Federal Disaster Aid Total Exceeds $7.6 million in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $7.6 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for Connecticut survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

As of close of business Nov. 18:

  • More than 9,100 Connecticut residents in Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County have registered for federal disaster assistance.
  • More than 2,000 survivors have visited the FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers.
  • More than $7.3 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • More than 4,200 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted.
  • More than $353,000 has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.

People with storm losses should register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov.  Applicants can also register by phone by calling FEMA at: 800-621-3362.  The number for TTY is: 800-462-7585.  Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nine FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Connecticut.

Specialists at the centers can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about their claim, or review information needed to process their claim. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.

Please note: All Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed for Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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

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

 

Original article – 

Federal Disaster Aid Total Exceeds $7.6 million in Connecticut

Trucks line up with FEMA commodities for West Virginia residents

CHARLESTON, Wv. – When several feet of snow, days of rainfall, and high winds isolated hundreds of thousands of people with no power, no heat, and limited communication, West Virginia officials asked FEMA for help.

The request required FEMA to move mountains, so FEMA moved mountains of commodities for the West Virginia National Guard to distribute to areas that need them. The staging areas for the commodities are the Charleston and the Martinsburg National Guard facilities.

Water, meals, hygiene kits, and blankets head the list of commodities that are already on-hand or shipped throughout the state. Also included are infant toddler kits, cots and generators. Truckloads have arrived at the two sites with more arriving daily.

State and local officials are selecting sites to distribute the commodities to residents. As supplies become available, local officials can advise residents what is available and when they may be picked up.

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.

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Trucks line up with FEMA commodities for West Virginia residents

FEMA Community Relations Teams Serving Milford Area

WINDSOR, Conn. – Disaster assistance for people who experienced damage or loss from Hurricane Sandy begins with the first step – registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Registration opens the way to FEMA grants, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other state and federal aid for eligible applicants.

Community Relations specialists are in the Milford area this week to explain available programs and assist people with the registration process if needed.

“It doesn’t matter if you have insurance because sometimes disaster assistance may be available to help with damages that insurance won’t cover,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “Registration is easy. Talk to the recovery specialists who are ready to help you through the process.”

People with storm losses who still need to register with FEMA can do so anytime online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime day or night by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. People who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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

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

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FEMA Community Relations Teams Serving Milford Area

Flood Hazard Information Being Updated for Southeast Coastal Communities

ATLANTA – People living in coastal communities throughout the Southeast will have a more accurate picture of their flood risk as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and other flood hazard information are being updated in these areas.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S., with coastal areas being particularly vulnerable. Nearly 40 percent of the nation’s population lives in coastal communities, so it is important that people know their flood risk and take steps to protect themselves and their property.

Flood risks change over time because of construction, development, environmental changes, shoreline erosion, and other natural or manmade factors. These changes send water flowing in new directions, creating flood risks that did not exist previously — precisely why flood maps are updated periodically.

Throughout the next several years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Office in Atlanta, along with regional, state and local partners throughout the Southeast, will update the effective FIRMs for coastal areas using more recent data and the latest scientific engineering tools. Click here to see a list of the organizations that will be involved in this effort with FEMA. 

To see the progress, visit the FEMA Region IV Coastal Analysis and Mapping website at www.southeastcoastalmaps.com.  This site provides information on the status of coastal mapping projects in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as other flood hazard information.

Updated FIRMs for coastal communities in Mississippi, including Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties, were completed in 2007. Visit the Mississippi webpage for more information.

Community planners and local officials use flood hazard information to improve local planning activities. Builders and developers use the information to make decisions on where to build and how construction can affect flood risk. Insurance agents, insurance companies, real estate agents and lending institutions use the information for insurance rating purposes and to help residents better understand how flood hazards affect their property. Property owners and renters can use flood hazard information to help make better financial decisions about protecting their properties.

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

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Flood Hazard Information Being Updated for Southeast Coastal Communities

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Home fires can happen at any time and spread in just minutes, claiming the lives and property of those affected. During the week of October 7-13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, are encouraging individuals and families to have a fire escape plan. People can protect their homes and loved ones from emergencies by making their homes safer now and throughout the year.

Hundreds of thousands of fires happen in and around American homes every year, killing or injuring thousands of people and causing untold damage to families and communities. In 2010 alone, a total of 362,100 residential fires resulted in 2,555 deaths, 13,275 injuries, and more than $6.6 billion in property loss. For more information on fire statistics, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/estimates/index.shtm.

FEMA Region III Acting Regional Administrator Robert Welch encourages everyone to prepare for and prevent against a fire: “In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Having an escape plan and practicing it can help you get out quickly.”

The best way to prepare for a fire is to plan in advance and practice your response plan. Here are some suggestions for how to get ready:

Check that all smoke alarms work: USFA recommends that every residence be equipped with both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors;

  • Make sure that there are two ways out of every room;
  • Make a home fire plan; and
  • Practice with family members including children, older family members, and individuals who have access and functional needs so that every person knows how to use both ways to get to safety.

Please help spread the word about fire safety planning and preparedness. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit:

National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Source:  

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

One Month After Isaac Mississippi Recovery Continues

CLINTON, Miss. – In the month after Hurricane Isaac, Mississippians have received more than
$16.2 million in federal disaster assistance to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency provide the following snapshot of disaster recovery efforts as of Sept. 30:

  • More than 7,800 households have received FEMA grants that assist with housing, rental assistance and personal property loss due to the storm.
  • Nearly $10.9 million has been approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
  • More than $1.9 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • Nearly $3.5 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist homeowners, renters and businesses with the cost of repairing or replacing lost or damaged structures and personal property.
  • Nearly 23,500 survivors in designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance from FEMA, the state and volunteer agencies.
  • More than 17,700 home inspections have been completed.
  • More than 8,400 people have visited 16 disaster recovery centers.

