State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Louisville and Tupelo

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi residents affected by the recent series of storms, tornadoes and flooding can now visit disaster recovery centers in Louisville and Tupelo if they have questions about disaster assistance. Additional recovery centers are being planned for the other declared counties.

The disaster recovery centers will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are located at:

Winston County

Georgia Pacific Building

826 S. Church Ave.

Louisville, MS 39339

 

Lee County

Old Tupelo Water and Light Building

320 Court St.

Tupelo, MS 38804

Specialists from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions. Survivors will be able to:

  • Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
  • Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
  • Find out the status of an application.
  • Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
  • Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
  • Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at

800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4175 or visit the MEMA site at www.msema.org/ .

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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.

 

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State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Louisville and Tupelo

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois tornado survivors have until 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, to visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Festival of Lights Building on East Washington Street in East Peoria.  

After that date, survivors of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes can still get help by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors can also call the helpline to register with FEMA before the Jan. 27 registration deadline. Other ways to register include online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by downloading the FEMA app or going to m.FEMA.gov. Survivors must register before the deadline to be eligible for possible grants and SBA low-interest disaster loans for temporary rental assistance, home repair and rebuilding, replacement of lost personal items, and other disaster-related expenses. Assistance will continue after Jan. 27, but applicants must register by that date to be considered.

Applicants should contact FEMA by calling the helpline if they have any questions or if they change their mailing address, phone number or email address, receive an insurance settlement or discover additional damage.                                                                                       

East Peoria Recovery Center Closes for MLK Day

The center will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It will reopen at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.                                                                                           

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Tornado Survivors Have Until Jan. 25 to Visit East Peoria Disaster Recovery Center: FEMA Helpline remains available seven days a week to assist…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois tornado survivors have until 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, to visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Brookport Library on U.S. Hwy. 45 in Brookport.  

After that date, survivors of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes can still get help by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors can also call the helpline to register with FEMA before the Jan. 27 registration deadline. Other ways to register include online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by downloading the FEMA app or going to m.FEMA.gov. Survivors must register before the deadline to be eligible for possible grants and SBA low-interest disaster loans for temporary rental assistance, home repair and rebuilding, replacement of lost personal items, and other disaster-related expenses. Assistance will continue after Jan. 27, but applicants must register by that date to be considered.

Applicants should contact FEMA by calling the helpline if they have any questions or if they change their mailing address, phone number or email address, receive an insurance settlement or discover additional damage.                                                                                               

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Tornado Survivors Have Until Saturday to Visit Brookport Disaster Recovery Center: FEMA Helpline remains available seven days a week to assist…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – If you’re a survivor of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes, FEMA says you deserve every eligible penny in federal disaster assistance. 

Don’t leave possible FEMA grants and SBA disaster loans on the table. Take the necessary steps to help FEMA help you.

Register with FEMA—deadline close:  Disaster assistance may be available to tornado survivors who register with FEMA before the Jan. 27 deadline. The sooner you register the sooner you may qualify for FEMA assistance. Register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help FEMA help you.

Only one registration per household:  FEMA assists eligible survivors by household. The assistance process stops if multiple applications are received from the same address. Applying multiple times doesn’t increase your chances of receiving federal disaster aid. It stops your chances. Help FEMA help you. Register only once.  

FEMA grants versus insurance benefits:  After registering with FEMA for assistance, some applicants may receive a letter indicating FEMA can’t help. Read any FEMA letter closely. FEMA may need insurance settlement documents to assure FEMA grants won’t duplicate insurance payments.  Help FEMA help you. Failure to submit needed documents could stop any additional assistance. 

Fast track the SBA Loan Application:  FEMA refers some applicants to the Small Business Administration to complete and submit an SBA loan application. You may not want a loan, but failure to submit the application may stop any further FEMA grants coming your way.  Help FEMA help you. The quickest way to apply is to complete an SBA disaster loan application online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.

Get Your FEMA/SBA questions answered: Call the FEMA help line, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or for face-to-face help, visit a FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center – 2200 East Washington, East Peoria or the Brookport Library, 7415 S. U.S. Highway 45, Brookport. 

