FEMA Awards $1.8M for Community Safe Room in Matagorda County, TX

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FEMA Awards $1.8M for Community Safe Room in Matagorda County, TX

One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register 

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4058-021

» 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) announce the Disaster Recovery Center in Sellersburg will remain open one more week. The center will close April 13, which means there are just days left to meet face to face with specialists to ask questions about the recovery process.

The center, which is located at Ivy Tech College, I-65 and Hwy 311(I-65 exit 9), operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Since March 13, when FEMA and IDHS jointly opened the DRC, more than 600 Hoosiers have received one-on-one assistance from state and federal specialists as they recover from severe storms that occurred Feb. 29 to March 3.

Specialists are available at the center to answer questions about FEMA recovery programs. Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand, helping individuals complete SBA low interest disaster loan applications.

SBA low interest disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations fund repair or rebuilding and may cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal property or business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code-required upgrades and other costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Before meeting with specialists at the recovery center, storm-impacted individuals should register with FEMA. The last day to register, May 8, is just one month away.

FEMA provides one phone number for homeowners, renters and businesses to register for assistance and to receive help after registering: (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:

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: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 10:07:06

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One Week Left to Visit Disaster Center, One Month Left to Register

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8 

Release Date: April 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-017

» 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 five state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia to assist individuals, households and businesses that suffered damage from the recent storms will be closed Sundays beginning April 8.

The regular hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

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

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance, according to FEMA. 

“Before stopping by at the disaster recovery centers, people seeking assistance are strongly urged to register with FEMA,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell.
By phone, call the FEMA Hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing disabilities, use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled device at m.fema.gov.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration who can explain the low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. These loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said.  People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

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: Wednesday, 04-Apr-2012 09:21:03

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State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need 

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4057-046

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA grants are helping thousands of Kentucky families recover from the recent tornadoes, but you may have neighbors, friends or family members who have not registered for federal disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Your neighbors or friends may have misunderstandings about registration that may have kept them from getting all the recovery help they need.

“The important thing to tell your friends and neighbors is to register,” said Libby Turner, the federal officer in charge of Kentucky recovery. “That one step may unlock grants, low-interest loans, disaster unemployment assistance, and any other state or federal aid. Registering is as easy as picking up the telephone or going online.”

Your neighbors might say they have not registered with FEMA because they have insurance. Explain they may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses. Sometimes damage is found that insurance won’t cover but federal disaster assistance may. But your neighbor has to register with FEMA to get the help.

If your friend is still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster or for an insurance settlement, tell them to go ahead and register with FEMA because insurance may not meet all their needs. Federal assistance may be able to help solve this problem, but your friend must register with FEMA before the filing deadline of May 7 to be eligible.

Friends or neighbors also should go ahead with necessary repairs to make their house livable, but they must be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work as FEMA may require this documentation.

Some friends, neighbors or family members may think they make too much money to apply for assistance. However, most federal and Commonwealth disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The kind of help provided depends on the applicant’s circumstances and unmet needs.

Sometimes folks think they did not have enough damage to their homes to apply for assistance. The damage caused by high winds or tornadoes and costs associated with repairs or rebuilding, may not be apparent for several weeks. By registering with FEMA now, you may be eligible for assistance if you find damage later.

If you have friends, neighbors or family members who are concerned FEMA disaster assistance will interrupt or interfere with federal assistance they are already receiving, let them know disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Residents of Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Kenton, Johnson, Larue, Lawrence, Laurel, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe counties are eligible to register for federal disaster assistance from FEMA.

Emphasize to friends and neighbors the first step toward obtaining recovery assistance for individuals and businesses in the designated counties is to register with FEMA:

  • By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 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.

