Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not Registering For FEMA Assistance

AURORA, Ill. – If you choose not to register with FEMA, you disqualify yourself from receiving federal disaster assistance.

Don’t listen to rumors about eligibility for FEMA assistance. Instead, get informed.

Illinois residents who had losses or damages from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 should register with FEMA, even if they think their damages and losses won’t be covered.  Here’s why:

  • Misconception No. 1: “I only had a few inches of water in my basement.”

Why you should apply: If your appliances (furnace, water heater, freezer or refrigerator) sit directly on your basement floor, it may only take a few inches of water to get inside those mechanicals and cause damage. By applying for FEMA assistance, a trained inspector can determine if there are potential damages you may need to have tested and repaired. Don’t wait until winter to test your furnace and discover water damage. By then, it will be too late to register.

  • Misconception No. 2: “I bought a generator to operate medical equipment when I lost power during the storms.”

Why you should apply: You may be eligible if you purchased a generator to operate medical equipment after you lost power, but before it was restored. FEMA reviews requests for reimbursement of the cost of a generator on a case-by-case basis. Generators purchased for non-medical needs are not eligible for reimbursement.

  • Misconception No. 3: “I received assistance from FEMA after the 2010 floods. I won’t qualify for help this time.”

Why you should apply: Not necessarily. If you had damage from the April storms and flooding, take the time to register. A FEMA inspector will assess damages and that inspection will help determine eligibility. Receiving FEMA assistance from a previous disaster DOES NOT mean you can’t receive assistance from a subsequent disaster.

  • Misconception No. 4: “I’m not a U.S. citizen so I can’t apply.”

Why you should apply: Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from FEMA on behalf of a minor child who was born here. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

  • Misconception No. 5: “I have insurance, so I’m not going to bother to apply for federal assistance.”

Why you should apply: While FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other sources, including homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may be eligible for other uninsured damages. For example, flood insurance doesn’t cover additional living expenses. If your home is uninhabitable, FEMA may be able to help you relocate while repairs are made to your damaged dwelling.

  • Misconception No. 6: “My income makes me ineligible.”

Why you should apply: FEMA does not consider income when determining eligibility for FEMA assistance. Income is a consideration when determining eligibility for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, but you should apply and have an SBA specialist work with you to determine your options. Also, if you are denied by SBA, you may be eligible for even more assistance from FEMA, but you must apply first.

  • Misconception No. 7: “SBA loans are for businesses only.”

Why you should apply: SBA disaster loans are offered to businesses AND individuals. SBA loans are an affordable way to pay for up to 100 percent of uninsured disaster-related losses. By filling out and returning an application, you can first determine whether you’re eligible. You do not have to take a loan if it is offered to you.

Residents of 25 counties in the major disaster declaration are eligible to register for federal assistance. The counties include Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362.

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.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not Registering For FEMA Assistance

Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

Aurora, IL – Floodwaters have receded from the storms that hit several weeks ago, but they have left behind the perfect damp environment for mold and mildew to thrive.

Mold should be cleaned up as soon as possible or it may create health hazards, especially among the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, individuals can prevent mold after a flood by properly drying all porous and water damaged items, such as carpets, drywall and floors.

“Exposure to mold can cause coughing, sneezing, wheezing, upper respiratory irritation, and asthma symptoms, especially for sensitive individuals,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director, LaMar Hasbrouck, MD, MPH.

“If your home flooded and you have experienced these symptoms, contact your doctor,” Dr. Hasbrouck said.

You can identify mold by its musty, earthy odor and its fuzzy growth or discoloration on hard surfaces, furniture and carpeting. But it is not always visible—it can spread through cooling/heating ducts as well as wall insulation.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends cleaning all hard surfaces, such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic and other nonporous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water.

 

Then, disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10 percent bleach solution (one cup of bleach in one gallon of water).

Do not to mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Wear protective gear including rubber boots and gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask while cleaning.

Then dry or air dry by opening windows and doors, and turning on ceiling fans for more ventilation.

