TRENTON, N.J. — In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched a coordinated effort to establish community-based recovery groups in affected counties of New Jersey.

Long Term Recovery Groups, also known as LTRGs, often become involved when personal resources, insurance and government grants or loans are not sufficient to meet the needs of disaster survivors. LTRGs identify long term recovery needs of individuals and families, utilize community volunteers and assist in determining the best recovery strategies.

There are currently 16 LTRGs established throughout New Jersey and are made up of representatives from different organizations that can provide resources for the long term disaster recovery process.

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) support the recovery process when LTRGs are not needed in a community. This group organizes and coordinates local community resources in response to the unmet needs of disaster survivors.

The Bergen County organization is one example of a successful LTRG in New Jersey. Recently, they have recently approved $100,000 in unmet needs assistance to be allocated to survivors in their county, granted temporary use of non-residential buildings to house volunteers, as well as continued the food stamp outreach program. This group has also provided 1,325 volunteers who have contributed 15,000 hours of service.

The Long Term Recovery Center in Bergen County provides disaster survivors with access to local resources as well as the opportunity to fill out requests for assistance from Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) member agencies. There are currently more than 55 faith-based, governmental and non-profit organizations contributing to the recovery effort in the county.

LTRGs throughout the state often are made up of friends, neighbors and community leaders who are able to incorporate the values and priorities of their local cultures in their disaster relief efforts. Based

on their involvement in these areas, voluntary agencies are frequently able to identify specific individuals, families or groups that have special needs after a disaster.

To locate additional assistance, Superstorm Sandy survivors in New Jersey can visit www.nj211.org or call 2-1-1 or 1-800-JERSEY7 to locate additional assistance they may need. For more information on the Bergen County LTRG, please visit www.bergenvoad.org.

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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Long Term Recovery Groups Help New Jersey Sandy Survivors

CHICAGO – If your home was damaged by the spring floods and you are beginning to make repairs, you can get advice on how to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.

Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation specialists will be at two home improvement stores this week:

Ellis Ace Hardware

255 S. Main St.          

Seneca, IL 61360

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Lembke & Sons True Value Hardware

6734 Pershing Road   

Berwyn, IL 60402

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; closed Sunday

FEMA specialists can answer your specific questions about building techniques that can reduce the potential for damage to your home, business and property from future storms.

Topics include:

  • Flood cleanup tips and techniques
  • Flood- and wind-resistant building methods
  • Elevating utilities
  • Flood insurance

FEMA publications are available online at www.fema.gov or can be ordered by calling toll-free 800-480-2520.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Read the article:  

Free Advice on Rebuilding Stronger, Safer, Smarter

CHICAGO – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, in Des Plaines for residents of Cook County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.  The location is:

Cook County

Des Plaines

1486 Miner St (next door to the Des Plaines Theatre)

Des Plaines, IL 60616

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors.  More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362.

DRCs offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need additional help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

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. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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: 571-408-1835

 

Originally posted here – 

Second Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cook County

CHICAGO – If you’ve registered for federal disaster assistance and received a letter saying you’re ineligible, make sure to double check that you provided all the necessary information when you initially applied.

Federal Emergency Management Agency eligibility determinations are based on information an individual supplies in an online application or during a phone call with a FEMA representative. 

Since May 10, when the disaster was declared for the spring storms and flooding, homeowners and renters in 11 Illinois counties have been applying for disaster assistance. To date, more than $38.4 million has been approved for more than 12,100 eligible applicants.

Applicants who received a determination letter, but were deemed ineligible may just need to supply additional information to FEMA.

“We want to make sure eligible Illinois residents who suffered damages or uninsured losses as a result of the spring storm receive disaster assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore. “The best thing for applicants to do to make sure this happens is to read the FEMA correspondence carefully and follow up with us.”

Following are just a few of the reasons an applicant may have received an ineligibility notification and can follow up.

