Local Employees Wanted for Jobs in Louisiana Disaster Recovery from March Floods

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana residents looking for temporary work following the March severe storms and flooding have an opportunity to learn firsthand about the recovery process. The Louisiana Workforce Commission, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is advertising open positions at the disaster recovery offices in Baton Rouge, Pineville (Rapides Parish) and West Monroe (Ouachita Parish). These are temporary, full-time jobs.

Interested applicants can visit the Louisiana Workforce Commission – Helping Individuals Reach Employment (HiRE) website at laworks.net. To find the available jobs, click on HiRE, then Additional Search Options under Job Seeker Services. Under Job Search by Employer, enter Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The following positions are currently advertised:

  •     Administrative Support Assistant
  •     Community Education and Outreach Specialist
  •     Courier
  •     Data Integration Specialist
  •     Digital Communications Specialist
  •     Environmental Specialist
  •     External Affairs Program Liaison Specialist
  •     Geospatial Information System (GIS) Specialist
  •     Hazard Mitigation Floodplain Management Specialist
  •     Hazard Mitigation Insurance Specialist
  •     Historic Preservation Specialist
  •     Human Resources Assistant
  •     Media Analysis Specialist
  •     Receptionist/Switchboard Operator
  •     Research & Writing Specialist
  •     Training Specialist
  •     Travel Specialist
  •     Voluntary Agency Liaison

 
More positions may be posted on the HIRE website as disaster recovery continues.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older. They must have a valid government identification card, such as a driver’s license or military ID. Before hiring, selected candidates will be subject to a complete background investigation.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation and any other non-merit factor.

Visit fema.gov/disaster/4263 and gohsep.la.gov/ for news and information about Louisiana’s recovery.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s 511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at  emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at getagameplan.org.

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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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 us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

Originally posted here: 

Local Employees Wanted for Jobs in Louisiana Disaster Recovery from March Floods

Free Legal Help Available to Low-Income Texans Affected by April Floods

AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster often invites chaos, which can result in disagreement: tenants and landlords bicker over re-entry to damaged apartments, homeowners and contractors argue over billing for unfinished or subpar repairs.

“These are just some of the difficulties that Texas survivors may be facing after the recent flooding that may require legal assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “For those who can’t afford it, help is available.”

The State Bar of Texas, American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, FEMA and   other organizations have partnered to help provide assistance to affected individuals and families in the 12 counties designated by the April disaster: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton. The free service is offered to survivors who need legal assistance dealing with issues related to the storms and flooding and have no means to hire a lawyer.

A toll-free legal hotline (800-504-7030) is open to connect low-income individuals affected by the disaster with local legal aid providers who can help with: 

  • assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims;

  • counseling on landlord-tenant problems;

  • assistance securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors;

  • help with home repair contracts and contractors;

  • replacement of wills and other important documents lost or destroyed in the disaster

  • consumer protection issues such as price gouging and avoiding contractor scams in rebuliding process and

  • counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems.

The hotline is available around the clock, seven days a week, and callers are also invited to leave a message. Individuals who qualify for assistance will be matched with Texas lawyers who have volunteered to provide free, limited legal help. Communications with an attorney are confidential.

Survivors should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal services. For example, assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid part of the settlement by the court). Such cases are referred to a local lawyer referral service.

Other legal organizations assisting with disaster relief efforts include the Houston Bar Association (hba.org), Lone Star Legal Aid (lonestarlegal.org), the Texas Consumer Complaint Center at the University of Houston Law Center (texasccc.com, or 877-839-8422) and the American Red Cross (877-500-8645). National Disaster Legal Aid Online, or NDLA (available at: disasterlegalaid.org) is a collaborative effort of Lone Star Legal Aid, the American Bar Association (abanet.org/disaster), the Legal Services Corporation, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, and Pro Bono Net.

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

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 us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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.

 

Original article – 

Free Legal Help Available to Low-Income Texans Affected by April Floods

FEMA Announces 2016 Youth Preparedness Council Members

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the selectees for the 2016–2018 Youth Preparedness Council.

Created in 2012, the council brings together youth leaders from across the country who are interested in advocating on behalf of preparedness and making a difference in their communities by completing preparedness projects. The council supports FEMA’s commitment to involve youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides an avenue to engage youth by taking into account their perspectives, feedback, and opinions. Council members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives, and projects.

