FEMA Offers Tips On Smart Building At Local Supply Stores

FEMA Offers Tips On Smart Building At Local Supply Stores 

Release Date: April 30, 2012
Release Number: 4058-039

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

INDIANAPOLIS – Residents who want to make their homes and businesses more hazard-resistant can get advice from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists at local building supply stores from May 2 through 6 in Columbus and Vincennes.

In addition to answering questions, mitigation specialists will have information about techniques to make structures safer and stronger and ways to avoid damage from storms and other hazards. Ideas range from creating a disaster family plan to building a storm shelter.

Mitigation specialists will be in Lowe’s stores this week from Wednesday through Saturday from
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The stores are at the below locations:

3500 10th St., Columbus, IN 47201
2700 N. Sixth St., Vincennes, IN 47591

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 and Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

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.

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, 30-Apr-2012 11:55:19

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FEMA Offers Tips On Smart Building At Local Supply Stores

Report Insurance Settlement: FEMA Letter Not Always Last Word

Report Insurance Settlement: FEMA Letter Not Always Last Word 

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Release Number: 4058-031

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) emphasize the importance of filing storm-related insurance settlement information with FEMA. Reporting expenses covered by insurance is a required step to apply for FEMA aid to help recover from severe storms that impacted Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties from Feb. 29 through March 3.

A “no decision” letter from FEMA is not always the last word.

A letter from FEMA stating a decision has not yet been made about an application is not necessarily the last word. It may simply mean additional information is required, such as insurance settlement information. Hoosiers may have received such a letter because they still need to file their storm-related insurance settlement details to FEMA. Each applicant is considered on a case-by-case basis. Every storm-impacted resident should follow up with FEMA to learn the specifics of his or her individual case.

A delay in submitting insurance settlement information can delay FEMA inspection.

Reporting insurance coverage helps continue the FEMA application process. Generally, not until insurance settlement information is provided can a visit from an inspector be scheduled. Waiting to submit insurance information can delay the inspection, which will pause the application process.

Hoosiers who have not yet received their insurance settlement may contact FEMA online or through the FEMA toll-free help line to explain their situations. Individuals should be prepared to provide to FEMA:

  • documentation from the insurance company proving the claim has been filed;
  • a claim number;
  • the date of application; and
  • the estimated time required to receive the settlement.

Any help awarded in advance by FEMA that is duplicated by the settlement must be repaid to FEMA once an insurance settlement is received.

While the law forbids federal payment for loss covered by insurance, financial aid may be provided for loss not covered. Hoosiers affected by recent storms are encouraged to follow up with FEMA to determine their eligibility, even if they think they will not qualify for assistance.

How to report insurance settlement

Applicants may mail in their insurance settlement information to:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Insurance settlement information may also be faxed to: (800) 827-8112.

Register with FEMA now

It is important to register with FEMA now. Occasionally, the insurance settlement process may take several months before it is final, perhaps until after the registration period has ended. To be considered for federal assistance, residents must apply before the May 8 deadline, even if the insurance claims process is not complete.

To register, applicants may call FEMA’s toll-free registration and help line number. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at 1-800-621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Register online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; by smart phone or tablet at m.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.

Last Modified: Monday, 16-Apr-2012 16:56:02

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Report Insurance Settlement: FEMA Letter Not Always Last Word

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely 

Release Date: April 1, 2012
Release Number: 4060-014

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee residents who, as a result of the Feb. 29 – March 2 tornadoes, receive disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urged to spend their funds wisely. 

Survivors who applied for disaster assistance with FEMA will receive letters about where they are in the application process, what to do next or how they should spend grant money.

Applicants should onlyuse their grants to meet specific disaster-related needs.

Most disaster grants from FEMA are deposited electronically, followed by a letter explaining how the money should be spent.

Housing Assistance grants are intended for basic housing repairs, such as replacing doors and windows or repairing a roof. Housing Assistance grants may also be used for short-term rent payments or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses.

Other Needs Assistance grants are intended to help replace essential personal property and meet disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses. The money may also be used to help repair or replace a car damaged by the disaster and to replace work-related tools.

FEMA grants shouldn’t be used for luxury goods such as flat-screen televisions, video games or other entertainment electronics. Grants may be audited, so survivors should keep receipts for three years to document disaster-related expenses.

If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, a recipient may have to pay it back and may lose eligibility for any further help.

The first step toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA:

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

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Apr-2012 09:00:35

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FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

Disaster Assistance Includes Right of Appeal

Disaster Assistance Includes Right of Appeal 

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Release Number: 4058-013

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

INDIANAPOLIS —Some Indiana residents who have registered for disaster assistance may have received letters saying their applications are denied. They should know that they have the right to appeal that decision.

