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As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid Exceeds $3m To Hoosiers

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4058-033

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS – As the May 8 deadline to apply for federal Individual Assistance quickly approaches, disaster assistance has exceeded $3 million for Indiana residents and communities affected by severe storms from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties in Indiana.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that, as of April 19, $1,378,468 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,417 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 36 hours of registration, and 587 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $1,689,500 in low-interest disaster loans have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Thirty-three loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated. The agency has issued 1,056 home loan applications and 184 business loan applications.

Homeowners are welcome to return SBA low-interest disaster loan applications to the Business Recovery Center in Scottsburg. The center, which will continue operating Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until further notice, is located at:

Scott County Economic Development Corporation
821 South Lake Road South
Scottsburg, Ind. 47170

May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance.

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration. 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:

Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.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.

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 16:31:01

Originally posted here:

As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid Exceeds $3m To Hoosiers

Less Than 6 Months Remain Before Chicot, AR Flood Maps Released

Release Date: April 17, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-076

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — In less than six months, on Oct. 2, new flood maps for Chicot County, Arkansas will become effective. Before the maps are final, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) who may be located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

FEMA Map specialists and Flood Insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
To use the live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, flood facts and to locate an agent in your area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Apr-2012 15:52:11

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Less Than 6 Months Remain Before Chicot, AR Flood Maps Released

Report Insurance Settlement: FEMA Letter Not Always Last Word

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Release Number: 4058-031

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) emphasize the importance of filing storm-related insurance settlement information with FEMA. Reporting expenses covered by insurance is a required step to apply for FEMA aid to help recover from severe storms that impacted Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties from Feb. 29 through March 3.

A “no decision” letter from FEMA is not always the last word.

A letter from FEMA stating a decision has not yet been made about an application is not necessarily the last word. It may simply mean additional information is required, such as insurance settlement information. Hoosiers may have received such a letter because they still need to file their storm-related insurance settlement details to FEMA. Each applicant is considered on a case-by-case basis. Every storm-impacted resident should follow up with FEMA to learn the specifics of his or her individual case.

A delay in submitting insurance settlement information can delay FEMA inspection.

Reporting insurance coverage helps continue the FEMA application process. Generally, not until insurance settlement information is provided can a visit from an inspector be scheduled. Waiting to submit insurance information can delay the inspection, which will pause the application process.

Hoosiers who have not yet received their insurance settlement may contact FEMA online or through the FEMA toll-free help line to explain their situations. Individuals should be prepared to provide to FEMA:

documentation from the insurance company proving the claim has been filed;
a claim number;
the date of application; and
the estimated time required to receive the settlement.

Any help awarded in advance by FEMA that is duplicated by the settlement must be repaid to FEMA once an insurance settlement is received.

While the law forbids federal payment for loss covered by insurance, financial aid may be provided for loss not covered. Hoosiers affected by recent storms are encouraged to follow up with FEMA to determine their eligibility, even if they think they will not qualify for assistance.

How to report insurance settlement

Applicants may mail in their insurance settlement information to:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Insurance settlement information may also be faxed to: (800) 827-8112.

Register with FEMA now

It is important to register with FEMA now. Occasionally, the insurance settlement process may take several months before it is final, perhaps until after the registration period has ended. To be considered for federal assistance, residents must apply before the May 8 deadline, even if the insurance claims process is not complete.

To register, applicants may call FEMA’s toll-free registration and help line number. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at 1-800-621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Register online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Monday, 16-Apr-2012 16:56:02

Link:

Report Insurance Settlement: FEMA Letter Not Always Last Word

Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Release Number: 4059-029

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding those affected by the recent storms and floods they have only a short time left to register for possible assistance.

For residents in Lincoln, Marion and Wayne counties the deadline is May 15. For those in Logan County the deadline is May 21. Assistance is available for homeowners, renters and businesses of any size.

