Marion and Wayne Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

ATLANTA – Two additional counties have been designated for disaster assistance to households and businesses as part of Mississippi’s federal disaster declaration, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  The latest counties are Marion and Wayne.

Counties previously designated are Forrest and Lamar.

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

Homeowners and renters can register for federal disaster assistance that may help pay for:

  • Temporary housing;
  • Home repairs;
  • Other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs; and
  • Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration that may cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

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

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

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

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

 

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Marion and Wayne Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance

FEMA Call Centers Return to Normal Operating Hours

NEW YORK – Federal Emergency Management Agency call centers will return to their normal operating hours of 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. EST, seven days a week effective Sun., Jan. 20, 2013.

The helpline number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA operators are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to Hurricane Sandy survivors.

Survivors may check the status of their registration or register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. In addition, survivors may check the status of their application through the automated Interactive Voice Response system by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Call Centers Return to Normal Operating Hours

Disaster Recovery Centers in NY Suspend Service Jan. 21 for MLK Holiday

NEW YORK – Disaster Recovery Centers in New York will suspend service Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The centers will resume providing assistance to Hurricane Sandy survivors Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013.

To find the nearest center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals also can find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until Jan. 28, 2013 to register for federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Disaster Recovery Centers in NY Suspend Service Jan. 21 for MLK Holiday

FEMA awards $695,000 to Episcopal Health Services

Activation of Emergency Operations Plan allowed hospital and nursing homes to remain open, treat patients during Hurricane Sandy

New York – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a $695,000 Public Assistance grant to Episcopal Health Services to reimburse some of the costs incurred before, during and after Hurricane Sandy. On October 27, 2012, in anticipation of the hurricane, the Episcopal Health Services activated its Emergency Operations Plan. Preparations included patient evacuation, setting up generators to provide back-up power and establishing a temporary medical facility capable of treating Sandy survivors.

Despite losing power because of the hurricane, Episcopal Health Services facilities not only continued operating but also accepted additional patients during and after the storm. St. John’s Episcopal Hospital experienced an estimated 40 percent increase in patients seeking treatment.

“The Episcopal Health Services had an emergency plan in place before the storm,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer.  “By implementing that plan and through the dedication of the doctors, nurses and staff, the Episcopal Health Services saved lives and provided shelter to residents in the Rockaways, Long Beach, Atlantic Beach and Five Town communities.”

“This money will go a long way in helping a key organization that stepped up when the medical community and local neighborhoods needed them,” said Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  “The preparation St. John’s Episcopal took ahead of time, and the influx of patients taken during the storm, shows how dedicated this region is and how we respond during times of disaster.”

Episcopal Health Services is a critical health care private nonprofit organization comprising three major entities: St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Bishop MacLean Episcopal Nursing Home and Bishop Hucles Episcopal Nursing Home. The facilities lost power on October 29, 2012, but continued to provide medical care to patients by using generators until electrical power was restored on November 9, 2012.

Private non-profit agencies that provide what are defined as critical services to the community may file a Request for Public Assistance from FEMA for reimbursement of costs incurred for emergency work performed as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Facilities that provide critical services include:

  • Hospitals and other medical-treatment facilities;
  • Fire, police and other emergency services;
  • Power, water and sewer utilities; and
  • Educational institutions.

Private nonprofits that provide what are defined as essential services to the community may also be eligible for PA to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. However, these private non-profits must first apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest loan.

Facilities that provide essential services include:

  • Libraries, museums and zoos;
  • Community centers;
  • Disability advocacy and service providers;
  • Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities; and
  • Senior citizen centers and day-care centers.

FEMA reimburses no less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures and permanent restoration costs, including debris removal and infrastructure repair or replacement.

The deadlines for Requests for Public Assistance are:

  • Jan. 17, 2013 for Greene County;
  • Jan. 28, 2013: for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens counties;
  • Feb. 1, 2013: for Rockland and Westchester counties; and
  • Feb. 11, 2013: for Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA awards $695,000 to Episcopal Health Services

Grant Will Help Sandy Survivors with Unmet Needs

NEW YORK—New York State survivors of Hurricane Sandy whose disaster-related needs cannot be met with existing federal and state assistance will now have access to case management services to identify additional resources for their recovery.

The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that more than $9.6 million in federal funds has been made available for the Disaster Case Management program, which is fully funded by FEMA and administered by the state in partnership with nonprofit, community-based agencies.

Through this program, disaster survivors will have a single point of contact for a broad range of services to help identify resources to meet their needs.

