What West Virginians Should Expect After FEMA Registration

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — After disaster survivors have registered for federal disaster assistance, FEMA will ask them to provide information on disaster damage, proof of identity and residence, insurance and other documentation, to determine eligibility.

A FEMA contracted housing inspector may contact you to make an appointment to view disaster damage. It is important to provide good contact information at the time of registration.

Applicants unable to be present for the inspection can designate someone in the household over 18 years of age who was living in the household prior to the disaster. If an inspection cannot be made, FEMA may not be able to finish processing the application.

Survivors should not wait to start their cleaning up and making repairs to their home. They should save their receipts and document damage with photos. The inspector is thoroughly trained and uses specialized software to verify disaster damage quickly. The inspection may only last 10 or 20 minutes. The inspector does not make decisions on eligibility. You will receive a letter from FEMA explaining your eligibility for assistance.

Homeowners may use FEMA housing assistance grants to repair or replace:

  • Key systems such as plumbing, electrical and heating
  • Structural components such as roofs, outside walls and foundations
  • Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceiling, cabinetry
  • Septic and well systems

Renters and homeowners may qualify for grants for other disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs, such as clothing, child care, room furnishings and appliances, medical and dental costs, vehicles and moving and storage expenses.

Both homeowners and renters must provide identification and proof of occupancy, such as a lease, rent receipt or utility bill. Additionally, homeowners will be asked to provide proof of ownership, such as a property deed or title, mortgage payment book, property insurance policy or tax receipts.

Important documents destroyed in the disaster may be duplicated with help from outside sources, such as a county clerk’s office, insurance agency or utility company.

Free disaster legal assistance is also available for West Virginia flood survivors. Call the toll-free hotline (877) 331-4279. Callers can receive counseling on insurance claims, landlord-tenant issues, home-repair contracts, the replacement of legal documents destroyed by the storm and other legal matters.

Although there are other legitimate inspectors in the field, such as county building inspectors or insurance adjustors, beware of people posing as FEMA inspectors or “FEMA approved” repair contractors. FEMA makes no such endorsements. In a disaster, scammers abound; be cautious with strangers, especially those from outside the area.

Legitimate FEMA housing inspectors will have the applicant’s nine-digit case number assigned at registration and always carry FEMA identification badges with a photograph. Inspections are free; inspectors are not authorized to ask for personal financial information other than to verify information provided at registration.

To apply for federal disaster assistance, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Multilingual operators are available. Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

West Virginians in the following counties may register for disaster assistance for damage or losses sustained by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began June 22: Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers and Webster counties.

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What West Virginians Should Expect After FEMA Registration

Tree Maintenance Now Can Prevent Damage Later

ALBANY, N.Y. – Are your trees ready for a serious storm? With hurricane season upon us, now is the time to assess the structural health of your trees to prevent storm damage from falling trees and limbs.

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your trees in top shape. But if your trees have not received preventive care, or if you are concerned about the structural health of your trees, there are still some actions to take before a hurricane strikes.

Here’s what you should look for when doing a tree inspection:

  • Dead trees
  • Dead, decaying and weakly attached branches
  • Root disease or disturbances
  • Trees with dense canopies
  • Trees with poor structure and shape

Although trees can cause considerable damage when they fall, most trees do not fall during storms and of those that do, only a small number strike a target. Moreover, just because a tree is big and old does not necessarily mean it is dangerous – but that is not something a typical homeowner has the experience to assess. At the same time, just because a tree is alive does not mean that it is sound and firm.

If you don’t feel qualified to inspect or maintain the trees on your property, consider calling in a professional arborist. Be sure your arborist is insured and has current references.

Large branches hanging near your roof are a problem. Although the branches may not be touching the roof under normal conditions, the high winds of hurricanes can cause trees to bend and branches to flail around considerably. These branches can cause extensive damage to the roof and should generally be removed.

Public utilities engage in constant pruning and maintenance of trees near power lines in order to minimize storm damage. Why not follow that example and begin a regular maintenance program for the trees on your property? Remember, now is the time to take care of your trees, not when a hurricane threatens.

 

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Tree Maintenance Now Can Prevent Damage Later