FEMA selected the ten new members of the council based on their dedication to public service, community involvement, and potential to expand their impact as national advocates for youth preparedness. The members selected in 2016 are:

  • Kristen Lavoie (FEMA Region I, New Hampshire)
  • Ahjeetha Shankar (FEMA Region I, Connecticut)
  • Aahna Ghosh (FEMA Region II, New Jersey)
  • Sam Kleinberg (FEMA Region II, New Jersey)
  • David Bedard (FEMA Region III, Virginia)
  • Preston Buszka (FEMA Region V, Michigan)
  • Chandler Villa (FEMA Region VI, Texas)
  • James Hirsch (FEMA Region VII, Missouri)
  • Jerome Dinakar (FEMA Region VIII, Colorado)
  • Alexander Sun (FEMA Region VIII, Utah)

The returning council members are:

  • Kiahna Lee Espia, Council Co-Chairperson (FEMA Region IX, Guam)
  • Divakar Saini, Council Co-Chairperson (FEMA Region IX, California)
  • Angelo DeGraff (FEMA Region III, Maryland)
  • Hailey Starr (FEMA Region X, Washington)
  • Megan Stutzman (FEMA Region X, Oregon)

Each council member will participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit, July 19–20, 2016 in Washington, D.C. The summit gives members the opportunity to share their ideas and questions with national organizations; plan their legacy project; and meet with FEMA community preparedness staff, who serve as their ongoing support and mentors.

To learn more about the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council, please visit: http://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.
 

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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.

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.

This article: 

FEMA Announces 2016 Youth Preparedness Council Members

SBA Disaster Loan May Help in Recovery Process

RIDGELAND, Miss. — Disaster survivors in Mississippi who apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration are advised to submit an SBA loan application to ensure that the disaster recovery process continues.

If you are a homeowner or renter and SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, you may be considered for FEMA’s other needs assistance program, which provides grants for disaster-related medical and dental care, funeral costs and vehicle repairs. Survivors may also be eligible for assistance from other organizations.

There is no requirement to take out a loan if one is offered from SBA.

Next to insurance, SBA is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster. Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding.

May 24, 2016, is the last day survivors can register with FEMA and apply for SBA disaster loans for physical damage.

Loan applications may be submitted online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Rd.

Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243

For additional information, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit sba.gov/disaster.

Survivors with questions regarding the FEMA application or appeal process, or who need to register for assistance, can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or relay service). (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.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4268 and www.msema.org.

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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 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money to help business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters rebuild and recover after a disaster. SBA low interest disaster loans repair and replace property losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Link:  

SBA Disaster Loan May Help in Recovery Process

Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration could lose some income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit SBA’s loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they have completed and returned the SBA loan application.  The information on the application is used to determine eligibility for income-based assistance.

Applicants from Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties should complete the SBA loan application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“If you don’t complete the SBA loan application, you could be leaving ‘money on the table’ for your recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “We use that application to check eligibility for additional grants.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors should start the loan process as soon as possible, and those who qualify for an SBA loan are under no obligation to accept it.  If approved and the loan is not accepted, the survivor may be ineligible for additional federal assistance.

Submit an SBA loan application even if you are waiting for an insurance settlement.  You may be able to begin your recovery immediately with a low-interest SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement from your insurance. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 from SBA to replace personal property.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.Toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on 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 us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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.

From: 

Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris County at the Lowe’s in Baytown and at the North Loop West Home Depot in Houston

AUSTIN, Texas – A team of specialists from FEMA will visit Lowe’s and The Home Depot in Harris County to offer tips and techniques to lessen the impact of disaster-related property damage.

Specialists will be available at the following locations:

Where:           Lowe’s, 5002 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521

Hours:            7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday May 12-17

Where:           The Home Depot, 999 N. Loop W., Houston, TX 77008

Hours:            7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday May 12-17

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as storm shelters and safe rooms.

