FEMA Obligates $1.2 Million to St. John Parish School Board for Hurricane Isaac Emergency Measures

BATON ROUGE, La. – The St. John Parish School Board will receive a $1.2 million federal grant to reimburse transportation costs it incurred because of Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Thursday.

Between Aug. 26 and Sept. 10, Hurricane Isaac produced high winds, rain and flooding throughout the state. Two public schools in St. John Parish sustained flooding serious enough to close their doors temporarily and students from those schools had to be bused to other locations. The FEMA Public Assistance grant, totaling $1,234,063, helps reimburse the school board for those transportation costs.

“The St. John School Board acted quickly to make sure students remained safe and continued their educations after the storm,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “Reimbursement for those transportation-related expenses supports the schools’ recovery efforts.”

The newly obligated funds are a portion of the $222 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration.

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

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

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FEMA Obligates $1.2 Million to St. John Parish School Board for Hurricane Isaac Emergency Measures

FEMA Team At Economy Supply With Tips On Smart Building

PURVIS, Miss. – An outreach team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Economy Supply, Hattiesburg’s hometown supply company, this week to explain techniques to reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from high-wind events. The team also will offer tips on rebuilding stronger and safer after the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding.

The partnership between the agency and the local company underscores FEMA’s commitment to a local approach in responding to and recovering from disasters.

“It reinforces the fact that FEMA is only one part of our nation’s emergency management team, and collectively we must meet the needs of the entire community,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles.  “What better partner than one who has been involved with the Hattiesburg area for 72 years.”

A FEMA team is staffing a table at Economy Supply at 200 E. 2nd St. in Hattiesburg to provide free “how-to” information about wind-resistant building methods, and guidance to help prevent damage to a business or home in the face of another natural disaster. The team will be present from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 and continuing with a Monday through Saturday schedule until further notice. More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

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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FEMA Team At Economy Supply With Tips On Smart Building

Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In less than three months, on Thursday, May 16, 2013, new flood maps for Curry County, New Mexico will become effective.  Before that date, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.  

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

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood. 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.

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

 

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Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

PURVIS, Miss. – There will be changes this week at Disaster Recovery Centers in Mississippi.

The State of Mississippi and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows, a center may change hours or be considered for possible closure.   

The last chance to visit two centers will be Sat., March 2 until 6 p.m.:

Marion County

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth

Wayne County

Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St Waynesboro

Survivors can still meet face-to-face with disaster-recovery specialists at three centers where hours and days of operation will change this week. Effective Sat., March 2, these disaster recovery centers will serve storm survivors 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Effective Sun., March. 3, these centers will be closed Sundays.

Forrest County:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg

Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St., Petal

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use        711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate     7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

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

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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Upcoming Changes At Disaster Recovery Centers

FEMA registration deadline extended for Hurricane Sandy survivors in N.Y.

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the State of New York, has approved a 30-day extension for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance.

As one of the most densely populated areas in the country, New York presents FEMA with many unique challenges. The agency – along with state and federal partners and voluntary organizations – is extending the registration period for an additional 30 days in order to best serve Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York.  

The new registration deadline in New York is March 29, 2013, which is also the deadline to complete and return low-interest SBA disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The extension allows survivors in the 13 New York counties designated for federal individual assistance more time to register with FEMA. The designated counties are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

People living in these counties who sustained losses due to Hurricane Sandy should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Applying by the deadline may help survivors avoid a funding shortfall if they later find that they are underinsured or have additional damages.

Survivors who register may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

By returning the SBA disaster loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property. Businesses and private nonprofits may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

How to register with FEMA

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors can also register by calling the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The line is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice.

Anyone with questions regarding the FEMA registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs is encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center or contact FEMA.

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

SBA disaster loan application

A simple and fast way to complete the disaster loan application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and

SBA business recovery centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. To locate the nearest center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

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

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.

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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FEMA registration deadline extended for Hurricane Sandy survivors in N.Y.

Stay In Touch With FEMA To Continue Temporary Housing

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors need to complete the application for continued temporary rental assistance and avoid interruptions of funds for an apartment, house or other temporary home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency mails forms to survivors receiving temporary rental assistance that must be completed and returned to remain eligible. Survivors can request new forms by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-877-8339 if the original is lost.

Temporary rental assistance may be provided while displaced survivors are working to find a permanent housing solution. Although it is not automatic and available in three month increments, assistance may be available up to 18 months from the Oct. 30, 2012 federal disaster declaration or the program maximum, whichever comes first. That’s why it is important for survivors to develop permanent housing plans. Returning to a permanent home is a significant recovery milestone.

