FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Nine Mississippi Counties Hit by Storms

JACKSON, MS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended federal disaster aid in nine Mississippi counties to help the state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits cover disaster-related expenses and the repair or rebuilding of critical infrastructure.

The state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Newton, Rankin, Wayne and Winston counties can now request funding through all categories of the Public Assistance grant program to help pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Itawamba, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Rankin, Wayne and Winston counties were previously designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken before, during and after the disaster.

“The additional federal infrastructure funding is intended to help Mississippi’s hard-hit communities recover from the devastation left by the tornadoes of April 28,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry.

Supplementary funding under the Public Assistance program goes to the state and its agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Under the program, the federal share of a project’s expenses typically cannot be less than 75 percent of eligible costs. The remaining 25 percent of eligible cost is usually split by the state and applicant. The state manages the program and forwards the federal funds to eligible applicants that incurred costs.

Individuals cannot apply for FEMA Public Assistance program funding. However, survivors who sustained damage in any of the 12 Mississippi counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance can register for that program. Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties are all eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585.

All Mississippi counties are eligible to apply for funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is partially funded by FEMA and managed by MEMA.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org  or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

 

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FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Nine Mississippi Counties Hit by Storms

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Wayne County

PEARL, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Wayne County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

City #4 Voting Precinct Building

810 Chickasawhay Street

Waynesboro, MS 39367

Specialists from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions. Survivors will be able to:

  • Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
  • Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
  • Find out the status of an application.
  • Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
  • Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
  • Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org/  or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

 

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 Now Open in Wayne County

New Director Named for FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson has selected Thomas “Mike” Womack as the new Director for FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office (LRO).

As LRO Director, Womack oversees FEMA’s recovery operations in Louisiana for hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.

Womack joined FEMA in 2012. Prior to that, he served in the Army National Guard for nearly 30 years. He also served as the Response and Recovery Director and then Deputy Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Former Governor Haley Barbour appointed Womack Executive Director of MEMA in 2006, where he served until 2012.

“Mike brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position and to the Louisiana Recovery Office,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are fortunate to have him and I am confident that he will continue to enhance our relationship with Louisiana and its great citizens as we move forward with the recovery efforts in the state.”  

“I look forward to working closely with our state and local partners,” said Womack. “The FEMA LRO remains unwavering in its commitment to Louisiana’s full recovery.” 

Womack officially started the job on May 5. He assumes the duties from William J. Doran III, who served as LRO Interim Director since November 2012.

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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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New Director Named for FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office

Local Permits Are Needed Before Rebuilding Begins

PURVIS, Miss. – State and federal recovery officials are urging Mississippians to obtain any necessary building permits before starting new construction or repairs to property damaged by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“Getting building permits is necessary for those with homes or businesses damaged by the storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “Residents need to know that permits are based on local ordinances enforced by their communities.”

In Mississippi, depending on the size and nature of the project, additional building permits beyond a basic document may be required before rebuilding begins. There also might be a need for a flood-elevation certificate. Special permits are required for demolition work, asbestos removal, and sometimes for use of portable storage containers. Typically, all permits must be obtained before construction begins.

“Having the proper permits before repairs or rebuilding begins will protect the homeowner,” said State Coordinating Officer Robert Latham. “These permits will ensure that the local government knows what work is occurring in their area and that it will be done to their standards.  It can be frustrating for residents who make repairs without a permit to find out after the fact that the repairs are not up to local ordinances and they may have to spend more money on additional repairs to their property.”

Securing the correct local building permit is the homeowner’s responsibility. Those who agree to have their contractors secure permits on their behalf should follow up with building officials to verify. Permits may be required for repairs to roofs, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Local permitting offices can provide suggestions and information on how to protect homes or businesses from future disaster-related damages and might be able provide consumers with information on choosing licensed contractors as well as advice on protecting homeowners from unscrupulous contractors.

FEMA and MEMA are not permitting agencies and do not authorize rebuilding or repair simply by providing disaster grants, loans or, in FEMA’s case, settling flood-insurance claims. The agencies do not recommend or endorse any contractors, and recovery officials warn people to be wary of any contractors who claim they are authorized by FEMA or MEMA. They are not.

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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Local Permits Are Needed Before Rebuilding Begins

FEMA, MEMA Extend Helping Hands To Students, Staff At USM

PURVIS, Miss. – On the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, a table was set up this week in the lobby of the R.C. Cook Student Union. Behind it sat folks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, its state counterpart MEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and a FEMA Corps young adult. They were there to bring the message to students and faculty about the help available to those affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

The Disaster Information Station came to be at the urging of USM alumni Governor Phil Bryant (class of ’77) and Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny L. Dupree (class of ’96). The governor asked FEMA and MEMA to reach out to the students and staff at the school who might not have the time or means to seek assistance otherwise.

