and local entities apply to the state for subgrants.

FMAGs were declared in 2011 for specific fires in Archer, Bastrop, Bexar, Bosque, Brewster, Cass, Clay, Coke, Eastland, Ector, Ellis, Fisher, Grimes, Harris, Howard, Hutchinson, Jack, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Kent, Kimble, King, Knox, Marion, Midland, Mitchell, Montgomery, Motley, Nolan, Palo Pinto, Potter, Presidio, Randall, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Stonewall, Tom Green, Travis, Walker, Waller, Webb, Wichita, Wilbarger, Williamson and Young counties.

Applicants wanting assistance from RAMBO should contact their state Public Assistance coordinator.

Follow FEMA tweets about the Texas disaster at www.twitter.com/femaregion6. Other online resources are blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

Last Modified: Thursday, 29-Mar-2012 11:46:09

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FEMA’s ‘Rambo’ Ready To Expedite Fire Management Grants

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Adjust Hours of Operation

Release Date: March 28, 2012
Release Number: 4059-008

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

The new hours are: Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County
Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV

A free bus shuttle is available seven days a week from Kiahsville to the DRC at the Wayne County Health Department. The bus leaves from the post office and general story every two hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance, according to FEMA.

“Before stopping by at the disaster recovery centers, people seeking assistance are strongly urged to register with FEMA,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “Having spoken with or otherwise having contacted state or local officials does not count. You must register with FEMA in order to apply for help.”

By phone, call the FEMA Hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing disabilities, use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled device at m.fema.gov.

Information needed when registering with FEMA includes the address of the damaged property, names of those living in the household, a general description of the damage, the Social Security Account number of any family member living in the home, the extent of insurance coverage and certain other information needed to expedite the process.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration who can explain the low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. These loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 16:58:45

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State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Adjust Hours of Operation

FEMA Registration Is "Fast And Simple"

FEMA Registration Is “Fast And Simple”

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4059-004

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – President Obama has designated four counties in West Virginia – Lincoln, Marion, Wayne and Logan — as eligible to apply for Individual and Households Assistance to help recover from the damage caused by the recent tornadoes, high winds and flooding. This means that thousands of families and businesses now can apply for federal support.

Lincoln, Marion and Wayne county residents may qualify for assistance for damages that were sustained from February 29 through March 5, and Logan County residents for damages resulting from the flooding that occurred from March 15 onward.

Homeowners, renters and businesses of any size that have sustained damages are being urged to register immediately with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin the process.

“You absolutely must register with FEMA as the first step in getting help,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said. “Even if you have been in touch with, or signed up with, state or county or local folks, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help Line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, Criswell said. “The process is fast and simple. Even if you are unsure if you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility. ”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a cell phone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Applicants should be ready to supply FEMA with his or her current contact information (mailing address, phone number, e-mail address or that of a friend or relative who can find the applicant), a Social Security number of any household member, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the problems and, if appropriate, any information about insurance coverage one might or might not have. The FEMA representative may ask for some other data, like the number of people residing in the property and the family’s gross annual income. All this information is critical to the process and will be kept in strict confidence by FEMA, Criswell said.

After registering with FEMA, applicants will be given a case number so they can follow the progress of their applications and to use when speaking to other FEMA personnel. To check on the status of one’s application, he or she can call the FEMA Help Line or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. This information will be available after 24 hours of initially registering with FEMA.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at these locations:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County

Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV

FEMA will send the applicant a copy of his or her application and some printed material to help explain the full process. These publications are available in English and Spanish.

Then an inspector will phone to arrange for a time and date when the property in question can be looked at and damages assessed. These inspectors are FEMA contractors who carry an official FEMA identification. Under no circumstances will any inspector ask for money or any other consideration to do his job. (It’s a good idea to note the inspector’s name and badge number.) Inspectors file their reports but do not decide on the applicants’ eligibility for assistance, according to FEMA officials.

The applicant must be present when the inspector arrives and be able to provide proof that he or she is the owner or renter of the property that was damaged and that it is the owner’s or renter’s primary residence.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration, SBA spokesman Michael Lampton said. These personnel can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. The loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA, but filling out the application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance.

