FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4058-016

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In the wake of disasters, people often wonder whether there is a way to protect themselves and their property from devastating loss. The answer is yes!

Mitigation specialists from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be at Menards, 2808 Menards Drive, Evansville, Ind., this week to offer free information and answer questions about rebuilding.

The FEMA team will be in the store beginning March 29 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday April 1.

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.

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.

Federal disaster aid was made available on March 9 to the State of Indiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts for homeowners, renters and business owners in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes during the period of Feb. 29 to March 3, 2012 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 10:03:39

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4060-008

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly 600 survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 29 – March 2 have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

To date, more than $461,000 in grants has been approved to help survivors pay for temporary housing and other needs as a result of damage they incurred. Many more survivors in the 10 disaster-designated counties may be eligible for benefits but may not be registering with FEMA in larger numbers for a variety of reasons:

Unfamiliar with the FEMA registration process – it’s as easy as a phone call or click.

  • People with storm losses can register simply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can use TTY 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Don’t know the full scope of available assistance.

  • FEMA assistance can cover rental costs, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
  • FEMA can refer survivors who do not need FEMA assistance, or who have additional needs, to partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA also can refer survivors to groups and agencies who can help them with disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and legal aid.
  • SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters and businesses at affordable terms. Survivors offered an SBA low-interest loan are under no obligation to accept it. However, completing and returning the application may open the door to other forms of assistance such as additional FEMA grants.
  • Survivors can obtain more information from the SBA website at www.sba.gov and learn how to apply on line or download an SBA application. Applicants with questions specific to SBA can also call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) for assistance.

Think insurance will cover damages or are waiting for an insurance settlement.

  • Homeowners and renters with insurance should fill out a FEMA application and SBA loan application while they are waiting for their insurance decision. It saves time.
  • If insurance doesn’t cover all of their disaster-related expenses, FEMA and/or SBA assistance may be available to fill the gap.

Busy cleaning up debris, repairing homes; haven’t taken the time to register.

  • Registering by phone or online can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Think FEMA assistance could count against benefits received from other federal programs such as Social Security or Medicare.

  • FEMA grants for housing and other needs assistance are NOT counted as income and DO NOT affect other benefits or eligibility for programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. FEMA grant money does not have to be repaid as long as it is properly spent for your disaster recovery.

Think they are ineligible for FEMA assistance due to income levels or too little damage.

  • Income level does not affect possible FEMA assistance for homeowners; and let FEMA determine if the amount of damage qualifies for assistance. Survivors should not disqualify themselves by not registering.

Disaster Recovery Centers

If, after registering, survivors still have questions or need help registering, they can get face-to-face help by visiting any of the nine disaster recovery centers in Tennessee, which are staffed with recovery specialists from TEMA, FEMA, SBA and other agencies able to answer questions. Disaster recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The following disaster recovery locations will remain open until 6 p.m., Monday, April 2:

DeKalb County
County Administrative Building
724 South Congress Blvd.
Smithville, TN 37166

Jackson County
Dodson Branch Community Center
16160 Dodson Branch Hwy.
Cookeville, TN 38501

Overton County
911 EMS Building
253 Industrial Park Dr.
Livingston, TN 38570

The following locations will remain open until further notice:

Bradley County
First Baptist Church Annex
340 Church St.
Cleveland, TN 37311

Claiborne County
Harrogate Volunteer Fire Department #2
132 Harrogate Crossing Rd.
Harrogate, TN 37752

Cumberland County
County Community Complex
1398 Livingston Rd.
Crossville, TN 38555

Hamilton County
Chattanooga Fire Department Station #7
6911 Discovery Dr.
Chattanooga, TN 37416

McMinn/Polk County
Etowah Rural Fire and Rescue
1018 Tennessee Ave.
Etowah, TN 37331

Monroe County
Tellico Plains Community Center
132 Bank St.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385

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.

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: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 09:33:50

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Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA

Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4059-007

» 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.V. — West Virginia residents in Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne counties who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will receive a letter after they apply for disaster assistance. The letter explains the current status of an individual’s disaster assistance application.

“We want to remind disaster survivors to carefully read the entire letter, because FEMA may need additional information,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. Criswell is in charge of FEMA’s response to the flooding and tornadoes between February 29 through March 5 and the flooding beginning March 15.

“It is important to know that the initial decision and amount of assistance, whatever it might be, could change when the applicant’s insurance or other government assistance is figured in,” Criswell said.

Sometimes people do not qualify for financial help right away because further documentation has to be submitted to FEMA. Some of the many reasons for a denial are:

  • Records have not been provided to show the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster;
  • The applicant has not received his or her insurance settlement;
  • Information may be needed such as a record of income or the correct address of the damaged property;
  • Proof of home ownership or rental documentation might be missing;
  • The Small Business Administration disaster loan application has not been returned; or
  • Essential documents are not signed.

