Disaster Recovery: How Texans Can Volunteer and Help Texas Survivors

AUSTIN, Texas — In the face of disaster, Texans always come together with courage, compassion and unity to ask, “How can I help?”

If you want to volunteer for disaster work, there are many tasks that can aid in recovery – cleaning-up and rebuilding are two of the biggest. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that volunteering through a local voluntary organization may be the best way to find meaningful volunteer work after the disaster.

Such organizations are often in the best position to know about opportunities for immediate volunteer needs as well as volunteers in the long and difficult recovery phase. In addition, going through an established organization provides a better chance of having insurance and liability protection when you work as a volunteer.

The Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TXVOAD) is a good source to find the local organizations in need of volunteers. TXVOAD represents more than three dozen faith-based, community, nonprofit and non-governmental groups that include volunteer engagement as a key component of their operations. Showing up at a disaster site unexpectedly can create an additional burden for first responders. If you want to help, it is advised to first reach out to an organization that is coordinating recovery needs in your community.

For a complete list of these organizations, with links to their websites, visit Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

In the immediate disaster response period there are often many people who want to volunteer at the same time. Be patient because it may not be clear until weeks after the incident how volunteers can get involved. There are often greater needs for volunteer help when the community enters the long-term recovery period which can be weeks or even months after a disaster.

Texans can learn more about volunteering and the benefits of volunteering during a disaster by viewing this video at go.usa.gov/cuX3V.

If you cannot volunteer your time or talent, FEMA officials say making a donation to an organization involved in disaster recovery is a sensible, efficient way of helping the people in need. Cash contributions to volunteer organizations make good sense for a number of reasons:

  • Financial contributions help ensure a steady flow of important services to disaster survivors in need;

  • Local organizations spend the money in the local disaster area, accelerating recovery of the local economy;

  • Cash donations – rather than unsolicited donated goods – avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, transporting and distributing the goods; and

  • With a receipt, cash donations to recognized relief organizations are tax-deductible.

If a disaster survivor has needs, they can call 211 to be matched with a volunteer group that can help.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit us at Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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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. 

See the article here – 

Disaster Recovery: How Texans Can Volunteer and Help Texas Survivors

Low-interest Disaster Loans Help Fuel Texas Disaster Recovery

AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster recovery experts today urged applicants for federal assistance to complete a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Taking a loan is not required; completing the application can open the door to all federal assistance, including possible additional grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If approved, and a survivor does not accept the loan, it may make them ineligible for additional federal assistance.

Many Texans who register for disaster assistance with FEMA will receive an automated call from SBA with information on how to complete the loan application process. These low-interest SBA loans are the major source of funding for disaster recovery.

SBA provides low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and to homeowners, renters and eligible private nonprofit organizations that sustained disaster damage. There is no cost to apply for a loan.

Assistance from FEMA is limited to help jump-start the recovery; it may not cover all damage or property loss. Completing the SBA loan application may make FEMA assistance available to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or pay for storage costs.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

  • Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for home repair or replacement of primary residences, and eligible homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property, including a vehicle. 
  • Businesses of all sizes can qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest loans to help cover physical damages.
  • Small businesses and most private nonprofits suffering economic impact due to the severe weather and flooding can apply for up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are available online at SBA.gov/disaster, from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339. Meet with an SBA representative at a Disaster Recovery Center to learn more about disaster loans, the application process or for help completing an SBA application.

Completed applications should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Road

Fort Worth, TX  76155

                                                                                                                                                   

People with storm losses, who still need to register with FEMA, can go online anytime at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors also can register with FEMA by phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Federal disaster assistance is available to residents of Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler counties that suffered damage in the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, March 7-29.

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Source – 

Low-interest Disaster Loans Help Fuel Texas Disaster Recovery

Help Remains After Greene County Recovery Center Closes

JACKSON, Miss. – The disaster recovery center operated by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Greene County will close permanently Saturday, April 16, at 6 p.m. However, disaster survivor assistance teams continue to canvass the area with information on available assistance. Survivors also may call the FEMA helpline listed below or visit the center in Forrest County.

The Forrest County disaster recovery center is open this week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beginning Saturday, April 16, center hours will be Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Saturday 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Centers are located at:       

Forrest County

Forrest County Community Disaster Shelter Facility

946 Sullivan Drive

Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Greene County (Closing at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 16)

McLain Town Office

106 Church Ave.

McLain, MS 39456

Anyone affected by the storms and flooding in a designated county may visit any of the centers. Survivors can locate the nearest center by visiting fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call        800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

If you require a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center, call the appropriate Helpline number above.

Survivors also can use the helpline to:

  • Ask questions about a letter from FEMA.

  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision. All applicants may appeal.

  • Inquire about the status of a registration.

  • Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

  • Receive information about FEMA home inspections.

  • Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

    Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and ZIP code if they want to discuss their application.

    For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, go online to msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4268.

