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FEMA Kicks Off Ninth Annual National Preparedness Month

WASHINGTON – As the remnants of Hurricane Isaac continue to impact portions of the country, FEMA kicked off the ninth annual National Preparedness Month, which occurs every September.

On Friday, August 31, 2012, President Obama signed a proclamation designating September as National Preparedness Month. The effort is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Ad Council. The campaign is a nationwide effort encouraging individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies. Only 60 percent of Americans say preparation for natural or man-made disasters is very important to them, yet only a staggering 17 percent of Americans claim to be very prepared for an emergency situation.

“This year’s wildfires, the derecho, and Hurricane Isaac are all important reminders that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “By taking steps now to prepare for emergencies, we ensure that our families and communities are prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards. Together, our efforts will build a stronger and more resilient nation.”

Readiness is a shared responsibility, and FEMA asks all Americans to make the pledge to prepare this month and truly help themselves, their neighbors and their communities be Ready. People can get started by visiting www.Ready.gov/today and download a family emergency plan, emergency kit checklists, and get information on how to get involved locally. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area, and the appropriate way to respond.

National Preparedness Month is supported by a coalition of public, private and non-profit organizations that help spread the preparedness message. Last year, FEMA had a record number of 8,952 coalition members. This year, FEMA expects to have another record-breaking number of coalition members. By hosting events, promoting volunteer programs and sharing emergency preparedness information, coalition members can help ensure that their communities are prepared for emergencies. To become an NPM Coalition Member and find readiness events that may be taking place near you, visit: http://community.fema.gov.

During National Preparedness Month, and throughout the year, FEMA and the Ad Council to prepare in advance for all types of natural disasters. The Ready Campaign’s websites (ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 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.

Sept. 4 Deadline Nears for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Tropical Storm Debby survivors have only days left to register for federal disaster assistance.

Applications must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 4, to be considered for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Survivors who had storm-related damage to their home, vehicle, personal property, business or its inventory between June 23 and July 26 can register for assistance.

Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with temporary housing, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs.

Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, has questions about their application or needs more information about recovery programs should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at

800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in many languages. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Survivors must register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance even if they have contacted the state, their local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross or other charitable organizations.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applications are due Sept. 4.

Sign up for Tropical Storm Debby recovery updates via email by going to www.fema.gov/Disaster/4068 and clicking the subscription link. It’s a simple process that only requires a valid email address. During signup, subscribers can choose to receive updates immediately, daily or weekly.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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Sept. 4 Deadline Nears for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

Two Weeks Remain for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Tropical Storm Debby survivors have two weeks remaining to register for federal disaster assistance.

Applications must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 4, to be considered for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

All survivors who had storm-related damage to their home, vehicle, personal property, business or its inventory between June 23 and July 26 should register for assistance.

Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, has questions about their application or needs more information about recovery programs should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in many languages. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applications are due Sept. 4.

Sign up for Tropical Storm Debby recovery updates via email by going to www.FEMA.gov/Disaster/4068. During signup, subscribers can choose to receive updates immediately, daily or weekly.

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Two Weeks Remain for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

Disaster Aid Does Not Affect Social Security, Medicare Benefits

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – People who receive federal disaster assistance as a result of Tropical Storm Debby will not pay additional income taxes or see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

Disaster assistance for temporary housing, essential home repairs, replacement of personal property or for other needs does not count as income. Disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.

People can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance by using any of the following methods:

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.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Those who have experienced damage from the storms may be eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. This may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

Eligibility for FEMA assistance is not dependent on income. The determination on the amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damages incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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Disaster Aid Does Not Affect Social Security, Medicare Benefits

Tropical Storm Debby Survivor Information

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Debby survivors in Citrus, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Polk and Sarasota counties in Florida can now apply for federal disaster assistance.

What the disaster designation means:

For survivors and business owners who sustained damages or losses in those counties, money for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance may be available. Renters, homeowners and business owners can register for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors can register with FEMA by one of the following methods:

Call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

FEMA will ask for the following information:

The telephone number where you can be reached;
The address where you lived at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying;
Your Social Security number;
A general description of damage to your property and other losses;
The name of your insurance company and policy number or agent if you have property insurance; and
Your bank account routing information if you want FEMA to use direct deposit.

Beware of fraud

Suspicions of fraud or attempts to scam survivors should be reported to local law enforcement immediately. People who suspect anyone of committing contractor fraud should contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation by calling 866-532-1440 or by emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us.

