State Has Two Separate Disaster Declarations In Effect 

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4061-041

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – State and FEMA officials moved Friday to limit any confusion that might arise about the recent re-designation of Lincoln County as eligible for the FEMA Individual and Households Assistance Program.

“In essence, West Virginia has had two separate disasters declared by President Obama,” said Deanne Criswell, FEMA’s Charleston-based federal coordinating officer. “The first, declared on March 15, was for damages sustained in the storms from February 29 through March 5. The second, declared on March 22, was for damages sustained in the flooding from March 15 through March 31.” These are called “incident periods,” according to Criswell.

FEMA has applied its system of assigning a number to each declared disaster to these two events. The first is DR-4059 and the second is DR-4061, she said. “In the case of Lincoln County, it has been assigned both numbers, and it is important for survivors to know that registering with FEMA for one disaster does not register you for the other.”

Thus anyone who sustained damages or other losses from the flooding that occurred between March 15 and March 31 will need to register with FEMA under DR-4061, even if he or she had already registered under DR-4059.

People seeking aid or clarity about the registration process need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help 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, 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 reach 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 the Disaster Recovery Center at 2270 Mud Fork Road in Logan. This information will be available after 24 hours of initially registering with 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.

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 16:39:44

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State Has Two Separate Disaster Declarations In Effect

Disaster Unemployment Benefits Deadlines 

Release Date: April 17, 2012
Release Number: 4059-030

» 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. — Self-employed residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the recent tornadoes and flooding have only a few days left to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program benefits. For the presidentially declared disaster of March 16, the deadline is April 23. For the disaster declared on March 22, the deadline is April 25.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

The availability of benefits extends to those living or working in any of the four counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance. They are Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne counties.

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

  • You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed
  • Your workplace was damaged or destroyed
  • Your transportation to work is not available
  • You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area
  • You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster
  • You derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find your local Workforce office by dialing 211.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Apr-2012 11:28:55

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Deadlines

Deadlines Loom For Disaster Unemployment Benefits 

Release Date: April 5, 2012
Release Number: 4059-019

» 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. – Residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the recent tornadoes and flooding may be eligible for weekly benefit payments under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, state and federal officials said today.

But the deadlines for applying for the benefits are coming up. For the presidentially declared disaster of March 16, the deadline is April 23. For the disaster declared on March 22, the deadline is April 25.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

The availability of this program was initiated by President Obama’s disaster declarations for parts of West Virginia and extends to those living or working in any of the four counties eligible for individual assistance. They are Marion, Logan, Lincoln and Wayne counties.

“This program is designed to help those whose employment was interrupted by the disaster” Gianato said. “It will help them make ends meet until they can get back to work.”

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

  • You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed
  • Your workplace was damaged or destroyed
  • Your transportation to work is not available
  • You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area
  • You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster
  • You derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find your local Workforce office by dialing 211.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 17:44:13

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Deadlines Loom For Disaster Unemployment Benefits

FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4058-016

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In the wake of disasters, people often wonder whether there is a way to protect themselves and their property from devastating loss. The answer is yes!

Mitigation specialists from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be at Menards, 2808 Menards Drive, Evansville, Ind., this week to offer free information and answer questions about rebuilding.

The FEMA team will be in the store beginning March 29 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday April 1.

In addition to answering questions, mitigation specialists will have information about how to rebuild safer and stronger and provide steps that may lessen storm damage in a future disaster. This ranges from creating a disaster family plan to building a “safe room” — a shelter designed to provide occupants a safe place to go when severe weather threatens.

As people repair or rebuild, this is an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures. Small changes can make a big difference the next time storms strike and can lessen the damage and financial impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole. An independent study shows each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $4 by reducing future losses due to disasters.

A series of free mitigation publications is available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include: Taking Shelter from the Storm, Rebuilding for a More Sustainable Future, Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting and Understanding Your Risks and Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

Survivors can apply for federal disaster assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 for speech- or hearing-impaired applicants. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call (800) 621-3362. Registration is also available online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

Federal disaster aid was made available on March 9 to the State of Indiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts for homeowners, renters and business owners in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes during the period of Feb. 29 to March 3, 2012 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 10:03:39

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4060-008

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly 600 survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 29 – March 2 have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

To date, more than $461,000 in grants has been approved to help survivors pay for temporary housing and other needs as a result of damage they incurred. Many more survivors in the 10 disaster-designated counties may be eligible for benefits but may not be registering with FEMA in larger numbers for a variety of reasons:

Unfamiliar with the FEMA registration process – it’s as easy as a phone call or click.

  • People with storm losses can register simply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can use TTY 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Don’t know the full scope of available assistance.

