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Michigan, FEMA to Start Damage Assessments This Week

CHICAGO –Beginning Tuesday, August 26, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local officials in the Metro Detroit area will be conducting joint preliminary damage assessments due to the flooding that occurred the week of August 11.

Six teams will be canvassing Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to assess and validate damages and disaster impacts against federal assistance eligibility criteria. MSP/EMHSD, FEMA and SBA team members will be wearing shirts with agency names and logos prominently displayed. Personnel will also have their credentials visible.

When considering eligibility for federal individual assistance—or assistance for homeowners, renters and business owners—damage assessment teams consider a number of factors:

Size and scope of damage as well as threat to public safety. Assessment teams are tasked to collect a description and extent of damages and the impact on individuals in the affected areas. To do so, they will try to talk to as many local officials, renters, homeowners and business owners as possible, taking note of details such as water depth, structural integrity of buildings, damage to mechanical components (i.e. furnace, water heater, HVAC, etc.), insurance coverage in place, length of time floodwater has been in a home, and materials used to build the dwelling. It is not necessary for the teams to visit every home in order to complete the assessment.
Number of primary homes requiring extensive repairs or with structural damage. When collecting this data, teams are looking for failure of major structural components in a building and floodwater depths of more than 18 inches in areas of a residence that meet the federal definition of essential living space.
- It’s important to note: if a presidential declaration for individual assistance is made:
  - Floodwater or sewer backup damages in recreational rooms, unoccupied basements or storage spaces generally do not qualify for FEMA assistance programs. However, disaster-related damages to a home’s mechanical components or those in areas of a residence that meet the federal definition of essential living space—regardless of the location in the home—may be considered eligible for federal assistance.
  - Federal grant funding is made available to eligible applicants as a supplement to local and state resources and insurance payments to help survivors return to safe, sanitary and functional housing. It is not meant to return a home and its contents to pre-disaster conditions.
Duplication of benefits. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits—such as those from insurance, local housing authorities, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs. If approved, FEMA individual assistance is always supplemental to that assistance.
Number and length of time people are displaced. This information may include number of homes that are not habitable. Teams also attempt to determine whether the community has adequate housing resources to meet the needs of displaced survivors for the time it takes to repair their home.
Ability of the community to recover. Since disasters affect communities differently, teams will collect and document specific characteristics of each—such as demographic and economic data—that may impact their ability to recover. In addition, it is important for the teams to document critical infrastructure that may be unavailable for an extended period of time—i.e. hospitals, schools, utilities and nursing homes—as this could also significantly affect a community’s ability to recover.
Voluntary agency/state program assistance available. Local non-profit, faith-based and community-based organizations contribute substantially to response and recovery after a disaster. Along with local and state governments, these organizations often help survivors immediately after an emergency and, in some cases, have the capability and resources to meet the recovery needs of the affected areas. During the damage assessment, teams document whether, and to what extent, these organizations may be able to meet the essential needs of survivors.
Extent of the business losses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is part of the team and assesses damage to businesses in affected communities. In the event of a federal declaration, the SBA can make low interest loans available to assist businesses as well as homeowners and renters with their recovery costs. FEMA also considers whether the loss of critical businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, or stores that sell building materials and supplies in affected communities could impact recovery.

Once the damage assessments are complete, state officials use the damage totals and impact data to determine whether the disaster meets established criteria and can warrant the governor requesting a federal declaration and assistance.

To find more information about FEMA’s declaration process or disaster assistance programs, visit www.FEMA.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov.

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.

FEMA Media Contact: Sandy Jasmund, 312-213-5291
Michigan MSP/EMHSD Media Contact: Ron Leix, 517-336-6464

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Michigan, FEMA to Start Damage Assessments This Week

Recipients of FEMA Housing Assistance Must Recertify Eligibility

LINCROFT, N.J. — Recertification is a standard process that FEMA uses to identify households who qualify for continued temporary housing assistance.

