Louisiana – Seven Years After Hurricanes Katrina And Rita

Beyond Recovery; Building Resilient Communities

NEW ORLEANS – In support of Louisiana’s recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided approximately $19.1 billion over the past seven years to help communities and families throughout the state rebuild and improve their capabilities to protect against future hazards.

“Since 2005, FEMA has remained committed to this state’s post-Katrina recovery. The Louisiana that we celebrate today with our local and state partners represents the ‘whole community’ and the progress than can occur when people work together,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Executive Director Joseph Threat.

To assist in rebuilding disaster-damaged public infrastructure, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program has provided approximately $11.5 billion for the restoration of roughly 23,669 Katrina and Rita recovery projects throughout Louisiana. Such FEMA aid has enabled significant impacts across various public sectors, including approximately:

$3.9 billion for education and learning facilities
$1.1 billion for public safety facilities
$5.4 billion for general infrastructure (e.g., roads, transportation, parks and sewerage and water facilities)
$1.1 billion for health care facilities

“This unprecedented level of progress has contributed to a recent recovery milestone – the opening of FEMA’s Region 6 Baton Rouge Processing Center. As part of the normal disaster recovery cycle, the opening of this processing center will further assist Louisiana in her final stage of recovery. For hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the center’s current focus is supporting state efforts to finalize remaining hazard mitigation projects,” added Threat.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program services individuals and public entities impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita by providing grants to communities and state agencies for projects that are designed to save lives and protect properties. Specifically, in response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA has made more than $1.8 billion in HMGP funding available to the state of Louisiana.

Regarding individuals and families, after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents needed help rebuilding their lives. To aid these residents, FEMA provided approximately $5.8 billion in Individuals and Households Program grants to 915,884 individuals and families statewide. These dollars were used as housing assistance for rent, repairs and replacement housing, as well as other needs assistance for such things as furniture, clothing and replacement vehicles.

FEMA also housed more than 92,000 households in travel trailers, park models and mobile homes across Louisiana to combat the largest housing shortage ever seen in the agency’s history. Units were located on private properties, at industrial sites, in commercial mobile home parks and across 111 FEMA built and maintained group sites throughout the state.

“Another major recovery milestone was reached this year when, in July, the last FEMA temporary housing unit was removed from this state, marking the first time since 2005 that there have been no FEMA temporary housing units in Louisiana. This means thousands of families once devastated by Katrina are now living in more permanent housing,” said Threat.

For more information about Louisiana’s ongoing recovery efforts, visit FEMA’s website dedicated to the seventh anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita: www.fema.gov/la7year .

All data is as of Aug. 9, 2012.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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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Louisiana – Seven Years After Hurricanes Katrina And Rita

Fact Sheet: FEMA Individual Assistance in the Souris Valley

Release Date: June 11, 2012
Release Number: 1981-AFS002

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» 2012 Region VIII News Releases

Individual Assistance Programs

Residents of nine North Dakota counties and one reservation were able to register for individual assistance with FEMA;
Statewide 10,286 individuals or households registered for assistance in the IA designated counties;
In total, more than $95 million has been provided; $93.4 million for rental assistance or home repair, and $2.1 million in other needs assistance;
- In the three Souris Valley counties (McHenry, Renville and Ward), there were 8,256 applications, with $89 million for rental assistance or home repair and $2 million for other needs assistance for a total of $91 million;
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved $256.4 million in low-interest loans. $212.9 million was approved for individuals and $43.5 million for businesses;
- In the Souris Valley, SBA approved $240.9 million in low-interest loans. $198.1 million was approved for individuals and $42.8 million for businesses;
Disaster Recovery Centers were in 11 communities and received 14,921 separate visits from applicants while in operation
- DRCs were located in six Souris Valley area communities and received 12,477 visits;
SBA Business Recovery Centers in Minot and Bismarck received a total of 2,929 visits;
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, managed by Job Service North Dakota and funded by FEMA, provided $2.4 million in benefits.
$3.3 million was provided to fund crisis counseling grants ;
The transitional sheltering assistance program ended 12/26/2011 at a total cost of $3,196,962.94. This program allowed displaced residents to stay in hotel rooms until more permanent housing became available.