The general rule for porous materials is, if you cannot wash it, throw it away.

Throw out all moldy items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, pillows, wall coverings and all paper products.

Remove drywall or insulation that has been dampened by floodwater. Allow the wall studs to dry before installing new insulation and drywall. 

For areas of mold clean-up larger than 30 square feet, The Illinois Department of Public Health suggests that residents seek out the assistance of a professional mold remediator.

For a mold removal company, people can search the Yellow Pages of a telephone book under “Fire and Water Damage Restoration.”  The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (http://iicrc.org/consumers/care/mold-remediation) and the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (http://www.ascr.org) allow consumers to perform a search for their members online. The results of a typical search will include names of professionals, geographic location, and a telephone number.

Some nonprofit, faith or community based organizations can help to remove flood debris from the homes of residents unable to do it themselves. If you live within the Chicago city limits, call 311 for information. Outside of the city, call the local emergency management office to find out if volunteer help is available.

For more information, the Illinois Department of Public Health website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm has links to flood clean-up and related topics.

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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

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Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams at Walmart in Robinson in Crawford County

CHICAGO – FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) that have been canvassing areas of the state to help residents register for disaster assistance will be doing outreach at the Walmart in Robinson this weekend, from Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27. The teams will be on site most of the day, starting at 9:00 a.m.

DSAT members offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf.  Illinois residents will not be required to share personal information unless they wish a DSAT member to enter the data for them. 

While FEMA DSATs are offering in-person service, it’s important that Illinoisans remain vigilant about protecting their personal information. For example, residents should always ask for identification. Federal and state officials always have ID clearly visible.

If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit www.disasterassistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov. For more information, go to: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

FEMA’s disaster assistance can include grants to repair homes, temporary rental assistance and reimbursement for damaged property caused by the disaster. While FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits, the agency can provide assistance for uninsured or under-insured damage. DSAT members can also provide referrals to additional resources when unmet needs remain.

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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Original source:

Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams at Walmart in Robinson in Crawford County

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Close

CHICAGO – Two federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will permanently close this week. The DRC in Fulton County will close at 7 p.m. Friday, May 24. The DRC in Grundy County will close at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Although the centers will close, Illinois storm survivors can continue to register by phone or online through July 9.

The centers in the following locations are closing:    

Fulton County

Fulton County Health Dept. 

700 E. Oak St. 

Canton, IL 61520

This DRC closes 7 p.m. Friday, May 24.

Grundy County

Morris Fire Dept.

2301 Ashton Rd.

Morris IL  60450

This DRC closes 7 p.m., Saturday, May 25.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Be sure to contact FEMA if you change your mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, receive an insurance settlement, or discover additional damage. 

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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Continued here:  

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Close

Disaster Recovery Center is an Option, Not a Necessity

CHICAGO, IL – If you’re waiting for a Disaster Recovery Center to open in your county, be patient and know that you can register for assistance by phone or online at any time.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are working together to find locations that can best serve Illinois residents affected by this spring’s storms and flooding.

“We look for facilities that are safe and accessible to all disaster survivors who want in-person help in understanding the application process and what additional state and federal assistance may be available,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken, who serves as state coordinating officer for the presidentially declared disaster.

FEMA safety and security personnel inspect each facility, with state and federal Individual Assistance staff, to determine suitability, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and availability for short-term or extended use as a Disaster Recovery Center.

“Our centers can be in a fire house, a public library, a municipal facility, a commercial storefront or, in good weather, even a parking lot where FEMA staff can work from a converted RV that we use as a mobile Disaster Recovery Center,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Moore.

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week.

Disaster Recovery Centers offer information about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration, state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

Just remember: a visit to a Disaster Recovery Center is an option, not a necessity and you can go to any center in your area. For Illinois locations and hours, go to fema.gov/disaster/4116. 

