Cleveland and Creek County Residents Receive More Than $11.5 Million in Disaster Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than $11.5 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved for homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the Aug. 3-14 wildfires in Cleveland and Creek counties according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Eligible residents have received nearly $6 million in Housing Assistance for temporary lodging expenses, home replacement or repairs as well as more than $600,000 in Other Needs Assistance for repair or replacement of personal property, essential vehicles, moving and storage costs, and other miscellaneous disaster related expenses.

Federal disaster assistance programs are available for a limited time following a major disaster declaration. The deadline for all Cleveland and Creek County residents who suffered damages or losses to apply is Nov. 21.

To date, more than 775 individuals and families have registered with FEMA.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $4.9 million in low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged real estate, personal property and business assets not covered by insurance. SBA makes up to $200,000 available to homeowners to repair or replace primary homes; up to $40,000 to homeowners and renters to repair or replace personal property; and, up to $2 million to businesses for physical losses and economic injury.

SBA wants to remind applicants that anyone who registers with FEMA and receives an SBA application needs to submit their completed application by the Nov. 21 deadline. Otherwise, they may miss out on additional federal assistance. Some people mistakenly assume these loans are only for small businesses; or, they choose to ignore them because they do not think they can’t afford or don’t qualify for a disaster loan. 

Residents with access to computers or smartphones may apply for assistance or track their status online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or web-enabled phones at m.fema.gov or the FEMA app. If they do not have a computer, they can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, the number is the same, 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the Aug. 3-14 wildfire, can apply for an SBA disaster loan after registering with FEMA by going online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; calling 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339. For information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click on www.fema.gov/disaster/4078 or www.oem.ok.gov.

Follow the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook at twitter.com/okem and www.facebook.com/oklahomadepartmentofemergencymanagement. FEMA tweets about the Oklahoma disaster are at twitter.com/femaregion6. Additional FEMA online resources include blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

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Cleveland and Creek County Residents Receive More Than $11.5 Million in Disaster Assistance

Disaster Recovery Center Opens Monday in New Roads

BATON ROUGE, La. —  A State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open Monday, Oct. 22, in Pointe Coupee Parish to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured damage to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac.

Specialists from the state of Louisiana, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

The center opens at 11 a.m. on Monday. Regular hours thereafter will be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Closed Sunday.

Scott Civic Center
1200 Major Pkwy.
New Roads, LA 70760

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

SBA offers federal low-interest disaster loans to residents and businesses. After registering with FEMA, visit any Disaster Recovery Center where SBA representatives will answer questions, explain the application process and help each resident or business owner apply to SBA. For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 1-800-877-8339.

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

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens Monday in New Roads

FEMA Adds West Baton Rouge Parish for Individual Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianians in West Baton Rouge Parish can now apply for federal and state disaster assistance, as the parish was added Tuesday to the major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac.

Homeowners, renters and business owners in the parish may now register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance and report their uninsured or underinsured property damage or destruction from the storm.

“We urge West Baton Rouge Parish residents who had damage from Hurricane Isaac to register with FEMA,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “We’re here to help eligible survivors get assistance, and registration is the first step in that process.”

Disaster assistance for individuals may include:

  • Grants to help pay for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make a home habitable;
  • Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance;
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

West Baton Rouge Parish survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization or local community or church organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Social Security number
  • Address of the damaged home or apartment
  • Description of the damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • A current contact telephone number
  • An address where they can get mail
  • Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance.

The latest addition brings to 25 the total number of parishes for which Individual Assistance has been made available in Louisiana: Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

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 Adds West Baton Rouge Parish for Individual Assistance

Free Crisis Counseling Can Help Hurricane Isaac Survivors Cope

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisianians who survived Hurricane Isaac — or saw neighbors or family experience loss — may suffer emotional stress as real as the hurricane’s physical destruction.

To help people experiencing post-disaster emotional stress, free crisis counseling is available in the parishes designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration. The program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), is open to any child or adult in designated parishes.