“It’s going to take the whole community working together to help New Yorkers with their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Disaster case management is an integral part of helping survivors become self-sufficient. This grant brings together the resources of the state and federal government, in coordination with local communities, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, to match the needs of survivors with the services available within their communities.”

Case managers will assist disaster survivors in developing a goal-oriented plan for their recovery, match survivors’ essential needs to available resources in the area and monitor their progress toward reaching recovery goals. Services are available to any survivor with disaster-caused unmet needs.

At the request of the state, the program is operating in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties and offering case management services for up to 24 months.

The State of New York is working with FEMA on a request for additional disaster case management assistance in the five boroughs of New York City.

Survivors who have unmet needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for information on services available in their area and referrals to case management services.  For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Grant Will Help Sandy Survivors with Unmet Needs

FEMA Application Deadline Extended

NEW YORK – The deadline for Hurricane Sandy survivors in 13 designated New York counties to register for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance has been extended to January 28, 2013.

The extension agreed upon by the state and FEMA is for survivors living in disaster-designated individual assistance counties: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland,  Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Application Deadline Extended

Survivors Must Contact FEMA to Keep Temporary Housing Assistance

New York – Hurricane Sandy survivors, who received temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and continue to have a housing need, must fill out an important form for additional short-term rental assistance.

FEMA mails all applicants who receive rental assistance the “Declaration for Continuing Need for Rental Assistance” form. It reaffirms that applicants have an ongoing need for temporary housing while they search for a permanent place to live.

  • This form is mailed 15 days after applicants receive their initial rental assistance grant.
  • Applicants who need additional rental assistance must complete the form and mail it back to FEMA at the address printed on the form.
  • If you don’t have the form, contact FEMA’s toll-free helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Returning to a permanent home is a significant milestone on the road to recovery. FEMA rental assistance may last for up to 18 months from the date of declaration. So it’s important for survivors to have a permanent housing plan.

Survivors with questions about temporary housing assistance should contact FEMA’s toll-free helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362). Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

Individuals may register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. 

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Survivors Must Contact FEMA to Keep Temporary Housing Assistance

Disaster Recovery Center in Old Saybrook to Close

WINDSOR, Conn. – The FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Center at the Department of Police Services, 6 Custom Drive, Old Saybrook, will close at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec 8.

Help is still available for residents with damage from Hurricane Sandy.  Register online or through the FEMA Helpline call center. The deadline to register is Dec. 31.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to

finish to reach the multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

Homeowners or renters who suffered damages in counties designated for disaster assistance can visit any of the other Disaster Recovery Centers. For the location of the nearest center, go to: http://go.usa.gov/g2Td.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers 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.

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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Disaster Recovery Center in Old Saybrook to Close

FEMA Eligibility Letter, the First Letter May Not Be the Final Word

NEW YORK – If you applied for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Sandy and received a letter stating you were not eligible for disaster aid, you should know that the first letter may not be the final word.

If applicants receive a letter from FEMA that states that they are ineligible, it does not necessarily mean an applicant is not eligible for disaster assistance.  If the letter states “ineligible” or “incomplete,” more information may be needed, such as the applicant’s insurance documents or proof of status of their claim, prior to disaster aid being granted.

FEMA requires homeowners and renters to provide insurance and other information at the time of registration.  After a disaster, important documents may not be readily available or may be destroyed.  Applicants for disaster aid can update their information about insurance and residency at any point during the application process.

A determination letter sent by FEMA will specifically explain why an application needs to be revisited.  It might ask for insurance settlement documentation for property damaged or destroyed, or for documents reflecting proof of occupancy or ownership of the damaged property.

Other reasons an applicant may receive a denial letter include:

  • The damaged property is not listed as your primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • The damage was due to pre-existing conditions.
  • The disaster damage was not documented.
  • The FEMA housing inspector cannot reach the applicant by phone.
  • Someone else in the household has already applied for assistance.
  • The application is not complete.

Applicants have several options to obtain clarification on their letters, they can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or they can call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or TTY 1-800-462-7585. In the DRCs, applicants will find representatives from the state, FEMA, the SBA and other organizations.  The FEMA representatives can provide clarity on the letter and guidance on what additional documentation is needed.

For a list of the DRCs open in New York, go online to www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.  For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, please call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free lines are open 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice.  

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FEMA Eligibility Letter, the First Letter May Not Be the Final Word

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brooklyn

ALBANY, N.Y. — A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open today in Brooklyn for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

The DRC will operate at

Cyclone Stadium
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Specialists from the state of New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Administration (SBA) will be on hand to answer questions about available disaster assistance programs and the registration process.

Individuals may register for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov  or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.  They may also apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. Users of 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.

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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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brooklyn

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