Applicants are urged to visit any Disaster Recovery Center after they go through the entire registration process. There they can get guidance on disaster recovery, clarify any letters or calls they may have received from FEMA and can also confer with SBA representatives.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 17:09:06

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FEMA Registration Is “Fast And Simple”

FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-008

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that in FY2011, FEMA Region X provided $11,909,572 funding to the State of Washington to implement 19 new Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) projects in the Puget Sound Watershed.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to State and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to help communities prepare for future disasters by providing grants to implement long-term solutions for preparedness and protection against property damage and loss of life.

A primary eligible project type for FEMA’s five Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs is acquisition and demolition of flood prone structures. This results in the acquisition and conversion of developed land into permanent open space, in the form of native vegetation/wildlife habitat, active-use parks, and multi-use greenways.

A good example of a floodway buyout conversion into open space can be seen in King County, along the Cedar River in Maple Valley. This project was completed in 2008. In this project, called the Rainbow Bend Floodway Acquisition project, five residences on 6 parcels were purchased (see attached photos). The flood-prone houses were removed, and the vacant lands returned to their natural state. Now, where a row of houses stood too close to the river, there is riparian habitat.

In FY2011, six flood prone properties similar to the Rainbow Bend Acquisition project have been purchased for acquisition and demolition to be converted into permanent open space. When these projects are finished, six families will be spared the pain of repeated flooding, and the stretches of riverside where these homes once stood will be permanent open space.

Over the past three years, FEMA Region X has provided funding to the State of Washington to implement 101 new Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) projects in the Puget Sound Watershed. A total of 25 have been for acquisition/demolition of flood prone properties for conversion to permanent open space use. The total Federal share dollar value of these acquisition projects is $29.6 million, and 87 flood prone structures have been approved for acquisition.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 14:49:03

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FEMA: Nearly $12 Million In Hazard Mitigation For Puget Sound

Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4022-075

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – When it comes to hurricanes, many people think Vermont is not in danger. But last August, as Hurricane Irene downgraded to tropical storm status, Vermont suffered a major blow that severely tested the state’s resources.

At the 2012 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando from March 26 – 29, Vermont will be in the spotlight for its response to Tropical Storm Irene and the state’s focus on meeting the needs of residents with disabilities and those with access or functional needs who took refuge in shelters.

Presenters will be Robert Schell, Chief of Field Operations for Vermont Emergency Management and Kate McCarthy-Barnett, Disability Integration Specialist for the Boston office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The American Red Cross will also be featured in the presentation.

To help entire communities recover from Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA and VEM began working together to ensure that people with disabilities and those with access or functional needs were able to fully participate in disaster recovery programs.

Within two days of the storm, the Vermont Interagency Emergency Response Committee was formed and included representatives from FEMA, VEM and the Red Cross along with over 40 disability organizations and agencies. The committee members joined daily conference calls and collaborated on the needs of the community and shared local resources.

Tropical Storm Irene was the first large©scale disaster in Vermont since the development of the Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) guidance. It provided an opportunity to implement FNSS in a real-world response and recovery situation for individuals with disabilities. A Sheltering Team integrated partners and other specialized community leaders in planning to accommodate individuals with access and functional needs in general population shelters.

Pre©event planning and creative modifications allowed for integration in specialized shelters where disabled populations are often isolated. The team worked directly with people with functional and access needs within the shelters, ensuring they had a voice in identifying appropriate services and information formats.

“Vermont made great progress in inclusive planning for people with access and functional needs in shelters set up in affected communities,” said Vermont Emergency Management Director Joe Flynn. “We are honored to bring Vermont’s story to this national workshop.”

To make sure the whole community is engaged, FEMA’s McCarthy-Barnett has been in Vermont since the storm to not only advise FEMA and state leadership on the issues, but also to engage local and state community leadership as partners. She was the keynote speaker and a participant in Vermont’s annual Disabilities Awareness Day activities on March 21.

“The collaborations that took place after Irene between state, federal and the disability community enhanced the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and those with access and functional needs,” said McCarthy-Barnett. “That has continued into the long-term recovery phase.”

Considerations in reaching the target population include:

Physical needs: Shelters, meetings, disaster recovery centers and other physical locations must be accessible.
Communication needs: Materials should be available in plain language and in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, sign language interpreters, and by TTY.
Programmatic needs: The approach is holistic to ensure that all programs, policies, services, and messages are accessible. When not possible, alternatives are offered. For example, if a meeting is advertised, a phone contact or e-mail address should be included for people to request reasonable accommodation to their specific needs.