  • FEMA assistance can cover rental costs, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
  • FEMA can refer survivors who do not need FEMA assistance, or who have additional needs, to partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA also can refer survivors to groups and agencies who can help them with disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and legal aid.
  • SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters and businesses at affordable terms. Survivors offered an SBA low-interest loan are under no obligation to accept it. However, completing and returning the application may open the door to other forms of assistance such as additional FEMA grants.
  • Survivors can obtain more information from the SBA website at www.sba.gov and learn how to apply on line or download an SBA application. Applicants with questions specific to SBA can also call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) for assistance.

Think insurance will cover damages or are waiting for an insurance settlement.

  • Homeowners and renters with insurance should fill out a FEMA application and SBA loan application while they are waiting for their insurance decision. It saves time.
  • If insurance doesn’t cover all of their disaster-related expenses, FEMA and/or SBA assistance may be available to fill the gap.

Busy cleaning up debris, repairing homes; haven’t taken the time to register.

  • Registering by phone or online can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Think FEMA assistance could count against benefits received from other federal programs such as Social Security or Medicare.

  • FEMA grants for housing and other needs assistance are NOT counted as income and DO NOT affect other benefits or eligibility for programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. FEMA grant money does not have to be repaid as long as it is properly spent for your disaster recovery.

Think they are ineligible for FEMA assistance due to income levels or too little damage.

  • Income level does not affect possible FEMA assistance for homeowners; and let FEMA determine if the amount of damage qualifies for assistance. Survivors should not disqualify themselves by not registering.

Disaster Recovery Centers

If, after registering, survivors still have questions or need help registering, they can get face-to-face help by visiting any of the nine disaster recovery centers in Tennessee, which are staffed with recovery specialists from TEMA, FEMA, SBA and other agencies able to answer questions. Disaster recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The following disaster recovery locations will remain open until 6 p.m., Monday, April 2:

DeKalb County
County Administrative Building
724 South Congress Blvd.
Smithville, TN 37166

Jackson County
Dodson Branch Community Center
16160 Dodson Branch Hwy.
Cookeville, TN 38501

Overton County
911 EMS Building
253 Industrial Park Dr.
Livingston, TN 38570

The following locations will remain open until further notice:

Bradley County
First Baptist Church Annex
340 Church St.
Cleveland, TN 37311

Claiborne County
Harrogate Volunteer Fire Department #2
132 Harrogate Crossing Rd.
Harrogate, TN 37752

Cumberland County
County Community Complex
1398 Livingston Rd.
Crossville, TN 38555

Hamilton County
Chattanooga Fire Department Station #7
6911 Discovery Dr.
Chattanooga, TN 37416

McMinn/Polk County
Etowah Rural Fire and Rescue
1018 Tennessee Ave.
Etowah, TN 37331

Monroe County
Tellico Plains Community Center
132 Bank St.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385

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.

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 09:33:50

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Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today delivered remarks at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando in preparation of the upcoming hurricane season. In his address, Fugate encouraged the emergency management team to work inclusively with all partners to meet the needs of the whole community when responding to and recovering from disasters. As he discussed the work that federal, state, local and tribal governments, and voluntary organizations do on a regular basis in preparation each year, Administrator Fugate also focused his remarks at this year’s conference about the importance of engaging the private sector early and often.

“We need to give the private sector a seat at the table,” said Fugate. “When we look at the disasters last year, the unreported story was how the private sector was a part of the recovery team. The sooner we can get private businesses — and government-backed infrastructure — up and running, the sooner communities will recover.”

Administrator Fugate also took the opportunity to remind this year’s participants to never lose sight of the fact that the impacts of hurricanes are wide-ranging. “Last year proved that the effects of hurricanes can impact areas beyond just the coast,” said Fugate. “As we look to 2012 we need to work together as a team, with all our partners, the private sector and the public to ensure that communities are prepared no matter where tropical storms impact.”

In wrapping up his remarks at the conference, Fugate encouraged those in attendance to plan beyond hurricane season. “We have to stop planning for the past storm,” said Fugate. “We have to be look forward and plan for all-hazards — understanding the current threats before us and what vulnerabilities we have.”

Following his remarks, Fugate participated in a panel discussion with National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon, and Walgreens Security Operations Center’s Jim Williams.

The National Hurricane Conference seeks to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in an effort to protect lives and property in the United States and the tropical islands of the Caribbean and Pacific. In addition, the conference serves as a national forum for federal, state and local officials to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2012 14:05:03

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Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate Remarks at the National Hurricane Conference

FEMA Aid to Kentucky Tornado Recovery Exceeds $7 Million 

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Release Number: 4057-029

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $7 million for survivors of the recent severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring Feb. 29-March 3, 2012.

“Funds are being quickly provided to survivors in the Commonwealth so they can begin their recovery as soon as possible,” said Libby Turner, federal officer in charge of the Kentucky recovery. “Our outreach teams are also on the ground in home improvement stores in impacted areas advising residents in the best ways to rebuild safer, stronger and smarter to minimize damages in future severe weather events.”

