CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $105,968 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Mackinac Island, Michigan, for the purchase of a generator.

 

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “This project will ensure that emergency services can continue operations during power outages.”

 

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 65 percent of the $163,027 eligible project cost.  The remaining 35 percent of the funds, $57,059, will be provided by the City of Mackinac Island. 
 

“Hazard mitigation projects can potentially save lives and protect property,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “I strongly encourage Michigan communities to apply for hazard mitigation grant dollars so they can become better prepared before the next emergency or disaster happens. A prepared Michigan is a resilient Michigan.”

 

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

 

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Source: 

FEMA Awards $105,968 Grant to the City of Mackinac Island to Support Emergency Services

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $262,420 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the City of Lansing, Mich., for the acquisition and demolition of four flood-prone homes.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding for mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disasters,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “This project will help to eliminate future structural losses in Lansing by permanently removing these four buildings from the floodplain and will also greatly reduce the financial impact on individuals and the community.”

“I strongly encourage our communities to seize the opportunity for hazard mitigation assistance to enhance the safety of Michigan’s residents,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “With federal aid, our communities can initiate projects to save lives and protect public property and health.”

HMGP provides grants to state, local and tribal governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $349,893 eligible project cost.  The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $87,473, will be provided by the City of Lansing. 

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

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/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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FEMA Awards $262,420 Grant to the City of Lansing

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released $708,653 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Plainfield Township, Mich., to acquire and demolish 15 residential structures in the Grand River floodplain.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator, Andrew Velasquez III. “The acquisition and demolition of these homes permanently removes the structures from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“I strongly encourage our communities to seize the opportunity for hazard mitigation assistance to enhance the safety of Michigan’s citizens,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “With federal aid, our communities can initiate projects to save lives and protect public property and health.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $944,871 eligible project cost. The property owners and Plainfield Township will contribute 25 percent of the remaining funds, or $236,218.

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

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455
 

This article is from: 

FEMA Awards $708,653 Grant to Plainfield Township

Warren, Mich. – Southeast Michigan homeowners and renters who lost personal property as a result of the August severe storms and flooding may be eligible for disaster-related assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies.

Renters who suffered damage to their apartment or leased/rented house are encouraged to contact FEMA.  

“August flooding didn’t discriminate between homeowners and renters,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Thanks to rental-support programs, Michiganders who sustained flood damage could be eligible for assistance.”

Through Housing Assistance, FEMA offers two types of help to eligible renters:

  • Money to rent a different place to live for a limited period while repairs are done to the damaged home or apartment
  • A free referral service to find a safe replacement rental property

“As Michigan renters are discovering, disaster aid is not limited to homeowners,” said Dolph A. Diemont, federal coordinating officer. “Thousands of renters have registered with FEMA and are currently receiving rental assistance as they rebuild their lives.”

Both renters and homeowners may also be eligible for Other Needs Assistance (ONA), designed to help disaster survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. ONA grants can be used for:

  • Disaster-related medical and dental expenses
  • Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses
  • Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged, household items such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the
    self-employed for their jobs
  • Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster
  • Reimbursement for eligible child care services

Filling out a U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application is a necessary step for homeowners and renters to be considered for additional recovery programs. If the SBA is unable to approve a loan, the applicant may be referred back to FEMA for other types of disaster aid.

To qualify for any of this assistance, renters must first register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY users call 800-462-7585. For 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Those with questions about the SBA loan application should call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY users call 800-877-8339. Survivors can also apply online using the electronic loan applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

 

 

This article:  

Renters Advised to Register for Disaster Assistance

WARREN, Mich. – State and federal officials report more than 92,000 Michigan residents affected by the August floods have been approved for more than $110 million in federal disaster assistance. Survivors are strongly encouraged to register for federal assistance before the Nov. 24 deadline.      

Applications must be received by the November date to be considered for assistance from the FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline only refers to the last day survivors can apply. Disaster funds will continue to flow beyond that date.