Applicants who received denial letters should make sure they understand why they were denied. A denial may be due to various reasons. A visit to the Disaster Recovery Center in Sellersburg or a call to the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362 can help provide a better explanation.

Many find their circumstances have changed from the time they registered for assistance. They may have discovered additional damage to their property, or that they need housing help after all. Displaced renters may find upon returning that their residences are unlivable. Whatever the reason, applicants have the right to appeal a denial within 60 days from the date of the determination letter.

Applicants must explain in writing why they believe the initial FEMA response was wrong and provide new or additional information and documents to support the appeal. They should also include their FEMA registration number and disaster number in the letter, along with their full name and address of the damaged home.

Appeals can be mailed to:

FEMA-Appeals Officer
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 1005
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

They may also be faxed to: 1-800-827-8112.

A video titled “You can Appeal” provides additional information at www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6506.

Federal disaster aid was made available on March 9 to the State of Indiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts 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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 12:17:17

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Disaster Assistance Includes Right of Appeal

Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center 

Release Date: March 25, 2012
Release Number: 4060-007

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — If you were affected by the Feb. 29 to March 2 tornadoes and have questions, get help by visiting a disaster recovery center.

Nine disaster recovery centers are currently open in Tennessee and staffed with recovery specialists from Tennessee state agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies.

By visiting one of the centers, you can:

  • Apply for disaster assistance with FEMA.
  • Learn about federal assistance available for temporary housing and home repairs.
  • Check on the progress of an application you’ve already submitted.
  • Get information on how to replace lost documents.
  • Ask questions regarding correspondence from FEMA.
  • Find out more about SBA’s low-interest disaster loans or what to do if you can’t afford one.
  • Get help completing your SBA loan application.
  • Learn more about local and state agencies that may be able to provide assistance.

Locations of disaster recovery centers can be found at www.fema.gov/drclocator. Or use your smartphone or tablet to access m.fema.gov.

You can also get help by calling FEMA’s helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362) (v/relay) about how to register for disaster assistance or where to find a disaster recovery center. Operators are multilingual and available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, there is a TTY line at 800-462-7585.

Other ways to register include:

Remember when registering, by any method, you should provide good contact information – such as a cellphone or work number.

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: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 11:59:12

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Tornado Survivors Should Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Community Relations Teams Canvassing Areas Hit By Tornadoes In Tennessee

Community Relations Teams Canvassing Areas Hit By Tornadoes In Tennessee 

Release Date: March 22, 2012
Release Number: 4060-003

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

ATLANTA, Ga. — Community relations specialists from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are currently working in ten Tennessee counties assisting survivors of the severe storms that occurred Feb. 29 – March 2.

The ten counties in middle and east Tennessee were recently designated for federal disaster assistance.

Teams are going door-to-door in the impacted communities to share and gather information and to identify possible unmet needs. Officials want individuals and small business owners to know about all available disaster assistance programs. 

Federal help in the form of grants and low-interest loans may be available to homeowners and renters affected by the storms. Grants for temporary housing, basic home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs are available. Homeowners, renters and businesses may also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Community relations team members wear ID badges and either FEMA or Tennessee Disaster Response shirts. When community relations specialists meet a disaster survivor with unmet needs, they pass that information on to state, federal or voluntary agency staff best able to respond. They also meet with representatives of community-based agencies, community leaders and public officials to explain the disaster assistance process.

Survivors should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants using TTY can call 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can also register by computer online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If using a smartphone or tablet, register at m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the SBA to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

For more information, visit www.TNEMA.org and www.FEMA.gov/assistance.

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 15:50:31

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Community Relations Teams Canvassing Areas Hit By Tornadoes In Tennessee

Seven More Kentucky Counties Designated For Disaster Assistance

Seven More Kentucky Counties Designated For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: March 22, 2012
Release Number: 4057-026

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that the disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky has been amended to include an additional seven counties that will receive Public Assistance. The declaration is for damage caused by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring Feb. 29 through March 3.

On March 16, Kentucky’s disaster declaration was amended to add Public Assistance for seven counties: Grant, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, and Morgan. The amendment announced today by FEMA provides Public Assistance for Ballard, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Pendleton, Trimble and Wolfe counties.

Public Assistance is available to the Commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in designated counties on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair of damaged, or replacement of destroyed, taxpayer-owned infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools and similar facilities.

Individual Assistance has been awarded to 21 Kentucky counties previously. 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. Also low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

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

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 11:49:53

Original article: 

Seven More Kentucky Counties Designated For Disaster Assistance