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.                                                                       

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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FEMA Says Help Us Help You

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Survivors of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes have until Monday, Jan. 27 to request assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Federal disaster assistance may be available for the following:

  • Temporary housing for homeowners and renters.
  • Home repairs.
  • Other serious disaster-related expenses for homeowners and renters not met by insurance or other assistance programs.
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration that may cover losses for homeowners, renters and business owners not fully compensated by insurance.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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One Month Remains to Request FEMA Help

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Take advantage of a new year to make your family safer in the face of future disasters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages Illinois residents to resolve to rebuild stronger and smarter, reducing the risk of potential devastation caused by events like the Nov. 17 tornadoes.

Through New Year’s Day, FEMA will offer simple tips and ideas to construct and maintain a home that can better withstand weather risks your community faces. This information will be posted and updated on FEMA’s Illinois recovery website FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157 as well as Facebook.com/FEMA and Twitter.com/FEMAregion5. Learn about rebuilding techniques and tips such as:                                                                                                                   

  • Reinforcing your Residence. Retrofitting your home can provide structural updates that didn’t exist when it was constructed. For instance, a homeowner can install straps to their roof’s structural beams to make it strong enough to resist the “uplift” effect of high winds that can cause it to lift and collapse back down on the house.
  • Fortify those Floors. Homeowners can secure their structure to its foundation by using anchors or straps. This can minimize the chances of a home moving off its foundation during events like tornadoes and earthquakes.
  • Trim & Tighten. Consider cutting away any dangling tree branches that pose a threat to your home and securing outdoor furniture and fuel tanks that can serve as projectiles during high wind events.
  • Elevation is a Smart Renovation. Flooding is a real risk in Illinois and elevating your home and its critical utilities can significantly reduce the risk of water damage. Contact your local floodplain manager to learn your flood risk and elevation requirements for your residence.
  • Assure You’re Fully Insured. Take the time to review your insurance coverage. Are you adequately insured for the risks your community faces? Are you covered for wind, flood or sewer back-up coverage? Has your policy been updated to reflect the value of your home? Contact your insurance agent to get these questions answered and ensure your home is financially protected.                                                                                                  

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.                                         

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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 News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Resolve to Rebuild Safer and Stronger in 2014

Springfield, Ill.— FEMA wants anyone who was affected by the Nov.17 tornadoes to apply for disaster assistance, and family gatherings this holiday season could be a good time to ask around the table:  Have you registered with FEMA? 

Applying for assistance may unlock valuable FEMA grants to pay for a temporary place to live while your home is being repaired and to help pay for those repairs.  Even lost personal items may be covered. 

Applying is easy.  You can apply on line or use that smart phone to call or connect to the FEMA app, and it only takes about 20 minutes.

FEMA grants can fill insurance gaps.  Uninsured and underinsured losses may be covered by FEMA grants.  Register and let FEMA determine if you’re eligible, and don’t wait on the insurance settlement to register.      

Return that completed SBA loan application.  Registering with FEMA may refer you to SBA for you to complete and return a disaster loan application.  Not submitting the disaster loan application could stop the FEMA grant process.  Receive every FEMA dollar you may qualify for.  Get that  disaster loan application in today, and remember, qualifying for a loan doesn’t mean you have to accept it. 

Grants and loans ease later worries.  Let FEMA and the SBA determine the extent of your damage and help with your recovery.  FEMA grants are a helping hand while SBA disaster loans – up to $40,000 for contents and up to $200,000 for home repairs can help finance your full recovery.  The SBA disaster loan balance will be reduced by your insurance settlement.

Insurance first, then FEMA.  A FEMA application must wait on an applicant’s insurance settlement, so when you receive a letter from FEMA describing documents needed to process your FEMA grant, mail or fax those documents right away.  Don’t leave a possible FEMA grant on the table.  

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

 

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FEMA Says Disaster Assistance Good Holiday Topic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Anyone who had a car damaged or destroyed in counties affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance.

