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FEMA, State Grants Will Not Affect Other Federal Benefits

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Disaster assistance for temporary housing, essential home repairs, replacement of personal property or for other serious needs does not count as taxable income.

Therefore, Mississippians affected by the severe storms and flooding who receive federal assistance will not lose Social Security or Medicare benefits, will not pay additional taxes, or give up income-based benefit programs.

As of April 18, 2016, FEMA has awarded $5.8 million in disaster assistance to Mississippians affected by the disaster that occurred from March 9 through 29 in 17 disaster-designated counties.

Eligibility for FEMA assistance is not dependent on income.

The amount of disaster assistance an applicant receives is based on the amount of eligible loss and damage incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.

Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance may visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call (voice 711 or relay service) 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.

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 to help business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters rebuild and recover after a disaster. SBA low interest disaster loans repair and replace property losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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FEMA, State Grants Will Not Affect Other Federal Benefits

Be Aware and Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal recovery officials encourage Texans to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals. Also, be aware FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.

FEMA encourages survivors as well as local residents and businesses to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent building contractors. When hiring a contractor:

Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations. Often, unscrupulous solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors, residents and business owners. Be aware that disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. To ensure a charity is legitimate:

Ask for the requestor’s name as well as the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and website address – then call the charity directly to confirm the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
Whether making a donation by cash or with a credit card, request a receipt that includes the charity’s name, street address and phone number.
The five-to-six digit numbers known as short codes make it difficult to tell who is on the receiving end of a text. A legitimate charity will not ask you to send personal information or a credit card number by text.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: Beware of visits, calls or e-mails – from people claiming to be from FEMA or the State of Texas – asking for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information.

Don’t fall for scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Phony housing inspectors. Homeowners and registered FEMA applicants should watch out for phony housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the SBA.

Inspectors already have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number and a FEMA inspector will not ask for this number.
FEMA inspectors NEVER require banking or other personal information.
The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are the victim of or are the victim of a home repair scam or price gouging, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011.

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Be Aware and Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

State and Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $40 Million for Recent Oklahoma Storms

OKLAHOMA CITY – To date, Oklahomans have received more than $40.7 million in grants, low-interest loans and insurance settlements from the federal government, helping to rebuild the lives of families and help out businesses affected by the severe weather and subsequent flooding during the period of May 5 through June 22.

Nearly 10,000 families have registered for assistance with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The disaster assistance, which totals more than $40.7 million, includes more than $15.5 million approved for homeowners and renters, more than $13.2 million in grants for housing, including home repairs and rental assistance, and more than $2.1 million for Other Needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property essential to the home. It also includes more than $8.6 million in payments to survivors through the National Flood Insurance Program and more than $16.7 million in SBA loans.

SBA has issued 1,342 applications for low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and businesses. More than $15.5 million has been approved for homeowners, and more than $1.2 million in loans has been approved for business owners rebuilding after the storms.

Low-interest SBA disaster loans may be available to businesses of all sizes as well as certain private nonprofit organizations. Homeowners and renters are also eligible for SBA loans for uninsured loss. These loans cannot duplicate benefits from other agencies or compensation from other organizations.

FEMA deployed 88 Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists going door to door in the affected 45 counties. To date, they have visited 18,878 homes and 889 community-based organizations delivering recovery information and guidance. These specialists have also registered 647 survivors for disaster assistance. A total of 4,206 people have visited DRCs.

Survivors may apply for state and federal assistance online with any computer, smartphone, or tablet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Hours to register by phone: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4222 or visit OEM at www.oem.ok.gov.

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State and Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $40 Million for Recent Oklahoma Storms

Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers Have Options for Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Farmers and ranchers affected by the May 5 to June 22 storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds could be eligible for assistance from several agencies.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency can assist survivors who are farmers and ranchers with some immediate needs including grants to pay for:
• Temporary housing and minor home repairs;
• Replacement of personal property, including clothing; and
• Serious immediate needs not covered by insurance.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to farmers and ranchers to rebuild or repair their primary homes and replace lost or damaged personal property.

