BATON ROUGE, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state officials are urging Louisianians to watch out for unscrupulous solicitors asking for disaster- related financial information over the phone. Hurricane Isaac survivors are reporting to FEMA and local police incidents of just how crafty telemarketing scammers are becoming.

Misleading scammers are trying to manipulate disaster survivors into providing bank account routing numbers, social security numbers and other personal information.  Beware of representatives claiming to be associated with FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Association who try to coax you for additional information by telling you they already have your email address.

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and to the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-351-4889 or online at www.ag.state.la.us.

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 http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding 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 uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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Disaster Survivors: Do Not Become a Victim of Phone Scams

FEMA INSPECTORS ARE ASSESSING MISSISSIPPI HOMES FOR DAMAGES                                                                                

CLINTON, Miss. –Federal Emergency Management Agency inspectors are currently visiting the primary residences of disaster applicants in Mississippi to assess damages related to Hurricane Isaac.

Inspectors are private contractors and always display identification badges. Inspectors will contact applicants to make appointments before visiting properties.  

Federal assistance to homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for rental housing, essential home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

What To Expect:

Inspector’s Call:  A nine-digit application number is assigned to applicants after they register with FEMA. An inspector will call within 10 days to schedule an appointment to visit the damaged property.

Inspector’s Visit: Inspectors will review structural and personal property damage and file a report, but they do not determine eligibility or estimate or determine the value of damage or losses. The inspection typically takes 15 to 45 minutes.

The applicant, or someone who is 18 or older and lived in the household prior to Hurricane Isaac, must be present for the scheduled appointment.

Applicants can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents on hand:

  • A photo ID to prove identity, such as driver’s license or passport.
  • Homeowners must present proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following:
    • Deed showing applicant as the legal owner.
    • Title that lists the applicant on actual escrow or title document for the purchase of the home.
    • Mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address of the damaged home.
    • Property insurance policy for the damaged home with applicant’s name listed as the insured.Tax receipts or a property tax bill that lists the address of the damaged home and the applicant as the responsible party to the assessments.
  • Renters must present proof of occupancy, which may include any one of the following:
    • A lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.
    • An employee pay stub and similar documents addressed to the applicant and showing the address of the damaged home.

Property owners who need to replace a document to prove ownership should visit their local tax office. Proof of ownership may avoid long delays in receiving eligible FEMA funds.

After the Inspector’s Visit: Within 10 days of the visit, an applicant will receive a joint letter from the state of Mississippi and FEMA that contains a decision.

Anyone with questions should call 800-621-3362. Those who use TTY can call 800-462-7585.

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

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

 

 

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FEMA Inspectors Are Assessing Mississippi Homes for Damages

Disaster survivors who don’t understand FEMA correspondence or disagree with FEMA decisions can call the Helpline or visit a disaster recovery center for assistance

CLINTON, Miss. – Everyone who registers with FEMA receives a letter telling them the status of their application. Survivors who don’t understand the letter or disagree with FEMA’s decision should visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline to get more information and assistance with questions.

The most common reason for denial of housing assistance and other aid is that an applicant has not submitted proof of an insurance settlement. Some other reasons for an initial turndown can be that applicants:

  • Have not provided FEMA all the information needed.
  • Did not provide proof of ownership or residence.
  • Have not provided records that showed the damaged property was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Have not signed essential documents.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance from insurance benefits or other government sources. However, FEMA aid may be approved if all eligible damage is not covered by private insurance or other government assistance.

Disaster survivors have a right to ask FEMA to reconsider a decision on their eligibility for assistance, but such appeals must be filed in writing within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Applicants who have questions can call the helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 or visit a disaster recovery center.

Disaster assistance for qualified homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.

Survivors who are not eligible for FEMA assistance or do not qualify for an SBA loan, may be referred to voluntary agencies, faith-based organizations or other community groups.

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

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Survivors With Questions About Their FEMA Letters Can Get Answers

CLINTON, Miss. — Disaster survivors in 17 Mississippi counties, who had losses as a result of Hurricane Isaac, can now register online or by phone for federal disaster assistance. 

