30 Minutes can make a Difference in Recovery from Sandy

SBA loan application is important part of the process

NEW YORK – In about half an hour, New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy can make a big difference in their recovery by applying for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The process isn’t hard at all. By returning the SBA loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property.

The form asks for the survivor’s name, contact information, Social Security number, mailing address, address of damaged property, income and assets, monthly housing cost, insurance information, debts and credit references. The language is clear and the application is not long.

  • SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA Disaster Recovery centers and SBA Business Recovery Centers.
    • To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, go online to www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. Survivors may also text “DRC” and their Zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
    • To locate the nearest Business Recovery Center, visit www.sba.gov or call      800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.)      
  • Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955    (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

If SBA finds the applicant eligible for a loan, there is no obligation to accept it. But filling out the application, whether or not a loan is offered, opens the door to other possible assistance, including additional federal grant funds for homeowners and renters.

So it’s worth spending a few minutes to ensure that the widest possible array of benefits is available.

The deadline for returning an SBA disaster loan application is Jan. 28.

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

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30 Minutes can make a Difference in Recovery from Sandy

FEMA Awards Nearly $15 Million in Public Assistance Grants to Local Governments

New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Parks and Recreation, Nassau County and the Town of Babylon receive FEMA funds.    

NEW YORK – This week the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced four additional Public Assistance grants totaling nearly $15 million to reimburse New York City Department of Transportation, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Nassau County and the town of Babylon for costs associated with debris removal following Hurricane Sandy.

The hurricane’s strong winds and heavy rains brought down trees, tree limbs and power lines creating hazardous conditions, impeding traffic and leaving behind more than six million cubic yards of debris. Collecting and clearing out that debris has been one of the most difficult and time-consuming challenges of the recovery. Statewide, 76 percent of storm-generated debris has been picked up.

“FEMA is committed to getting people back into their homes,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “Debris removal has cleared the way for people to move out of hotels and shelters and begin repairing their homes and communities. As the New Year begins, FEMA will continue to work with our partners in state and local governments to rebuild New York stronger.”

“Debris poses one of the greatest obstacles to repairing homes, rebuilding infrastructure, and helping the survivors of Hurricane Sandy,” said Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “These agencies make it possible to get necessary equipment, emergency response, and other vital services to hard hit areas blocked by millions of pounds of debris. We are thankful for the countless hours and phenomenal work provided.”

The FEMA Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations at least 75 percent of eligible debris-removal costs. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

For debris removal to be eligible, the damage must be a direct result of Hurricane Sandy, and the work must be necessary to:

  • Eliminate an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety;
  • Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public and private property when the measures are cost effective; or
  • Ensure the economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large.

This week the New York City Department of Transportation received $4.7 million, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation was awarded $4.1 million, Nassau County was granted $3.8 million, and the town of Babylon received $2.1 million.

Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA has provided more than $334 million in Public Assistance grants in New York State.

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

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FEMA Awards Nearly $15 Million in Public Assistance Grants to Local Governments

New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brooklyn on Tuesday

NEW YORK – The state of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a new Disaster Recovery Center in Brooklyn at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, to provide one-on-one, face-to-face help for Hurricane Sandy survivors. 
 

The center will be located at the Gerristen Beach Volunteer Fire Training building, 43 Seba Ave.Brooklyn, NY 11229.
 

Operational hours for the Disaster Recovery Center are:

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday until further notice.
 

The center is opening as part of FEMA and the state’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of survivors who may visit the center to obtain useful FEMA information and apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

More than two months after Hurricane Sandy struck, 21 Disaster Recovery Centers, including the Seba Avenue center, are open throughout New York. In total, recovery centers have hosted more than 120,000 survivors.

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

Individuals also can find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until Jan. 28, 2013 to register for federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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

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New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brooklyn on Tuesday

Apply for FEMA Public Assistance Now

Deadline for Greene County is Jan. 17

NEW YORK – Time is limited for local officials, county agencies and eligible private nonprofit organizations in Greene County to file a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) from FEMA. All RPAs must be submitted by Jan. 17, 2013.

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, tribal organizations  and certain private nonprofit entities at least 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

In order to qualify, damage must be a direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

“Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA is working with our state and local partners to rebuild New York,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “I want to encourage our local partners and eligible private nonprofit organizations to apply to the program.”

“Many communities do not have the resources to handle the costs associated with a disaster,” said Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  “The Public Assistance program ensures that necessary funding gets where it’s needed so rebuilding can begin.  FEMA has been instrumental in the recovery process and I echo their call for applications to this program.”

In addition to Greene County, there are 13 New York counties designated for Public Assistance  under President Obama’s federal disaster declaration for New York, including: Bronx, Kings,

Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.  The deadline to submit a RPA for those counties is:

  • Jan. 28, 2013: for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens counties;
  • Feb. 1, 2013: for Rockland and Westchester counties; and
  • Feb. 11, 2013: for Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties

Public Assistance is administered by New York State and paid for by FEMA.