The recertification process applies if the applicant either received financial assistance (rental funds) to rent an alternative place to live, or if the applicant received a FEMA-provided temporary housing unit.

Financial Assistance:

Applicants who received rental assistance will receive a letter from FEMA requesting additional information if funds are needed for continued housing assistance.
Applicants receiving rental assistance who need additional funds can also request assistance through the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate they have a continued housing need and that they have expended all rental funds previously received.

Direct Assistance:

A FEMA-provided temporary housing unit is a temporary solution for occupants until they can return to their primary residence or find other permanent housing.
FEMA staff will call and set up an appointment to meet with the applicant in the temporary housing unit. While there, they will check the condition of their unit; and if the unit requires repairs, a work order request will be submitted.
Occupants are responsible for developing and actively pursuing a permanent housing plan (repair, rebuild, replace) while in FEMA-provided temporary housing units.
FEMA staff will assist the occupants in developing a permanent housing plan so they can return to a similar pre-disaster housing situation.
FEMA staff regularly check on the progress of an occupant’s permanent housing plan. Staff conducts an initial interview with occupants followed by additional visits after an additional 30 days depending on the housing plan. Interim contacts may be necessary in some cases.
Occupants should expect to provide information about repairs to their permanent residences or about contacts made to resources that can assist them in securing permanent housing.
A recommendation by FEMA staff to extend an occupant’s housing agreement is based on a set of criteria including the estimated completion date of a reasonable housing plan. Recommendations are subject to approval.
Occupants with no options are steered to rental resources or state programs that may be of assistance.
If occupants refuse three suitable rental resources provided by FEMA for no valid reasons, they may be found ineligible to receive continued housing assistance by FEMA and may have to find alternative housing at their own expense.

What do Recertification staff do?

Recertification staff will help applicants develop a housing plan and provide resources in the community that may help meet their housing needs.
Recertification staff will collect information to determine if the need for continued assistance exits.
They can also answer program questions about FEMA assistance or provide a phone number of someone who can provide answers.
FEMA staff will also talk with applicants about their future housing plans and current living situation.
Applicants who have questions about recertification or other disaster assistance can call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
There are additional resources for the media at http://www.fema.gov/media/index.shtm.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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###

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Recipients of FEMA Housing Assistance Must Recertify Eligibility

Late Season Storms: Remember Severe Weather Preparedness

CHICAGO – With an ominous Thursday forecast for the Ohio Valley that includes severe storms, heavy rains and strong winds, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared.

“Even though temperatures are dropping as we approach the winter months, severe storms are still a risk,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Knowing what to do before the storm will help keep you and your family safe.”

Individuals living throughout the Ohio Valley, which includes east and southeast Indiana, and central, south central and southwest Ohio, should follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information related to this storm system. If a warning is issued, get indoors, and move to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe weather at http://www.ready.gov/severe-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 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.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Late Season Storms: Remember Severe Weather Preparedness

Be Cyber Smart. Stay Cyber Secure

CHICAGO – Cybercriminals don’t discriminate, so don’t be a target – protect your privacy and guard against fraud by practicing safe online habits. Cyber security threats and attacks are gaining momentum. With more than $525 million in losses due to online criminal activity in 2012, proper security measures are a critical component in keeping your identity and finances secure.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is taking this opportunity to remind our partners and the general public to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment.

“Computers, smartphones and other electronics have become a prevalent part of our daily lives,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Everyone needs to understand how frequently cybercrimes occur and arm themselves with the latest information and tools necessary to protect their families against potential fraud.”

Helpful information on protecting kids online, securing your computer and avoid scams can be found at OnGuardOnline.gov. Here are a few tips to safeguard yourself and your computer:

• Set strong passwords, change them regularly, and don’t share them with anyone.

• Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.

• Maintain an open dialogue with your friends, family, colleagues and community about Internet safety.

• Use privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information you post online.