“One month may seem like a long time but it’s surprising how fast it can slip by, especially at this time of the year,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Michiganders who have not registered should do so today, so we can see how we may help.”

Storm-affected homeowners and renters in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses including essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

“Thousands of Michigan residents are putting state and federal recovery assistance to good use toward their recovery,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “We urge survivors who have not registered to do so before the deadline.”

Homeowners are eligible to apply for SBA low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged primary homes.

  • Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for loans up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property including automobiles.
  • Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.
  • Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for working capital loans.

Residents can register for Individual Assistance or check the status of their registrations online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors who have questions regarding the registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs are encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center, Business Recovery Center or recovery support site, or contact FEMA at 800-621-3362.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and ZIP Code to 43362, and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

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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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

 

Originally posted here:

Michigan Flood Aid Tops $110 Million; Registration Deadline Nears

WARREN, MICH. – Staying in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after registering for disaster assistance is one of the most important things Michigan flood survivors can do.

“Disaster survivors who have applied for federal disaster assistance should keep FEMA updated with their current contact information,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A.  Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Otherwise, they could be delayed in receiving federal dollars to help recover from August’s severe storms and flooding.”

FEMA has many ways for applicants impacted by the August severe storms and flooding to update addresses, phone numbers and personal information:

  • Log on to the website at www.DisasterAssistance.gov ; or
  • Call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362, or TTY at 800-462-7585; or
  • Visit any of the four Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties; or
  • Visit one of the many recovery support sites in the disaster-designated counties.

When updating information, refer to the nine-digit registration number issued when applying for FEMA disaster assistance. This number is displayed on all correspondence received from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests.

“We understand that people move frequently as they adapt to new situations,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “FEMA needs to know current addresses and contact phone numbers so we are assured assistance goes to the right place.”

Disaster Recovery Center locations are in:

Macomb County:
Renaissance Unity Church
11200 E. 11 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48089

Oakland County:
Gerry Kulick Community Center
1201 Livernois St.
Ferndale, MI 48220

Wayne County:
Wayne County Community College Welcome Center
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

Wayne County Community College Education and Performing Arts Center
21000 Northline Road
Taylor, MI 48180

All Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but closed on Sunday. The FEMA registration line is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week. The best way to find a recovery support site is to go to FEMA’s disaster-specific Web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

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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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

View original article – 

Applicants Should Stay in Touch With FEMA

WARREN, Mich. – With more than $69.3 million in disaster recovery assistance approved for Michigan homeowners and renters, fake building contractors are angling to get their hands on some of it, state and federal officials warned.

Scam artists and other criminals often prey on survivors who have received money to repair their storm-damaged homes. Authorities in Michigan have already received isolated reports of people doing just that.

“In times of crisis, Michiganders pull together and help each other when it’s needed most,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Unfortunately, there are some people who will try to take advantage of disaster survivors. We strongly recommend that individuals take a few simple steps to make sure they’re dealing with an honest person.”

Homeowners and renters may be anxious to repair their homes as quickly as possible, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges them to first check the credentials of anyone offering to do repairs.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) offers valuable resources to help determine whether a contractor is a legitimate professional:

  • For residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors, an online license search is available at www.michigan.gov/licenselookup or by calling the LARA’s Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing Bureau at (517) 373-8376.
  • Electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes and must have a license that corresponds to the work to be done. Mechanical contractors must also have the proper license classification. To verify license information, go to www.michigan.gov/bcclicense or call (517) 241-9313.

“In every disaster, there are always a few individuals who want to profit from the recovery effort,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “Asking just a few questions can save people from a lot of heartache.”

It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse contractors to repair homes. FEMA housing inspectors do not determine eligibility for assistance.

When hiring a contractor:

  • Ask the individual to show you his or her “pocket card,” which will contain the license number.
  • Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
  • Get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print.
  • Select only contractors that carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.