Community relations teams canvassing disaster areas

Community relations teams are in designated counties going door to door with disaster assistance information to help survivors recover from Tropical Storm Debby.

Anyone representing the SERT or FEMA, including FEMA-contracted home and property damage inspectors, carries a photo ID ensuring they are easily identifiable. FEMA and SERT teams wear agency shirts.

SBA low-interest disaster loans:

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY) or online at www.sba.gov.
They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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Tropical Storm Debby Survivor Information

Town of Aldora Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

Town of Aldora, Ga. joins National Flood Insurance Program

Release Date: May 16, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-015

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — The town of Aldora in Lamar County, Ga. is now a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means those living and working in the town can purchase federally-underwritten flood insurance.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so a separate flood insurance policy can provide property owners with financial protection against the devastating effects of flooding.

On May 10, 2012, Aldora joined the program and is now among nearly 21,000 communities participating in the NFIP nationwide. The NFIP does more than make flood insurance available; it also supports local communities in their efforts to reduce the risk and consequences of serious flooding. In order to participate in the program, a community must agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management regulations and ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange for these practices, flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities.

Even if you don’t live in an area at high-risk of flooding, you should still consider flood insurance because anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. People outside of high-risk areas file more than 20 percent of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.

The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which works with nearly 90 private insurance companies to provide affordable flood insurance to property owners and renters in NFIP-participating communities. Flood insurance policies may be written by state-licensed property and casualty insurance agents.

For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-May-2012 17:21:56

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Town of Aldora Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

FEMA Registration Deadline Is May 21

Release Date: May 15, 2012
Release Number: 4061-067

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding those affected by the recent floods in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties they have until May 21 to register for possible assistance.

Help might be available for homeowners, renters and businesses of any size. The loss or damages must be a direct result of the flash floods of March 15 through March 31.

People seeking assistance need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help Line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week. If you are unsure if you qualify, the first step is to register, FEMA officials said.

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

Applicants should be ready to supply FEMA with current contact information (mailing address, phone number and e-mail address or those of a friend or relative who is in touch with the applicant), a Social Security number of any household member, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the problems and, if appropriate, any information about insurance coverage one might or might not have.

The FEMA representative may ask for some other data, like the number of people residing in the property and the family’s gross annual income. All this information is critical to the process and will be kept in strict confidence by FEMA, officials said.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-May-2012 18:08:27

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FEMA Registration Deadline Is May 21

FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-061

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — West Virginians who receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the recent tornadoes and flooding will not pay additional income taxes, see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

Disaster assistance for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other needs does not count as income, FEMA officials said. Disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.

Eligibility for assistance is not dependent on income. The determination on the amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damages incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.

The only way to know if you are eligible for disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. By phone, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants also can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

Applicants may visit the Disaster Recovery Center after they register with FEMA. The only West Virginia Disaster Recovery Center currently in operation is in Logan County at the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in the city of Logan. The center will be open until noon, Friday, May 11.

The center is staffed with disaster recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance, according to FEMA and state officials.

Last Modified: Thursday, 03-May-2012 16:45:45

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FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

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

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

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

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

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Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

Disaster Recovery Centers In Marion And Wayne Counties To Close April 13th.

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 4059-061

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – State and federal Disaster Recovery Centers in Fairmont (Marion County), Dunlow and Wayne (both in Wayne County) will close permanently at noon on Friday, April 13, officials said Saturday. Two other centers, one in Logan County and one in Lincoln County, will remain open until further notice.

Verdunville Volunteer Fire Dept., Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road in Logan; and
Duval Fire Company, 5237 Straightfork Road, Griffithsville

The centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance. Those seeking assistance should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency before visiting a DRC.

The closing of the three DRCs has no effect on the ability of those seeking federal and state assistance for damages sustained during the recent tornadoes, severe storms and flooding to register, which is the first step in asking for help. Deadline for Lincoln, Marion and Wayne county residents to register is May 15; for residents of Logan County, the deadline is May 21.

Applicants can register by phone by calling FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362. They can also use the Help Line to answer questions, provide information or learn the status of their application. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device or smart phone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply for Assistance.”

Information to have ready when registering with FEMA includes the address of the damaged property, names of members of the household, a general description of the damage, the Social Security number of any family member living in the home, the extent of insurance coverage and certain other information needed to expedite the process.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 18:04:12

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Disaster Recovery Centers In Marion And Wayne Counties To Close April 13th.

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