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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

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Disaster Recovery Center is an Option, Not a Necessity

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in DuPage and Grundy Counties

CHICAGO, IL – Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be opening Thursday, May 16, at 9 a.m. in DuPage and Grundy Counties to serve people who were affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

 DuPage County

Lisle Police Department

5040 Lincoln Avenue

Lisle, IL 60532

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice

 

Grundy County

Morris Fire Department

2301 Ashton Road

Morris, IL 60450

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

Continued: 

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in DuPage and Grundy Counties

Illinois Residents Urged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

CHICAGO, IL — Illinois residents affected by the late April flooding and storms may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and federal officials announced today.

“Registering is an important way to help get you on the path to a variety of recovery programs,” said Federal Coordinating Officer W. Michael Moore. “We’re urging people with disaster-related damages in federally declared counties to apply as soon as possible.”

The major federal disaster declaration, signed by President Obama May 10, offers Individual Assistance in the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will. Additional counties may be included at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Disaster survivors have several ways to apply.

  • Individuals can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
  • Another option is to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

In most cases, a FEMA inspector will call you within a few days of registering to arrange a visit to your damaged home or apartment. A FEMA inspector will always have an official badge visible during the inspection.  Request to see identification before allowing the inspector to enter your home.

If you qualify for FEMA assistance, you will receive a federal government check or the funds will be directly deposited into your designated bank account. A separate letter also will be sent to you explaining how you may use the funds.  

If you have questions about FEMA assistance, call 1-800-320-FEMA (3362). You can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.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.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

 

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Media Contact: Dick Gifford, 609-508-2238

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Illinois Residents Urged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

While Registration Has Closed, FEMA Remains Active In Helping New Jersey Recover

TRENTON, N.J.—Wednesday, May 1 was the last day to register for FEMA disaster assistance.While registration has closed, FEMA remains active in helping New Jersey recover from Superstorm Sandy.

FEMA is available to help survivors, local governments, volunteer agencies and other interested parties continue the state’s recovery.

Applicants can stay in touch with FEMA through the Helpline, online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web-enabled mobile devices.

For answers to disaster assistance questions, Superstorm Sandy survivors can call FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Individuals who use TTY can call 800-462-7585; FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

By calling 800-621-3362, applicants can:

  • Check the status of an application.
  • Get answers to other questions they might have about their application.
  • Find out if FEMA needs more information and provide it.
  • Receive information on the home inspection process.
  • Get answers to any question regarding insurance and its bearing on FEMA assistance.
  • Update insurance information.
  • Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant.
  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision.

For information about their applications for SBA disaster assistance loans, survivors can call 800-659-2955 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Deaf or those who have difficulty hearing may call 1-800-877 8339.

Survivors also can also visit one of the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers located in Brick, Jersey City, Mays Landing, Ocean City, Toms River and Union Beach. The centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.

State and federal officials continue to work as partners in the ongoing effort to repair and rebuild public infrastructure.

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 FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, 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.

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While Registration Has Closed, FEMA Remains Active In Helping New Jersey Recover

President Declares Disaster for Iowa

WASHINGTON, D.C. — 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 Iowa to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm during the period of April 9-11, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding 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 buildings and equipment damaged by the severe winter storm in Dickinson, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, and Sioux counties.

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

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

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, 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.

Follow this link: 

President Declares Disaster for Iowa

Beware of Post-Disaster Fraud

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) urge Illinois residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding to be alert for potential fraud. As federal, state and local officials conduct preliminary damage assessments throughout the state, you can protect yourself by taking the following steps:  

  • Ask for ID. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it. A FEMA, IEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. Federal and state employees carry official photo identification at all times.
  • Safeguard personal information. Do not give personal information such as social security and bank account numbers to individuals who visit your home claiming to be affiliated with the government. Federal, state and local assessment teams never require this information.
  • Under no circumstances are FEMA, IEMA or SBA representatives allowed to accept money. If someone claiming to be a federal or state employee attempts to collect money, report the person and their vehicle number to your local police department.

Those who suspect someone of committing fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, FEMA, 312-408-4455 and Patti Thompson, IEMA, 217-836-0742

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Beware of Post-Disaster Fraud

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