Governor Cuomo Announces FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in NY for an Additional Four Weeks

New York – Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the state of New York, has approved a four-week extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in participating hotels or motels.

The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels during the holiday season. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended four-week period and the checkout date of Jan. 12, 2013.   

“This much-needed extension will allow families who lost everything in Hurricane Sandy to have a place to stay throughout the holiday season,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will continue to work together with city and federal partners to help those displaced by this devastating storm find housing solutions.”

This is a short-term program that places families in hotels in areas with significant rental shortages. Families can stay in area hotels for a short time while they work toward a housing plan.

“Our top priority is to help get people into rental units and longer term housing as fast as we can,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “We recognize that the holidays can be an emotional time for disaster survivors and this extension will provide immediate shelter through the season.”

To be eligible for TSA, survivors must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA by:

Registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov; 

Registering via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov; or

Registering by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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Governor Cuomo Announces FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in NY for an Additional Four Weeks

Know Your Risk Now to Build Back Stronger, Safer, Smarter

TRENTON, N.J. — Property and business owners affected by Hurricane Sandy along the New Jersey coast have new guidance for rebuilding stronger, safer and smarter to avoid the consequences of future floods.

The State of New Jersey and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have released Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) maps for 10 coastal counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. 

ABFE maps are digital renderings of flood hazards maps that provide an updated depiction of flood hazards for communities affected by coastal flooding including those along rivers that are subject to tidal surges. 

To access the new maps, visit region2coastal.com and click on the Hurricane Sandy tab.

The advisory maps, which are based upon scientific and engineering assessments of storms like Sandy, will provide communities with recommended building elevations for use in reconstruction until more detailed data becomes available.

With the updated information: 

  • Property owners can understand where flood risks exist and make informed decisions about elevations or about taking other mitigation steps to protect the investment in their property.
  • State and local governments can site and elevate public buildings and facilities and guide new construction.
  • Architects and builders can design better rebuilding and rehabilitation solutions for property owners.

Communities are being encouraged to adopt the ABFEs because they provide a significant opportunity to mitigate their future flood risk. Communities can increase their resiliency against future disasters, and flood insurance policy holders may save on future flood insurance premiums.

Property and business owners should work with local building officials to fully understand any requirements for using ABFEs in rebuilding. Decisions made now can mean a safer, stronger, smarter future.

For information on flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov, call 888-379-9531 or contact your insurance agent.

Anyone who suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Sandy is encouraged to register with FEMA. Individuals can apply for assistance and follow up on previous applications by visiting   www.DisasterAssistance.gov  or by smart phones or tablets at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

# # #

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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Know Your Risk Now to Build Back Stronger, Safer, Smarter

Individual Assistance Added for Somerset County

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Federal Emergency Management Agency officials today announced that Individual Assistance has been authorized for Somerset County under President Obama’s disaster declaration for Hurricane Sandy.

Homeowners and renters may be eligible for grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses, as well as low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans also are available to businesses of all sizes and to nonprofit organizations.

Residents and business owners in Somerset County can register for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number 800-621-FEMA (3362).  The TTY number is 800-462-7585.  Smartphone users can go to m.fema.gov.

Survivors who receive SBA disaster loan applications, after registering with FEMA, must complete and submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers the repair or replacement of personal property, including vehicles.  Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental and funeral expenses. 

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091.

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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Individual Assistance Added for Somerset County

Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. —  If you had losses because of Hurricane Sandy you are encouraged to register for disaster assistance. You may be eligible for grants or assistance programs from federal, state, local or voluntary agencies. Here are several facts you should know:

FACT:  A FEMA grant does not affect social security benefits or any government benefit, including Medicare, Medicaid or food stamps. 

FACT:  Disaster assistance has no bearing on decisions about a senior’s need for nursing home care. FEMA and its state and local partners work to keep survivors in their own homes.                     

FACT:  Specially trained FEMA staff and volunteers are available to help anyone who has a physical limitation or other problems registering. You will not have to fill out a form. The telephone specialist will input your information for you when you call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585.

 FACT:  You can check the status of your application online or speak to a disaster representative in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). If you need assistance getting to a DRC call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585 and FEMA will arrange to have someone take you to the nearest DRC.