Booklets are available in both English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and other natural disasters. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access Braille, large print or American Sign Language interpreters, please let our representatives know. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation and fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA), select option 2, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information on 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 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.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris County at the Lowe’s in Baytown and at the North Loop West Home Depot in Houston

Deadline to Seek Federal Aid for Texas March Floods is May 18

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the March tornadoes and flooding are running out of time to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

Individuals who had disaster-related damage or losses living in the counties of Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler only have until Wednesday, May 18, to register for FEMA assistance.

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

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.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the March storms at fema.gov/disaster/4266; 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.

See the original article here:  

Deadline to Seek Federal Aid for Texas March Floods is May 18

Residents of Four More Texas Counties Eligible to Apply for Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Individuals and families in Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery and San Jacinto counties can now register for assistance for the April floods after FEMA granted the state’s request to add them to the disaster declaration.

They join the eight counties already approved for individual assistance under the April 25 federal disaster declaration: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Parker, Waller and Wharton counties.  

Texans who suffered damage or loss as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred April 17-24 are encouraged to apply for assistance. 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.

Texans in the 12 counties can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at

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

Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Before starting repairs or rebuilding a home or business, it is important to contact the local building code official or floodplain manager. Visit fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for free publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available for eligible survivors. SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

Survivors may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

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

 

View the original here – 

Residents of Four More Texas Counties Eligible to Apply for Disaster Assistance

Louisiana Disaster Survivors: Don’t Throw That SBA Loan Application Away!

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you’re a survivor of the Louisiana storms and flooding that struck the state March 8 through April 8 and you’ve received an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan, you should complete and return it as soon as possible.

Obtaining a low-interest disaster loan may be the solution to your recovery needs by providing you the funds you need for home repair, rebuilding and property loss. Returning the application also may lead you to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery grants that do not have to be repaid.

While no survivor is obligated to accept a loan, you will be considered for other federal disaster assistance only if you return the SBA loan application.

There are important reasons for you to file the loan application (even if you don’t think you currently need a loan):

  •     Your insurance settlement may fall short. As you began to recover from the effects of your personal disaster, you may discover that you were underinsured for the amount of work required to repair or replace your home. An SBA low-interest disaster loan can cover the gap.
  •     SBA will work with you to provide a loan that fits your personal budget. If you already have a mortgage on damaged property, SBA specialists can help with a low-interest loan you can afford. In some cases, that may mean your current mortgage loan could be included in your SBA loan which could give you one overall, affordable loan payment on your home.
  •     Don’t know how you’ll replace household contents or vehicles? SBA may be able to help.  Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate. Both homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  •     What about businesses that were damaged? If you’re a business owner, you may be able to borrow up to $2 million for physical damage and economic injury.
  •     By submitting your SBA loan application, you keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. If SBA does not approve a loan, you may be offered a FEMA grant or grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses or meet other serious disaster-related needs.

SBA Loans have Low Interest Rates.

Interest rates for loans for homeowners and renters can be as low as 1.813 percent. For private nonprofit organizations rates can be a low as 2.625 percent. For businesses rates can be as low as 4 percent.

Even if you qualify for an SBA loan, you are under no obligation to accept it.

Refinancing and relocation loans may be available on a case-by-case basis. Survivors are encouraged to speak with an SBA representative for details.

For more information, call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (800- 877-8339 TTY). Homeowners, renters and businesses may visit SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply online for disaster loans.

Although it’s not required to register with FEMA to apply for an SBA loan, you are strongly urged to do so as grants could be available to you from FEMA.  

Register with FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance: call 800-621-FEMA (3362), register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4263. Help is available in many languages. Cuando llame al 800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.
Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-426-7585. 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.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s 511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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 us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

 

Continue reading:  

Louisiana Disaster Survivors: Don’t Throw That SBA Loan Application Away!

Clay County Arkansas Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective in Clay County on Aug. 3, 2016. Residents are encouraged to examine so they can determine the need to buy flood insurance. By knowing their risks, individuals and community leaders can make informed decisions about building and development.

The effects of flooding are not covered by most homeowner insurance policies. Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy, or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Residents with federal mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in flood hazard areas. Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator. “We all need to learn what our risks are and prepare for them,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Floods can happen anywhere.”

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.  

•    To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•    To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
•    To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://maps.riskmap6.com/AR/Clay/

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov. 

Continued here: 

Clay County Arkansas Flood Maps Become Final

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