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Take Precautions in Your Home After Hurricane Sandy

NEW YORK – As New Yorkers remain in their homes or begin to consider returning home following Hurricane Sandy, the State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency urge them to be careful, remain safe and plan properly for their future well-being.

Some suggestions:

Look for external damage
Examine the foundation, roof and chimney for cracks or other damage. If obvious damage is found or serious safety doubts exist, contact a building inspector.

Keep generators outside
Those who remain without power should only use generators or other fuel-powered machines outdoors. Such machines emit deadly carbon monoxide fumes, which are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.

Clean safely and beware of mold
Flooding causes dampness where mold, mildew and various organisms thrive. Mold may induce respiratory problems, so it is important to use proper procedures when cleaning. Use a combination of household bleach and soap or detergent (but never mix bleach with ammonia) to wash down walls and other mold-contaminated areas. You can also open windows and doors and turn on fans to help dry out interiors. For more information about mold, go to: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/7287/

Avoid Scam Artists
As you plan long-term repair and rebuilding projects, be aware that natural disasters can bring out criminals looking to prey on victims by offering fraudulent services. Among other precautions, get three estimates for repair work, check the credentials of contractors and consult your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to learn about any complaints against the contractors.

Ways to get help:

Register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance
Survivors who haven’t yet registered should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and assistance is offered in most languages. Individuals may register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; call 800-621-3362 if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS).

“Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP)” Program is in effect
The STEP Program helps restore temporary electricity, heat and hot water by funding emergency residential repairs through local governments for those whose homes can be used to shelter in place while permanent repair work continues.

If you live in the five boroughs of New York City, call 311 for information about STEP.
If you live in Suffolk County, call 211.
If you live in Nassau County, call 888-684-4267.

Expedited partial flood-insurance payments may be available
To allow National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders to remain safely in damaged residences, FEMA in some circumstances is allowing claim payments to be made even before inspections and repair estimates are obtained for equipment that provides heat and hot water. The inspection and report still have to be completed later. For complete details on the accelerated NFIP payment program, policyholders must contact their insurance company or agent.

Low-interest disaster loans from SBA
U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans are a major source of federal rebuilding funds for homeowners, renters and businesses. Completing a disaster loan application is part of the FEMA grant process. Homeowners and renters may qualify for loans of up to $200,000 for repair or replacement of damaged real estate. Up to $40,000 may be available to repair or replace personal property. Applications can be completed online via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance also is available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.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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Take Precautions in Your Home After Hurricane Sandy

R.I. Disaster Recovery Centers to Close

WARWICK, R.I. – The State-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Westerly and Middletown will close permanently on Friday, December 7, at 6 p.m. The Recovery Center in Westerly will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center starting on Monday. Hours and locations are

Disaster Recovery Center, Middletown Police Station (Community Room), 123 Valley Road, Middletown, R.I. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. through Friday, December 7. Permanently closed after Friday.
Disaster Recovery Center, Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly, R.I. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. through Friday, December 7. Permanently closed after Friday.
S.B.A. Disaster Loan Outreach Center, Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly, R.I. Opens Monday, December 10. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy do not need to visit a Recovery Center to register for or receive disaster aid. Registration for federal disaster assistance remains open until January 14, 2013.

Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362). The phone line is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service. Rhode Islanders with questions about federal disaster assistance or their registration may call 800-621-3362 and select the “help” option.

The Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed with specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can provide information about federal disaster assistance and other recovery programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low interest disaster recovery loans to homeowners, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to cover disaster recovery costs not covered by insurance. Homeowners and renters alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace furniture, appliances, cars and clothing damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other assets.

Specialists at the S.B.A. Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Westerly starting Monday can answer questions about disaster recovery loans and provide assistance with applications.

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 medical and dental expenses, 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.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

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R.I. Disaster Recovery Centers to Close

Groton Disaster Recovery Center to Close

WINDSOR, Conn. – The FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Center at the Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton, will close at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 5.

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.

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.

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Groton Disaster Recovery Center to Close

Last Chance To Visit Four Disaster Recovery Centers

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until Tuesday evening, Dec. 4, to visit four Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Cumulatively, the centers have provided one-on-one information and assistance to more than 4,370 storm survivors since they opened in early November. Their locations and hours of operation are:

Nassau County

Nassau Community College
Student Union Building
1 Education Drive
Garden City, NY 11530
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

New Cassel Community Center Garden
141 Garden St.
Westbury, NY 11590
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

Suffolk County

H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

Riverhead County Center
300 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 4

In addition to those centers, Hurricane Sandy survivors can visit any of about 30 other DRCs throughout New York.

The State of New York and Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows at a certain time, a center may change its hours or come under consideration for possible closure.

Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get face-to-face help as quickly as possible. More may become available as sites are identified and approved. Conditions at individual locations may vary and affect opening times.

To find the center nearest you, 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, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Other help is available from roughly 1,000 FEMA community relations personnel who are blanketing damaged neighborhoods door to door, delivering information vital to recovery and encouraging residents to register for assistance when needed. These personnel can help refer survivors to the proper resources for any unmet disaster needs, but they do not assess or document damage. FEMA inspectors will contact survivors directly after they have registered.

Help also can be obtained by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and assistance is offered in most languages. Individuals may register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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

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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Last Chance To Visit Four Disaster Recovery Centers

SBA Loans Help Homeowners and Renters, Not Just Business

NEW YORK — Don’t let the word “business” in the name U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) fool you. If you are a homeowner or renter, the SBA is a primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery.

The SBA’s low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 can help qualified homeowners repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, renters and homeowners may get up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property. In both cases, these SBA loans are only for damages not covered by your insurance.