Survivors who have questions about their registration may call the FEMA helpline at the number listed above. Survivors who are having difficulty registering also may go to a recovery center for 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-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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, 03-Apr-2012 16:34:38

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Make Sure Your Friends and Neighbors Are Getting the Assistance They Need

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas 

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-071

DENTON, Texas – Randolph County, Arkansas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Randolph County flood maps become effective on Wednesday, May 2 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to May 2 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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, 03-Apr-2012 12:42:11

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas

Tell Your Neighbor about Federal Disaster Assistance

Tell Your Neighbor about Federal Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: 4058-019

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — If you suffered damage during severe storms Feb. 29-March 3, chances are your neighbor may have, too. Storm-impacted individuals should tell their neighbors about the opportunity to register for assistance with FEMA before the May 8 deadline and to return their SBA loan applications as soon as possible.

Tell your friends and neighbors about the opportunity to register with FEMA even though they have insurance. Insurance may not cover the entire cost of recovery, and a low-interest loan from the SBA may fill the gap to more fully recover from damage.

Tell others FEMA Housing Assistance in the form of grants may include rental assistance, home repairs and home replacements. Other Needs Assistance grants may be available to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.

Tell your friends and neighbors SBA disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations fund repair or rebuilding and cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal property and business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code-required upgrades and other costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Tell your friends and neighbors if they received an SBA disaster loan application they should return it as soon as possible. If they have questions, they can contact the SBA Customer Service Center. Call (800) 659-2955 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. To apply online, visit:  
disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Applicants may also visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Emphasize to your friends and neighbors that completion of the SBA disaster loan application may open the door to FEMA grants and other forms of assistance available to eligible residents. FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical, dental and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA disaster loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance covering personal property, vehicle repair or replacement and moving and storage expenses. An insurance claim does not have to be settled to complete and submit an SBA loan application.

Register with FEMA

Be sure your friends and neighbors know how to apply for FEMA assistance. One easy way to apply is to call the telephone registration 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. FEMA issues a nine-digit registration number to verify completion of each application.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

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: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 10:52:37

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Tell Your Neighbor about Federal Disaster Assistance

Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties

Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties 

Laurel, Magoffin, Menifee, and Morgan counties continue cleanup efforts

Release Date: March 31, 2012
Release Number: 4057-044

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Because field observations have determined that four Kentucky counties suffered the most extensive damage from the Feb. 29 and March 2 tornadoes, the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC) Division of Waste Management is offering additional grant dollars for cleanup activities.

“As with the first round of grant dollars, county leaders will be able to use this funding for the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste generated by tornado damage,” said EEC Secretary Len Peters. “It is our hope that this additional funding will assist these communities in their recovery efforts.”

Morgan County is eligible receive $150,000, while Laurel, Magoffin and Menifee counties are each eligible for an additional $75,000.

Counties have 120 days to complete the activities outlined in the grant agreement. A final spending report will be due to the waste management division on Aug. 2.

Kentuckians should be aware of health, safety and compliance hazards associated with debris handling and disposal. These hazards include burning of debris, asbestos removal and mold growth. Detailed information on storm debris cleanup may be obtained at the Division for Air Quality’s website at air.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx, by clicking on “Disposing of Storm and Flood Debris” at the bottom of the page.

A listing of county solid waste coordinators can be found online at waste.ky.gov/RLA/Documents/Solid%20Waste%20Coordinators%208-25-10.pdf.

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: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:24:44

Continued here – 

Energy and Environment Cabinet Offers Additional Emergency Cleanup Grants to Four Kentucky Counties

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely 

Release Date: April 1, 2012
Release Number: 4060-014

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee residents who, as a result of the Feb. 29 – March 2 tornadoes, receive disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urged to spend their funds wisely. 

Survivors who applied for disaster assistance with FEMA will receive letters about where they are in the application process, what to do next or how they should spend grant money.

Applicants should onlyuse their grants to meet specific disaster-related needs.

Most disaster grants from FEMA are deposited electronically, followed by a letter explaining how the money should be spent.

Housing Assistance grants are intended for basic housing repairs, such as replacing doors and windows or repairing a roof. Housing Assistance grants may also be used for short-term rent payments or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses.