The most common post-disaster fraud practices involve not only fraudulent building contractors, but phony housing inspectors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Those who suspect fraud may call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement or through the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.

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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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Originally from: 

Michigan Residents Warned of Fake Building Contractors

WARREN, Mich. – Local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are eligible to apply for federal disaster funds due to the severe storms and flood damage that occurred from Aug. 11-13.

The major federal disaster declaration for severe flooding and storms requested by Gov. Rick Snyder and granted by President Obama on Sept. 25 makes public assistance available in the form of grants to those affected local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations.

Projects covered include debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of public facilities and infrastructure, such as schools and roads.

Those applicants that are eligible and want to apply for aid must complete and submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) by Oct. 25.

After the MSP/EMHSD receives the RPA form, state and federal agencies will provide one-on-one assistance to discuss damages, assess needs and put a plan of action in place.

“We want to make sure all eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to complete and submit this form,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “It only takes a few minutes to complete.”

Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont further emphasized, “The application is a necessary first step in receiving the dollars communities need to recover and rebuild.”

Last week, representatives from the MSP/EMHSD and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted applicant briefings with community officials throughout the affected disaster areas in southeast Michigan. These meetings addressed application procedures, administrative requirements, funding and program eligibility.

Public officials and other eligible applicants who want to file an RPA form on behalf of their community or private nonprofit organization should go to www.michigan.gov/miflood for more information.

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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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Jump to original: 

Deadline Approaching for Governments and Nonprofits to Apply for Federal Assistance

EMMITSBURG, MD — David C. Lidke of Hightstown, New Jersey, will be one of 107 fallen firefighters to be honored at the 2014 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 12.

The service will take place at 10 a.m. at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.and will be available via live stream.

A Fire Police Lieutenant with Hightstown Fire Company No. 1 and also a member of the Mercer County Fire Police, Mr. Lidke died in the line of duty on December 23, 2013 after returning from an emergency call. He was 51. More information about Lt. Lidke is available on the Fallen Firefighter Roll of Honor at http://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/david-c-lidke/

His name will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.

 More than 5,000 people, including members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters are expected to attend.

Families of the fallen heroes will receive memorial flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national tribute.

Lt. Lidke was one of two New Jersey firefighters who lost their lives in 2013. Jeffrey Scheurer, 35, a member of the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service and a volunteer firefighter in Readington, died in the line of duty in March of 2013 after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a controlled burn along Highway 629.

The annual tribute for fallen firefighters is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration.

The event is open to the public. Live streaming information—including satellite coordinates—is available at http://media.firehero.org. The media contact is Tom Olshanski at 202-400-0029 or Thomas.Olshanski@fema.dhs.gov.

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

Follow FEMA online at 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.

 

View original article – 

Former Hightstown Firefighter David C. Lidke to be Honored at Sunday’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

WARREN, Mich. – Residents who want to reduce the risk of property damage from storms, floods and other potential hazards have the opportunity to meet with hazard mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mitigation specialists will be available in:

Macomb County
Lowe’s Home Improvement
31140 Van Dyke Ave.
Warren, MI 48093
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 21

Wayne County
Wal-Mart Supercenter
7555 Telegraph Road
Taylor, MI 48180
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 19

Ace Hardware Store
8544 McGraw Ave.
Detroit, MI 48210
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sundays Oct. 9-22

Home Depot
18700 Meyers Road
Detroit, MI 48235
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays from Oct. 10-22

Residents can get free publications to help them protect their properties against storms and flooding. Mitigation measures may help protect electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances. 

FEMA mitigation specialists will provide registration assistance for disaster applications and offer flood insurance information.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call
1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA is providing mitigation information in coordination with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Homeland Security Division, and Wayne County Emergency Management. Publications will be available in English and Spanish.

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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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

 

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222

EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

Visit source:

FEMA Offers Free Home Repair Advice

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