“Just because the letter says an applicant isn’t eligible for disaster assistance, this does not necessarily mean FEMA’s decision is final,” said Criswell. “Applicants can ask FEMA to reconsider the decision if they disagree with what the letter says.”

If an applicant does not agree with FEMA’s decision, an appeal process is available. Appeals may relate to eligibility, the amount or type of help provided, a late application, a request to return money or continuing help. The appeal must be sent to FEMA and postmarked within 60 days of the date the decision letter is received. To appeal, applicants must follow these steps:

  1. Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance is not correct.
    1. When submitting the letter, include your full name, date and place of birth, and current address.
    2. You must sign the letter, and it must be notarized and include a copy of a state-issued identification card. Failing that, the letter must contain the following statement: “I hereby declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  2. Date the appeal letter and include your FEMA application number and the disaster number (located at the top of the decision letter).
  3. Mail the letter to:

    FEMA
    National Processing Service Center
    P. O. Box 10055
    Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

  4. Or fax the letter to:

    800-827-8112
    Attention: FEMA

For questions about the letter, the appeal process or to register for disaster assistance, applicants should call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Operators are on duty seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone, tablet or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov. FEMA’s App for Android phones can be downloaded at market.android.com/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android.

Applicants are urged to visit any Disaster Recovery Center after they go through the entire registration process. There they can get guidance on disaster recovery, clarify any letters or calls they may have received from FEMA and can also confer with SBA representatives. Disaster Recovery Center locations are available on DRC locator on the FEMA website: www.fema.gov

Filling out an SBA loan application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance. SBA personnel at the DRC can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size 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 along with the FEMA letter. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

Additional information is available at www.fema.gov and from the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at www.dhem.wv.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: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2012 16:05:05

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Disaster Survivors Urged To Carefully Read Letters from FEMA

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today delivered remarks at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando in preparation of the upcoming hurricane season. In his address, Fugate encouraged the emergency management team to work inclusively with all partners to meet the needs of the whole community when responding to and recovering from disasters. As he discussed the work that federal, state, local and tribal governments, and voluntary organizations do on a regular basis in preparation each year, Administrator Fugate also focused his remarks at this year’s conference about the importance of engaging the private sector early and often.

“We need to give the private sector a seat at the table,” said Fugate. “When we look at the disasters last year, the unreported story was how the private sector was a part of the recovery team. The sooner we can get private businesses — and government-backed infrastructure — up and running, the sooner communities will recover.”

Administrator Fugate also took the opportunity to remind this year’s participants to never lose sight of the fact that the impacts of hurricanes are wide-ranging. “Last year proved that the effects of hurricanes can impact areas beyond just the coast,” said Fugate. “As we look to 2012 we need to work together as a team, with all our partners, the private sector and the public to ensure that communities are prepared no matter where tropical storms impact.”

In wrapping up his remarks at the conference, Fugate encouraged those in attendance to plan beyond hurricane season. “We have to stop planning for the past storm,” said Fugate. “We have to be look forward and plan for all-hazards — understanding the current threats before us and what vulnerabilities we have.”

Following his remarks, Fugate participated in a panel discussion with National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon, and Walgreens Security Operations Center’s Jim Williams.

The National Hurricane Conference seeks to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in an effort to protect lives and property in the United States and the tropical islands of the Caribbean and Pacific. In addition, the conference serves as a national forum for federal, state and local officials to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management.

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, 27-Mar-2012 14:05:03

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Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4057-033

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA announces that the Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County will close Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 6 p.m. but disaster assistance will be only a toll-free phone call away.

If you have questions after the Laurel County recovery center closes or have not registered for assistance, 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 may use
TTY 800 – 462-7585.

The center is open from 9  a.m. to 6 p.m. through March 29 at the following address:
CD Ward Masonic Lodge   
201 School Street
East Bernstadt, KY 40729

Survivors can visit any disaster recovery center in Kentucky. They can find other centers by calling the FEMA helpline or by using the disaster recovery center locator at www.fema.gov/drclocator.

Disaster Recovery Centers continue to be in operation in the following locations:

Johnson County:
Paintsville Recreation Center
232 Preston Street
Paintsville, KY 41240

Kenton County:
Goshen Christian Church
1773 Bracht Piner Road
Morning View, KY 41063

Lawrence County:
Lawrence County Community Center
180 Bulldog Lane
Louisa, KY 41230

Magoffin County:
First Baptist Church
134 Dixie Avenue
Salyersville, KY 41465

Martin County:
Roy F. Collier Community Center
387 E. Main Street
Inez, KY 41224

Menifee County:
Menifee County Fire Station
44 McCausey Ridge Road
Frenchburg, KY 40322

Morgan County:
Kentucky Housing Corporation
1084 Highway 7
West Liberty, KY 41472

Pendleton County:
Butler Baptist Church
107 Peoples Street
Butler, KY 41006

Disaster Recovery Centers provide survivors a one-stop location to get information that helps them through the recovery process.

