FEMA Helpline Can Assist Disaster Survivors

RIDGELAND, Miss.  – The disaster recovery centers operated jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are closed, but help is still available for Mississippians affected by the March floods.

The FEMA helpline can assist with appeals, answer questions, provide the status of applications and discuss the documents needed to move an application forward.

The FEMA helpline number is 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can 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.

Disaster survivors who registered via DisasterAssistance.gov may access their account and provide additional information to FEMA. For others, documents and appeal letters may be faxed to FEMA at 800-827-8112.

FEMA disaster survivor assistance teams are actively monitoring disaster survivor needs in Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Panola, Perry, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Washington counties.

Survivors with questions about the U. S. Small Business Administration disaster loan program can call 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at 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-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.

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

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FEMA Helpline Can Assist Disaster Survivors

FEMA, SBA Deadline is Tomorrow for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

Jackson, Miss. – Tomorrow, June 30, 2014, is the last day for Mississippians to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Tomorrow is also the deadline to submit an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

People who sustained damage in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties as a result of the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014, may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Assistance for homeowners and renters may include money to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Low-interest disaster loans from SBA may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance. Filling out the SBA loan application is an important step toward recovery. No one has to accept a disaster loan, but completing and returning the application may open the door to other forms of assistance, such as additional FEMA grants. Today, June 30, 2014, is the deadline to submit a completed loan application to SBA.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Central Time). Multilingual operators are available.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website at msema.org or the Facebook page 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 to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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FEMA, SBA Deadline is Tomorrow for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

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

Mississippi – One Month After The Storm

PURVIS, Miss. – In the month since thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding caused widespread destruction across the Pine Belt, the federal government has approved more than $3.2 million to help Mississippians respond to and recover from the storms.

On Feb. 13, the president declared a major disaster and ordered federal aid to individuals and households and to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the storms. Counties either initially declared eligible for assistance or added later are Greene, Forrest, Lamar, Jefferson Davis, Marion, Perry and Wayne.

The response to the storm and flooding damage has involved the whole community: federal, state, and local agencies, the private sector, faith-based and voluntary agencies.

The Mississippi disaster at a glance:

(As of close of business March 10)

  • 2,816 people contacted FEMA for help or information.
  • $2.4 million distributed to individuals and households. This includes:
    • $1,754,997 in housing assistance.
    • $623,595 in other needs assistance.
  • 1,706 homes inspected.
  • 1,581 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers in five different locations. Two centers currently are in operation Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
    • Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg.
    • Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive Hattiesburg.
  • Small Business Administration:
    • 1,390 applications issued to homeowners, businesses, and renters.
    • $747,400 approved.
  • 29 FEMA community relations specialists have met face-to-face with hundreds of storm survivors. Paired with MEMA specialists, teams have delivered vital recovery information door-to-door, to community and faith-based organizations and to people with special needs.
  • 1,081 customers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Economy Supply and Marvin’s spoke with FEMA mitigation-outreach experts on how best to repair and rebuild safer and stronger.
  • Nine FEMA Corps team members have assisted in all phases of the disaster recovery process.

Assistance to individuals and households is only part of federal disaster-recovery assistance.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, an estimated $6.1 million may be available to reimburse state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for their response and recovery efforts.

Additional funds for eligible hazard-mitigation measures will be made available to the state of Mississippi to help prevent damage from future disasters.

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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Mississippi – One Month After The Storm

FEMA Distributes $1.8 Million To Support Mississippi Recovery

PURVIS, Miss. – More than $1.8 million in federal disaster assistance is in the hands of survivors of the recent storms, tornadoes and flooding in Mississippi. This includes more than $1.3 million for housing assistance and $489,523 for other needs.

While there is still much work to be done, this money contributes significantly to the recovery effort from the recent disaster.

Here are some numbers at a glance as of midnight 2/26/13:

  • 2,404 Mississippians have registered for assistance at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.
  • 988 Mississippians have visited the five Disaster Recovery Centers for information and help about the disaster recovery process. The centers are open in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties.          
  • 1,405 home inspections have been completed by the 10 FEMA-contracted inspectors in the field—a 93-percent completion rate.
  • 1,218 disaster-loan applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in Mississippi to provide one-on-one help to those seeking disaster assistance.
  • FEMA is working with state and other eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties to identify and reimburse 75 percent of disaster-related costs associated of emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

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 Distributes $1.8 Million To Support Mississippi Recovery

FEMA Mississippi Operations Transfer from Clinton to Biloxi

CLINTON, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency/FEMA Joint Field Office and Operations Center will transfer to the Mississippi Recovery Office location in Biloxi on Nov. 21, and operate as a processing center.

