Texas Storm Survivors May Receive A Phone Call From SBA

AUSTIN, Texas – Eligible individuals and business owners in Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Hood, Jasper, Marion, Newton, Orange and Parker counties who register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may receive an automated phone call from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s recorded message gives instructions on how to request an application for a low-interest disaster loan.

Because FEMA grants may not cover all damage or property loss, private insurance and low-interest loans from the SBA are major sources of additional disaster recovery funds for businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profits, homeowners and renters.

The survivor must complete and submit the SBA application because it may open the door to further assistance, including additional FEMA grants. There is no cost to apply and no obligation to accept the loan.

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 and nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets.
  • Small businesses and most private nonprofits suffering economic impact from a disaster 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.

FEMA and SBA encourage survivors to:

  • Register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week and multilingual operators are available.
  • Go online at SBA.gov/disaster and download an application. Contact SBA at 800-659-2955, by email at disastercustomerservice@SBA.gov or meet with an SBA Representative at a Disaster Recovery Center to learn more about disaster loans, the application process, or    for help completing the SBA application. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Texas Storm Survivors May Receive A Phone Call From SBA

FEMA Offers Free Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding after Disaster

NORTH LITTLE ROCK –  FEMA offers a wide range of free resources for Arkansas homeowners who are either rebuilding after the winter storms or preparing for the next time disaster strikes.

FEMA maintains an extensive online library, including bilingual and multimedia resources, which describe the measures contractors or do-it-yourselfers can take to reduce risks to property. FEMA publications can be viewed online and downloaded to any computer.

For rebuilding information, go to www.fema.gov and click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.” There are numerous links to resources and topics including “Protecting Homes,” “Protecting Your Business” and “Safe, Strong and Protected Homes and Communities.” There are also links to information about disaster preparedness.

The decision to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter may save lives and property in a future disaster.

http://www.fema.gov/protect-your-property – offers a comprehensive overview of available publications to help protect your home or business against hazards including earthquakes, fire, flood, high winds and others.

http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster – provides links to resources for protecting your community, your business and places of worship, and offers helpful links like these:

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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 original article here – 

FEMA Offers Free Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding after Disaster

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

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Volusia County Ready for Public Viewing

ATLANTA — Newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for coastal areas of Volusia County, Fla., will be available for residents to review at a public open house at the Port Orange Regional Library on February 25, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when they become effective, updated maps will be used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides residents of Volusia County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. 

The open house will be held between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. The open house date and location is:

February 25, 2016

Port Orange Regional Library

1005 City Center Circle

Port Orange, FL 32129

The new preliminary maps were released through a partnership among Volusia County, its municipalities, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house. All who attend can meet with specialists to ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 888-379-9531 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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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.

 

 

 

Continued:

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Volusia County Ready for Public Viewing

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Nassau County Ready for Public Viewing

ATLANTA –Newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for coastal areas of Nassau County, Fla., will be available for residents to review at a public open house at the Atlantic Recreation Center Auditorium on February 24, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when they become effective, updated maps will be used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides residents of Nassau County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. 

The open house will be held between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. The open house date and location is:

February 24, 2016

Atlantic Recreation Center Auditorium

2500 Atlantic Avenue

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

The new preliminary maps were released through a partnership among Nassau County, its municipalities, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house. All who attend can meet with specialists to ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities. 

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 888-379-9531 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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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.

 

 

Originally posted here – 

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Nassau County Ready for Public Viewing

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.

See more here:

Low-interest Disaster Loans Help Fuel Arkansas Disaster Recovery

National Flood Insurance Program — Who’s Eligible?

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri homeowners, renters and business owners are eligible and encouraged to purchase National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies even if their home or business isn’t located in a flood plain or high-risk zone.

The NFIP aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. It does so by providing affordable flood insurance and encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.

NFIP insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters. But in order to purchase a policy the residence or business must in a community that participates in the NFIP. Missouri communities in the program are listed here — http://www.fema.gov/cis/MO.html. Other communities can request to be added if they meet certain criteria.

More than 70 private insurance agents or agencies in Missouri are certified to sell and service NFIP policies, including all of those listed on this link — http://www.fema.gov/wyo_company

Residents can also contact their own insurance agent or company to find out more about federal flood insurance or find an agent serving their area by filling out the One-Step Flood Risk Profile on the FloodSmart.gov home page (www.floodsmart.gov).

Costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what is covered and the property’s level of flood risk. Those in moderate- to low-risk areas can purchase a special Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) that provides building and contents coverage for one low-price. Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before your policy goes into effect.

Why is an NFIP policy necessary if federal aid is available after a flood? Federal disaster assistance typically comes in the form of small grants or low-interest loans to help cover flood damage, not to fully compensate for losses. Even then, those grants and loans are only available if the president formally declares a disaster. NFIP policies are not dependent on a federal disaster declaration.

Flooding occurs in moderate- to low-risk areas as well as in high-risk areas due to factors like poor drainage systems, rapid accumulation of rainfall, snowmelt, and broken water mains. In addition to floods, NFIP policies also cover damage from mudflows. In fact, over 20-percent of all flood insurance claims come from areas outside of mapped high-risk flood zones.

