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Michigan, FEMA to Start Damage Assessments This Week

CHICAGO –Beginning Tuesday, August 26, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local officials in the Metro Detroit area will be conducting joint preliminary damage assessments due to the flooding that occurred the week of August 11.

Six teams will be canvassing Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to assess and validate damages and disaster impacts against federal assistance eligibility criteria. MSP/EMHSD, FEMA and SBA team members will be wearing shirts with agency names and logos prominently displayed. Personnel will also have their credentials visible.

When considering eligibility for federal individual assistance—or assistance for homeowners, renters and business owners—damage assessment teams consider a number of factors:

Size and scope of damage as well as threat to public safety. Assessment teams are tasked to collect a description and extent of damages and the impact on individuals in the affected areas. To do so, they will try to talk to as many local officials, renters, homeowners and business owners as possible, taking note of details such as water depth, structural integrity of buildings, damage to mechanical components (i.e. furnace, water heater, HVAC, etc.), insurance coverage in place, length of time floodwater has been in a home, and materials used to build the dwelling. It is not necessary for the teams to visit every home in order to complete the assessment.
Number of primary homes requiring extensive repairs or with structural damage. When collecting this data, teams are looking for failure of major structural components in a building and floodwater depths of more than 18 inches in areas of a residence that meet the federal definition of essential living space.
- It’s important to note: if a presidential declaration for individual assistance is made:
  - Floodwater or sewer backup damages in recreational rooms, unoccupied basements or storage spaces generally do not qualify for FEMA assistance programs. However, disaster-related damages to a home’s mechanical components or those in areas of a residence that meet the federal definition of essential living space—regardless of the location in the home—may be considered eligible for federal assistance.
  - Federal grant funding is made available to eligible applicants as a supplement to local and state resources and insurance payments to help survivors return to safe, sanitary and functional housing. It is not meant to return a home and its contents to pre-disaster conditions.
Duplication of benefits. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits—such as those from insurance, local housing authorities, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs. If approved, FEMA individual assistance is always supplemental to that assistance.
Number and length of time people are displaced. This information may include number of homes that are not habitable. Teams also attempt to determine whether the community has adequate housing resources to meet the needs of displaced survivors for the time it takes to repair their home.
Ability of the community to recover. Since disasters affect communities differently, teams will collect and document specific characteristics of each—such as demographic and economic data—that may impact their ability to recover. In addition, it is important for the teams to document critical infrastructure that may be unavailable for an extended period of time—i.e. hospitals, schools, utilities and nursing homes—as this could also significantly affect a community’s ability to recover.
Voluntary agency/state program assistance available. Local non-profit, faith-based and community-based organizations contribute substantially to response and recovery after a disaster. Along with local and state governments, these organizations often help survivors immediately after an emergency and, in some cases, have the capability and resources to meet the recovery needs of the affected areas. During the damage assessment, teams document whether, and to what extent, these organizations may be able to meet the essential needs of survivors.
Extent of the business losses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is part of the team and assesses damage to businesses in affected communities. In the event of a federal declaration, the SBA can make low interest loans available to assist businesses as well as homeowners and renters with their recovery costs. FEMA also considers whether the loss of critical businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, or stores that sell building materials and supplies in affected communities could impact recovery.

Once the damage assessments are complete, state officials use the damage totals and impact data to determine whether the disaster meets established criteria and can warrant the governor requesting a federal declaration and assistance.

To find more information about FEMA’s declaration process or disaster assistance programs, visit www.FEMA.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA Media Contact: Sandy Jasmund, 312-213-5291
Michigan MSP/EMHSD Media Contact: Ron Leix, 517-336-6464

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Michigan, FEMA to Start Damage Assessments This Week

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Washington Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

August 12, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-062-FactSheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Washington.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

August 12, 2014 – 10:35

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Washington

Related Disaster:

Washington Wildfires

See more here:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Washington Declaration

Federal Disaster Aid for Alabama Tops $40 Million

Main Content

Release date:

July 18, 2014

Release Number:

NR 071

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Federal aid provided to Alabama residents affected by the April 28 through May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding has reached more than $40 million.