The Declaration and Amendments

On Sept. 1, a major disaster declaration signed by the president was amended to include Individual Assistance in four counties: Jackson, Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River. On Sept. 7, another 13 counties were designated for Individual Assistance, enabling people to apply for federal aid in the following counties: Adams, Amite, Clarke, Forrest, George, Hinds, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Stone, Walthall, Warren and Wilkinson counties.

The Road to Recovery Begins with Registration

People who experienced losses should register online as soon as possible at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Operators speak many languages.

People in the newly designated counties who already registered for federal disaster assistance do not need to do so again. If they have any questions about their applications for disaster assistance, they should call 800-621-3362.

FEMA will ask for the following information:

  • The telephone number where applicants can be reached
  • The address where applicants lived at the time of the disaster and the address where they are staying
  • Their Social Security number
  • A general description of damage to property and other losses
  • The name of the insurance company and policy number or agent if the property is insured
  • Bank account routing information for direct deposit of funds

Survivors May Be Eligible for Many Types of Assistance

Federal disaster aid to people may include:

  • Rental assistance for temporary housing if their home or apartment is unlivable.
  • Grants for minimal home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover losses of renters and homeowners

Other sources of assistance:

  • A number of voluntary agencies, faith- based groups and community organizations are providing food, shelter, supplies and are assisting in clean-up efforts. More information on a range of aid programs is available from local governments or by calling 2-1-1.

Federal aid to businesses and nonprofits with losses may include:

  • Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA for businesses and certain private nonprofit organizations that sustained physical damage or economic injury.

Survivors Should Register Even If Insured

It’s important for survivors to document damage with photographs, save repair receipts and notify their insurance companies. Those with insurance should know that federal disaster assistance may be provided prior to a delayed insurance settlement and assist an eligible survivor during their recovery. However, federal assistance must be repaid once an insurance settlement is received.      

An insurance settlement may be insufficient to cover all eligible damages or losses. Federal disaster assistance may fill in eligible gaps a survivor’s insurance doesn’t cover. 

Survivors who have flood insurance on their property should be aware that it covers the following:

  • The structure and its foundation
  • Electrical and plumbing
  • Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces and water heaters,
  • Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
  • Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
  • Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases and cabinets
  • Window blinds
  • Detached garages
  • Debris removal
  • Some personal items, such as clothing, furniture, window units, microwave ovens and dishwashers, washers and dryers and food freezers

PHOTO AND VIDEO RESOURCES

  • Photos of FEMA operations, including response and recovery efforts in Mississippi for Hurricane Isaac, are on the FEMA website. These include Community Relations specialists in the field, people being helped at Disaster Recovery Centers, early response operations and more. Photos are updated frequently.  Link to the FEMA Photo Library: http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary (keywords Isaac Mississippi or DR 4081)

·http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary (keyword Isaac or DR 4081)

LINKS

Twitter:

Facebook:      www.facebook.com/fema

                        www.facebook.com/msemaorg?ref=sgm

Websites:

Blog: www.fema.gov/blog

News releases: http://www.fema.gov/news-releases

Via phone: m.fema.gov or on the FEMA app                                  

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

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original article: 

Important Information for Hurricane Isaac Disaster Survivors

SEATTLE, Wash — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Highway 141 Fire Complex burning in Klickitat County, Washington.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on September 5, 2012. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 430 primary homes in subdivisions near the city of White Salmon – local area population of 3,000.   Major power transmission lines were also being threatened.   Approximately 120 people have evacuated the area and one shelter is open.  The fire started on September 5, 2012, and has burned approximately 1,570 acres of private land.

 

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

 

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

 

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

 

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FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight the Highway 141 Fire

DUBLIN, OH – The deadline is nearing for State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in 37 designated counties to apply for federal aid to help offset expenses related to emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms and straight-line winds June 29 – 2 July.

President Obama’s Aug. 20 disaster declaration authorized federal assistance after the series of storms and straight line winds hit Ohio late June early July.  Applicants must submit RPA forms within 30 days of the date of disaster designation.