  • Sometimes a first ineligibility determination is simply a clerical error, such as a name is misspelled, an address doesn’t match or a signature has been left out.
  • If more than one person from the same home address registered, the applications will be flagged until the head of household can be determined.
  • The applicant has insurance, and more information about the policy is needed.  FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. However, once you receive insurance payment, FEMA may be able to assist with uninsured losses.
  • Proof of occupancy is required. Whether a homeowner or renter, the damaged dwelling must be a primary residence where the applicant lived at the time of the disaster.
  • Identity verification is needed. Sometimes an applicant simply needs to submit documentation—such as a passport or military issued ID—so a social security number can be verified. If an applicant was recently married, a marriage certificate or license may be required to verify any name change.

If you have questions about any FEMA correspondence you receive, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), the toll-free line used for registration and follow-up.  Have your FEMA application number available so the representative can find your case easily.

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: 571-408-1835

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Ineligible? FEMA May Just Need More Information

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continue to closely monitor the effects of severe weather that impacted Oklahoma and other areas within the Central United States, and at the President’s direction, are already providing resources to support the response.

Today, President Obama, as well as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, spoke with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to express concern for citizens impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes, to offer support and make clear the Administration stood ready to provide additional resources as necessary. The administration, through FEMA, is closely monitoring the impacts of the storm and remains in close contact with emergency officials to ensure there are not any unmet needs. FEMA and its partners have teams on the ground in hard hit areas, and is prepared to deploy additional teams and resources, if needed by the states.  On Sunday night, at the state’s request, FEMA deployed a liaison officer to the Oklahoma emergency operations center in anticipation of severe weather.  FEMA commends the efforts of the local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations who are providing emergency assistance to those in impacted areas.

Federal activities underway today to support Oklahoma response efforts include the following: 

  • FEMA deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to the state emergency operations center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations.  FEMA also deployed Urban Search and Rescue Teams and a Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) Team to Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics, and operations support elements. FEMA also has additional personnel from the Denton, Texas regional office on alert.
  • This afternoon, FEMA activated the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., a multi-agency coordination center that provides overall coordination of the federal response to natural disasters and emergencies, to support state requests for assistance.  FEMA Region VI Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) located in Denton, Texas remains activated to coordinate any requests for federal assistance, if requested.
  • A FEMA liaison officer is currently at the Oklahoma emergency operations center to assist with coordination efforts. FEMA’s regional office in Denton, Texas is in constant coordination and communications with Oklahoma’s emergency management team and local officials.
  • FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration deployed preliminary damage assessments teams to help identify the damages in impacted counties. 

We urge residents in impacted areas to listen carefully to instructions from their local officials and take the recommended protective measures to safeguard life and property while response efforts continue. Listen to state, local and tribal officials who ask you to remain in shelters, homes or safe places until they give the “all clear” to travel. Roads are very likely to be damaged or blocked by debris, and traffic jams slow emergency managers and first responders as they attempt to reach hard-hit areas.

According to the National Weather Service, there continues to be a risk of severe weather this evening across areas of the southern Plains including Oklahoma and parts of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas and severe weather is possible further north including parts of Illinois and Wisconsin.

We encourage individuals in the affected area to monitor local radio or TV stations or the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov or a NOAA weather radio for the latest information, for updated weather and emergency information, and to follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials.  For those in areas that are forecast to be affected by severe weather, now is the time to get prepared for tornadoes and other disasters.

There are tools and resources available online to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from any type of disaster. Visit www.ready.gov to learn more. The Spanish language site – listo.gov. Those with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

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.

Taken from – 

FEMA, Federal Partners Support Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

CHICAGO – Inspectors from FEMA have begun meeting with disaster applicants in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties. Inspectors are reviewing damage caused by severe storms and flooding from April 16 through May 5, 2013.  

Here is what you should expect if your storm/flood-damaged home is inspected:

Generally, within 10 days of registering for FEMA assistance, an inspector will call you to schedule an appointment to visit your damaged property. This property must be your primary residence.

  • Be prepared to coordinate a time for an appointment. Typically, inspections take 15 to 45 minutes. When an appointment time is agreed upon, the applicant or another adult who lived at the property must be present.
  • When the inspector arrives, look for official FEMA identification. The badge should include an identification number and a photo of the inspector. If a badge is not readily visible, ask the inspector to see it.
  • Authorized inspectors will only confirm personal detailed information that has been provided previously during the registration process. FEMA inspectors will never ask for money, for bank account information, or for a Social Security number. If someone tells you he or she is a FEMA inspector and asks you these questions, notify your local authorities.