Direct Housing Mission

Due to housing shortages because of the economic boom, a direct housing mission was initiated:
- Group housing site construction totaling $40 million is ongoing by USACE.
- More than 2000 Temporary Housing Units (THUs) delivered and installed.
There are currently 1,471 occupied THUs.
- DeSour Valley Heights – located in Burlington, this 50-unit site was filled in October. The park is currently housing 44 households.
- Virgil Workman Village – located just east of Minot, this is comprised of three parks containing 200 homes each. It is currently housing a combined total of 532 households.
- Recovery Village – located on the northeast edge of Minot, this was the final group site to come online. The site did support nearly 200 homes and is currently housing 47 households.
- Private Sites – FEMA placed housing units at 1,118 private sites allowing residents to be closer to their damaged homes while making needed repairs. There are currently 635 THU’s still on private sites.
- Commercial Sites – FEMA leased space and is currently housing 213 households at the following commercial sites: Holiday Village, Gulli’s, Burlington, Jefferson and Gold Nugget.
Multiple weather/climate challenges were overcome by completing $13 million in winterization processes, such as: foam insulation, use of heat tape and arctic room shelter construction.
The housing mission in Minot is expected to last at least 18 months.

Last Modified: Monday, 11-Jun-2012 10:02:01

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Fact Sheet: FEMA Individual Assistance in the Souris Valley

Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-062

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
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CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The state and federal Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County, operating from the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in Logan, will close Friday, May 11, at noon, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Since its opening March 24, more than 650 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Center to check on the status of their FEMA applications, SBA loans or to seek additional information from program experts. The disaster period focuses on the floods of March 15-31. As of May 1, more than 760 residents in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties have registered for FEMA assistance. More than $2.25 million has been approved to help applicants with their recovery efforts.

The DRC closing will not affect disaster survivors’ ability to register for federal assistance in recovering from any damages sustained during the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 and the floods of March 15 through March 31.

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

“The process is fast and simple,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “If you are unsure that you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility.”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.

Deadlines for registering with FEMA are May 15 for those affected by the storms and floods of February 29-March 5 and May 21 for those affected by the floods of March 15-31.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 09:47:03

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Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

City, State, FEMA Team Up To Offer Post-Irene Housing In Barre

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: 4022-079

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

BARRE, Vt. – With limited housing options for some Vermonters displaced by Tropical Storm Irene, local, state and federal officials have unveiled a project that will provide housing through a private-public partnership.

Officials from the City of Barre, State of Vermont and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as congressional representatives, toured a formerly unoccupied apartment building that was recently renovated using almost $70,000 of federal money to provide housing for disaster survivors.

“This was a unique opportunity to leverage federal money to rehabilitate rental stock that is badly needed, not just as temporary housing for persons displaced by a disaster but for the public at large,” said Sue Minter, Vermont’s Irene Recovery Officer.

“FEMA has a number of innovative recovery programs available, and we’re committed to using all of those that apply,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “The Multi-Family Repair Program was a great fit here.”

The Multi-Family Repair Program (MFRP) provides funds to renovate unoccupied multi-family rental housing units that need to be brought to a habitable standard in areas where existing rental units cannot meet the needs of disaster survivors.

According to Vermont officials, Washington County saw 154 mobile homes as well as 394 stick-built homes destroyed or substantially damaged in Tropical Storm Irene, in an area that was already facing a tight housing market. At least 30 buildings statewide were evaluated for suitability for MFRP use.

The owners of the property used in the MFRP agree to make the repaired rental units solely available to FEMA-identified disaster survivors for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration.

The repair work must be completed by a licensed, bonded contractor within a specified time period after completing the agreement with FEMA, and must bring the property to required standards.

The multi-family rental building chosen in Barre was once located down the block where the new Post Office was built. Now on South Main Street, the apartment building has been renovated to provide five rental units.

“It’s a win, win, win for everyone,” said Steve Mackenzie, Barre City Manager. “It’s a win for the city. It’s a win for the landlord. And it’s a win for the new tenants who are able to take advantage of the program.”

Residents were selected on the basis of need. If a unit is vacated by the initial resident before the 18-month period of assistance is over, additional families may be identified to occupy the units through the end of the period of assistance.