“FEMA funds this important program because counseling can help people understand and process their emotional reactions to the disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “The right support can help most survivors regroup and move on with their lives.”

Those who have suffered losses may be likely to experience at least one of several emotional responses, including anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, nightmares, depression, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, or increased alcohol or drug use. Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster. Their stress symptoms may include excessive fear of the dark, crying, fear of being alone, and constant worry.

Trained counselors are provided by the network of state Human Services authorities and districts. Calls to the crisis lines are free of charge, as are face-to-face follow-up sessions for adults and children whose needs cannot be fully served through phone counseling.

Participating districts/authorities, the parishes they serve and their phone numbers are:

  • Florida Parishes Human Services Authority 
    Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington 
    1-800-272-8367
  • Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority 
    Jefferson 
    504-832-5123
  • Metropolitan Human Services District
    Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard 
    504-826-2675
  • South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority 
    Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne 
    1-877-500-9997

Statewide resources include:

  • DHH-Office of Behavioral Health Louisiana Spirit Crisis Line: 1-866-310-7977
  • Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership: 1-800-424-4399
  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-985-5990

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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Free Crisis Counseling Can Help Hurricane Isaac Survivors Cope

When in Doubt, Register for Disaster Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge Cleveland and Creek County residents who sustained property damage or losses from the Aug. 3-14 wildfires to apply for disaster assistance even if they think they may not qualify.

Register even if:

  • You have insurance
  • Your well and septic system was damaged
  • You already started to rebuild – save receipts for work already done
  • You think you may not qualify

You can call the same number you called when you registered to:

  • Confirm your registration
  • Check your status if you called before your county was declared a major disaster
  • Change your contact information or report additional damages

“Don’t prejudge your eligibility. You may be eligible for assistance you didn’t think was available,” said State Coordinating Officer and OEM Deputy Director Michelann Ooten.

“Registering provides access to a host of Federal, State and voluntary programs.  We are here to provide assistance for all eligible applicants,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III. “FEMA may provide assistance that can address a person’s specific needs, not just housing.”

Federal disaster assistance may include FEMA’s grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses, such as wells or septic tanks, medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs, not covered by insurance or other sources.

Since the disaster declaration, 596 individuals in Creek County and 150 in Cleveland County affected by the wildfires applied for assistance with FEMA.
Homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations, that have not yet registered should do so now by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or m.fema.gov via web-enabled phones or using the FEMA app. Anyone using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

To apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):  After registering with FEMA, go online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; call 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339; or visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Noble.  For more information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov.

SBA’s low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits for their uncompensated physical disaster losses (homes, personal property and business assets).  For small businesses and most private nonprofits, SBA disaster loans are available to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster, whether or not the business suffered physical damage.

It is important that anyone receiving an SBA disaster loan application complete and return it. Returning the application does not obligate you to accept an SBA loan; however, it is a necessary step to be considered for other additional forms of federal disaster assistance

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click on www.fema.gov/disaster/4078 or www.oem.ok.gov. Information can also be accessed via smartphone at m.fema.gov or the FEMA app.

Follow the OEM on Twitter and Facebook at twitter.com/okem and www.facebook.com/oklahomadepartmentofemergencymanagement. FEMA tweets about the Oklahoma disaster are at twitter.com/femaregion6. Additional FEMA online resources include blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

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When in Doubt, Register for Disaster Assistance

Five Counties Added To Alabama Disaster For Public Assistance

CLANTON, Ala.  – Governor Robert Bentley’s request for five counties to be added to the President’s major disaster declaration for damage caused by Hurricane Isaac was granted Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Covington, Dallas, Geneva, Monroe and Perry counties are now eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

The program provides grants, on a cost-sharing basis, to reimburse state agencies, local governments and eligible private nonprofits for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and permanent repairs to roads, bridges and public buildings and infrastructure damaged by the hurricane.

Baldwin, Mobile and Pickens counties were previously designated for assistance in the Sept. 21 disaster declaration.