Other Needs Assistance grants are intended to help replace essential personal property and meet disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses. The money may also be used to help repair or replace a car damaged by the disaster and to replace work-related tools.

FEMA grants shouldn’t be used for luxury goods such as flat-screen televisions, video games or other entertainment electronics. Grants may be audited, so survivors should keep receipts for three years to document disaster-related expenses.

If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, a recipient may have to pay it back and may lose eligibility for any further help.

The first step toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA:

  • By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • By computer visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By smartphone or tablet, use 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: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:00:35

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FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery 

Release Date: March 31, 2012
Release Number: 4059-011

» 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. — As disaster-affected West Virginians work to recover from this spring’s tornados, severe storms and flooding, they are finding support from many agencies, churches and members of the public. Although the flow of food and the providing of shelter and emergency relief have slowed, the long process of recovery is just beginning.

Storm survivors are helped by various government programs, but volunteer and faith-based groups play crucial roles. They work on case management, provide labor for rebuilding homes and assist with other unmet disaster-related needs. 

Those who want to help their neighbors recover from disaster have three main avenues.

Financial Donations: 
Cash donations facilitate the efficient use of resources for the precise needs of survivors. This money also empowers groups to leverage funds with volunteer labor – making each dollar stretch further. To make a financial contribution to the West Virginia recovery efforts, send your check to:

WV Long-Term Recovery Fund
VolunteerWV, Inc.
PO Box 6475
Charleston, WV 25362

Donations to this fund will be shared among groups and agencies that are assisting residents of West Virginia to recover. Be sure to write “Long-Term Recovery” on the memo line of your check. 

Goods Donations:      
Many folks like to donate goods after a disaster strikes, but these donations often create challenges for people who have to sort, clean and distribute items. Indeed, much of the donated material is unusable and winds up being discarded. Making a financial contribution as described above helps the most – but if you do collect goods for donation, please determine first what is needed, where it is needed and who will manage the donation so it can be given to the appropriate beneficiaries. 

Volunteering Time:         
Volunteers contribute enormously to disaster relief and recovery. The way to volunteer is to join a charitable or faith-based agency and be trained. VolunteerWV provides support to volunteer-minded West Virginians. The VolunteerWV Web site at www.volunteerwv.org has information on how to help your recovering neighbors.

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: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 08:53:01

Originally posted here: 

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery

FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand 

Release Date: March 30, 2012
Release Number: 4059-006

» 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. – Registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and completing a Small Business Administration disaster-loan application are often both necessary for many West Virginians needing help in recovering from the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“The first step toward disaster recovery is registering with FEMA,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “The next step is completing and returning the SBA disaster-loan application if one is mailed to you. Both businesses and disaster survivors are eligible for SBA loans.”

Homeowners and renters should complete and return the SBA application, even if they don’t want a loan or don’t expect to qualify for one, officials said. A completed SBA loan application is needed in order to qualify for state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

Applicants can register by phone by calling the FEMA Help Line at (800)-621-3362. TTY users can call (800)-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Applicants can also resister online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

For qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations in Logan, Lincoln, Marion and Wayne counties, SBA disaster loans can be used to pay for disaster-related damages. People with home-based businesses or rental property who have been affected by the storms may also be eligible for SBA loans.

Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property lost in the disaster.

Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also provides 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. Economic injury disaster loans are available even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages.

Loan amounts and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. Interest rates are as low as
1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses. Payment terms can be as long as 30 years.

SBA representatives are available at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help individuals complete and submit disaster-loan applications and answer any questions. The locations of the centers are available at fema.gov. Click on the link “Apply for Assistance” and then “Disaster Recovery Center locations.”

The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955; TTY is (800)-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the Web site at www.sba.gov.

Loan applications can be filled out online at SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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, 30-Mar-2012 14:38:56

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FEMA Registration And SBA Disaster Loan Application Often Go Hand-In-Hand

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