“These funds have also assisted the local economy by providing jobs and economic activity associated with the rehabilitation of the housing units,” Minter said.

The Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRCs) of voluntary agencies have been actively engaged in the MFRP. Each family entering the program has been working with a case manager to identify and effectively find resources for their unmet needs, including the development of permanent housing plans.

Other resources that may be accessed through LTRCs include: financial planning, job placement after disaster unemployment, mental health services and, volunteer labor for clean-up and rebuilding, among others.

Long Term Recovery Committees have been established to assist all those affected by Tropical Storm Irene. To be connected with a committee in your area, please contact 2-1-1, Vermont’s toll-free information referral network.

###

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 12:59:12

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Recovery Continues With Assistance to Pennsylvania Communities

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: 4025-138

» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Storm Lee
» More Information on Pennsylvania Hurricane Irene

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Federal assistance continues to support Pennsylvania’s recovery from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The aid now focuses on supporting whole community recovery and preparing for future disasters.

Disaster assistance to date totals more than one-half billion dollars.

“Our emphasis now is on longer-term solutions,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool. “Important infrastructure is being repaired, and efforts are being made to make communities more disaster-resistant.”

Rebuilding infrastructure
More than $47 million in Public Assistance (PA) funding has been reimbursed to repair or replace taxpayer-owned infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools, and similar facilities.

There are an estimated 6,000 PA projects from among 1,900 applicants that could result in federal funding of more than $200 million.
Of the nearly 3,000 projects completed to date, about 725 have shared more than $3 million in additional funding to lessen the effects of future disasters. The effort is known as mitigation. FEMA is expected to provide more than $30 million in mitigation funding to the commonwealth when all eligible projects are complete.

Long-Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) rely on local volunteers and donations which provide assistance to individuals that helps repair, replace, and rebuild those households whose needs are beyond the legal capacity of government assistance.

These committees have been established for 20 counties: Adams, Berks, Bradford, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuykill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wyoming, and York.

Providing for the whole community
Long-Term Community Recovery teams have been organized in the hardest-hit areas of the commonwealth. Their objective is to help focus local goals and match the whole community’s efforts with available federal, commonwealth, and community resources.

The community recovery teams have been organized in Shickshinny, Athens, and the Wyoming Valley and Swatara Valley areas.

Other statistics to date:

94,385 persons registered for assistance
83,936 damage inspections were completed
$141.8 million in Individual Assistance grants were disbursed:
- $128.6 million in housing assistance including temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property losses and
- $13.2 million in dental, medical, and funeral costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
- $18.1 million in maximum grants were awarded to 601 applicants
$98 million in low-interest disaster loans were approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration
$322 million in claim payments were paid through the National Flood Insurance Program
$874,400 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance was distributed
Recovery officials continue to transfer residents displaced by the storms from temporary to more permanent housing
- 249 temporary housing units in nine counties remain occupied

“The strength of the partnership between FEMA and the commonwealth has helped make the best of a bad situation,” said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer John Forr. “Working together effectively has paid off for the residents of Pennsylvania.”

The ongoing recovery efforts continue with 247 FEMA employees and 73 from the commonwealth or other federal agencies. Sixty-five commonwealth residents were hired by FEMA to support the ongoing recovery

At the height of the recovery, there were 782 FEMA and 198 commonwealth and/or other federal agency employees working fulltime and overtime
- Additionally, more than 550 employees of the commonwealth, representing approximately 15 agencies, helped staff the temporary Disaster Recovery Centers. They answered questions on a number of issues, including mental health counseling, driver’s license replacements, emergency food program resources, farm damage, and much more
In addition to the Joint Field Office in Harrisburg, temporary FEMA/commonwealth operating facilities were opened in Sayre and Wilkes-Barre

“FEMA remains committed to the commonwealth,” said McCool. “We’ll be here until all available recovery resources have been provided.”

Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Apr-2012 09:12:12

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Recovery Continues With Assistance to Pennsylvania Communities

Commonwealth-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers In West Liberty, Hazel Green Closing; SBA Center To Open In West Liberty

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4057-050

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. –The Commonwealth of Kentucky and The Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the closure of the Disaster Recovery Centers for Morgan County in West Liberty and Hazel Green for Wolfe County on Wednesday, April 11 at 6 p.m.