FACT:  If English is not your first language, FEMA telephone specialists can speak to you in almost any language. For languages other than English or Spanish press option “3”. You will be able to choose from more than 250 languages available.

FACT:  Registering with FEMA is a simple process. There is no paperwork involved. Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

FACT:  Depending on the information you provide, FEMA may ask you to fill out an application for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. You are automatically considered for other federal grant programs if the SBA application shows you cannot repay a loan. That’s why it is so important to fill out and return the SBA application.

FACT:  FEMA funding is available to all eligible survivors who had disaster losses. Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with losses your insurance does not cover.

FACT:  Income is not a consideration when you apply for FEMA assistance.

FACT:  Even if you received disaster assistance in the past, following Hurricane Irene, for example, you may be eligible for assistance if you suffered changes from Hurricane Sandy. 

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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Facts For Older Adults On Registering For Disaster Assistance

Guard Against Future Damage with Home Elevations; FEMA Can Help

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors along Connecticut’s coast are asking an important question: How can I protect my home from future flooding?

One of the most effective methods is for them to elevate their home.

“Elevation may be one of the best ways to protect your home, your family and your possessions,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “Home elevation isn’t simple or cheap, but it is extremely effective.”

The advantages of elevating homes include:

  • Reducing the flood risk to the house and its contents;
     
  • Eliminating the need to move vulnerable contents to areas above the water level during a flood;
     
  • Reducing the physical, financial and emotional strain that accompanies floods;
     
  • Providing additional parking and storage space at home; and
     
  • Decreasing flood insurance premiums by reducing the risk to a property.

Through the National Flood Insurance Program, local communities enact and enforce floodplain management regulations. Flood survivors should check on local code requirements before repairing or elevating their homes.

To get an idea of how home elevations are accomplished, view the following videos on FEMA’s website:

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/1849

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/2281

Related online FEMA publications include:

“Above the Flood: Elevating Your Flood Prone House” www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=1424

“Protecting Your Home and Property from Flood Damage” www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=4654

Homeowners also can get technical assistance by calling FEMA’s building science helpline at 866-927-2104 or submitting questions by email to FEMA-Buildingsciencehelp@dhs.gov.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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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Guard Against Future Damage with Home Elevations; FEMA Can Help

Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center to Close Saturday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m.

WINDSOR, Conn. — The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center at the Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, will close at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15.

When the center closes, FEMA will still be only a mouse-click or a phone call away. Disaster survivors may also go to any other Disaster Recovery Center. For an updated list of DRCs, go to http://go.usa.gov/g2Td on the Web or text the letters DRC and your ZIP code to the number 43362.

Homeowners, business owners and renters who had damage from Hurricane Sandy in one of the Connecticut counties designated for Individual Assistance have until Dec. 31 to register for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register or ask questions by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

If an applicant receives an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of their registration package from FEMA, it is important this application be completed and returned.  No survivor is required to take out an SBA loan, but completion of the SBA application may make the applicant eligible for further FEMA assistance.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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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Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center to Close Saturday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m.

FEMA Awards First of Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power Program Grants

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today it is awarding nearly $4 million to two local governments to help pay for costs associated with implementing the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program.

STEP funds emergency residential essential and necessary repairs such as restoration of temporary electricity, heat and hot water so that survivors can remain in their homes while permanent repair work continues.

The FEMA Public Assistance program is providing at least 75 percent of the eligible expenses for STEP; the remaining 25 percent will be provided by non-federal funds. FEMA has awarded $2.8 million to Nassau County and $1.1 million to Suffolk County.

“FEMA’s first priority is getting New Yorkers home,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “We understand that survivors are hard at work repairing and rebuilding houses. STEP is an emergency program that will enable them to move out of hotels and shelters and safely return to their homes during renovation.”

Under the program, residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties will be able to have the damage to their residences assessed and, where safe and practicable, have electricity restored and other basic repairs made so they can move back into their homes. This may include making temporary repairs to ramps and other related elements needed to make the homes accessible for residents with disabilities and others with physical accommodation requirements.

The STEP program was initiated after Hurricane Sandy to allow New Yorkers who do not have power to shelter-in-place in their homes while permanent repairs are completed. The STEP program is ongoing; these are the first funds awarded through this pilot program. FEMA officials expect that funds to reimburse local governments for STEP will increase in the coming weeks.

