CHARLESTON, W. Va. — As West Virginians repair or rebuild their homes damaged by last month’s storms, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local hardware and home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand to provide information at area Home Depots and Lowe’s Home Improvements from July 21-27. They will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you are thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

FEMA advisors will be on hand at information centers in these stores, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
July 21-27 (except Sunday, July 24):

THE  HOME  DEPOT

Cabell County
1050 Thundering Herd Dr.
Barboursville, WV 25504

Kanawha County
100 Cross Terrace Blvd.
Charleston, WV 25309

 

LOWE’S  HOME  IMPROVEMENT

Kanawha County
5750 MacCorkle Ave. SE
Charleston, WV 25304

Raleigh County
1210 N. Eisenhower Dr.
Beckley, WV 25801.

Free reference booklets, in English and Spanish, with information on protecting your home from flood damage, will be available at all locations. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

West Virginians who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the National Flood Insurance Program call center at  800-621-3362  (Option 2)  between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Specialists can help service claims, provide general information regarding policies, and offer technical assistance to aid in recovery.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/femaregion3, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog and the flood information pages at http://wvflood.com/Pages/default.aspx

See original article:  

FEMA Offers Repairing, Rebuilding Advice at Home Depot, Lowe’s

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or losses from the May-June storms and flooding have 30 more days to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

Individuals who had disaster-related damage or losses between May 26 and June 24 and who live or work in the 24 eligible counties have until Wednesday, Aug. 10, to register for FEMA assistance.

The counties included in the federal disaster declaration are Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors in all 24 counties may register for assistance the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/pdf/assistance/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Originally from:  

Texans Have 30 Days Left to Register for May-June Flood Disaster Aid

AUSTIN, Texas—Three disaster recovery centers in Kleberg, San Jacinto and Lee counties will close this week.

Kleberg County

Location:      
Presbyterian Pan American School

223 N. FM 772 and U.S. Hwy. 77 B
Kingsville, TX 78363

Closing:         
6 p.m. Friday, July 22

 

San Jacinto County

Location:      
Camilla Volunteer Fire Department

609 Farm Rd. 3278
Cold Spring, TX 77331

Closing:         
6 p.m. Friday, July 22

 

Lee County

Location:      
Giddings Medical Center

721 E. Austin St.
Giddings, TX 78942

Closing:         
2 p.m. Saturday, July 23

Disaster recovery centers are operated jointly by FEMA and the state. Visiting a disaster recovery center is not required to register for FEMA assistance.

After the centers close, Texans whose homes or businesses were affected by the April storms and May-June floods can still register for assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claim the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May-June storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Original article – 

Disaster Recovery Centers Closing This Week in 3 Counties

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with extended periods of high temperatures.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued excessive heat warnings and advisories in areas throughout the Midwest.  Heat indexes in excess of 100 degrees can be expected.  It is essential residents take necessary precautions to avoid the harmful impacts of the high temperatures.

“A combination of high temperatures and high humidity can create a dangerous situation for you and your family,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez, III. “Learn and put into practice the steps you should follow during periods of extreme heat.  Remember to check in on family, friends, and neighbors especially those who are elderly, disabled or have functional needs to ensure they are safe.”

Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses, including severe sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Understand your symptoms, and take the appropriate actions, seeking medical attention if your conditions are severe.

During extremely hot weather, you should take the following precautions:

  • Become familiar with the emergency plans of your community, school and workplace.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings that are air conditioned.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.
  • Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and seek medical attention if your conditions are severe.

Find other valuable tips by downloading the free FEMA app today, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The FEMA App helps you learn what to do before, during, and after emergencies with safety tips & localized weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

See original article here:

Dangerous Heat Conditions are in the Forecast

AUSTIN, Texas—Two deadlines are fast approaching for Texans affected by the April storms and those who had damage from flooding that began around Memorial Day weekend and stretched into June.

The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance for the April 17-30 storms is July 29.

That deadline is for these 16 affected counties: Anderson, Austin, Cherokee, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Smith, Waller, Wharton and Wood.

If damage occurred May 26-June 24, the registration deadline is Aug. 10. That deadline is for these 24 affected counties: Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Presidential disaster declarations for the two storms made federal assistance available to eligible individuals and households as well as those working in the designated counties. Some counties are included in both declarations.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May-June storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Link:  

Affected by April Storms? Register by July 29. Damage from May-June Floods? Register by Aug. 10

AUSTIN, Texas—FEMA is looking to hire Texas residents as temporary employees to help with the state’s recovery from the past year’s storms and flooding.

FEMA is hoping to hire as many as 14 people—mostly in Austin and Houston but with a few positions in Denton and Bon Wier—to fill a variety of temporary positions working on disaster recovery.

“FEMA always seeks to employ local residents in its disaster recovery operations,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “Not only does this help the economy recover by putting people to work, but these employees bring a wealth of local knowledge to the organization.”

Temporary local hires may be employed for 120-day terms, which may be extended up to one year maximum. They do not get hiring preference for other federal jobs as a result of their temporary employment. Selected health benefits are offered for these positions.

The wages vary depending on the nature of the work being performed and are set based on the prevailing wages of the state and locality. The positions range from administrative work to media relations.