The recovery center in West Liberty will re-open as an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 12, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“We’re closing the disaster recovery centers but FEMA will still be available to help folks who need us,” said Libby Turner, federal officer for Kentucky recovery. “If you had damage from the storms, you will still be able to register for assistance until May 7.”

Those applicants who have questions after the recovery centers close or those who have suffered damage and have not registered may call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The deadline for registration for FEMA disaster assistance is May 7. Helpline assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.

By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

The SBA Center will continue to provide one-on-one assistance to homeowners, renters and business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by the severe storms, tornadoes, winds and flooding that occurred Feb. 29 through March 3, 2012.

A FEMA representative will be present in the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to assist survivors with questions about registration or an application.

The SBA outreach center is located at:

Kentucky Housing Corporation
1084 Highway 7
West Liberty, KY 41472

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 09:26:18

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Commonwealth-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers In West Liberty, Hazel Green Closing; SBA Center To Open In West Liberty

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

Release Date: April 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-017

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
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CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The five state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia to assist individuals, households and businesses that suffered damage from the recent storms will be closed Sundays beginning April 8.

The regular hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County
Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance, according to FEMA.

Before stopping by at the disaster recovery centers, people seeking assistance are strongly urged to register with FEMA, said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell.
By phone, call the FEMA Hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing disabilities, use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled device at m.fema.gov.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration who can explain the low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. These loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 04-Apr-2012 09:21:03

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State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery

Release Date: March 31, 2012
Release Number: 4059-011

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
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CHARLESTON, W. Va. — As disaster-affected West Virginians work to recover from this spring’s tornados, severe storms and flooding, they are finding support from many agencies, churches and members of the public. Although the flow of food and the providing of shelter and emergency relief have slowed, the long process of recovery is just beginning.

Storm survivors are helped by various government programs, but volunteer and faith-based groups play crucial roles. They work on case management, provide labor for rebuilding homes and assist with other unmet disaster-related needs.

Those who want to help their neighbors recover from disaster have three main avenues.

Financial Donations:
Cash donations facilitate the efficient use of resources for the precise needs of survivors. This money also empowers groups to leverage funds with volunteer labor making each dollar stretch further. To make a financial contribution to the West Virginia recovery efforts, send your check to:

WV Long-Term Recovery Fund
VolunteerWV, Inc.
PO Box 6475
Charleston, WV 25362

Donations to this fund will be shared among groups and agencies that are assisting residents of West Virginia to recover. Be sure to write “Long-Term Recovery” on the memo line of your check.

Goods Donations:
Many folks like to donate goods after a disaster strikes, but these donations often create challenges for people who have to sort, clean and distribute items. Indeed, much of the donated material is unusable and winds up being discarded. Making a financial contribution as described above helps the most but if you do collect goods for donation, please determine first what is needed, where it is needed and who will manage the donation so it can be given to the appropriate beneficiaries.

Volunteering Time:
Volunteers contribute enormously to disaster relief and recovery. The way to volunteer is to join a charitable or faith-based agency and be trained. VolunteerWV provides support to volunteer-minded West Virginians. The VolunteerWV Web site at www.volunteerwv.org has information on how to help your recovering neighbors.

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 08:53:01

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How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4057-033

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA announces that the Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County will close Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 6 p.m. but disaster assistance will be only a toll-free phone call away.

If you have questions after the Laurel County recovery center closes or have not registered for assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use
TTY 800 – 462-7585.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through March 29 at the following address:
CD Ward Masonic Lodge
201 School Street
East Bernstadt, KY 40729

Survivors can visit any disaster recovery center in Kentucky. They can find other centers by calling the FEMA helpline or by using the disaster recovery center locator at www.fema.gov/drclocator.