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 First of Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power Program Grants

December 31 Deadline For SBA Disaster Business Physical Loss Loans

TRENTON, N.J. — Time is running out for business owners with property damage due to Hurricane Sandy to apply for Business Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline to apply for loans covering physical losses is December 31, 2012.

Business Physical Disaster Loans are made to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business. This includes real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible, as are private non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc.

The SBA also administers the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Economic injury disaster loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid if the disaster had not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Federal law limits business loans to $2 million for the combined physical and economic injury, mitigation and refinancing.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

SBA customer service representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) throughout the state and at the following ten Business Disaster Recovery Centers (BRCs):

Richard Stockton College, 35 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401

  • Bergen Community College, 355 Main St., Room 121, Hackensack, NJ 07601
  • Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, 13 Crest Haven Rd. Cape May, NJ 08210
  • Rutgers University, 25 James Street, Newark, NJ 07102
  • N.J. City University, 285 West Side Avenue, Suites 189-191, Jersey City, NJ 07305
  • John F. Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
  • Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ 07738
  • So. Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
  • William Paterson University, 131 Ellison St., Paterson, NJ 07505
  • Kean University, Business One-Stop-Service, The Incubator, 320 Park Ave. Plainfield, NJ 07060

These locations may change. Disaster Recovery Center locations can be found online at fema.gov/DRC.

Registration with FEMA is not mandatory to apply for an SBA Business Disaster Loan, but it is preferred.  For additional information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2855 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov.

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

Follow FEMA online at 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.

Original source – 

December 31 Deadline For SBA Disaster Business Physical Loss Loans

Loans are Key to Disaster Recovery for Many Rhode Islanders

WARWICK, R.I.—  In-person help is available in Westerly to help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes that were affected by Hurricane Sandy with applications for low-interest disaster recovery loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster recovery loans are the primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery.

SBA officials urge Rhode Islanders who have questions about SBA loans or would like help completing an application to visit the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly. Hours of operation are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Wednesday, December 19. SBA specialists will assist with preparation and can send the application overnight free of charge to the SBA’s national processing center.

While grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are helping individuals and families in the Ocean State with immediate recovery needs, they are rarely large enough to restore survivors to their pre-disaster condition. After a disaster, loans from the SBA are not just for businesses. Loans up to $200,000 are available to qualified homeowners to repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, up to $40,000 may be available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged personal property.

Many individuals and households who registered for disaster assistance from FEMA will be mailed an application for an SBA disaster recovery loan. If the SBA finds an individual does not qualify for a loan, the applicant may be referred back to FEMA to be considered for additional assistance from FEMA. No one is ever required to accept a loan. But failure to complete and submit the SBA application can deprive the family of the opportunity to access more aid from FEMA.

Businesses, regardless of size, can apply to SBA for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also offers small business owners and most private nonprofit organizations economic injury disaster loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. The SBA can make economic injury disaster loans even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

Businesses are urged to visit the SBA Business Recovery Center at the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce, One Chamber Way, Westerly. Hours of operation are weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through Wednesday, December 19.

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Loans are Key to Disaster Recovery for Many Rhode Islanders

FEMA Hiring Locally to Help in Disaster Recovery

WARWICK, R.I. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is hiring a number of Rhode Islanders to assist in the state’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy.

“It is FEMA policy, and the agency makes it a priority, to employ local residents,” explained FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo.  “It gives us an opportunity to tap into the skills and experience of people who live right here in the Ocean State.  Moreover, a paycheck makes it into the hands of some local, unemployed workers on a temporary basis.” 

FEMA is currently seeking up to 15 local employees, which will comprise 10 percent of the FEMA workforce, at its Joint Field Office in Warwick.  Civil engineering, administrative management, accounting, and charting and mapping are but a few of the skill sets being sought.

This is the second time in recent years FEMA has recruited locally in Rhode Island.  Many individuals were hired in 2010 when the agency helped the state recover from spring storms and flooding at that time.

Individuals interested in applying should register online at www.EmployRI.org.  The initiative is supported by EmployRI and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

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FEMA Hiring Locally to Help in Disaster Recovery

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