To date:

  • Approximately 4,400 survivors in 21 designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people have sought housing assistance from FEMA because their primary residence has been damaged or destroyed.
  • More than $5.2 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • More than 2,200 homes sustained damages. Of those, more than 650 were destroyed.
  • Approximately 1,200 households have received FEMA grants to help pay for temporary housing.
  • Approximately 2,400 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted.
  • More than $900,000 in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by the Small Business Administration.
  • Approximately $1.2 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • Nine disaster recovery centers are open for survivors to get information on disaster assistance programs and help them apply for aid.
  • More than 1,900 visits have been made to disaster recovery centers.

The 14 counties in Kentucky currently eligible for Public Assistance are Ballard, Grant, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Morgan, Pendleton, Trimble and Wolfe. Public Assistance is available to local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools and similar facilities.

The 21 counties in Kentucky are currently eligible for Individual Assistance are Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe. Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

More than 250 volunteer agencies rushed to aid Kentucky following the storms that tore across the Commonwealth. FEMA helps match volunteers with storm-damaged areas where help is needed.

Mitigation specialists are offering free information and answering questions about rebuilding at home improvement stores in five Commonwealth counties.

Survivors who receive a letter from FEMA that says more information is needed to determine their eligibility for federal disaster assistance should read it carefully. If a survivor gets a letter requesting more information or informing them of a decision they disagree with, FEMA urges them to call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) and to file an appeal.

Survivors who received an application from the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan must complete and return it as soon as possible. No survivor is required to accept a loan, but they must return a completed application to be considered for additional FEMA assistance.

IRS, with the cooperation of the Kentucky Department of Revenue, is postponing certain tax deadlines for Kentuckians who live in, or have a business in any Commonwealth county designated for Individual Assistance. This special relief includes an extension of the April 17 deadline for filing 2011 individual income tax returns, making income tax payments and making 2011 contributions to an individual retirement account. Taxpayers requiring assistance with penalty waivers or additional tax information may contact the Department of Revenue at 502-564-4581.

Kentucky senior citizens who receive disaster assistance from FEMA as a result of the recent severe storms and tornadoes will not lose their Social Security benefits nor have their benefits cut. Disaster grants will not affect income levels, which might cause a senior citizen to become ineligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

Free help is also available for survivors who have legal issues as a result of the severe storms. Help can include questions about lost wills, landlord-tenant relations, property ownership, home repair contracts and government benefit programs. Survivors can request free legal help by calling 877-625-9839. Information also can be found at www.kybar.org/567.

There are three ways to register with FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance: call 800-621-FEMA (3362), register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or register using a tablet or Smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov. Help is available in many languages.

Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, every day.

KYEM urges anyone who has storm damage to their residence or other property to document the damage by photographing or videoing it, if possible, and maintain a list of any repairs and keep repair receipts. Report the damage and location to your county emergency manager. Survivors must still register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

More disaster specific information can be found on the Kentucky Emergency Management website at www.kyem.ky.gov.

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

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 09:58:11

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FEMA Aid to Kentucky Tornado Recovery Exceeds $7 Million

President Declares Disaster For West Virginia 

Release Date: March 22, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-025

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

» En Español

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of West Virginia and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides beginning on March 15, 2012, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Logan county.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides in the counties of Lincoln, Logan, and Mingo.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Deanne Criswell has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Criswell said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated county can begin applying for assistance starting tomorrow by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 22-Mar-2012 22:58:11

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President Declares Disaster For West Virginia

Hours Change At Sellersburg Recovery Center 

Release Date: March 22, 2012
Release Number: 4058-011

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announce new hours for the Disaster Recovery Center at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg. Starting Sunday, March 25, and until further notice, the hours will be as follows:

Hours of operation

Sunday, March 25 (The center will be closed on Sundays after March 25.)
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday – Saturday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The center will remain open as long as individuals continue to utilize its services.

More than 460 storm-impacted individuals have been served at the center since the IDHS and FEMA opened it March 13 at Ivy Tech Community College, I-65 and Hwy 311(I-65 exit 9).

At the center, storm-impacted individuals can meet face-to-face with FEMA specialists who can help with the application process. They can complete necessary steps, such as updating addresses, phone numbers and insurance information. Assistants also explain FEMA processes, including how to appeal decisions. FEMA mitigation specialists are also on hand at the center to explain simple ways individuals can reduce risk of loss in the future.

U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) customer service representatives at the recovery center are available to answer program questions and issue disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. SBA offers disaster loans up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and private non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million for disaster related losses. Interest rates are as low as 1.875 percent for
homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the storms are encouraged to register for assistance prior to visiting the center by calling the telephone registration line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

May 8 is the last day to register for assistance.

Federal disaster aid was made available to the State of Indiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick, and Washington counties.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 22-Mar-2012 13:37:31

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Hours Change At Sellersburg Recovery Center

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