Applications must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 31 to be considered for disaster assistance from FEMA and the SBA.

People can register with FEMA in any of the following methods:

  1. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  2. By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.
  3. By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Homeowners, renters and businesses may go to disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply. For more information contact SBA’s Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Those who receive a disaster loan application from the SBA are urged to fill it out as soon as possible or complete the application online. It does not obligate you to accept the loan, but if you’re a homeowner or renter and turned down you may be referred back to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for grant consideration.

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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.

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.

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One Month After Isaac Mississippi Recovery Continues

Disaster Unemployment Benefits Available For Mississippi Workers Affected By Hurricane Isaac

CLINTON, Miss. – People who lost work due to Hurricane Isaac may be eligible for disaster unemployment benefits, but deadlines are approaching.

Those living or working in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties have until October 4 to apply.

Residents and workers in Adams, Amite, Clarke, Forrest, George, Hinds, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Stone, Walthall, Warren and Wilkinson counties have until October 10 to apply for unemployment benefits.

Those who may be eligible include:

  • Self-employed individuals who lived or worked in the affected areas during the storm and those who are unemployed as a result of the storm.
  • Workers who were unable to reach their jobs.
  • Those who were to begin employment because they were unable to travel due to the disaster.
  • Individuals who became the primary or major wage earner due to the disaster-related death of the head of the household.
  • Those who cannot work because of an injury caused as a direct result of the storm.
  • Individuals who can no longer work or lost work as a result of physical damage or destruction of a business.

To apply for disaster unemployment assistance, go online to www.mdes.ms.gov, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or, call the toll-free number 888-844-3577 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those requiring TTY assistance may call 800-582-2233.

The program is funded by FEMA and administered by the state of Mississippi.

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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.

Original post: 

Disaster Unemployment Benefits Available For Mississippi Workers Affected By Hurricane Isaac

Weekly Wrap Up: Hurricane Recovery In Mississippi

The following is recovery news from the previous week from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

  • Nearly one in three Mississippi households impacted by Hurricane Isaac uses the Internet or a Web-enabled cell phone to get disaster assistance. Of 18,000 households that requested FEMA help in the first two weeks after the storm, about 5,000 used a computer and another 1,000 used smartphones.
  • In the three weeks after the storm more than $11.6 million has been approved in federal disaster assistance, as of Sunday, Sept. 23. There have been 22,346 total registrations for federal disaster assistance.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $2.1 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the storm. FEMA is encouraging anyone who has not done so, to fill out and return their disaster loan applications. Returning it does not obligate them to accept the loan, but is used to refer applicants back to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance grants program.
  • FEMA assistance does not affect other government assistance for individuals. People can still get disaster assistance while receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. FEMA assistance is not taxable and does not need to be repaid.
  • FEMA is sending out determination letters to those who registered telling them the status of their applications. Those who don’t understand the letter or disagree with FEMA’s decision should visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at (800-621-3362) to get more information and assistance with questions.

Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by Hurricane Isaac are urged to register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Disaster survivors may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service call
800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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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.

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.

 

 

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Weekly Wrap Up: Hurricane Recovery In Mississippi

Weekly Wrap Up: Hurricane Isaac Recovery in Mississippi

CLINTON, Miss. – The following are Hurricane Isaac recovery news items from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the previous week.

  • FEMA is sending out determination letters to those who registered telling them the status of their application. Those who don’t understand the letter or disagree with FEMA’s decision should visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline (800-621-FEMA) to get more information and assistance with questions.
  • FEMA inspectors are currently visiting the residences of disaster applicants in Mississippi to assess damages related to Hurricane Isaac. Applicants can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents, such as identification and proof of ownership or occupancy.
  • Public buildings and infrastructure are now eligible for reimbursement in Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Newton, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Wayne and Wilkinson counties for 75 percent of the cost to repair road systems and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities, parks, recreational and other key public facilities.
  • Disaster recovery centers are open in Adams, Clarke, Forrest, George, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Lincoln, Marion, Pearl River, Pike, Stone, Walthall and Wilkinson counties.
  • Community relations specialists from MEMA and FEMA are going door to door in 17 designated counties to provide information about how to register for federal and state disaster assistance.

People with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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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.

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.

 

 

 

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Weekly Wrap Up: Hurricane Isaac Recovery in Mississippi

$9.9 Million Approved in Disaster Assistance For Hurricane Isaac

CLINTON, Miss. – Less than three weeks after Hurricane Isaac struck Mississippi, approximately $9.9 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency provide the following snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Sept. 17:

  • Approximately 4,100 households have received FEMA grants that assist with housing and personal property loss.
  • Approximately $8.5 million has been approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
  • Approximately $1.4 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • More than 12,500 home inspections have been completed.
  • There have been approximately 4,400 visits to 16 disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.

More than 18,300 survivors in declared counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people are seeking housing assistance from FEMA because their primary home is unlivable or inaccessible.                                 

For survivors who have needs not met by federal assistance, the FEMA helpline (800-621-3362) serves as a good source of information referring survivors to state and local organizations and partner agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors also can call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer or faith-based organizations that may be able to help them with resources and needs.

People can register with FEMA in any of the following methods:

  1. Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  2. By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.
  3. By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Businesses that need help may contact the SBA directly at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

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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.

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.

 

 

 

Originally posted here: 

$9.9 Million Approved in Disaster Assistance For Hurricane Isaac

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