Officials in the following designated counties have until Sept. 19 to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA):

Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert, and Washington Counties 

“We want to ensure that resources are allocated to every agency that is eligible,” said Michael W. Moore, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible cost and each applicant is responsible for the remaining 25% percent non-federal balance.   For more information or questions on eligibility, officials should contact their local County Emergency Management Agency director.

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

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Two Weeks Left For Local Agencies To Apply For Federal Assistance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FEMA Kicks Off Ninth Annual National Preparedness Month

ATLANTA – Fourteen additional Mississippi counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have been designated for federal assistance to supplement state and local response efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Isaac.
       
The counties added to the declaration are: Adams, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Warren and Winston. This brings the total to
48 counties included in the Mississippi disaster declaration.

State, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to be reimbursed on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, at 75 percent federal funding.

FEMA Region IV continues to work with its state and federal partners to respond to and assess the impacts from Isaac.

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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.
 

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More Mississippi Counties Eligible For Assistance

REISTERSTOWN, MD—Kenneth Mallette, Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, is urging all private nonprofit organizations who incurred costs from the severe storms and straight-line winds, which impacted Maryland beginning on June 29, 2012, to apply for disaster assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Public Assistance Program.

Here are some qualifiers to help determine eligibility:

  1. Private nonprofit organizations must hold tax exempt status under Section 501 (c), (d) or (e) of the IRS Code or have State certification that your organization is a non-revenue producing nonprofit entity, organized or doing business under State law.
  2. Organizations must have incurred costs related to the June storm.  These costs could be for debris removal and clean-up, emergency protective measures (emergency response services, evacuation) or permanent damage to your facility.
  3. The service or facility being claimed must be open to the public.
  4. The organization must provide essential government-like services, and be in a county designated under the Federal disaster declaration.  The designated areas are Calvert, Charles, Kent, Montgomery and St. Mary’s Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore.
  5. Eligible damage must meet the $1,000 threshold.

If private nonprofit organizations feel they qualify and may be an eligible applicant, they should contact the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program office at 410-517-3604 or 1-877-636-2872.                                                      

 An Applicants’ Briefing will be held at the Rice Auditorium, located on the grounds of Spring Grove Hospital Center, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Potential applicants are encouraged to attend.  The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) and PNP Questionnaire (attached) must be completed and received by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency by 09/01/2012.  Forms may be emailed to Kelly.devilbiss@maryland.gov or faxed to 410-517-3610.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Private Nonprofit Organizations may be Eligible for Disaster Aid

RICHMOND, Va. — Time is limited for state and local officials, county agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations in Virginia to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) for federal disaster funds that can support the recovery from the derecho and severe storms of late June, 2012.

The deadline to submit the one-page RPA is Monday, Aug. 27, 2012 for the counties and cities of the commonwealth included in the original disaster declaration.

The counties are: Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Frederick, Giles, Greene, Halifax, Highland, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Nelson, New Kent, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Tazewell, and Warren.

The cities are Bedford, Charlottesville, Covington, Danville, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas Park, Martinsville, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, and Winchester cities.

The deadline is Sept. 13, 2012 for the municipalities included in an amendment to the declaration: Franklin, Montgomery, Smyth and Stafford counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Falls Church and Harrisonburg.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management Agency (VDEM), with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has conducted three applicant briefings for officials in the 51 counties and 18 cities included in the declaration. The briefings address application procedures, administrative requirements, funding and program eligibility.

Public officials and other eligible applicants who were unable to attend the applicant briefings and want to file an RPA may call VDEM at (804) 935-5556 or (804) 335-8755 to submit their RPAs before the approaching deadlines.

Following the applicant briefings, kickoff meetings are held with the individual applicants to identify and review their specific jurisdiction’s needs. To date, approximately 70 kickoff meetings have been held and more than 75 RPAs have been received.

The kickoff meeting is an important early step in the process of receiving federal assistance.

FEMA provides 75 percent of the approved costs for eligible work.

Eligible work may include debris removal, emergency protective measures (such as overtime for police, fire and medical services), road and bridge repair, and repair and restoration of public utilities, buildings, and recreational facilities.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Time is Limited for Governments to Request Federal Assistance for Derecho Damage

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