FEMA Public Assistance grants cover 75 percent of the approved eligible costs with the remainder coming from state and local governments.

Alabama Emergency Management Agency officials will schedule Applicants’ Briefings in the added counties.

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.

 

Original article – 

Five Counties Added To Alabama Disaster For Public Assistance

Free Rebuilding Advice From FEMA At Home Depot And Wal-Mart

CLINTON, Miss. – Mississippi residents who suffered damage from wind and flooding from Hurricane Isaac can get free advice on rebuilding stronger, more disaster-resistant homes and buildings from FEMA.

Specialists have free publications and can offer helpful advice about making repairs, rebuilding and retrofitting damaged structures. They also can make recommendations on:

  • Preparing for emergencies.
  • Repairing roofs.
  • Clearing out and reconstructing flooded buildings.
  • Cleaning up mold and mildew.
  • Protecting electrical systems and appliances.
  • Reinforcing structures from high wind.
  • Elevating buildings in flood prone regions.
  • Buying flood insurance.

Visit the following stores from through Monday, Oct. 1.

Jackson County

Wal-Mart

4253 Denny Avenue

Pascagoula, MS

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Pearl River County

Home Depot

2000 Highway 43 South

Picayune, MS

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

The in-store events are geared toward both do-it-yourself projects and building contractors.

Learn more about ways to protect your home and property on FEMA’s web site at www.FEMA.gov under Mitigation.

Additional information is available online:

Once a major storm hits, it’s too late to protect your home and property. There are things you can do now to reduce damage from high winds and water from future storms.

Protecting your property from flooding can involve a variety of actions from elevating a home in floodprone regions to ensuring water properly drains away from the building.

This report presents floodproofing techniques that can be used for existing residential structures.

FEMA has prepared this guide specifically for homeowners who want to know how to protect their homes from flooding.

This publication shows how floodprone houses in south Florida were elevated above the 100-year flood level following Hurricane Andrew. Alternative elevation techniques are also demonstrated.

Flooding in residential areas is bound to happen in flood-prone areas resulting in property damage. This manual is for designers, developers, builders, and others who wish to build elevated residential structures in flood-prone areas.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Free Rebuilding Advice From FEMA At Home Depot And Wal-Mart

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alabama Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Alabama.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Local Can Include as Required:

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Application procedures for the state will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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.

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alabama Disaster Recovery

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight the Byrd Canyon Fire

SEATTLE, Wash — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Byrd Canyon Fire burning in Chelan County, Washington.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on September 10, 2012 at 5:00 PM PDT. This is the third FMAG in Washington in 24 hours.

The fire started on September 8, 2012, and has burned approximately 6,500 acres of Federal and private land.  At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 135 primary homes near the city of Chelan and was at 0 percent containment.  Approximately 170 people had evacuated the area under a mandatory evacuation order. 

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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.

Source: 

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight the Byrd Canyon Fire

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight Two Washington Wildfires

SEATTLE, Wash — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for both the 1st Canyons Fire burning in Chelan County and the Barker Canyon Fire burning in Douglas and Grant counties.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved Washington’s requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) for the two fires on September 9, 2012.

At the time of the request, the 1st Canyons Fire was threatening 210 primary homes in subdivisions near the city of Wenatchee.  The residents of approximately 200 homes have been placed under a mandatory evacuation order and one shelter is open.  The fire started on September 8, 2012, and has burned approximately 250 acres of private land.  There are 85 other large fires burning uncontrolled within the State.  The Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes.  The fire is at approximately 0 percent containment. 

At the time of the request, the Barker Canyon Fire was threatening 165 primary homes and had progressed to within 1/2 mile of the city of Grand Coulee.  Approximately 120 people had been evacuated and one shelter is open. Three power substations and major transmission lines are threatened, with one substation surrounded. The fire started on September 9, 2012 and has burned approximately 10,000 acres. The Principal Advisor has confirmed the threat to homes and utilities. The fire is at approximately 0 percent containment.

The authorizations makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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.

Source: 

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight Two Washington Wildfires

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