• Be cautious about offers online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Report a cybercrime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) and to your local law enforcement or state attorney general as

appropriate.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Original article:

Be Cyber Smart. Stay Cyber Secure

You Can Be a Local Hero

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Preparing a community for an emergency or disaster can be a daunting task; there are so many people, each with unique needs, and so many aspects that need to be addressed. If such a monumental task is left to just one group of people such as local officials, it’s sure to remain just that, monumental. When the Whole Community comes together to provide input, complete tasks, and take responsibility though, it becomes a very manageable undertaking. Pitching in to help your community prepare for the next disaster has a very large impact, the kind that can make you a local hero.

“Too often we rely upon local officials and first responders to prepare for and respond to a disaster;” said Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, “there are so many ways that everyone can come together and make their community more resilient.”

Citizen Corps brings together the power of individuals through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. Citizen Corps has many councils throughout the country at the state and local level, and you can find your nearest council for more information or to sign up at ready.gov/citizen-corps/find-your-nearest-council.

Citizen Corps has many affiliates that offer communities resources for public education, outreach, and training; represent volunteers interested in helping to make their community safer; or offer volunteer service opportunities to support first responders, disaster relief activities, and community safety efforts. Visit ready.gov/citizen-corps-affiliate-programs for more information on Citizen Corps’ affiliates.

In addition to their affiliates, Citizen Corps also has partner programs which give citizens the opportunity get involved. Citizen Corps’ federally sponsored partner programs help build capacity for first responders through the use of volunteers. These programs can be very specific in what they support, such as the Fire Corps which supports fire departments, the Medical Reserve Corps which supports medical needs, and the Volunteers in Police Service which supports law enforcement; or they are more broad in their service, such as the Community Emergency Response Teams or the Corporation for National and Community Service. More information on Citizen Corps’ partners is available at ready.gov/citizen-corps-partner-programs.

There are many community and faith-based organizations that support communities before, during, and after a disaster. Whatever your level of interest, your skill set, or your time, there is a program out there that you can join to support your community. Reach out to organizations that you are already involved in and see what they’re doing or talk to your local officials for ideas.

However you choose to get involved with your community and prepare for the next disaster, know that your work makes a difference to everyone, but for you it can be the difference between being a resident and being a local hero.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Media Inquiries

FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov 215-931-5597

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You Can Be a Local Hero

FEMA Awards $90,757 Grant to State of Ohio: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to install 16 residential tornado safe room structures

CHICAGO — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $90,757 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for the construction and installation of 16 residential tornado safe room structures.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of losing lives and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III.“The construction of these safe rooms will protect the lives of residents by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“The Ohio Safe room program is great contribution to our mission of a Safer Ohio”, said Nancy Dragani, Ohio EMA Executive Director. “We applaud the work FEMA has done to support Ohio as we work toward mitigating against disasters.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $121,010 eligible project cost.The remaining 25 percent of the funds $30,253 will be provided by the State of Ohio and participating homeowners.

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.

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Media Contact:

FEMA Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

OEMA Contact: Tamara McBride, (614) 799-3695

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FEMA Awards $90,757 Grant to State of Ohio: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to install 16 residential tornado safe room structures

Applied for FEMA Help? It’s Important to Stay in Touch

AURORA, Ill. – Though registration has closed for FEMA assistance to individuals and households after the severe weather and flooding of April 16-May 5, officials urge applicants to stay in touch with the agency for several reasons.

Applicants should contact FEMA when:

Contact information has changed including a new address, telephone number or email address;
Asking for a Small Business Administration (SBA) application;
Wanting to know about the inspection process;
There is an update or settlement from an insurance company;
Tracking status of an application;
Seeking information on how to appeal a decision;
Looking for information on how to rebuild stronger.

The application period ended but not the availability of FEMA as a resource. FEMA also offers information on other disaster assistance programs and services.

How to reach FEMA:

Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Visit m.fema.gov via a web-enabled phone
Dial the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Call 800-621-3362 for 711 Relay or Video Relay Services
Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 at the Helpline if in need of assistance in other languages.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Applied for FEMA Help? It’s Important to Stay in Touch

Beware: Fraudsters Still Preying Upon Disaster Survivors

AURORA, IL — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) remind Illinois residents affected by the severe storms and flooding of April 16 to May 5 that the possibility of fraud persists.