The first step for individuals and businesses 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 may use TTY 800 – 462-7585.
  • 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.

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, 27-Mar-2012 09:53:10

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FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday

Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA

Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4057-032

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — If you are one of the over 4,000 Kentuckians who have registered for disaster assistance with FEMA, you may have a family member, a neighbor or just know someone who has not applied for help.

Getting assistance to everyone in the Commonwealth who is eligible is the reason the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Kentucky Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration officials have begun a “Tell Your Neighbor” campaign.

Individuals and households affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding of Feb 29 through March 2 should apply for assistance as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration number at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Speech- or hearing-impaired individuals may call TTY 800-462-7585. Individuals also can apply for disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

“We are enlisting the help of area residents to make sure no one is missing a chance to apply for help,” said Libby Turner, federal officer in charge of Kentucky recovery. “Tell Your Neighbor” is a coordinated effort to make sure communities and residents get their recovery underway and no one is left behind.”

Disaster officials encourage Kentucky survivors to tell their friends, family and neighbors who may be hesitant to register for disaster assistance.

Important aspects of “Tell Your Neighbor” are the need to register for assistance with FEMA and the importance of returning SBA loan applications, even though individuals may not want or need a loan from SBA. Completion of the SBA loan application may open the door to FEMA grants and other forms of assistance available to eligible residents. An insurance claim does not have to be settled to complete and submit an SBA loan application.

It is also important your friends and neighbors know they should register with FEMA for assistance even though they have insurance, because insurance may not meet all their needs, and a low-interest loan from the SBA may fill the gap to more fully recover from damage to your home.

Disaster assistance is not charity. Disaster assistance grants come from federal taxpayer money Congress specifically sets aside for that purpose. The assistance one individual may receive will not take away from another applicant’s federal assistance funds.

FEMA Housing Assistance in the form of grants may include rental assistance, home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. 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.

SBA disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property and business assets. These loans may cover insurance deductibles, code required upgrades and other costs not compensated for by insurance or other sources.

For more information about SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT), Saturday, at 800-659-2955 for information and assistance. Victims may apply online at http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.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-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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 13:06:43

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Tell Your Neighbor to Register with FEMA

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart 

Release Date: March 25, 2012
Release Number: 4057-031

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Federal Emergency Management Agency Mitigation specialists will be offering free information and answering questions about rebuilding for survivors of the recent tornadoes and storms throughout counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

The FEMA teams will be at Walmart stores on March 29 through April 1 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. in Rowan, Johnson, Laurel and Lawrence Counties.

Representatives will answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster damage and offering other home improvement tips and techniques. Topics include safe room construction, flood- and wind-resistant building methods, wind straps and other measures to make homes stronger and safer such as mold and mildew cleanup and prevention. Free publications on these topics, as well as on flood insurance, will be available.

A Congressionally mandated study in 2005 by the National Institute of Building Sciences showed that every dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of four dollars in future losses due to disasters. Information about strengthening property can be downloaded at www.fema.gov/rebuild/.

Location addresses and hours of the FEMA Mitigation Team visits are as follows:

Rowan County:
Walmart
200 Walmart Way
Morehead, KY 40351

Laurel County:
Walmart
1851 Highway 192 West
London, KY 40744

Johnson County:
Walmart
470 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240

Lawrence County:
Walmart
275 Walton Drive
Louisa, KY 41230

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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 13:02:03

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FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center 

Release Date: March 25, 2012
Release Number: 4060-007

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — If you were affected by the Feb. 29 to March 2 tornadoes and have questions, get help by visiting a disaster recovery center.

Nine disaster recovery centers are currently open in Tennessee and staffed with recovery specialists from Tennessee state agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies.

By visiting one of the centers, you can:

  • Apply for disaster assistance with FEMA.
  • Learn about federal assistance available for temporary housing and home repairs.
  • Check on the progress of an application you’ve already submitted.
  • Get information on how to replace lost documents.
  • Ask questions regarding correspondence from FEMA.
  • Find out more about SBA’s low-interest disaster loans or what to do if you can’t afford one.
  • Get help completing your SBA loan application.
  • Learn more about local and state agencies that may be able to provide assistance.

Locations of disaster recovery centers can be found at www.fema.gov/drclocator. Or use your smartphone or tablet to access m.fema.gov.

You can also get help by calling FEMA’s helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362) (v/relay) about how to register for disaster assistance or where to find a disaster recovery center. Operators are multilingual and available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, there is a TTY line at 800-462-7585.

