FEMA Mitigation Advisers to Offer Rebuilding Tips in Jefferson Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. — Survivors from Jefferson Parish who are rebuilding after Hurricane Isaac can receive a free consultation with hazard mitigation advisers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The free mitigation stations will be open on a walk-in basis at Lowe’s in Jefferson starting Friday.

The advisers can answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, as well as offer tips and techniques to build hazard-resistant homes. Most of the information and the free publications provided are geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Hurricane safety and recovery topics to be covered include preparedness, roof repair, rebuilding flooded homes, and mold and mildew cleanup and prevention.

Lowe’s

121 Jefferson Hwy.

Jefferson, LA 70121

Open Sept. 14-25, 2012

The mitigation station will be open beginning Friday, Sept. 14 from noon to 7 p.m. Thereafter, it will be open weekdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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.

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FEMA Mitigation Advisers to Offer Rebuilding Tips in Jefferson Parish

Survivors With Questions About Their FEMA Letters Can Get Answers

Disaster survivors who don’t understand FEMA correspondence or disagree with FEMA decisions can call the Helpline or visit a disaster recovery center for assistance

CLINTON, Miss. – Everyone who registers with FEMA receives a letter telling them the status of their application. Survivors who don’t understand the letter or disagree with FEMA’s decision should visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline to get more information and assistance with questions.

The most common reason for denial of housing assistance and other aid is that an applicant has not submitted proof of an insurance settlement. Some other reasons for an initial turndown can be that applicants:

  • Have not provided FEMA all the information needed.
  • Did not provide proof of ownership or residence.
  • Have not provided records that showed the damaged property was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Have not signed essential documents.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance from insurance benefits or other government sources. However, FEMA aid may be approved if all eligible damage is not covered by private insurance or other government assistance.

Disaster survivors have a right to ask FEMA to reconsider a decision on their eligibility for assistance, but such appeals must be filed in writing within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Applicants who have questions can call the helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 or visit a disaster recovery center.

Disaster assistance for qualified homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.

Survivors who are not eligible for FEMA assistance or do not qualify for an SBA loan, may be referred to voluntary agencies, faith-based organizations or other community groups.

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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.

Link – 

Survivors With Questions About Their FEMA Letters Can Get Answers

There is Still Help Available for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Debby survivors who need information on recovery programs still have services available to them.

Those in need of assistance beyond insurance or other sources can access 2-1-1 in participating counties.

Survivors who can’t afford an attorney and run into legal difficulties due to the storm can call the Florida Disaster Legal Services hotline at 866-550-2929 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Assistance is available in Spanish.

Those survivors with questions regarding their Federal Emergency Management Agency application can call the toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in most languages. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY line can call 800-462-7585.

Individuals and businesses with questions about their application for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may call 800-659-2955 or send an email to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY line can call 800-877-8339.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org/. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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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There is Still Help Available for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Help Available for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – There are a number of ways for Tropical Storm Debby survivors to get help as they recover from Tropical Storm Debby.

Information and assistance is available in the following ways:

  • Anyone who has questions about a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the agency’s programs for individuals, can call the toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in most languages. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the TTY line at 800-462-7585.
  • Survivors and businesses may obtain information on low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration by calling 800-659-2955 or online at www.sba.gov. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the TTY line at 800-877-8339.
  • The Florida Volunteer and Donation Hotline can connect survivors with a local volunteer agency: 800-FL-HELP-1 (800-354-3571).
  • Survivors who can’t afford an attorney and run into legal difficulties due to the storm may call the Florida Disaster Legal Services hotline at 866-550-2929 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Assistance is available in Spanish.

Survivors have until Sept. 4 to register for federal disaster assistance by calling FEMA.

Applicants can sign up for Tropical Storm Debby recovery updates via email by going to www.fema.gov/disaster/4068 and clicking the subscription link. It’s a simple process that only requires a valid email address. During signup, subscribers can choose to receive updates immediately, daily or weekly.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). 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.

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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Help Available for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Brooksville, New Port Richey Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The disaster recovery centers in Brooksville and New Port Richey will transition to disaster loan outreach centers operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration Monday, Aug. 20.

Homeowners, renters and business owners who visit the center can talk with SBA representatives about low-interest disaster loans, get help filling out loan applications and submit completed applications. Federal Emergency Management Agency staff will also be there to answer questions about FEMA registration and disaster assistance.

A disaster recovery center typically meets the more immediate concerns of storm survivors, while a disaster loan outreach center focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery.

Disaster recovery center hours will remain 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Saturday, Aug. 18. They will be closed this Sunday.

The disaster recovery centers will transition to disaster loan outreach centers Monday, Aug. 20, and remain at the Hernando County Mining Association/Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. in Brooksville and Trouble Creek Square, 4444 Grand Blvd. in New Port Richey. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday until further notice.

Completing and submitting SBA disaster loan applications is important because it may pave the way for additional FEMA assistance. There are valid reasons for applying, even if you think you won’t need or won’t qualify for a loan.