“You absolutely must register with FEMA as the first step in getting help,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said. “Even if you have been talking to, or signed up with, state or county or local folks, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help Line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, Criswell said. “The process is fast and simple. Even if you are unsure if you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility. ”

Registrations can also be made online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a cell phone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Applicants should be ready to supply FEMA with current contact information (mailing address, phone number, e-mail address or that of a friend or relative who is in touch with the applicant), a Social Security number of any household member, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the problems and, if appropriate, any information about insurance coverage one might or might not have. The FEMA representative may ask for some other data, like the number of people residing in the property and the family’s gross annual income. All this information is critical to the process and will be kept in strict confidence by FEMA, Criswell said.

After registering with FEMA, applicants will be given a case number so they can follow the progress of their applications and to use when speaking to other FEMA personnel. To check on the status of one’s application, call the FEMA Help Line or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. This information will be available 24 hours after initially registering with FEMA.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now operating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturdays at these locations:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County
Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery experts from the state and FEMA to provide information and guidance for applicants to navigate through the recovery process.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration, SBA spokesman Jose Vejarano said. These personnel can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. The loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, he said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a disaster loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA, but filling out the application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance.

Last Modified: Monday, 16-Apr-2012 16:52:59

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Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

Tax Assistance Available To Vermonters Affected By Flooding

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4022-076

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – With the April 17 deadline for filing individual income tax returns rapidly approaching, Vermonters who were affected by last year’s spring floods or Tropical Storm Irene may have help available.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged Vermonters to check with both the Internal Revenue Service and the Vermont Tax Department to learn what benefits may be available.

“Vermonters who suffered losses from a presidentially declared disaster have a variety of options open to them,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “In addition to filing a disaster casualty loss claim, they can receive a waiver of fees and expedited processing if they request documents like prior tax returns that may have been destroyed.”

Casualty losses – property damaged or destroyed and not covered by insurance or other reimbursement – can be deducted from an amended 2010 return or on the 2011 return, both of which are due April 17. Russo reminded those who received Individual Assistance grants from FEMA that these are not considered income for tax purposes.

The deduction applies to loss of property because of sudden, unexpected or unusual events such as severe weather. The unreimbursed loss must be more than 10 per cent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income to be eligible for the deduction, and individuals cannot deduct those personal property losses that have been covered by insurance or other reimbursements, such as FEMA Individual Assistance grants.

The IRS website has tax information about federal tax relief in disaster situations at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108362,00.html. To contact the IRS toll-free disaster hotline, call 1-866-562-5227, or visit www.irs.gov

Business owners may also be able to deduct qualified expenses and should consult Publication 2194B: Disaster Losses Kit for Businesses for more information.

Vermont state income taxes are based on the filer’s federal taxable income, so flood-related losses do not need to be documented separately with the State of Vermont.

“We encourage Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene to take advantage of all the assistance available to them,” said Mary Peterson, Tax Commissioner for the State of Vermont. “Vermonters able to reduce their tax liability at the federal level due to Irene may be able to receive tax relief at the state level as well. It is important to understand all of your options.”

For information about Vermont income taxes, contact the Vermont Department of Taxes at 1-(866) 828-2865 (toll-free in VT) or (802) 828-2865 (local & out-of-state) or visit their website, www.state.vt.us/tax

The Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) has been offering free or reduced-fee tax preparation and consultation services to Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene. There are special forms and requirements for casualty losses, but at this late date VTCPA is urging Vermonters who have not yet sought help to file for extensions. Contact Carolyn Stevens, CPA at cstevens@trans-video.netor (802) 485-6448 if email is not available.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to Vermonters making under $42,000 annually. The program is a partnership between the IRS and the Chittenden County CASH Coalition, local United Way agencies and Community Action agencies. To find a location near you, visit www.state.vt.us/tax/individualvolunteers.shtml or dial 2-1-1.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 15:52:38

Tax Assistance Available To Vermonters Affected By Flooding

More Than $2 Million Approved In Federal Disaster Assistance

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4058-023

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS – More than $2 million in federal funding has been approved for homeowners, renters and business owners since the president issued a major disaster declaration for Indiana. Individual Assistance was made available March 9 to augment state and local recovery efforts after severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes caused extensive damage Feb. 29 to March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

As of close of business April 5, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials report

$1,170, 415.94 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items, and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,339 registrations have been received. Field inspectors are completing home inspections within 36 hours of registration, and 533 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $990,800 in low interest disaster loans have been approved thus far to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. SBA has issued 813 home loan applications and 171 business loan applications, and urges those receiving applications to return them as soon as possible.