Most temporary workers can be hired under a streamlined process instead of a competitive process. They must be 18 years old, have graduated high school or obtained a GED and have the appropriate qualifications for their positions. They will also be required to undergo a standard credit and criminal background check.

“We try to give preference to people who have actually suffered damage or losses from the disaster,” Doran said. “Many current FEMA employees began their careers as local hires.”

To find out more about the positions available and to apply, visit the Texas Workforce Commission’s website at workintexas.com.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the FEMA webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4272 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Link:

FEMA Seeking to Hire Texans to Work on Flood Recovery

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – When you register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you can choose to receive updates to your smartphone or other device via text. You will start receiving those updates soon after you complete the registration process.

The official FEMA number sending messages to your device is 43362 and all notifications will contain the last four digits of your FEMA registration number at the beginning of the message (for example, FEMA ID####).

The messages you receive will include information such as when a determination of eligibility for federal aid is made or when any type of request letter has been mailed to you asking you to provide additional information to FEMA.

If you get a text requesting more information, log into your account on DisasterAssistance.gov for more details. If you don’t follow through, it may delay the assistance process.

If you get a text saying a FEMA-contracted housing inspector was unable to contact you, call the FEMA helpline as soon as possible at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

If you get a text saying your case has been updated, log onto your account on DisasterAssistance.gov to view the status update. You will receive this message when a decision has been made.

  • If the decision states you are eligible for assistance, you may receive a message stating a payment is scheduled.

  • If the decision states you are ineligible for assistance, this isn’t necessarily a final decision. It may simply mean that FEMA needs more information or documentation to further evaluate your application. Read the information carefully.

If you have questions about any messages or letters you get from FEMA, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362; or visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). You can locate the DRC closest to you by visiting http://go.usa.gov/x3NnJ.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/femaregion3, twitter.com/FEMA and fema.gov/blog.

Excerpt from: 

Text messages for West Virginians from FEMA

AUSTIN, Texas—Texans who suffered damage or losses from the April storms and flooding have only two more weeks to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

Residents of 16 counties who experienced damage or losses between April 17 and 30 have until July 29 to register for assistance after FEMA—at the request of the state—extended both the deadline to register as well as the period of time during which damage is eligible.

Residents of Anderson, Austin, Cherokee, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Smith, Waller, Wharton and Wood counties as well as those who work in those counties are encouraged to register with FEMA if they have not already done so.

Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Source: 

Texans Have Two Weeks Left to Register for April Flood Disaster Aid

AUSTIN, Texas—More than $51 million in federal disaster assistance to date is helping fuel the recovery for households and businesses in 24 Texas counties hit hard by the May-June storms and flooding.

As of July 13, nearly $28.4 million was approved in FEMA household assistance grants for eligible applicants to repair damaged homes and pay for temporary housing. An additional $4.5 million was approved to cover other essential needs including personal property, disaster-related dental and medical expenses, transportation and child care.

Some 4,911 households in 24 designated counties were approved for FEMA assistance. The designated counties are Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved 328 businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters for low-interest disaster loans totaling nearly $18.5 million.

“FEMA and the SBA have been working with our state and local partners to help families and communities get back on their feet,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “But we can only assist you if you have registered with FEMA.”

Individuals who had disaster-related damage or losses between May 26 and June 24 and who live or work in the 24 eligible counties have until Wednesday, Aug. 10, to register for FEMA assistance.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May-June storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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

Link to original:

Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $51 Million for May-June Storms and Flooding

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Disaster assistance grants approved for homeowners and renters affected by last month’s severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, has reached more than $28 million, less than three weeks after President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for West Virginia.  

That total includes more than $24.2 million in housing assistance and more than $4.3 million in other needs assistance. More than 6,900 households and businesses have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to date. Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and serious disaster-related needs.

During the same period, one of FEMA’s partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved 55 low-interest disaster loans to businesses, homeowners and renters, totaling just over $3 million. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

Federal disaster assistance is now available to residents of 12 counties: Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers, and Webster. FEMA-contracted housing inspectors have completed more than 5,400 inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage. There are currently 32 inspectors in the field.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages all survivors who sustained disaster-related damage or losses to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

In support of the State of West Virginia, FEMA has deployed 15 teams of Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) personnel to canvass storm-damaged neighborhoods. DSA workers are equipped to register survivors with FEMA and answer their questions about disaster assistance.

The State and FEMA have opened 14 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and one Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) in the affected area. The centers report 3,319 visitors to date. DRCs currently are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Other help available to individuals:

  • An easy-to-use DRC Locator is available at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm

  • For those who lost work as a result of the storms, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available. For more information, visit Work Force West Virginia at workforcewv.org

  • Free disaster legal assistance is available to West Virginia storm survivors. This service offers counseling on insurance claims, landlord-tenant issues, home-repair contracts, the replacement of legal documents destroyed by the storm and other legal matters. Call the toll-free hotline 877-331-4279.

Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps and several other programs. Disaster grants are just that—grants that do not have to be paid back to the government.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/femaregion3, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog and the flood information pages at http://wvflood.com/Pages/default.aspx

Link to article: 

Disaster Assistance tops $28 million for West Virginia storm survivors

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