“We were so excited to be able to bring our partners on campus to make sure the entire USM family is being taken care of,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “The university has been very proactive from the start and we appreciate its efforts.”

“We will continue to staff the station as long as there is a need,” he said.

“The Disaster Information Station on the USM campus underscores FEMA’s dedication to the whole-community nature of our mission,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “We want to make sure all those affected by the storms get the help they deserve.”

The station opened for business on Monday morning, Feb. 26 and is currently set to remain open through Friday, March 1. About 25 students and staff showed up on that first day and learned how to register for assistance and what FEMA aid might be available.

Many of these students get around by bicycle. Some lost their cars, or their living quarters were hit, or their personal belongings were damaged or destroyed.

“Most of these young people could not get to a regular FEMA Disaster Recovery Center,” Quarles said, “So we brought a little version of a DRC to them.”

FEMA Corps member Reilly Bean, who had been deployed to Nassau County in New York for Hurricane Sandy before coming south, was able to give advice and guidance to some of his Generation-Y contemporaries.

Not all the visitors on Monday were looking for help. Some were offering it, looking for ways to pitch in. The people manning the station were able to direct them to volunteer organizations in Hattiesburg.

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, MEMA Extend Helping Hands To Students, Staff At USM

Resolve to be Ready in Mississippi, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Mississippi, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

MEMA’s goal for the new year is for every Mississippian to be prepared for any type of disaster, whether natural or man-made.

“The events of the past year prove that preparedness is the most important aspect of disasters,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “Preparedness begins with individuals and families, but should include the whole community. When everyone is prepared, residents will have to depend less on local, state and federal government to recover after a disaster.”

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.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.

 

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Resolve to be Ready in Mississippi, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

SBA Disaster Loan Application Is Win-Win Situation – Apply Before Win-Window Closes

Clinton, Miss. – Disaster recovery officials are concerned that many homeowners and renters with Hurricane Isaac losses could miss out on valuable grants and low-interest loans by not returning completed applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“This is a win-win situation for everybody who received a disaster loan application from the SBA, even if they’re leaning away from a loan,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Director Robert Latham. “If the SBA is not able to approve your home loan application, you could be referred back to FEMA for a possible grant. And if you qualify for a loan, there is no obligation to take it.” 

Many disaster survivors receive loan applications from the SBA after registering with FEMA for help. Loan applications are also available from disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Property damage loan applications must be returned to the SBA no later than Oct. 31, 2012.

Business owners, although not eligible for grants, can apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans to cover uninsured losses to business assets such as real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and more. 

Small businesses can also qualify for economic injury disaster loans. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. 

SBA representatives are at each of the MEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and SBA Business Recovery centers to provide information about disaster loans and offer assistance filing disaster loan applications. To locate a center or learn more about SBA disaster loans, call 800-659-2955,
(TTY) 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing or send an e-mail to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To start all forms of disaster assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call 800-621-3362.

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

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

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

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SBA Disaster Loan Application Is Win-Win Situation – Apply Before Win-Window Closes

Stone County Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

CLINTON, Miss. – The MEMA/FEMA disaster recovery center for Hinds County, located at the Stone County Safe Room, 1084 Project Rd., Wiggins, will close effective 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26.

After that date, people affected by Hurricane Isaac still can register or get help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or visit a recovery center in another county.

In addition to going on line, other ways to get assistance include:

  • By smartphone at m.fema.gov;
  • By phone, call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily;
  • TTY 800-462-7585; and
  • Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

To find a disaster recovery center nearest you, go online to the

DRC Locator at: https://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/drcLocator.jsp. Or, call 800-621-3362.

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

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

 

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Stone County Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

Hinds County Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

CLINTON, Miss. – The MEMA/FEMA disaster recovery center for Hinds County, located at the Golden Key Community Center, 3450 Albermarle Road, Jackson, will close effective 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26.

After that date, people affected by Hurricane Isaac still can register or get help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or visit a recovery center in another county.

In addition to going on line, other ways to get assistance include:

  • By smartphone at m.fema.gov;
  • By phone, call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily;
  • TTY 800-462-7585; and
  • Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

To find a disaster recovery center nearest you, go online to the

DRC Locator at: https://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/drcLocator.jsp. Or, call 800-621-3362.

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

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

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Hinds County Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

George County Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

CLINTON, Miss. – The MEMA/FEMA disaster recovery center for George County, located at the George County Senior Center, 7102 Highway 198 East, Lucedale, will close effective 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26.

After that date, people affected by Hurricane Isaac still can register or get help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or visit a recovery center in another county.

In addition to going on line, other ways to get assistance include:

  • By smartphone at m.fema.gov;
  • By phone, call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily;
  • TTY 800-462-7585; and
  • Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

To find a disaster recovery center nearest you, go online to the

DRC Locator at: https://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/drcLocator.jsp. Or, call 800-621-3362.

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

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

 

 

 

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George County Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

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