AUSTIN, Texas – As Texans rebuild or repair their homes damaged by the May 4 through June 22 storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Brazoria, Grayson, Harris, Montgomery, and Williamson counties at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

Advisors will be available at the following locations Aug. 20 – 25:

Brazoria County: Home Depot located at 100 Abner Jackson Parkway, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Grayson County: Home Depot located at 601 Northcreek Drive, Sherman, TX 75092     

Harris County: Lowe’s located at 9640 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77055

Montgomery County: Home Depot located at 23575 U.S. Highway 59, Porter, TX 77365

Williamson County: Lowe’s located at 201 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, TX 78634

Hours of operation: Thursday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday (Aug.25), 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and cleaning up mold and mildew. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

 

Continue reading:  

Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Stores in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – As Texans rebuild or repair their homes damaged by the May 4 through June 22 storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be on hand in Harris County at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

Advisors will be available at the following location on dates and times noted:

Location and hours of operation

Home Depot

4915 Garth Road

Baytown, TX 77521
Aug. 13 – 18, Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and cleaning up mold and mildew. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

More:  

Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Store in Harris County, Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – As Texans rebuild or repair their homes damaged by the May 4 through June 22 storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be on hand in Hays County at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

Advisors will be available at the following location on dates and times noted:

Location and hours of operation

Home Depot

3730 Dry Hole Drive

Kyle, TX 78640

Aug. 13 – 18, Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and cleaning up mold and mildew. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Visit http://www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

.

 

Continued here: 

Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Store in Hays County, Texas

News Release
 
Six Months Remain Before Flood Maps Become Final in Travis, Williamson and Bastrop Counties, Texas

DENTON, Texas ––In six months, new flood maps for parts of Travis, Williamson and Bastrop counties in  Texas will become effective. This includes the following cities and communities: Austin; Cedar Park; Creedmoor; Mustang Ridge; Rollingwood; Webberville; West Lake Hills; and unincorporated areas of Travis and Bastrop counties.

Local, state and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps before Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.  

•    To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•    To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

                                                                                                        
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 www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

View original:

Six Months Remain Before Flood Maps Become Final in Travis, Williamson and Bastrop Counties, Texas

Las subvenciones del Programa de Asistencia Individual y Familiar de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) pueden utilizarse para reparar caminos de acceso privados dañados por desastres bajo las siguientes circunstancias:

  • Si el sobreviviente cumple con todos los criterios básicos de elegibilidad para el Programa de Asistencia Individual y Familiar.

  • Si el sobreviviente es propietario de una vivienda y esta es su residencia primaria.

Además, las reparaciones de puentes o caminos deben cumplir, al menos, con una de las siguientes condiciones:

  • El camino o puente es el único acceso a la propiedad.

  • No se puede acceder a la vivienda debido a los daños en la infraestructura.

  • La seguridad de los ocupantes se podría ver afectada si no se realizan las reparaciones.

La subvención elegible se basa en elementos de reparación específicos, debe relacionarse con el desastre y está limitada a la cobertura de las reparaciones mínimas necesarias para permitir que el solicitante pueda acceder a su residencia. Las reparaciones deben satisfacer todos los requisitos ambiéntales, locales, estatales y federales, incluidos los permisos.

La Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) de los Estados Unidos, colaboradora federal de FEMA para la recuperación de desastres, también puede ayudar. Los titulares de propiedades privadas, las asociaciones de propietarios establecidas y las propiedades regidas por convenios pueden solicitar préstamos de bajo interés por desastre directamente a la SBA. Estos fondos pueden utilizarse para reparar o reemplazar puentes y caminos privados. Los caminos de acceso privados que pertenecen a asociaciones de propietarios también pueden repararse con préstamos solicitados directamente a la SBA.

Los propietarios de viviendas que comparten puentes y caminos de acceso con otros propietarios o familias pueden reunir los requisitos de las subvenciones para reparaciones o préstamos de la SBA bajo ciertas circunstancias. En algunos casos, otra opción puede ser compartir los costos de las reparaciones con una combinación de fondos obtenidos a través de FEMA, préstamos de la SBA y fondos privados.

  • Las adjudicaciones se realizarán por separado a los solicitantes elegibles que compartan una ruta de acceso si presentan a FEMA declaraciones que establezcan que usarán tales adjudicaciones para hacer reparaciones a la ruta de acceso.

  • Además, los propietarios deben comprender que son responsables de conseguir todos los permisos necesarios y de cumplir con todos los códigos y las ordenanzas locales.

  • Los propietarios no deben contar con una Asociación de Propietarios (HOA, por sus siglas en inglés) establecida o Convenio que se haga cargo de la reparación de la ruta de acceso.

  • La HOA establecida o el Convenio a cargo de la reparación de la ruta de acceso no puede recibir asistencia de la SBA ni de un seguro privado.

Cada propietario afectado debe inscribirse en FEMA en forma individual. Las solicitudes de asistencia para la reparación de puentes o caminos privados se evalúan individualmente.

  • Las subvenciones para reparación no incluirán mejoras a las condiciones de la ruta de acceso antes del desastre a menos que tales mejoras sean un requisito de los códigos de construcción locales o estatales vigentes.

  • Es posible que se aprueben fondos adicionales para mejorar el acceso y hacerlo seguro si el solicitante tiene necesidades funcionales o de accesibilidad, como una discapacidad física que requiere el acceso de un vehículo en particular.

  • La asistencia para el camino de acceso no puede superar la subvención máxima combinada para todos los solicitantes elegibles.