In the two months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, more than $334 million in Public Assistance funds have been awarded to help speed the recovery in New York State.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance please visit: www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

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

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Apply for FEMA Public Assistance Now

Three Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Assistance

NEW YORK – The Jan. 28 deadline is approaching for Hurricane Sandy survivors in 13 designated New York counties to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance.

FEMA

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

Nearly 261,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for help or information and more than $827 million in total individual assistance grants has been approved.

The deadline affects Sandy survivors living in counties designated for individual assistance: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

Ways to register with FEMA:

  • Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
  • Call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • For 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) call 800-621-3362.
  • The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

The U.S. Small Business Administration

Survivors who have registered with FEMA and received a loan application from the SBA are urged to complete and return it. The information could lead to other FEMA help. No one is required to accept a loan.

SBA has approved more than $420 million in loans for homes and businesses.

The deadline to return the SBA application is Jan. 28, the same as the deadline for registering with FEMA.

SBA assistance includes:

  • Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property. Renters are eligible for personal property losses, including automobiles.
  • Business Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size may apply. Certain private, non-profit organizations may also be eligible.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations meet their ordinary financial obligations that cannot be met because of the disaster. The deadline for economic injury loan applications is July 31. 

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

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Three Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Assistance

Insured Should Apply for Disaster Assistance

HUNT VALLEY, Md. — Individuals, who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy that occurred October 26 through November 4, and were insured, may still be eligible for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“If you were uninsured or your insurance policy did not cover some of your disaster-related damages or losses, FEMA may be able to help,” Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said.  “If your insurance company did not fully cover your losses, take the first step and register with FEMA.”

To register or get further information, call – 1-800-621-FEMA or TTY 1-800-462-7585. For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091, www.mema.maryland.gov, www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Somerset County residents affected by Hurricane Sandy also can apply for federal assistance through a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone. Visit m.fema.gov and follow the link to apply online for federal assistance and other recovery help.

Even if disaster victims have insurance, they may be eligible for disaster assistance. In order to complete the application for assistance, however, FEMA will need the resident’s insurance settlement information to avoid any duplication of benefits.

“Disaster assistance is designed to cover uninsured and under-insured disaster-related losses, but cannot duplicate services and funds compensated by insurance claim or provided by another assistance program,” Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s (MEMA) Executive Director, Ken Mallette, said.

The disaster programs available include grants for temporary housing and repairs to make a home safe and sanitary, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters or business owners and other aid programs.

Uninsured and underinsured losses that may be covered by SBA low-interest loans include debris removal from personal property, damaged and destroyed fences, tree trimming services, tree replacement, damaged and destroyed sheds and other outbuildings and landscaping losses.

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first, then if they have unmet needs they should call FEMA to apply. 

Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.  Once you have registered with FEMA, you will receive a nine digit Identification Number; if you have not received this number you have not formally registered and need to contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to obtain your registration number.

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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Insured Should Apply for Disaster Assistance

Preliminary Flood Maps in Jefferson County, Texas Ready for Public View

Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in Jefferson County, Texas are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Jefferson County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, a public workshop has been scheduled in the county where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes.

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013                                     

Ford Park Exhibit Hall                

5115 I-10 South

Beaumont, TX 77705

2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA R6 acting Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.txchart.com. Residents can also contact the Jefferson County Floodplain Administrator for more details.

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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 https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

            

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Preliminary Flood Maps in Jefferson County, Texas Ready for Public View

FEMA awards $695,000 to Episcopal Health Services

Activation of Emergency Operations Plan allowed hospital and nursing homes to remain open, treat patients during Hurricane Sandy

New York – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a $695,000 Public Assistance grant to Episcopal Health Services to reimburse some of the costs incurred before, during and after Hurricane Sandy. On October 27, 2012, in anticipation of the hurricane, the Episcopal Health Services activated its Emergency Operations Plan. Preparations included patient evacuation, setting up generators to provide back-up power and establishing a temporary medical facility capable of treating Sandy survivors.

Despite losing power because of the hurricane, Episcopal Health Services facilities not only continued operating but also accepted additional patients during and after the storm. St. John’s Episcopal Hospital experienced an estimated 40 percent increase in patients seeking treatment.

“The Episcopal Health Services had an emergency plan in place before the storm,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer.  “By implementing that plan and through the dedication of the doctors, nurses and staff, the Episcopal Health Services saved lives and provided shelter to residents in the Rockaways, Long Beach, Atlantic Beach and Five Town communities.”

“This money will go a long way in helping a key organization that stepped up when the medical community and local neighborhoods needed them,” said Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  “The preparation St. John’s Episcopal took ahead of time, and the influx of patients taken during the storm, shows how dedicated this region is and how we respond during times of disaster.”