The community has been engaged in a number of other ways including facilitating a series of presentations and meetings to get the word out about disability integration in emergency management, building capacity for response efforts, and enhancing community networks.

“FEMA is committed to ensuring that key aspects of recovery are available equally to all residents of Vermont or any other state where a disaster is declared,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “We need to provide accurate and accessible information to everyone who needs it.”

The National Hurricane Conference is a nationwide forum for education and professional training in hurricane-related topics. Participants include law enforcement, amateur radio, hospital and nursing home officials, transportation interests, engineers, insurance company representatives, armed forces disaster preparedness officials, fire and emergency services personnel and emergency managers.

More information on the National Hurricane Conference may be found at http://www.hurricanemeeting.com/.

###

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 11:48:11

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Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

FEMA Aid to Kentucky Tornado Recovery Exceeds $7 Million

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Release Number: 4057-029

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $7 million for survivors of the recent severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring Feb. 29-March 3, 2012.

“Funds are being quickly provided to survivors in the Commonwealth so they can begin their recovery as soon as possible,” said Libby Turner, federal officer in charge of the Kentucky recovery. “Our outreach teams are also on the ground in home improvement stores in impacted areas advising residents in the best ways to rebuild safer, stronger and smarter to minimize damages in future severe weather events.”

To date:

Approximately 4,400 survivors in 21 designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people have sought housing assistance from FEMA because their primary residence has been damaged or destroyed.
More than $5.2 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
More than 2,200 homes sustained damages. Of those, more than 650 were destroyed.
Approximately 1,200 households have received FEMA grants to help pay for temporary housing.
Approximately 2,400 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted.
More than $900,000 in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by the Small Business Administration.
Approximately $1.2 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
Nine disaster recovery centers are open for survivors to get information on disaster assistance programs and help them apply for aid.
More than 1,900 visits have been made to disaster recovery centers.

The 14 counties in Kentucky currently eligible for Public Assistance are Ballard, Grant, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Morgan, Pendleton, Trimble and Wolfe. Public Assistance is available to local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools and similar facilities.

The 21 counties in Kentucky are currently eligible for Individual Assistance are Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe. Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

More than 250 volunteer agencies rushed to aid Kentucky following the storms that tore across the Commonwealth. FEMA helps match volunteers with storm-damaged areas where help is needed.

Mitigation specialists are offering free information and answering questions about rebuilding at home improvement stores in five Commonwealth counties.

Survivors who receive a letter from FEMA that says more information is needed to determine their eligibility for federal disaster assistance should read it carefully. If a survivor gets a letter requesting more information or informing them of a decision they disagree with, FEMA urges them to call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) and to file an appeal.

Survivors who received an application from the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan must complete and return it as soon as possible. No survivor is required to accept a loan, but they must return a completed application to be considered for additional FEMA assistance.

IRS, with the cooperation of the Kentucky Department of Revenue, is postponing certain tax deadlines for Kentuckians who live in, or have a business in any Commonwealth county designated for Individual Assistance. This special relief includes an extension of the April 17 deadline for filing 2011 individual income tax returns, making income tax payments and making 2011 contributions to an individual retirement account. Taxpayers requiring assistance with penalty waivers or additional tax information may contact the Department of Revenue at 502-564-4581.

Kentucky senior citizens who receive disaster assistance from FEMA as a result of the recent severe storms and tornadoes will not lose their Social Security benefits nor have their benefits cut. Disaster grants will not affect income levels, which might cause a senior citizen to become ineligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Free help is also available for survivors who have legal issues as a result of the severe storms. Help can include questions about lost wills, landlord-tenant relations, property ownership, home repair contracts and government benefit programs. Survivors can request free legal help by calling 877-625-9839. Information also can be found at www.kybar.org/567.

There are three ways to register with FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance: call 800-621-FEMA (3362), register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or register using a tablet or Smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov. Help is available in many languages.

Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, every day.

KYEM urges anyone who has storm damage to their residence or other property to document the damage by photographing or videoing it, if possible, and maintain a list of any repairs and keep repair receipts. Report the damage and location to your county emergency manager. Survivors must still register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

More disaster specific information can be found on the Kentucky Emergency Management website at www.kyem.ky.gov.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 09:58:11

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FEMA Aid to Kentucky Tornado Recovery Exceeds $7 Million

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