The following numbers, compiled July 17, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved:

$16.5 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs.
$4.1 million for Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
$15.4 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters and businesses.
$4.4 million for Public Assistance programs. Of that amount, $1.4 million has been allocated for debris removal. Another $500,000 will go toward storm response and $2.2 million has been obligated for infrastructure repair and replacement.

Survivor Recovery

15,951 damaged homes and property have been inspected (99 percent of requests).
9 counties designated for Individual Assistance.
21 counties designated for Public Assistance.

FEMA’s mitigation outreach program at nine Home Depot and Lowe’s home improvement stores provided some 1,600 shoppers with information on rebuilding/repairing homes in a safer and more resilient manner. Thank you letters are being presented to participating stores.

County-by-County approved breakdown of Individual Assistance:

County	Approved Registrations	Housing Assistance	Other Needs Assistance
Baldwin	2,041	$7,514,623.34	$1,422,607.29
Blount	27	$156,231.00	$13,491.06
DeKalb	25	$71,001.00	$20,674.77
Etowah	58	$427,844.51	$60,107.05
Jefferson	435	$1,128,338.93	$205,440.98
Lee	54	$269,887.79	$54,516.18
Limestone	298	$986,713.33	$513,725.46
Mobile	4,195	$5,685,300.76	$1,763,994.47
Tuscaloosa	60	$288,393.02	$69,360.60
Total:	7,133	$16,528,333.68	$4,123,520.71

Recovery officials urge all Alabama residents who have registered for assistance to stay in close contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process. This is especially true during the first weeks after registering when FEMA housing inspectors must contact applicants to view damages. Those with mobile phones should provide that number to FEMA during the registration.

Last Updated:

July 18, 2014 – 17:18

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region IV

Related Disaster:

Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

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Federal Disaster Aid for Alabama Tops $40 Million

Recovery Centers Have Closed but FEMA Still Here to Help Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Closure of the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers in Alabama does not mean FEMA has left Alabama.

All the assistance services available at the Recovery Centers are easily accessible online and by phone. There also is a FEMA representative at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, many of which are in the same location of the Recovery Centers.

“FEMA is available to help folks in Alabama get their lives back together,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis, who heads the federal disaster recovery effort in Alabama. “People can call the FEMA helpline, or go to FEMA’s website.”

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Survivors also can meet with the FEMA representative at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. SBA is operating Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in many of the same locations as the Recovery Centers.

The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

When applicants register with FEMA, they are given a unique “registration number” which identifies them in the FEMA system. When calling with a question, applicants should have this number handy.

Applicants can reach the helpline by dialing 800-621- 3362 – the same number they called to register.

Applicants may use the helpline to find out when a housing inspector will arrive, check the status of their assistance applications, change their applications to include additional damage, inquire about additional assistance or review their right to appeal FEMA decisions on eligibility or compensation.

“Closing the recovery centers does not mean we are closing down registrations for disaster assistance,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Art Faulkner, “Alabamians whose homes and businesses were damaged in the recent storms have only until July 1 to register with FEMA. If you have not registered, do it today.”

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Recovery Centers Have Closed but FEMA Still Here to Help Alabama

Two Weeks Left To Register For Disaster Assistance

Main Content

Release date:

June 16, 2014

Release Number:

NR 041

Montgomery, Ala. – Alabamians who had damage from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding have just two more weeks to register for FEMA assistance.

The deadline to register with FEMA is Tuesday, July 1. To register:

Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are operated from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Those wishing to apply for a low-interest U.S. Small Business loan also must do so by Tuesday, July 1. Call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 to apply.