  • SBA can offer temporary loans to help cover immediate expenses until an insurance claim is settled.
  • SBA can offer loans with terms of up to 30 years and interest rates as low as 1.9 percent to homeowners and renters.
  • SBA disaster loans can be used by a homeowner to repair or replace their primary residence.
  • Homeowners and renters can replace damaged household contents and vehicles with SBA disaster loans.
  • Business owners can apply to SBA for disaster loans for physical damages and/or economic losses.

Survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY) or online at www.sba.gov.

Help is always available by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in most languages. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). 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.

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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Continued here:  

Brooksville, New Port Richey Disaster Recovery Centers Transitioning to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

Crawfordville Disaster Recovery Center Transitioning to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The disaster recovery center in Crawfordville will transition to a disaster loan outreach center operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6. The center will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 9.

Homeowners, renters and business owners who visit the center can talk with SBA representatives about low-interest disaster loans, get help filling out loan applications and submit completed applications. Federal Emergency Management Agency staff will also be there to answer questions about FEMA registration and disaster assistance.

A disaster recovery center typically meets the more immediate concerns of storm survivors, while a disaster loan outreach center focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery.

The center will remain at the Wakulla Agricultural Center, 84 Cedar Ave. in Crawfordville.

Completing and submitting SBA disaster loan applications is important because it may pave the way for additional FEMA assistance. There are valid reasons for applying, even if you think you won’t need a loan.

  • SBA can offer temporary loans to help cover immediate expenses until insurance is settled.
  • SBA can offer loans with terms of up to 30 years and interest rates as low as 1.9 percent.
  • SBA disaster loans can be used by a homeowner to repair or replace their primary residence.
  • Homeowners and renters can replace damaged household contents and vehicles with SBA disaster loans.
  • Business owners can apply to SBA for disaster loans for physical damages or economic losses.

Survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY) or online at www.sba.gov.

Help is always available by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in most languages. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). 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.

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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Taken from: 

Crawfordville Disaster Recovery Center Transitioning to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center

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

Link:  

FEMA Assistance: Spend It Wisely

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4060-008

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly 600 survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 29 – March 2 have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

To date, more than $461,000 in grants has been approved to help survivors pay for temporary housing and other needs as a result of damage they incurred. Many more survivors in the 10 disaster-designated counties may be eligible for benefits but may not be registering with FEMA in larger numbers for a variety of reasons:

Unfamiliar with the FEMA registration process – it’s as easy as a phone call or click.

  • People with storm losses can register simply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can use TTY 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Don’t know the full scope of available assistance.

  • FEMA assistance can cover rental costs, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
  • FEMA can refer survivors who do not need FEMA assistance, or who have additional needs, to partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA also can refer survivors to groups and agencies who can help them with disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and legal aid.
  • SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters and businesses at affordable terms. Survivors offered an SBA low-interest loan are under no obligation to accept it. However, completing and returning the application may open the door to other forms of assistance such as additional FEMA grants.
  • Survivors can obtain more information from the SBA website at www.sba.gov and learn how to apply on line or download an SBA application. Applicants with questions specific to SBA can also call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) for assistance.

Think insurance will cover damages or are waiting for an insurance settlement.

  • Homeowners and renters with insurance should fill out a FEMA application and SBA loan application while they are waiting for their insurance decision. It saves time.
  • If insurance doesn’t cover all of their disaster-related expenses, FEMA and/or SBA assistance may be available to fill the gap.

Busy cleaning up debris, repairing homes; haven’t taken the time to register.

  • Registering by phone or online can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Think FEMA assistance could count against benefits received from other federal programs such as Social Security or Medicare.

  • FEMA grants for housing and other needs assistance are NOT counted as income and DO NOT affect other benefits or eligibility for programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. FEMA grant money does not have to be repaid as long as it is properly spent for your disaster recovery.

Think they are ineligible for FEMA assistance due to income levels or too little damage.

  • Income level does not affect possible FEMA assistance for homeowners; and let FEMA determine if the amount of damage qualifies for assistance. Survivors should not disqualify themselves by not registering.

Disaster Recovery Centers

If, after registering, survivors still have questions or need help registering, they can get face-to-face help by visiting any of the nine disaster recovery centers in Tennessee, which are staffed with recovery specialists from TEMA, FEMA, SBA and other agencies able to answer questions. Disaster recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The following disaster recovery locations will remain open until 6 p.m., Monday, April 2:

DeKalb County
County Administrative Building
724 South Congress Blvd.
Smithville, TN 37166

Jackson County
Dodson Branch Community Center
16160 Dodson Branch Hwy.
Cookeville, TN 38501

Overton County
911 EMS Building
253 Industrial Park Dr.
Livingston, TN 38570

The following locations will remain open until further notice:

Bradley County
First Baptist Church Annex
340 Church St.
Cleveland, TN 37311

Claiborne County
Harrogate Volunteer Fire Department #2
132 Harrogate Crossing Rd.
Harrogate, TN 37752

Cumberland County
County Community Complex
1398 Livingston Rd.
Crossville, TN 38555

Hamilton County
Chattanooga Fire Department Station #7
6911 Discovery Dr.
Chattanooga, TN 37416

McMinn/Polk County
Etowah Rural Fire and Rescue
1018 Tennessee Ave.
Etowah, TN 37331

Monroe County
Tellico Plains Community Center
132 Bank St.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385

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: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 09:33:50

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Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

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