After you register for federal assistance, you may receive a letter in the mail with an SBA return address. Open it and complete the forms inside. It’s a critical step in the recovery process. Whether or not you want a low-interest loan, if you do not return your SBA application, you may miss out on other assistance from FEMA.

You must return the SBA application to be considered for FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. You do not need to repay these grants.

You do not need to return the application to be considered for eligibility for temporary housing assistance, and grants for public transportation, medical, dental or burial expenses.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA disaster recovery centers and 18 SBA business recovery centers. To find the nearest disaster recovery center, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or, with a tablet or smartphone, go to m.fema.gov. You may also text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example, if you lived in Staten Island, you would text: “DRC 10301.” If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. To locate the nearest business recovery center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.)

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339.) Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.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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SBA Loans Help Homeowners and Renters, Not Just Business

Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers’ Hours Change, New Haven DRC to Close

WINDSOR, Conn. – Hours of operation for the FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers in Connecticut have changed and the center at Gateway Community College, Long Wharf Campus, New Haven, will close Saturday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m.

Homeowners or renters who suffered damages in counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any of the centers.

The following centers are now open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sundays.

Housatonic Community College

900 Lafayette Blvd.

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Western Greenwich Civic Center

Room 203

449 Pemberwick Road

Greenwich, CT 06381

Groton Senior Center

102 Newtown Road

Groton, CT 06304

Department of Police Services

Conference Room

6 Custom Drive

Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Senior Center

100 Mona Terrace

Fairfield, CT 06824

Simon Lake Elementary School (former)

65 Devonshire Road

Milford, CT 06460

Norwalk City Hall

125 East Ave.

Norwalk, CT 06851

The deadline to register is Dec. 31. 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.

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 a private nonprofit organization 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.

Original source:

Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers’ Hours Change, New Haven DRC to Close

30 Days Left for New Yorkers to Register for FEMA Disaster Aid

New York – New York State and federal officials remind those affected by Hurricane Sandy that they have 30 days left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for possible federal disaster assistance.

Applications must be received by Monday, Dec. 31, to be considered for disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Anyone who sustained a loss in any of the 13 New York counties designated for federal disaster assistance should register before the deadline even if they have insurance.

Federal disaster assistance may help eligible applicants with temporary housing, disaster-related uninsured personal property losses, medical, dental and funeral expenses, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs.

Survivors must register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance even if they have contacted the state, their local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross or other charitable organizations.

Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, has questions about their application or needs more information about recovery programs should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, can call 800-462-7585 directly; people who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), can call 800-621-3362.

Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who have a speech disability or hearing loss) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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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30 Days Left for New Yorkers to Register for FEMA Disaster Aid

Follow FEMA on Twitter

WINDSOR, Conn. – FEMA and the state of Connecticut invite residents affected by Hurricane Sandy to follow them on Twitter to stay up-to-date about ongoing recovery efforts. The Twitter channels @FEMARegion1 and @FEMASandy feature FEMA’s most recent mission-related information.

The Twitter channels @ctdemhs and @govmalloyoffice provide updates from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the office of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

Twitter is a free information network connecting users to the latest stories, ideas and news on any topic. One does not have to post “tweets” to benefit from Twitter – users can contribute or just “listen in” and retrieve up-to-the-minute information.

On Twitter, FEMA and Connecticut post links to everything from registering for assistance to the location of Disaster Recovery Centers. FEMA and the state also “retweet” posts from other agencies, state officials and voluntary organizations concerning disaster response, available assistance and recovery programs. Twitter users can share this information with their friends and family to help get important information to storm survivors in need.

Twitter is a great way for anyone to use their own social network to help their community by sharing useful information, especially in the wake of a disaster.

FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

For accessibility: The recommended font type is sans serif 12 point for regular print and sans serif 18 point when specifically printed for people with vision impairments.

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Follow FEMA on Twitter

Federal Aid Programs for the State of New Hampshire Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 28, 2012

Release Number:

HQ-12-153Factsheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of New Hampshire.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

November 28, 2012 – 15:22

State or Region:

New Hampshire

and

Region I

Related Disaster:

New Hampshire Hurricane Sandy

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of New Hampshire Declaration

FEMA Obligates $3.2 Million to St. John Parish Schools for Classrooms and Cleanup

BATON ROUGE, La. – Two grants totaling $3.2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help St. John Parish schools recover from Hurricane Isaac, FEMA has announced.

After the late August storm’s flooding severely damaged most of the buildings at the East St. John High School campus in Reserve, the district relocated most students to temporary classrooms at the nearby Leon Godchaux Academy campus.

But without enough classroom space at the academy, students are attending school daily in two, five-hour shifts this semester. On that limited schedule, the 2012-2013 academic year would extend through next summer and into September in order for students to get the required annual instructional time.

FEMA’s $1.4 million grant will provide additional modular classroom units for high school students. More class time is expected to be scheduled each day beginning in January. The school year then may end in July.

“Getting closer to the regular academic calendar is an important part of recovery for the St. John district and community,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “These funds will help the district recover costs for adding the temporary classroom space that will help students stay on schedule.”

FEMA’s second grant for $1.8 million will help pay cleanup costs at the damaged high school campus and at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace. Both schools sustained extensive flooding during the storm.

The FEMA grants will pay the federal share of the St. John school district’s eligible costs for the work. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant cover the remaining 25 percent.

Once FEMA pays the funds to the state of Louisiana, their management, including disbursement to local school districts and organizations performing services, is the responsibility of the state. The obligated funds are a portion of nearly $121.8 million in total Public Assistance recovery funds obligated to the state since the Aug. 29 declaration for Hurricane Isaac.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Obligates $3.2 Million to St. John Parish Schools for Classrooms and Cleanup

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