Episcopal Health Services is a critical health care private nonprofit organization comprising three major entities: St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Bishop MacLean Episcopal Nursing Home and Bishop Hucles Episcopal Nursing Home. The facilities lost power on October 29, 2012, but continued to provide medical care to patients by using generators until electrical power was restored on November 9, 2012.

Private non-profit agencies that provide what are defined as critical services to the community may file a Request for Public Assistance from FEMA for reimbursement of costs incurred for emergency work performed as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Facilities that provide critical services include:

  • Hospitals and other medical-treatment facilities;
  • Fire, police and other emergency services;
  • Power, water and sewer utilities; and
  • Educational institutions.

Private nonprofits that provide what are defined as essential services to the community may also be eligible for PA to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. However, these private non-profits must first apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest loan.

Facilities that provide essential services include:

  • Libraries, museums and zoos;
  • Community centers;
  • Disability advocacy and service providers;
  • Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities; and
  • Senior citizen centers and day-care centers.

FEMA reimburses no less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures and permanent restoration costs, including debris removal and infrastructure repair or replacement.

The deadlines for Requests for Public Assistance are:

  • Jan. 17, 2013 for Greene County;
  • Jan. 28, 2013: for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens counties;
  • Feb. 1, 2013: for Rockland and Westchester counties; and
  • Feb. 11, 2013: for Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

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

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FEMA awards $695,000 to Episcopal Health Services

League City, Texas Celebrates a Safer Community

DENTON, Texas – Residents and business owners in League City, Texas can now enjoy a 10 to 20 percent reduction in flood insurance premiums because of the city’s active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). In addition to lower premiums, the CRS program has helped reduce the threat of damage due to flooding.

“The flood insurance program rewards communities for implementing programs and policies that protect their residents from flooding,” said Tony Robinson the Region 6 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) acting regional administrator.  “League City’s higher regulatory standards, public education and outreach, buyout programs and open space preservation initiatives, among other activities, have earned the city lower premiums as a CRS Class 6 Community.”

League City’s flood insurance policyholders who reside in Special Flood Hazard Areas will receive a 20 percent reduction on flood insurance premiums and policyholders located outside Special Flood Hazard Areas will enjoy a 10 percent discount. The reduction in flood insurance premiums represents an annual savings in premium costs for League City’s policy holders and will take effect at the time a new policy is written or an effective policy is renewed. Those individuals and business owners with a Preferred Risk Policy will not receive premium rate credits under the CRS because it already has a lower premium than other policies.

Since joining the CRS as a Class 9 Community in 1997, the city’s participation in the CRS has been beneficial in many respects.  In addition to the reduction in insurance premiums, League City officials are more knowledgeable about floodplain management and its residents are more knowledgeable about mitigation and flood insurance.    The CRS program has helped make League City a safer place to live, reduced the economic impact of flood hazards and saved their citizens money on their flood policy premiums.

The community rating system (CRS) is a voluntary program for NFIP-participating communities.  The intended goals of the CRS are to reduce flood losses; facilitate accurate insurance ratings; and to promote the awareness of flood insurance.  For more information on the NFIP’s CRS program, go to http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm.

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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 http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

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League City, Texas Celebrates a Safer Community

Dickinson, Texas Celebrates a Safer Community

DENTON, Texas – Residents and business owners in Dickinson, Texas can now enjoy a 5 to10 percent reduction in flood insurance premiums because of the city’s active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). In addition to lower premiums, the CRS program has helped reduce the threat of damage due to flooding.

“The flood insurance program rewards communities for implementing programs and policies that protect their residents from flooding,” said Tony Robinson the Region 6 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) acting regional administrator.  “Dickinson’s higher regulatory standards, public education and outreach, buyout programs and open space preservation initiatives, among other activities, have earned the city lower premiums as a CRS Class 8 Community.”

The city of Dickinson’s flood insurance policyholders who reside in Special Flood Hazard Areas will receive a 10 percent reduction on flood insurance premiums and policyholders located outside Special Flood Hazard Areas will enjoy a 5 percent discount. The reduction in flood insurance premiums represents an annual savings in premium costs for Dickinson’s policy holders and will take effect at the time a new policy is written or an effective policy is renewed. Those individuals and business owners with a Preferred Risk Policy will not receive premium rate credits under the CRS because it already has a lower premium than other policies.

The city’s participation in the CRS is beneficial in many respects.  In addition to the reduction in insurance premiums, Dickinson officials are more knowledgeable about floodplain management and its residents are more knowledgeable about mitigation and flood insurance.   The CRS program has helped make Dickinson a safer place to live, reduced the economic impact of flood hazards and saved their citizens money on their flood policy premiums.

The community rating system (CRS) is a voluntary program for NFIP-participating communities.  The intended goals of the CRS are to reduce flood losses; facilitate accurate insurance ratings; and to promote the awareness of flood insurance.  For more information on the NFIP’s CRS program, go to http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm.

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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 http://twitter.com/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Dickinson, Texas Celebrates a Safer Community

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