What you need to register with FEMA:

Before starting your application, you, your co-applicant or a minor in your home must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security number, please apply for a Social Security number, then visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to complete your disaster application. Your household may still be able to receive assistance if there is a minor in the household who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien with a Social Security number.
Insurance Information. Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have, such as homeowners, flood, automobile, mobile home insurance, etc.
Damage Information. Describe your damages caused by the disaster, including the type of disaster (flood, hurricane, earthquake) and type of dwelling (mobile home, house) or vehicle (car, boat).
Financial Information. Provide your family’s total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster.
Contact Information. Give FEMA the address and phone number where the damages happened and the address and phone number where you can be reached after the disaster.
Direct Deposit Information (optional). If you are approved for assistance and want your funds deposited directly into your bank account, provide your banking information. This includes:
- Bank name
- Type of account (ex: checking, savings, etc.)
- Routing number
- Account number

After registering, you can:

Track your application. Be sure you keep your FEMA registration number and other pertinent information on hand when you contact FEMA.
Notify FEMA of changes to your mailing address, phone number or email address.
Update FEMA if you receive insurance settlements or discover additional damages.

Last Updated:

June 17, 2014 – 12:04

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region IV

Related Disaster:

Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

Link:

Two Weeks Left To Register For Disaster Assistance

We’re listening: saying thank you, a source of healing

EVERETT, Wash. – Members of the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe said “thank you” to first responders and emergency workers on April 24 by preparing a traditional meal of salmon, which is one of the most vital economic, cultural and historic elements of the communities that were directly impacted by the slide.Snohomish County, Wash., April 24, 2014 — The Sauk-Suiattle Tribe hosted a traditionally prepared salmon dinner for 80 people who were involved in the SR 530 Slide response and recovery. Attendees included residents of Darrington, first responders and volunteers, as well as representatives from Snohomish County and FEMA. (Photo by Timara Timmens)

The salmon dinner acknowledged the recovery work – much of which continues – of the National Guard, Darrington firefighters and the Bellingham Incident Management Team. The salmon was cooked outdoors, according to tradition, on the Sauk-Suiattle reservation.

As recovery continues, help is still available.

To see information and links to multiagency resources on the Snohomish County website, click: http://snohomishcountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide.

Those directly impacted by the SR 530 Slide may call a help line operated by the state of Washington. The number is (800) 688-3469. Hours of operation for the help line are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time. For more information, click: www.emd.wa.gov.

SR 530 Slide survivor can also continue to speak directly with FEMA representatives by calling the FEMA help line. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) is available through this number. Survivors who use TTY, may call (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, seven days a week. For more FEMA information, click: www.fema.gov/disaster/4168.

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We’re listening: saying thank you, a source of healing

Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Tops $304 Million

Main Content

Release date:

March 25, 2014

Release Number:

NR-116

DENVER – In the more than six months since heavy rains brought flooding in September 2013, Colorado survivors have received more than $304 million from FEMA disaster grants, flood insurance payments and SBA low-interest disaster loans.

To date:

FEMA has granted nearly $55.9 million for housing assistance in 11 designated counties and nearly $4.9 million in other needs assistance, such as disaster-related medical expenses or personal property loss. Flood survivors have also received disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.
FEMA has obligated more than $76.1 million to publicly owned entities and certain nonprofits in 18 designated counties. Through its Public Assistance cost-share program, FEMA reimburses 75 percent for eligible, disaster-related costs for debris removal, emergency measures and permanent work to repair and replace disaster-damaged public facilities. The remaining 25 percent nonfederal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.
The SBA has approved nearly $102.6 million in federal disaster loans to Colorado homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations that sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding.
The National Flood Insurance Program has approved nearly $64.7 million to settle 2,085 claims.
FEMA is providing manufactured housing units for 40 households who have no other suitable housing available.