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

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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 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. People who are referred to SBA by FEMA will be contacted by SBA and provided options for the application process. Completed applications must be submitted to SBA officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Continued here: 

Help Remains After Greene County Recovery Center Closes

Help Remains After Tunica Recovery Center Closes

JACKSON, Miss. – The disaster recovery center operated by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Tunica County will close permanently Saturday, April 16, at 6 p.m., and recovery center hours are changing at all other centers beginning Saturday, April 16.

Disaster survivor assistance teams continue to canvass flood-affected areas throughout Mississippi with information on available assistance. Area residents may still call the FEMA helpline listed below or visit nearby centers.

Disaster recovery centers are open this week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beginning Saturday, April 16, center hours will be Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday

Centers are located at:        

Bolivar County

Willard R. Samuel Jr. Gymnasium

700 N. Chrisman Ave.

Cleveland, MS 38732

Coahoma County (Closed Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, for a local event)

506 E. Second St.

Clarksdale, MS 38614        

Quitman County

Marks Fire Department

108 W. Main St.

Marks, MS 38646

Tunica County

G.W. Henderson Senior Recreation Center

1165 Abbay Drive

Tunica, MS 38676

Washington County

Washington County Convention Center

1040 South Raceway Road

Greenville, MS 38703

Anyone affected by the storms and flooding in a designated county may visit any of the centers. Survivors can locate the nearest center by visiting fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

If you require a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center, call the appropriate Helpline number above.

Survivors also can use the helpline to:

  • Ask questions about a letter from FEMA.

  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision. All applicants may appeal.

  • Inquire about the status of a registration.

  • Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

  • Receive information about FEMA home inspections.

  • Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

    Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and ZIP code if they want to discuss their application.

    For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, go online to msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4268.

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

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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 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. People who are referred to SBA by FEMA will be contacted by SBA and provided options for the application process. Completed applications must be submitted to SBA officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

Source – 

Help Remains After Tunica Recovery Center Closes

Coahoma County DRC to Temporarily Close for the Weekend

Coahoma County DRC to Temporarily Close for the Weekend

JACKSON, Miss. – The disaster recovery center in Coahoma County at the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium, 506 E. Second St. in Clarksdale, will temporarily close, at the request of local officials, on Saturday and Sunday April 16-17 to accommodate the large crowds expected for the Juke Joint Festival. The recovery center will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be available at the Juke Joint Festival to provide information on FEMA programs. They can help survivors register with FEMA, update personal information and answer questions about state, federal and voluntary agency services.          

Recovery centers are run jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The center is open this week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Beginning Monday, April 18, center hours will be:

Monday—Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Anyone affected by the storms and flooding in a designated county may visit any of the centers. Survivors can locate the nearest center by visiting fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call        800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

If you require a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center, call the appropriate Helpline number above.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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 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. People who are referred to SBA by FEMA will be contacted by SBA and provided options for the application process. Completed applications must be submitted to SBA officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

 

Original article: 

Coahoma County DRC to Temporarily Close for the Weekend

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

JACKSON, Miss. – More than $5.1 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been disbursed to help those affected by the storms and flooding in Mississippi that began March 9, 2016.

Of this amount, more than $4 million was for housing assistance for repairing/rebuilding homes and rental assistance to provide more than 650 people a temporary place to live.  An additional more than $1 million in other needs assistance was delivered to help cover the costs of replacing lost contents, medical, dental and other disaster-related expenses.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been contacted by more than 2,900 people for help or information regarding disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and voluntary agencies. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA often refer survivors to those agencies. All businesses are also referred to the SBA.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors who sustained damage in the 16 disaster-designated Mississippi counties are urged to apply for help. The Individual Assistance-designated counties are Bolivar, Clarke, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Greene, Jones, Marion, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Quitman, Sunflower, Tunica, Washington and Wayne.

Individuals and businesses in any of the 16 designated Mississippi counties begin the disaster assistance process by registering online at disasterassistance.gov. Survivors also can call 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can speak in person with state, federal and voluntary agency representatives by visiting a disaster recovery center. Centers are open in Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, Greene, Quitman, Tunica and Washington counties. Centers are planned in additional counties in the coming days. To locate the nearest center, call the FEMA helpline or go to fema.gov/drc.

For more information on Mississippi’s recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability 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. People who are referred to SBA by FEMA will be contacted by SBA and provided options for the application process. Completed applications must be submitted to SBA officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

More here:

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

Keep Your Options Open by Submitting an SBA Application Today

Keep Your Options Open by Submitting an SBA Application Today

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi storm and flood survivors who received a U.S. Small Business Administration loan application should keep their options open by completing the application and submitting it on or before May 24, 2016.

Residents in all 16 disaster designated counties who received damage to their homes or businesses as a result of the storms and flooding that began March 9 may be eligible for loans up to $200,000 for homeowners and up to $2 million for businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations. Homeowners and renters also may be eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

While SBA’s up to 30-year low-interest disaster loans represent the major source of federal funding for recovery, the application itself may open the door to other FEMA grant programs. People who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible for other FEMA grants.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Completing and returning a loan application can be done in one of three ways: in person at a Disaster Recovery Center, online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or by mail.

  • Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept the loan and there is no cost to apply for an SBA loan.

  • Homeowners may be eligible for loans with interest rates as low as 1.813 percent for repair or replacement of their primary residences. In some instances, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage. Interest rates for business loans may be as low as 4 percent.

  • Eligible small businesses and non-profits can also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. The deadline for applying for EIDL is Dec. 27, 2016.

  • Do not wait for an insurance settlement before applying. Insurance may not pay for all of the damage. Survivors can begin their recovery immediately with an SBA disaster loan. The eligible loan amount will be reduced by any insurance settlements.

For more information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or TTY 800-877-8339, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or at www.sba.gov/disaster. SBA customer service representatives are available at all disaster recovery centers. Centers can be found online at www.FEMA.gov/DRClocator.

Individuals and businesses in the designated counties can begin the disaster assistance process by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week  until further notice.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability 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. People who are referred to SBA by FEMA will be contacted by SBA and provided options for the application process. Completed applications must be submitted to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

 

 

Link:

Keep Your Options Open by Submitting an SBA Application Today

More Louisiana Residents May Be Eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance, Urged to Register

Baton Rouge, La. – Louisiana disaster survivors in Catahoula, East Carroll, Franklin, Lincoln and St. Helena parishes may now be eligible for federal disaster assistance.
        
Their first step is to register with FEMA.

Individuals in the designated parishes who had storm damage may apply for federal disaster assistance three ways:

  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362)
    • People who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585.
    • For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
    • These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
  • At a disaster recovery center (DRC).
    • For addresses of all the DRCs currently operating in Louisiana, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4263 and click on the “Disaster Recovery Centers” link.

The federal disaster declaration issued March 13 for seven Louisiana parishes has been expanded four times to include 28 additional parishes as a result of severe storms and flooding that began on March 8, and continues.
    
The parishes designated for assistance are: Allen, Ascension, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Carroll and Winn.

Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residence, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. The loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.  

Residents should apply as quickly as they can, even if they have insurance.  FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

For flood insurance policyholders who may have questions, FEMA has aligned its call center to support them with servicing their claims and getting answers to their questions quickly. Policyholders may call 800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select Option 2. Call center staff are available to assist policyholders with information regarding their policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and respond to general as well as complicated questions about the NFIP. Policyholders with questions specifically about an insurance claim can be transferred to their insurance carrier for additional assistance.

We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App.  It is free for basic service.  You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

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.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Original source: 

More Louisiana Residents May Be Eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance, Urged to Register

Grant Parish, Louisiana, Flood Maps Become Final in June

DENTON, Texas ––New flood maps for Grant Parish will become effective June 16, 2016. Parish residents are encouraged to view the maps before the effective date to understand their flood risk.  

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. People without flood insurance risk uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. Flooding is the most frequent natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these events. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  

“What’s the first step in preparing for flooding? Finding out about your risk,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Moises Dugan. “Everyone needs to prepare for the risks and hazards in their communities.”

Contact your local floodplain administrator to learn if your community participates in the NFIP. You can also review the new flood maps at the parish floodplain administrator’s office. FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer your questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat. 

FEMA encourages non-participating communities to look at the benefits of joining the NFIP.

Has your property has been newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area? If so, you may want to consider buying flood insurance before the maps become effective. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step in getting information about insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

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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.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov. 

Source:  

Grant Parish, Louisiana, Flood Maps Become Final in June

Low-interest Disaster Loans Help Fuel Arkansas Disaster Recovery

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Disaster recovery experts today urged applicants for federal assistance to complete a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Taking a loan is not required; completing the application can open the door to all federal assistance, including possible additional grants from FEMA.

Most Arkansans who register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will receive an automated call with information on how to complete the loan application process. Low-interest loans from the SBA are the major source of funding for disaster recovery.

SBA offers low-interest loans to homeowners, renters,  businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations that have sustained disaster damage.  There is no cost to apply and no obligation to accept a disaster loan.

Assistance from FEMA is limited to help jump-start the recovery; it may not cover all damage or property loss. Completing the SBA Loan application may make FEMA assistance available to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or cover storage expenses.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for home repair or replacement of primary residences, and eligible homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property, including a vehicle. 

Businesses of all sizes may qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest loans to help cover physical damages.

Small businesses and most private nonprofits suffering economic impact due to the severe weather and flooding can apply for up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the application process, or for help completing the SBA application:

People with storm losses who still need to register with FEMA can register anytime online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov , or with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. People who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Federal disaster assistance is available to eligible residents of Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Faulkner, Jackson, Jefferson, Lee, Little River, Perry, Sebastian and Sevier counties that suffered damage from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding Dec. 26, 2015 – January 22, 2016.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

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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.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Low-interest Disaster Loans Help Fuel Arkansas Disaster Recovery

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