Recent reports indicate a woman who claimed to be a FEMA employee has approached disaster survivors—mostly senior citizens— and offered to register them for federal assistance for a fee of $150. The same person may also be telling survivors they must pay her so they can collect an anticipated federal disaster assistance check. Both offers are attempts to defraud.

FEMA and IEMA reiterate the following:

FEMA does not charge for registration or for information that it gives out. Apply free online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call toll-free 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585). Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.
FEMA does not send out text messages asking recipients to call fee-based telephone numbers. The toll-free numbers above are used for all contact with FEMA, including applying and follow-up.
FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) do not charge fees for information regarding filling out the SBA loan applications. Free assistance is available by calling SBA’s toll-free number, 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 1-800-877-8339).
FEMA does not charge a fee to disaster survivors who receive a federal disaster benefit.

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing affected areas to provide information about disaster assistance and give Illinois residents an opportunity to register. While FEMA DSA crews are offering at-your-door service, it is important to remain vigilant about protecting your personal information:

Residents should always ask for ID. Federal and state officials always have photo identification clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.
DSA crew members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter their information on their behalf. If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov.

Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse may call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603. You may also send an email to DHSOIGHotline@dhs.gov. Complaints may also be made via the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

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Beware: Fraudsters Still Preying Upon Disaster Survivors

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $144 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Federal assistance in Illinois has reached more than $144 million, distributed among more than 58,000 individuals and households, since a major disaster was declared for storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5.

The latest summary of federal assistance includes:

More than $144 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $124 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
More than $20 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 87,000 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
More than $49 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA has extended the registration deadline by 15 days to August 8, 2013. Affected residents of 35 counties covered in the Illinois disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Counties designated for individual assistance for this disaster declaration are: Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford.

Federal assistance is only available for individuals who incurred damage in a designated county as a result of storms and flooding that occurred during the period of April 16 to May 5. Registering for assistance for damages sustained as a result of a storm in any other period could be considered fraudulent and claimants could face recoupment of grant money received and/or fraud charges.

To register or to ask questions about your claim, call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Residents can also register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. All phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Those with storm damage who do not register are disqualifying themselves from any possible assistance if their insurance settlement is not enough.

Those owning homes or businesses in areas that flood frequently may be required to elevate, relocate or demolish the structures to prevent future loss. The National Flood Insurance Program’s standard flood insurance policies will pay up to $30,000 of the eligible costs under the increased cost of compliance (ICC) coverage.

To qualify for ICC, the NFIP-insured structure must be located in a Special Flood Hazard Area and the cost to repair the structure must equal or exceed 50 percent of its market value prior to the flood damage.

Another way to qualify is if your community has a more restrictive floodplain management ordinance provision that requires damaged buildings to be brought into compliance when the cost exceeds a threshold lower than 50 percent, or by calculating the cost to repair cumulatively over a period of time, for buildings that are damaged repetitively.

The insurance agent that sold you flood insurance and your local building official can provide more information.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $144 Million

FEMA Extends Registration Deadline

AURORA, Ill. – FEMA has extended the registration deadline by 15 days to August 8, 2013. Affected residents of 35 counties covered in the Illinois disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Federal assistance is only available for individuals who incurred damage in a designated county as a result of storms and flooding that occurred during the period of April 16 to May 5. If you incurred damage as a result of a storm that occurred before April 16 or after May 5, you are not eligible for assistance. Registering for assistance for damages sustained as a result of a storm that occurred before April 16 or after May 5 could be considered fraudulent, and you could face recoupment of grant money you receive and/or fraud charges.

Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary rental assistance and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs. Assistance for homeowners also can include grants for home repair. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Individuals affected by the storms and flooding that occurred in the designated counties during the period of April 16 to May 5 can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. Information and assistance from SBA is available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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FEMA Extends Registration Deadline

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