To begin the application process, call FEMA at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585, or for those who use 711 or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Survivors may also apply online with any computer, smartphone or tablet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Other programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency include
emergency loans that may be used to:
• Restore or replace essential property;
• Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster;
• Pay essential family living expenses;
• Reorganize the farming operation;
• Refinance certain debts, excluding real estate;
• Provide to loan applicants up to 100 percent of their total actual production and/or physical losses. (Production losses must exceed 30 percent.) The maximum loan is $500,000.

The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program provides financial assistance for non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters, including grass for grazing. Eligible producers must have purchased coverage for 2015.

The Livestock Indemnity Program provides payments to eligible producers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to the disaster.

The Tree Assistance Program for nursery tree growers, vineyards and orchardists.

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program provides emergency relief for feed losses (including lost grazing days and baled forage) and/or water shortages due to a disaster.

The Emergency Conservation Program provides funding to rehabilitate land severely damaged by a natural disaster, including fencing.

To date, the FSA has identified dozens of disaster counties and contiguous counties where farmers and ranchers are eligible for FSA emergency loans. To get more information on FSA services, go online to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website at: www.fsa.usda.gov.

To locate your nearest FSA County office, visit: http://offices.usda.gov.

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Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers Have Options for Assistance

Review, Update Your Insurance Policies

EATONTOWN, N.J. — September is National Preparedness Month, and the latter half of the year is an ideal time for people to review their insurance policies. Understanding the details of what specific policies cover and what the policyholder is responsible for after a disaster is important as both clients’ needs and insurance companies’ rules change.

Insurers’ decisions and legislative changes have the biggest effect on changes in policies. Consumers should make themselves aware of possible changes in these areas and know what to look for while reviewing their policies.

What’s Covered

The first check is the most obvious: the actual coverage. Policyholders should look at the specifics of which property is covered and the type of damage that is covered. Property owners should know that floods are not covered by standard insurance policies and that separate flood insurance is available. Flood insurance is required for homes and buildings located in federally designated high risk areas with federally backed mortgages, referred to as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Residents of communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are automatically eligible to buy flood insurance. According to www.floodsmart.gov, mortgage lenders can also require property owners in moderate to low-risk areas to purchase flood insurance.

There are two types of flood insurance coverage: Building Property and Personal Property. Building Property covers the structure, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning systems. Personal Property, which is purchased separately, covers furniture, portable kitchen appliances, food freezers, laundry equipment, and service vehicles such as tractors.

What’s Not Covered

Policy exclusions describe coverage limits or how coverage can be purchased separately, if possible. Property owners should know that not only is flood insurance separate from property (homeowners) insurance, but that standard policies may not cover personal items damaged by flooding. In these cases, additional contents insurance can be purchased as an add-on at an additional cost. Some policies may include coverage, but set coverage limits that will pay only a percentage of the entire loss or a specific dollar amount.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Standard Flood Insurance Program (SFIP) “only covers direct physical loss to structures by flooding,” FEMA officials said. The SFIP has very specific definitions of what a flood is and what it considers flood damage. “Earth movement” caused by flooding, such as a landslide, sinkholes and destabilization of land, is not covered by SFIP.

Structures that are elevated must be built at least to the minimum Base Flood Elevation (BFE) standards as determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). There may be coverage limitations regarding personal property in areas below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building.

Cost Impact of Biggert-Waters

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 extends and reforms the NFIP for five years by adjusting rate subsidies and premium rates. Approximately 20 percent of NFIP policies pay subsidized premiums, and the 5 percent of those policyholders with subsidized policies for non-primary residences and businesses will see a 25 percent annual increase immediately. A Reserve Fund assessment charge will be added to the 80 percent of policies that pay full-risk premiums. Un-elevated properties constructed in a SFHA before a community adopted its initial FIRMs will be affected most by rate changes.

In March 2014, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) of 2014 were signed into law, lowering rate increases on some policies, preventing rate increases on others, and delaying the implementation of Section 207 of Biggert-Waters, which was to ensure that certain properties’ flood insurance rates reflected their full risk after a mapping change or update. HFIAA also repeals a portion of Biggert-Waters that eliminated grandfathering properties into lower risk classes. Many of the changes have not yet been implemented because the necessary new programs and procedures have not been established.