Disaster Recovery Centers continue to be in operation in the following locations:

Johnson County:
Paintsville Recreation Center
232 Preston Street
Paintsville, KY 41240

Kenton County:
Goshen Christian Church
1773 Bracht Piner Road
Morning View, KY 41063

Lawrence County:
Lawrence County Community Center
180 Bulldog Lane
Louisa, KY 41230

Magoffin County:
First Baptist Church
134 Dixie Avenue
Salyersville, KY 41465

Martin County:
Roy F. Collier Community Center
387 E. Main Street
Inez, KY 41224

Menifee County:
Menifee County Fire Station
44 McCausey Ridge Road
Frenchburg, KY 40322

Morgan County:
Kentucky Housing Corporation
1084 Highway 7
West Liberty, KY 41472

Pendleton County:
Butler Baptist Church
107 Peoples Street
Butler, KY 41006

Disaster Recovery Centers provide survivors a one-stop location to get information that helps them through the recovery process.

The first step for individuals and businesses toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800 – 462-7585.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

Survivors who have questions about their registration may call the FEMA helpline at the number listed above. Survivors who are having difficulty registering also may go to a recovery center for assistance.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2012 09:53:10

Source:

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday

FEMA Registration Is "Fast And Simple"

FEMA Registration Is “Fast And Simple”

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4059-004

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – President Obama has designated four counties in West Virginia – Lincoln, Marion, Wayne and Logan — as eligible to apply for Individual and Households Assistance to help recover from the damage caused by the recent tornadoes, high winds and flooding. This means that thousands of families and businesses now can apply for federal support.

Lincoln, Marion and Wayne county residents may qualify for assistance for damages that were sustained from February 29 through March 5, and Logan County residents for damages resulting from the flooding that occurred from March 15 onward.

Homeowners, renters and businesses of any size that have sustained damages are being urged to register immediately with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin the process.

“You absolutely must register with FEMA as the first step in getting help,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said. “Even if you have been in touch with, or signed up with, state or county or local folks, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help Line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, Criswell said. “The process is fast and simple. Even if you are unsure if you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility. ”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a cell phone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Applicants should be ready to supply FEMA with his or her current contact information (mailing address, phone number, e-mail address or that of a friend or relative who can find the applicant), a Social Security number of any household member, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the problems and, if appropriate, any information about insurance coverage one might or might not have. The FEMA representative may ask for some other data, like the number of people residing in the property and the family’s gross annual income. All this information is critical to the process and will be kept in strict confidence by FEMA, Criswell said.

After registering with FEMA, applicants will be given a case number so they can follow the progress of their applications and to use when speaking to other FEMA personnel. To check on the status of one’s application, he or she can call the FEMA Help Line or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. This information will be available after 24 hours of initially registering with FEMA.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at these locations:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County

Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

Marion County
City Public Safety Office
500 Quincy Street
Fairmont, WV

Wayne County
Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Church
1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road
Dunlow, WV

Wayne County Health Department
217 Kenova Ave.
Wayne, WV

FEMA will send the applicant a copy of his or her application and some printed material to help explain the full process. These publications are available in English and Spanish.

Then an inspector will phone to arrange for a time and date when the property in question can be looked at and damages assessed. These inspectors are FEMA contractors who carry an official FEMA identification. Under no circumstances will any inspector ask for money or any other consideration to do his job. (It’s a good idea to note the inspector’s name and badge number.) Inspectors file their reports but do not decide on the applicants’ eligibility for assistance, according to FEMA officials.

The applicant must be present when the inspector arrives and be able to provide proof that he or she is the owner or renter of the property that was damaged and that it is the owner’s or renter’s primary residence.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration, SBA spokesman Michael Lampton said. These personnel can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. The loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, officials said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA, but filling out the application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance.

Applicants are urged to visit any Disaster Recovery Center after they go through the entire registration process. There they can get guidance on disaster recovery, clarify any letters or calls they may have received from FEMA and can also confer with SBA representatives.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 17:09:06

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FEMA Registration Is “Fast And Simple”

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Fact Sheet: FEMA Individual Assistance in the Souris Valley

Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

City, State, FEMA Team Up To Offer Post-Irene Housing In Barre

Recovery Continues With Assistance to Pennsylvania Communities

Commonwealth-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers In West Liberty, Hazel Green Closing; SBA Center To Open In West Liberty

State, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Sundays Beginning April 8

How the Public Can Support Disaster Recovery

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Closes Thursday

FEMA Registration Is “Fast And Simple”