Sellersburg Disaster Recovery Center

A Disaster Recovery Center at Ivy Tech College in Sellersburg will remain open until 6 p.m. on Friday, April 13. Hoosiers have just a few days left to meet with federal specialists about recovery assistance. More than 660 Hoosiers have visited the center, where specialists to answer questions about FEMA recovery programs and customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) help individuals complete SBA low interest disaster loan applications. The center, which was opened through a FEMA-state partnership March 13, will be closed on Easter. Otherwise, it will remain open from

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through April 13.

FEMA Mitigation community outreach events schedule

FEMA specialists spoke with 1,066 Hoosiers during community outreach events in building supply stores this week. FEMA specialists explained simple steps to reduce future storm damage Tuesday and Wednesday at Ryan’s Ace Hardware in Evansville. Specialists will continue meeting with Indiana residents through next week at building supply stores in Clarksville, Evansville, Madison, New Albany, Newburgh and Sellersburg.

Public Assistance for infrastructure recovery in five counties

FEMA Public Assistance Coordinators discussed damage, needs and recovery plans with Public Assistance applicants during kick-off meetings this week in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott and Washington counties. State and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in these counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. The remaining costs are the responsibility of state and local government and, in some cases, non-profit organizations.

Public Assistance funding also covers partial or complete repair of schools and other critical functions such as public water tanks or sewer systems. Projects will be approved only if they are necessary as a direct result of storm damage during the designated timeframe.

Register with FEMA

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the telephone registration and help line, (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:

Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 14:18:30

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More Than $2 Million Approved In Federal Disaster Assistance

Free Advice on Rebuilding Safer and Stronger

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4058-022

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Residents who want to make their homes and businesses more storm resistant can get advice from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists at local building supply stores from April 9 through April 15 in Clarksville, Madison and Evansville.

In addition to answering questions, mitigation specialists will have information about how to rebuild safer and stronger and provide steps that may lessen storm damage in a future disaster. This ranges from creating a disaster family plan to building a “safe room” — a shelter designed to provide occupants a safe place to go when severe weather threatens.

Mitigation specialists will be in stores next week Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lowe’s Home Improvement – 1350 Veterans Parkway, Clarksville, IN 47129

Lowe’s Home Improvement – 511 Ivy Tech Drive, Madison, IN 47250

Menards – 2808 Menard Drive, Evansville, IN 47715

As people repair or rebuild, this is an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures. Small changes can make a big difference the next time storms strike and can lessen the damage and financial impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole. An independent study shows each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $4 by reducing future losses due to disasters.

A series of free mitigation publications is available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include: Taking Shelter from the Storm, Rebuilding for a More Sustainable Future, Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting and Understanding Your Risks and Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

Survivors can apply for federal disaster assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 for speech- or hearing-impaired applicants. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call (800) 621-3362. Registration is also available online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 10:11:08

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Free Advice on Rebuilding Safer and Stronger

Wildfire Awareness Week Reminds Texans to Get Prepared

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4029-109, 1999-019

» More Information on Texas Wildfires
» More Information on Texas Wildfires

AUSTIN, Texas — Any time is a good time to safeguard your home and family against wildfires, but Texas’ April 9-13 Wildfire Awareness Week offers the perfect opportunity. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Texas suggest Texans use the week to learn their wildfire risk and get prepared.

“Wildfire Awareness Week is an opportune time to plan for wildfire season, especially with the continuing risk due to the state’s drought conditions,” said Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “Educating yourself about the wildfire threat and taking steps to protect yourselves and your property could help prevent the kind of destruction Texas experienced last year.”

“Whether you own your home or rent, it’s important to have a plan in place to protect your personal property, family and pets from the devastation of a wildfire,” said Kevin Hannes, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the 2011 Texas wildfire recovery missions. “Make a plan, build a disaster supply kit and stay informed. Those are the three key components to staying safe under any hazardous conditions.”