The application for continued rental assistance must be filled out completely, signed and returned along with the following documents:

  • A copy of the lease agreement signed by the applicant and applicant’s landlord
  • Rent receipts showing that the funds have been used for rental assistance
  • A current income statement, such as a paycheck stub or bank statement

Survivors should mail packets to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

They also can fax requests to: 800-827-8112

The registration and disaster numbers should be clearly visible on each page.

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.

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Stay In Touch With FEMA To Continue Temporary Housing

Threat of Snow and Ice Means Prepare Now Before You Travel

CHICAGO – With an ominous mid-week forecast that includes snow, high winds, rain and the potential for a wintry mix including sleet and ice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared for all weather conditions.

“If you must leave home in dangerous weather conditions, take precautions to get to your destination safely,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Taking simple steps to prepare before the storm not only keeps you safe, but others as well.”

Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home, and when it is safe, check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance or extra support.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe winter weather at www.ready.gov/winter-weather  or download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device. Visit the site or download the app today so you have the information you need to prepare for severe winter weather.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Threat of Snow and Ice Means Prepare Now Before You Travel

Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

PEARL, MISS., – Mississippians rebuilding from the recent storms and tornadoes should be aware that disasters often bring out phony contractors and rip-off artists who try to take advantage of storm survivors in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest ways people can protect themselves.

Before allowing anyone to do work on your home, get a written contract. The contract should detail the work to be done, the agreed-upon costs, a project schedule and a completion date. This is one of the best ways homeowners can protect themselves from contractor fraud.

The contract should also detail procedures to cancel the contract, negotiate changes and settle disputes. All guarantees should be in writing.

Before signing a home repair contract, homeowners should:

  • Get three written estimates.
  • Check each contractor’s credentials and references.
  • Check with the Mississippi Board of Contractors at www.msboc.us to make sure the contractor is licensed.
  • Make sure the contractor carries liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage.
  • Check the website of the contractor, if there is one. If the site is unfinished or unprofessional in appearance, it may be that it was quickly constructed to give the impression of being in business, when in fact, the contractor is not. A website does not verify the existence of a business.
  • Confirm instructions for project clean up and construction debris removal.

Don’t pay any more than 10 percent or $1,000 down on proposed work and don’t pay with cash.

Scam artists also look for other ways to part people from their money using a storm survivor’s information. Don’t give out personal information such as your Social Security number or FEMA registration number. Credit card numbers should not be given out unless the contractor’s legal status has been verified.

If you are a victim of contractor fraud, notify the Mississippi State Board of Contractors in writing by completing the complaint form found online at www.msboc.us. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection can investigate allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a Mississippi business. Contact them at 800-281-4418.

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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Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

Calling All Landlords: Storm Survivors Need Your Help

PEARL, Miss. –Landlords with available rental properties in Mississippi are urged to contact a housing locator service to list their available rental properties.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are working together to find housing for those displaced by the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding. In support of that, they encourage Mississippi landlords in or near the four counties affected – Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne – to list their available rentals properties online at www.socialserve.com or to call SocialServe.com toll-free at 877-428-8844, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. -7 p.m. with property details.

To post online with SocialServe.com, landlords must click the orange ‘List a Property’ rectangle on the right side of the web page and follow the prompts to enter information about a rental.

Whether they call or go online, landlords should have details readily available about the rental unit such as:

  • Type of dwelling.
  • Number of bedrooms and baths.
  • Handicapped accessibility.
  • Pet policy.
  • Monthly rental and deposit amount.
  • Whether utilities are included.
  • Other need-to-know information.

Socialserve.com offers assistance in English and Spanish.  All vacant rental properties will be added to FEMA’s list of housing units for disaster survivors.

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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Calling All Landlords: Storm Survivors Need Your Help

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Foxworth

PEARL, Miss. – With the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center today in Foxworth, disaster survivors in Marion, Forrest, Lamar and Wayne counties can meet face-to-face with recovery specialists in five locations.

The centers are staffed with recovery professionals from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

All centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

Marion County:

Mount Carmel Church of God, 573 Mount Carmel Church Rd., Foxworth 39483

Forrest County:

Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg, 39401

Petal Civic Center, 714 S. Main St., Petal, 39402

Lamar County:

Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Dr., Hattiesburg, 39402

Wayne County:

City of Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St., Waynesboro, 39367

The first step to receiving federal disaster aid is to register with FEMA. Registration is simple and can be completed several ways:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.

By phone or video relay at 800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.

  • By TTY at 800-462-7585.
  • C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
  • By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov. Select “Disaster Survivor” then “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents can meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Survivors are encouraged to register before visiting a center if possible. Specialists at the center can explain the disaster assistance process, describe the types of help available, and answer survivors’ questions.

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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Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Foxworth

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