Other Conditions

The General Conditions section informs the consumer and the insurer of their responsibilities, including fraud, policy cancellation, subrogation (in this case, the insurer’s right to claim damages caused by a third party) and payment plans. Policies also have a section that offers guidance on the steps to take when damage or loss occurs. It includes notifying the insurer as soon as practically possible, notifying the police (if appropriate or necessary) and taking steps to protect property from further damage.

“FEMA’s top priority is to provide assistance to those in need as quickly as possible, while also meeting our requirements under the law,” FEMA press secretary Dan Watson said. “To do this, FEMA works with its private sector, write-your-own insurance (WYO) company partners who sell flood insurance under their own names and are responsible for the adjustment of their policy holders’ claims.”

Policyholders should speak with their insurance agent or representative if they have any questions about coverage. For further information and direction, call the NFIP Call Center at 1-800-427-4661 or the NFIP Referral Center at 1-888-379-9531. Comprehensive information about NFIP, Biggert-Waters, HFIAA and flood insurance in general can be found at the official NFIP website, www.floodsmart.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow 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.”

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Review, Update Your Insurance Policies

Federal Firefighter Grant Helps Recoup Atlantic City Equipment Lost During Sandy

New York, NY, July 28, 2014 — In addition to its other widespread destruction, Hurricane Sandy also undermined the effectiveness of multiple sets of the Atlantic City Fire Department’s (ACFD) personal protective equipment via several feet of salt water, oil, gasoline, and sewage.

The ACFD has been awarded $489,060 from the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) program, however, to replace not only the Sandy-damaged equipment, but also more than 100 other protective suits that are eight years old, showing significant wear, and losing their ability to safeguard the first responders. The local share of the federal grant is $54,340, bringing the total to $543,400.

The announcement was made here today by Dale Mcshine, Grants Director for Region II of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. AFG is a FEMA program.

“During and after Hurricane Sandy, the Atlantic City Fire Department’s gear was exposed to harsh ingredients,” says the department’s Administrative Deputy Chief, Vincent Granese. “It’s unlikely that these contaminants can be removed, and the odds are that they have damaged the integrity of our personal protective equipment.”

Personal protective equipment includes coats, suspenders, helmets, gloves, and hoods. “This grant allows for state-of-the-art gear,” says Chief Granese. “We never would have been able to afford this generation of equipment. It will be made of far better materials, and will enhance our ability to fight fires and respond to other incidents.”

The ACFD is a full-time career department with members assigned to six fire stations that operate on a 24-hour basis 365 days per year. Its services include fire suppression, fire prevention, public safety education, fire investigations, first-responder EMS, level III hazardous material response, and all phases of technical rescue. The department also provides regional support throughout the southern half of New Jersey for Hazmat and Technical Rescue Team response.

The city is a historic beach resort, operating 12 casinos and numerous first-name hotels. It is home to almost 40,000 residents with daily influxes of 110,000 to 600,000 people.

“With its multitude of capabilities, our fire department serves not only our bustling, populated city, but also the state. I have long been proud and impressed by their capabilities and this AFG grant serves only to boost their strengths,” observes Atlantic City mayor, Donald Guardian.

FEMA’s AFG program has been aiding firefighters and other first responders since 2001. “The program provides critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards,” said Tania Hedlund, FEMA’s Grants Branch Chief. The AFG provided funding of $25,340,000 for FEMA’s Region II (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) in 2012.

For further information, contact William H. Douglass at 212-680-3665/917-561-3223.

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Federal Firefighter Grant Helps Recoup Atlantic City Equipment Lost During Sandy

Nearly $19.7 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

JACKSON, Miss. – Federal assistance approved for disaster survivors in 12 Mississippi counties has reached nearly $19.7 million.

Here is a summary of all federal assistance to individuals and households in the 12 Mississippi counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. The severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014.

Nearly $19.7 million in total federal disaster assistance has been approved by FEMA and SBA, including:
Nearly $14.2 million in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by SBA for 229 homeowners, renters and businesses.
Nearly $5.5 million in FEMA Individual Assistance grants has been approved to help Mississippi disaster survivors recover, including:
- More than $4 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- Nearly $1.5 million approved to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical, dental and funeral expenses as well as repair or replacement of personal property.
More than 5,300 people contacted FEMA for help or information during the 60-day registration period that ended June 30.
Nearly 3,000 (99 percent) home inspections have been completed.