The inspector will ask you for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy if you are a homeowner. If you are a renter only occupancy will be verified. You can speed up the process by having the following appropriate documents on hand:

  • A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • Proof of occupancy, which may include any one of the following:
    • A lease, rent receipt, recent utility bill or other document confirming the home was your primary residence
    • A pay stub or similar document showing the address of the damaged home
  • Proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following:
    • A deed showing applicant as the legal owner
    • A title that lists applicant on escrow or title document; mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address
    • A property insurance policy with applicant’s name as the insured
    • Tax receipt or bill that lists the address and the applicant as the responsible party.

A FEMA video about home inspection is available online: fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5027 .

You must register for assistance before an inspector can schedule a visit. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the storms may register for assistance by calling the telephone registration line at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Keep in mind that July 9, 2013 is the last day to register for assistance in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties.

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: 609-508-2238

Continued here: 

What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

CHICAGO, IL A federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Saturday,
May 18, in Forest View for residents of Cook County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.  The location is:

Cook County

Forest View Fire Department

7010 W. 46th Street

Forest View, IL 60402

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for people affected by the recent flooding. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

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. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and accept completed loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

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: 609-508-2238

Link to original: 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cook County

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the potential for severe weather across the plains and several Midwestern states this weekend and into Monday, staff at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region VII office are coordinating with state and local officials in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska in preparation for the potential storms and urges the public to be prepared and stay informed.

“As the threat of severe weather develops, we urge residents to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local newscasts, monitor digital media feeds for updates and follow the  instructions provided by local emergency officials,” said FEMA Region VII Administrator Beth Freeman. “We have been in contact with the National Weather Service and our emergency management partners at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as representatives of the private sector and voluntary agencies throughout the region to ensure proper measures are in place to protect life and property in the event severe weather occurs.”

When severe weather hits, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups. The individuals within these organizations provide emergency assistance to protect the public’s health and safety and services to meet immediate needs. During this time, FEMA continues to coordinate closely with state and local partners to monitor any needs that may arise as a result of the storms. 

Preparing for Severe Weather Now

This severe weather threat is a reminder that everyone needs a family emergency plan as we can’t always anticipate when or where a disaster might strike. For more information on creating your family’s emergency plan, visit http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

To prepare for power outages and the disruption of essential services, FEMA urges families to prepare an emergency supply kit for their homes and cars, http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.  When preparing a kit, remember water, medications, and items needed for the well-being of your pets.

Responding to Severe Weather

If you have severe weather in your area, keep in mind these safety tips:

  • Become familiar with the terms used to identify a severe weather hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe weather hazards include the following:

Watch: Meteorologists are monitoring an area or region for the formation of a specific type of threat (e.g. flooding, severe thunderstorms, or tornados).

Warning: Specific life and property threatening conditions are occurring and imminent. Take appropriate safety precautions.

  • Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. Residents of mobile homes must plan in advance and identify safe shelter in a nearby building.
     
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur within minutes and with little notice.  If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.  Do not wait for instructions to move. Do not drive through flood water.
     
  • Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report downed power lines and electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.
     
  • After a disaster, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in your home. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards and before going back to a property with downed power lines, or the possibility of a gas leak. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you. 
     
  • Injury may occur when people walk amid disaster debris and enter damaged buildings. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. 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.

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

See the article here:  

In Anticipation of Severe Weather, FEMA Monitors and Stays Ready to Assist

CHICAGO, IL – A federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Friday, May 17, in Marseilles for residents of LaSalle County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.  The location is:

LaSalle County

Marseilles Fire Department

205 Lincoln Street

Marseilles, IL 61341

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors.  More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

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. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and accept completed loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Individuals can register online at disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov.  Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

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, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

Originally from:  

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaSalle County

CHICAGO, IL – Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be opening Thursday, May 16, at 9 a.m. in DuPage and Grundy Counties to serve people who were affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

 DuPage County

Lisle Police Department

5040 Lincoln Avenue

Lisle, IL 60532

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice

 

Grundy County

Morris Fire Department

2301 Ashton Road

Morris, IL 60450

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

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, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

Continued: 

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in DuPage and Grundy Counties

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