Those who may be eligible include not just residents of the designated counties, but also those who were working or visiting in areas and had damage to their vehicle during the tornadoes.

  • Only those who maintain at least liability insurance will be considered to receive federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their car. Liability coverage is the minimum insurance requirement for Illinois drivers. Liability insurance policies do not cover storm-related damage to their car. Survivors who register must submit proof to FEMA that they maintain liability coverage to be considered for federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their car.
  • Survivors who have a comprehensive policy should first file a claim with their insurance company. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damages to a car. However, federal disaster assistance may help fill in the gaps for those whose comprehensive insurance coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
  • Survivors need to return a completed Small Business Administration disaster-loan application. After registering with FEMA, the SBA will contact many survivors concerning loan applications. It’s important for survivors to submit their application. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • FEMA grants to repair or replace a car must clear the SBA loan process. A survivor may receive a grant from FEMA to repair or replace their car if insurance is insufficient and they were declined for SBA loan home loan. Grants do not need to be repaid.
  • Keep documents. Federal disaster assistance is reimbursed to survivors only if their car had damage during the Nov. 17 tornadoes. Survivors must submit an itemized document that shows damage to the car is storm-related and a receipt, estimate or verifiable bill of the repair or replacement costs.

FEMA officials advise anyone whose vehicle was damaged during the tornadoes to register for assistance. Survivors in the following counties should register: Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, La Salle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford.

Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or register with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

SBA provides low-interest, long term disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Repair Tornado-Damaged Vehicles with Federal Help

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, along with partners from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are encouraging homeowners, renters and businesses to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund their losses.

If Illinois residents apply for assistance with FEMA and are referred to the SBA, it’s important for them to submit a loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues and they keep their options open:

  • Many survivors who register with FEMA will be contacted by the SBA. Survivors can submit their SBA disaster loan applications one of three ways: by mail, in person at a Disaster Recovery Center or online at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.
  • It is important for survivors to complete and return the application as soon as possible. Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept an SBA loan and failure to complete and submit an SBA loan application may stop the FEMA grant process. However, homeowners and renters who submit an SBA application and are declined a loan may be considered for certain other FEMA grants and programs that could include assistance for disaster-related car repairs, clothing and household items.
  • Next to insurance, an SBA loan is the primary funding source for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster like a tornado. Homeowners may be eligible for low interest loans up to $200,000 for repairs.
  • SBA can help renters replace their essential items. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • Loans for businesses and private non-profit organizations. Loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets.  Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. 
  • Do not wait on an insurance settlement before returning an application. Insurance may not pay for any or all of the storm-related damage. Survivors can begin their recovery immediately with an SBA disaster loan.  The loan balance will be reduced by their insurance settlement.
     

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster. SBA customer service representatives are available at all disaster recovery centers. Centers can be found online at fema.gov/DRC.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

SBA provides low-interest, long term disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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SBA Loans Help Individuals & Businesses on the Road to Recovery

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that survivors with homeowner’s insurance affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes file a claim with their insurance company and then register for federal disaster assistance.

Once Illinois residents have filed their insurance claim and registered for assistance, it’s important to be aware of the next steps in the process:

  • Insured applicants will receive a determination letter from FEMA — survivors should read the entire letter carefully. The letter may state that they’re ineligible for assistance, but this isn’t necessarily a final decision.
  • FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits. To continue processing their application, survivors must submit insurance settlement documents to FEMA.
  • The insurance documents will be reviewed; then an inspector may arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to determine if the applicant has uninsured, eligible losses.
  • Federal disaster assistance may then be available to assist in filling the gaps that a survivor’s insurance has not covered.
  • Survivors can call 800-621-FEMA (3362) if they have any questions.

Applicants can mail insurance settlement information to:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Insurance settlement information can also be faxed to 800-827-8112. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will also be opening to serve people who were affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes. Visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4157 for information on these recovery centers. 

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: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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FEMA Says File Insurance Claims Before Calling Agency

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