Monday, June 30, 2014, was the deadline to register with FEMA for individual assistance and submit SBA disaster loan applications. MEMA and FEMA remind survivors who registered for disaster assistance to stay in touch with FEMA and ensure the agency has their current contact information.

Applicants can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 to check the status of an application, find out about the appeal process or provide insurance settlement information. Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call TTY 800-462-7585. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors who registered with FEMA before the deadline and discover their insurance has not covered all losses have up to a year from the date they registered with FEMA to submit their insurance settlement documentation to FEMA.

Survivors who are receiving FEMA rental assistance or staying in a temporary housing unit are periodically required to recertify their need for continuing assistance and can call the FEMA helpline with any questions about this process.

Survivors who applied for low-interest disaster loans can call the SBA hotline at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov with questions about SBA disaster loans.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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.

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Nearly $19.7 Million Approved for Mississippi Disaster Survivors

Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some survivors of the recent Alabama storms may not have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples:

I didn’t know there was assistance available.
FEMA tries to let everyone know about disaster assistance, but some people miss the message. Please be sure to spread the word among your co-workers, neighbors and friends.

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.
FEMA provides housing grants and other programs such as help with medical, dental and funeral expenses that are not income dependent. Anyone in a designated county with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA, because I have insurance.
Everyone with insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured costs.

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

I thought it was too late for me to apply since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.
You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

I thought FEMA only made loans. I don’t want a loan.
FEMA does not make loans, only grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid. The United States Small Business Administration does make loans to cover disaster damage to uninsured or under insured property for homeowners, renters and business owners.

I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners to repair their homes.
FEMA makes grants to help renters with temporary housing and help with disaster-related losses of personal property.

I’m going to register just as soon as I can find the time to get all the paperwork done.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes about 20 minutes. Don’t wait, because the deadline is July 1.

I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.
If you had damage from a previous federally declared disaster and you had damage from this declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

Other people need the help more than I do.
FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors. You will not be taking from others, if you register for aid.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

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Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

Review and Update Your Insurance Policies In New Year

LINCROFT, N.J. — With a new year upon us, now is an ideal time for people to review their insurance policies. Understanding the details of what specific policies cover and what the policyholder is responsible for after a disaster is important as both clients’ needs and insurance companies’ rules change.

What’s Covered

What’s Not Covered

Structures that are elevated must be built up to Base Flood Elevation (BFE) standards as determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). There may be coverage limitations regarding personal property in areas below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building.

Cost Impact of Biggert-Waters

Other Conditions

Policyholders should speak with their insurance agent or representative if they have any questions about coverage. For further assistance with Sandy-related flood insurance cases in New Jersey and New York, call the NFIP hotline at 1-877-287-9804. Comprehensive information about NFIP, Biggert-Waters and flood insurance in general can be found at www.floodsmart.gov.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow 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.

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Review and Update Your Insurance Policies In New Year

Be Cyber Smart. Stay Cyber Secure

CHICAGO – Cybercriminals don’t discriminate, so don’t be a target – protect your privacy and guard against fraud by practicing safe online habits. Cyber security threats and attacks are gaining momentum. With more than $525 million in losses due to online criminal activity in 2012, proper security measures are a critical component in keeping your identity and finances secure.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is taking this opportunity to remind our partners and the general public to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment.

“Computers, smartphones and other electronics have become a prevalent part of our daily lives,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Everyone needs to understand how frequently cybercrimes occur and arm themselves with the latest information and tools necessary to protect their families against potential fraud.”

Helpful information on protecting kids online, securing your computer and avoid scams can be found at OnGuardOnline.gov. Here are a few tips to safeguard yourself and your computer:

• Set strong passwords, change them regularly, and don’t share them with anyone.

• Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.

• Maintain an open dialogue with your friends, family, colleagues and community about Internet safety.

• Use privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information you post online.

• Be cautious about offers online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Report a cybercrime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) and to your local law enforcement or state attorney general as

appropriate.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Be Cyber Smart. Stay Cyber Secure

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