The Clinton joint field office served as a hub for disaster operations following the landfall of Hurricane Isaac in Mississippi Aug. 28. The Biloxi recovery office was established in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina.

Before Isaac made landfall on the Gulf Coast, FEMA disaster personnel from across the country were on the ground to partner with the state to help individuals and communities.

At the height of response operations more than 800 FEMA personnel from every state, plus Canada, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico became part of the emergency response effort to support local and state emergency management. The staff included more than 60 Mississippians.

“The workforce we have brought here is an invaluable asset to Mississippi’s recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “We’re lucky to have a diverse group, including many Mississippians, all of whom possess a unique set of skills to help this state as it recovers from
Hurricane Isaac.”

Disaster personnel at the Clinton facility supported three recovery programs: Individual Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Public Assistance.

The programs help Mississippi disaster survivors and communities recover from Hurricane Isaac, as well as ensure they are better prepared for future disasters.

Disaster personnel do more than assist in the state’s recovery. FEMA personnel also contribute to the local economy by occupying hotel rooms, eating at restaurants and shopping in stores.

More than 40 FEMA Corps volunteers also have contributed to the disaster response effort in Mississippi. FEMA Corps is part of a new program within AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps. These members are devoted solely to disaster response and recovery efforts.

Nearly 50 volunteer agencies and faith-based groups also contributed significantly to the recovery. Hard-hit individuals and families have benefitted from debris cleanup teams, chainsaw crews, tree removal, home repairs and other essential recovery services that have been provided for free.

As FEMA transitions the Clinton Joint Field Office, Mississippians should know that help is only a phone call or internet link away and the agency will continue to assist residents through to a full recovery.

To reach FEMA:

  • Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
  • Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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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FEMA Mississippi Operations Transfer from Clinton to Biloxi

Wednesday is the Last Day for Mississippians to Register with FEMA

CLINTON, Miss. – For Mississippians who were affected by Hurricane Isaac today is the last day to register for federal disaster assistance and to apply for physical damage loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Some 26,000 Mississippians have already registered with FEMA, but those who have not must do so by midnight Wednesday, Oct. 31.

There are two ways to complete the registration process:

  • Online registration, go to DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov with a smartphone or tablet. The online deadline is 12 a.m.  
  • By phone at 800-621-3362, for TTY 800-462-7586 or 800-621-3362 for Video Relay Service. The registration deadline is 10 p.m.

Disaster assistance may include rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable, grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. There are grants to replace essential personal property and to help meet medical, dental, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state or charitable aid programs.

The SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. While survivors are not required to accept a disaster loan, completing the SBA application is essential to receiving other assistance from FEMA.

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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Wednesday is the Last Day for Mississippians to Register with FEMA

Two Days Left to Register for Disaster Assistance

CLINTON, Miss. – Mississippians who had damage during Hurricane Isaac have just two more days to register for FEMA assistance.

The deadline to register with FEMA and to apply for a loan for physical damage through the U.S. Small Business Administration is
Wednesday, Oct. 31. To register, call 800-621-3362 or go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.

After registering, you can:

  • Track your application.
  • Notify FEMA of changes to your mailing address, phone number or email address.
  • Update FEMA if you receive insurance settlements or discover additional damages.

Here is how to reach FEMA:

  • Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
  • Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are operated from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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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Two Days Left to Register for Disaster Assistance

Mississippians Have One Week to Register for Disaster Assistance

CLINTON, Miss. – Mississippians who suffered loss from Hurricane Isaac have one week to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to register for assistance is Wednesday, Oct. 31.

That date is also the cutoff for applying with the U.S. Small Business Administration for loans to repair physical damage. To register, call
800-621-3362 or go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

After you register, stay in touch with FEMA to track your application, or notify FEMA of changes to your mailing address, phone number or email address. Also notify the agency if you receive an insurance settlement or discover additional damage.

To reach FEMA:

  • Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
  • Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

 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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Mississippians Have One Week to Register for Disaster Assistance

Applicants Urged to Stay in Touch with Fema

CLINTON, Miss. – Mississippians who applied for FEMA assistance are urged to stay in touch with the agency for several reasons even after disaster recovery centers closed Oct. 12.

Applicants can track their claims and should notify FEMA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses and if they receive insurance settlements or discover additional damages.

Those who have not registered for FEMA assistance are urged to do so before the registration deadline of Oct. 31.

Here is how to reach FEMA:

  • Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Call m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
  • Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are operated from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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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.

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Applicants Urged to Stay in Touch with Fema

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