NFIP policyholders who have questions about their flood insurance policy or the claims process, as well as disaster survivors who have general questions about the program, can contact the support hotline by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability using 711 or VRS, please call 866-337-4262. For individuals using a TTY, please call 800-462-7585.

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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 and 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.

For real-time disaster updates, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion7 and turn on mobile notifications.

 

From:  

National Flood Insurance Program — Who’s Eligible?

Rebuild with floods and fires in mind

Images shows house that had a ceramic roof when built saved the home from the Valley fires.

Ceramic tile roofing is a best practice to mitigate embers from igniting the roof structure when considering living with the threat of wildfires. When one home with a shake shingle roof is destroyed, another homeowner with a ceramic tile roof mitigated the penetrating flames and saved the structure and all personal belongings. Adam Dubrowa/ FEMA

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Decisions made now in rebuilding homes destroyed or damaged in the September wildfires can pay big dividends by minimizing future fire and flood damage.

Free publications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will explain how. They are available at the Disaster Recovery Centers, at FEMA display locations listed below and online by searching for the titles at FEMA.gov.

Flood after Fire Risks – FloodSmart.gov describes the importance of buying flood insurance. The insurance is available to both homeowners and renters. Standard homeowner and rental insurance may not cover flood damage. Charred, barren ground increases the risk of flash flooding because it is less able to absorb rainfall. Forecasters are predicting above average rainfall this coming rainy season because of an El Niño weather pattern.

Rebuilding After a Wildfire Fact Sheet presents many ways to rebuild safer, stronger and more resilient to wildfires.

FEMA displays are at the following locations:

Sender’s Market
8111 Garabaldi St.
Mountain Ranch, CA 95246

Mendo Mill & Lumber Co.
5255 Old Hwy. 53
Clearlake, CA 95422

Four Corners Builders Supply
14918 Olympic Dr.
Clearlake, CA 95422

Ace Hardware
155 S. Main St.
Angels Camp, CA 95221

These sites have all the information that is provided at the Disaster Recovery Centers about rebuilding and protecting your property and also information about flood insurance. To locate the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, go to www.fema.gov/DRC. The publications listed above also are available online for download at www.fema.gov. Click on Search and type in the full title shown above.

Survivors can register for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The deadline to register is Nov. 23, 2015.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9

and at Facebook.com/FEMA.

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: 

Rebuild with floods and fires in mind

CNMI gets chance to show Soudelor preparedness lessons learned

Typhoons, as we witnessed with Soudelor, are a double threat. They can produce both dangerously high winds and widespread torrential rains.

Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. This not only damages or destroys homes directly with water and wind, but can also produce damages indirectly with landslides or mud slides. Flash flooding is also a possibility, and flooding near streams or low lying areas may persist for several days or more after a storm.

“With another storm approaching the CNMI, there are still things you can do in this last day or two to protect yourself, your family and your property,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Ryan Brown.

“Securing loose objects around the house and/or removing and securing objects to prevent them from being picked up and propelled by possible, strong winds,” said Marvin Seman, Special Assistant for Homeland Security & Emergency Operations. “Also, residents living in tents, damaged homes, or homes with compromised safety are strongly encouraged to take precautionary measures and to anticipate heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.”

Other protective actions include:

  • Make sure you have enough food and water for all family members and pets for three days.

     

  • Fill your car’s gas tank, both in case evacuation becomes necessary and in case gas stations are disabled after the storm.

     

  • Secure your property.

    • Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows.

    • A second option is to board up windows with 5/8 inch marine plywood.

    • Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

  • Install straps or clips to fasten your roof to the frame structure more securely.

    • This will reduce roof damage.

    • It may reduce overall damage, because homes that lose a roof usually suffer serious subsequent damage.

       

  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.

     

  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

     

  • If you have a boat, secure it.

More on these and many other preparedness topics can be found at ready.gov, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website dedicated to helping people and businesses prepare for whatever Mother Nature may throw at them.

 

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Originally from – 

CNMI gets chance to show Soudelor preparedness lessons learned

Residents Urged to Clean Up Now

SAIPAN – Individuals affected by Typhoon Soudelor that occurred August 1-3, 2015 are urged to begin cleaning up their homes and personal property as soon as possible. Officials from the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasize that it is not necessary to wait for a housing inspection before beginning this process.

Residents need to document their losses thoroughly and take pictures of all the damages so that when FEMA housing inspectors arrive, they can make a quick analysis and take information with them. Residents will also need to keep all of the receipts they acquire while purchasing new living items during their displacement.

“We encourage individuals affected by the disaster to remain cautious and return home only when it is safe to do so,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. “Property owners should document all losses and damages by taking photos first, or making a list, and then begin immediately removing all damaged personal property to help combat mold and other health hazards and move forward in the recovery process.”

Before making permanent repairs to your home such as drywall, structural components, electrical systems or plumbing, make sure you get the proper permits from the CNMI Department of Public Works to ensure compliance with local building codes.

For more information on local clean-up instructions and local permit requirements, contact the CNMI at 670-237-8000.

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.

Original link – 

Residents Urged to Clean Up Now

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