Other ways to register include:

Remember when registering, by any method, you should provide good contact information – such as a cellphone or work number.

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.

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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 11:59:12

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Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4022-075

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – When it comes to hurricanes, many people think Vermont is not in danger. But last August, as Hurricane Irene downgraded to tropical storm status, Vermont suffered a major blow that severely tested the state’s resources.

At the 2012 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando from March 26 – 29, Vermont will be in the spotlight for its response to Tropical Storm Irene and the state’s focus on meeting the needs of residents with disabilities and those with access or functional needs who took refuge in shelters.

Presenters will be Robert Schell, Chief of Field Operations for Vermont Emergency Management and Kate McCarthy-Barnett, Disability Integration Specialist for the Boston office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The American Red Cross will also be featured in the presentation.

To help entire communities recover from Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA and VEM began working together to ensure that people with disabilities and those with access or functional needs were able to fully participate in disaster recovery programs.

Within two days of the storm, the Vermont Interagency Emergency Response Committee was formed and included representatives from FEMA, VEM and the Red Cross along with over 40 disability organizations and agencies. The committee members joined daily conference calls and collaborated on the needs of the community and shared local resources.

Tropical Storm Irene was the first large©scale disaster in Vermont since the development of the Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) guidance. It provided an opportunity to implement FNSS in a real-world response and recovery situation for individuals with disabilities. A Sheltering Team integrated partners and other specialized community leaders in planning to accommodate individuals with access and functional needs in general population shelters.

Pre©event planning and creative modifications allowed for integration in specialized shelters where disabled populations are often isolated. The team worked directly with people with functional and access needs within the shelters, ensuring they had a voice in identifying appropriate services and information formats.

“Vermont made great progress in inclusive planning for people with access and functional needs in shelters set up in affected communities,” said Vermont Emergency Management Director Joe Flynn. “We are honored to bring Vermont’s story to this national workshop.”

To make sure the whole community is engaged, FEMA’s McCarthy-Barnett has been in Vermont since the storm to not only advise FEMA and state leadership on the issues, but also to engage local and state community leadership as partners. She was the keynote speaker and a participant in Vermont’s annual Disabilities Awareness Day activities on March 21.

“The collaborations that took place after Irene between state, federal and the disability community enhanced the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and those with access and functional needs,” said McCarthy-Barnett. “That has continued into the long-term recovery phase.”

Considerations in reaching the target population include:

  • Physical needs: Shelters, meetings, disaster recovery centers and other physical locations must be accessible.
  • Communication needs: Materials should be available in plain language and in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, sign language interpreters, and by TTY.
  • Programmatic needs: The approach is holistic to ensure that all programs, policies, services, and messages are accessible. When not possible, alternatives are offered. For example, if a meeting is advertised, a phone contact or e-mail address should be included for people to request reasonable accommodation to their specific needs.

The community has been engaged in a number of other ways including facilitating a series of presentations and meetings to get the word out about disability integration in emergency management, building capacity for response efforts, and enhancing community networks.

“FEMA is committed to ensuring that key aspects of recovery are available equally to all residents of Vermont or any other state where a disaster is declared,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “We need to provide accurate and accessible information to everyone who needs it.”

The National Hurricane Conference is a nationwide forum for education and professional training in hurricane-related topics. Participants include law enforcement, amateur radio, hospital and nursing home officials, transportation interests, engineers, insurance company representatives, armed forces disaster preparedness officials, fire and emergency services personnel and emergency managers.

More information on the National Hurricane Conference may be found at http://www.hurricanemeeting.com/.

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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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 11:48:11

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Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice 

Alcoa, Chattanooga and Cleveland displays open Saturday, March 25

Release Date: March 24, 2012
Release Number: 4060-006

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be in Alcoa, Chattanooga and Cleveland to provide free rebuilding information Sunday, March 25, through Saturday, March 31. Mitigation is building or rebuilding to reduce the loss of life, the loss of property and damage caused by (future) disasters.

Advisors have suggestions and publications to help homeowners, renters and business owners protect their families, properties and businesses against damaging winds, floods and fires.

FEMA mitigation advisors will be available Sunday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Lowe’s Home Improvement
2180 Gunbarrel Road
Chattanooga, TN. 37421

Lowe’s Home Improvement
229 Paul Huff Parkway
Cleveland, TN. 37312

Lowe’s Home Improvement
1098 Hunters Crossing
Alcoa, TN. 37701

Mitigation measures help reinforce structures against high wind, flood, fire and other hazards.

The mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish, including:

  • Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now
  • Taking Shelter From the Storm
  • Help After a Disaster
  • Tornado Protection

For more information about strengthening property visit www.fema.gov/rebuild/. Or visit www.tnema.org/ema/preparedness/mitigation.html.

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.

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, 26-Mar-2012 10:45:26

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FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

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