Those living in historically high-risk areas for wildfires or in the Wildland Urban Interface, an area where homes or other structures meet and mix with undeveloped, natural landscapes, should be particularly aware of their surroundings and make preparedness a top priority, said Hannes. It’s also good idea review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy before a fire breaks out, he added.

FEMA and TDEM suggest taking proactive, preventative measures to protect a home against wildfire destruction, such as creating defensible space and hardening the home.

Defensible Space:

Create a fire-safe landscape zone ranging from 30 to 100 feet around the home.
Plant only fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees. Carefully space tree plantings to avoid creating pockets of fuel.
Create “fuel breaks,” such as driveways and gravel walkways.
Remove ground fuels like grass, leaves, pine needles, dead limbs and twigs within 30 feet of the home. Clear all flammable vegetation and other materials. Remove branches that extend over the roof or power lines. Mow grass regularly.
Trim all dead branches from trees in the yard and prune low hanging limbs to prevent fire from climbing to the crowns of the trees.

Harden the Home:

Use fire-resistant roofing material, such as ceramic or slate tile, or standing-seam metal roofing.
Protect the home’s eaves with stucco or plaster to prevent flying embers from starting a fire. Consider designing the home without overhangs or use fire-resistant soffits to protect it from embers and hot gases.
Ensure that exterior wall coverings are fire-resistant and not susceptible to melting. Concrete, fiber-cement panels or siding, stucco, masonry and metal are some recommended materials.
Use metal mesh screens to keep fast-flying embers out of vents and chimneys. Vents should also be made of metal.

FEMA’s resource, the “Home Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones,” www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3646, provides excellent information about wildfire behavior and recommendations for building design and construction methods in areas prone to wildfires. Additional information on preparing homes and families from wildfire threats is at www.wildlandfirersg.org/index.cfm.

Texans can follow FEMA tweets about wildfire recovery at www.twitter.com/femaregion6. Other online resources are blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 09:45:57

Original article:

Wildfire Awareness Week Reminds Texans to Get Prepared

Commonwealth-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers In West Liberty, Hazel Green Closing; SBA Center To Open In West Liberty

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4057-050

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. –The Commonwealth of Kentucky and The Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the closure of the Disaster Recovery Centers for Morgan County in West Liberty and Hazel Green for Wolfe County on Wednesday, April 11 at 6 p.m.

The recovery center in West Liberty will re-open as an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 12, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“We’re closing the disaster recovery centers but FEMA will still be available to help folks who need us,” said Libby Turner, federal officer for Kentucky recovery. “If you had damage from the storms, you will still be able to register for assistance until May 7.”

Those applicants who have questions after the recovery centers close or those who have suffered damage and have not registered may call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The deadline for registration for FEMA disaster assistance is May 7. Helpline assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.

By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

The SBA Center will continue to provide one-on-one assistance to homeowners, renters and business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by the severe storms, tornadoes, winds and flooding that occurred Feb. 29 through March 3, 2012.

A FEMA representative will be present in the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to assist survivors with questions about registration or an application.

The SBA outreach center is located at:

Kentucky Housing Corporation
1084 Highway 7
West Liberty, KY 41472

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 09:26:18

Link to article:

Commonwealth-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers In West Liberty, Hazel Green Closing; SBA Center To Open In West Liberty

Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4059-013

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Free legal assistance is available to survivors of this spring’s tornadoes, severe storms and flooding in federally designated West Virginia counties – Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne. The services are being supplied through a partnership among the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Legal Aid of West Virginia and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA officials said Friday.

Survivors facing legal problems may call 877-331-4259 to request assistance. Phone lines are staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and callers may leave a message outside of those hours. Callers should state they are seeking FEMA legal assistance and should identify what county they are located in. Survivors who qualify for assistance will be matched with West Virginia lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.

The type of assistance available includes:

Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors
Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
Help with home repair contracts and contractors
Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
Counseling on landlord/tenant problems

There are some limitations on disaster legal services. To determine whether a legal problem qualifies for free legal assistance, survivors should make it clear that they are seeking assistance relative to the declared FEMA disaster. An attorney will contact the caller after reviewing the information provided.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 10:58:14

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Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors

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