Last Updated:

March 25, 2014 – 18:07

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Colorado

Related Disaster:

Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Original source:

Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Tops $304 Million

Fire Departments in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas Receive Millions in FEMA Preparedness Grants

DENTON, Texas — Fire departments in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas have been awarded more than $7.5 million in preparedness grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Gravel Ridge, Arkansas Fire Department received $208,350; the Lafayette, Louisiana Consolidated Government Fire Department received more than $1.7 million; the Bloomfield, New Mexico Fire Department received more than $1 million; and the Fort Worth, Texas Fire Department received nearly $3.4 million. All of these fire departments will use the funding to boost hiring efforts for firefighters. The Vinita, Oklahoma Fire Department received $830,792, which it will use for recruitment and retention.

The federal grants are part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants program. SAFER awards provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, front line firefighters available in their communities.

“These grants are crucial for communities, especially for the fire departments,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The funding helps ensure that there are enough first responders to protect lives and property.”

For more information on the SAFER Grant program, visit http://www.fema.gov/staffing-adequate-fire-emergency-response-grants.

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Fire Departments in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas Receive Millions in FEMA Preparedness Grants

Federal/State Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Surpasses $267 Million

Main Content

Release date:

February 12, 2014

Release Number:

NR-110

Federal/State Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Surpasses $267 Million

DENVER – Since heavy rains brought flooding in September 2013, Colorado survivors have received more than $267 million in federal/state recovery assistance.

More than $219 million has come from disaster grants, flood insurance payments and low-interest disaster loans. More than $48 million has been obligated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

To date:

FEMA has granted $55 million for housing assistance and more than $4.7 million in other needs assistance, such as disaster-related medical expenses or personal property loss in 11 designated counties. As part of the other needs assistance program, the state is funding another $1.6 million. Flood survivors have also received disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.

FEMA has obligated more than $48 million to publicly owned entities and certain nonprofits in 18 designated counties. Through the Public Assistance cost-share program, FEMA reimburses 75 percent for eligible, disaster-related costs for debris removal, emergency measures and permanent work to repair and replace disaster-damaged public facilities. The remaining 25 percent nonfederal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

All Public Assistance Project Worksheets (the form used to document the scope of work and cost estimate for a recovery project) in Sedgwick, Logan, Washington, Lincoln, Crowley, and Clear Creek counties have been completed. Altogether the FEMA/State of Colorado Public Assistance team has completed more than 500 Project Worksheets as communities continue to work hard to recover from last fall’s floods.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $97.6 million in federal disaster loans to Colorado homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations that sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding.

The National Flood Insurance Program has approved $62.3 million to settle 2,015 claims.

FEMA is providing manufactured housing units for 44 households who have no other suitable housing available.

Approximately 48 percent of all permanent repair work submitted to FEMA and the state’s Public Assistance program contains mitigation measures designed to prevent future flood damage. Nearly 70 percent of large projects or those with a cost estimate of more than $67,500 contain these mitigation measures. FEMA pays for 75 percent of these measures through Section 406 mitigation.

Last Updated:

February 12, 2014 – 12:04

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Colorado

Related Disaster:

Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Source article:

Federal/State Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Surpasses $267 Million

Crisis Counseling Available to Massac, Tazewell County Tornado Survivors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While Massac and Tazewell county residents are working to recover following the Nov. 17 tornadoes, many of them also need to recover emotionally.

Free help is available for tornado survivors who feel mentally overwhelmed, exhausted or unable to cope.

The Illinois Strong Crisis Counselor Program is a FEMA funded initiative that provides emotional support, recovery education, recovery resource information and coping tips for Massac and Tazewell county survivors.

Services provided in this partnership include a toll-free hotline telephone number during these critical times.

Survivors in Massac and Tazewell counties who are emotionally affected shouldn’t hesitate to call crisis counseling representatives at 800-985-5990 or TTY 800-846-8517 for help. The number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

Nov. 17 tornado survivors may overlook the signs of emotional stress while they work to rebuild their lives. While individuals respond to stress in different ways, emotional distress following disasters can make the recovery process more difficult.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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. 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Crisis Counseling Available to Massac, Tazewell County Tornado Survivors

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