Si el costo de las reparaciones supera los fondos que FEMA puede adjudicar, es posible que FEMA pueda derivar a los solicitantes a otras agencias federales o voluntarias para que obtengan ayuda adicional. Se recomienda especialmente a los solicitantes mantenerse en contacto con FEMA.

Para analizar sus circunstancias, los sobrevivientes deben llamar a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Los solicitantes de asistencia por desastre que tengan discapacidades del lenguaje o problemas de audición y usen TTY deben llamar al 800-462-7585.

###

NOTA : enlace a Rutas de acceso privadas

Toda la asistencia por desastre de FEMA será proporcionada sin discriminación con base en raza, color, sexo (incluyendo el acoso sexual), religión, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés, nivel económico o represalia. Si usted cree que sus derechos civiles han sido violados, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362 o 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que, como país, trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

La SBA es la fuente principal de dinero del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de la propiedad privada dañada por desastre. La SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos, empresas de todos los tamaños y organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro para que puedan financiar sus esfuerzos de reparación o de reconstrucción y a cubrir el coste de reemplazar la propiedad privada que se perdió o que sufrió daños por desastre. Los préstamos por desastre cubren pérdidas que el seguro u otras fuentes de recuperación no cubren en su totalidad y no duplican beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones. Para obtener más información, los solicitantes pueden comunicarse con el Centro de Servicio al Cliente de Asistencia por Desastre de la SBA llamando al 800-659-2955, o escribir a disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, o visitar el sitio web de la SBA en www.sba.gov/disaster. Las personas sordas o con problemas de audición pueden llamar al 800-877-8339.

La asistencia de vivienda temporal y las subvenciones para cuidado de niños y gastos médicos, dentales o funerarios no requieren que los individuos presenten una solicitud de préstamo de la SBA. Sin embargo, los individuos que reciban una solicitud de préstamo deben enviarla a la SBA para reunir los requisitos para recibir asistencia que cubre bienes personales, transporte, reparación o reemplazo de vehículos y gastos de mudanza y almacenamiento.

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación de Texas, visite la página web sobre desastres en www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter en https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 y el sitio web de la División de Texas para el Manejo de Emergencias https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Visite www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation para obtener publicaciones y material de referencia sobre cómo reconstruir y reparar de manera más segura y más resistente.

Taken from: 

Reparación de puentes y caminos privados en Texas

AUSTIN, Texas –A State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open on Monday, Aug. 10, at noon in Ellis County for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 4 to June 22.

Specialists from the State of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nongovernmental organizations and the local community are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. Services are provided in English and Spanish.

The recovery center serves survivors from any of the 47 counties designated for Individual Assistance who need one-on-one help. State and federal professionals will be available to assist eligible survivors to get help as quickly as possible.

Location and hours of operation

Ellis County Sub Courthouse

207 S. Sonoma Trail

Ennis, TX 75119

Monday, Aug. 10, noon to 6 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 11 and 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The DRC will cease operations on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m.
 

People who had storm damage can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll-free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Registration deadline is Aug. 27.

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 (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and help applying for it. Some of the services may include:

  • Guidance regarding disaster recovery

  • Clarification of any written correspondence received

  •  Housing and Assistance Rental Information

  •  Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance

  • Status of applications being processed by FEMA

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223. Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/.

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

 

 

 

Visit source: 

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Ellis County for Texas Flood Survivors

AUSTIN, Texas –The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), located at the ROTC Building/Bastrop High School, 1200 Cedar St., Bastrop, TX 78602, in Bastrop County will close at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.

DRCs, operated by the State of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and supported by other agencies, remain open until the needs of area residents have been met. The centers serve as a one-stop shop for information and guidance about disaster assistance.

Those with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who decide to register for assistance after a DRC closes, have several ways to obtain information:

The deadline for registering with FEMA and applying for an SBA loan is Aug. 27.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

View original article: 

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Bastrop County, Texas, But Help is Still Available

As important as it is to make home repairs as soon as possible following a natural disaster, it also is important to take some time to plan the project, consult with local officials and choose a contractor wisely.

Before You Start:

  • Contact the local permitting office. Follow all local and state requirements.

  • Check with your local building official to make sure your work is safe and meets all local and state requirements.

How to Help Reduce Future Damage:

  • Consider using building materials that are more resistant to flood, wind, corrosion and decay.

  • If siding or roof sheathing needs replacement, consider installing hurricane/seismic connectors at the rafter-to-wall or truss-to-wall connections. Adding wall-to-foundation ties may also be possible.

  • Windows, doors and skylights should be checked for leaks. If they need replacement, consider impact-resistant units.

  • Check your attic for adequate insulation. Straps should be added from rafters to wall top plates, and gable end-wall framing should be braced.

  • Inspect soffits to determine if structural upgrades are necessary.

  • If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate and appliances.

How to Select Your Contractor Carefully:

  • The Texas Attorney General advises watching out for home improvement scammers saying they have left over materials or say they noticed your home was damaged and can repair it. Take your time to choose your contractor.

  • Look for a contractor with an established physical address.

  • Get bids from more than one person. Make sure they are in writing and specify exactly what will be done.

  • Beware of a low-ball price.

  • Ask for references and contact them.

  • Make sure the contractor has the proper licenses and insurance coverage required in Texas.

  • Never pay the full price in advance.

For more information and tips on home repair, FEMA provides information online www.FEMA.gov/Texas-disaster-mitigation. You can also visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center; find one online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

See the article here: 

Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following Texas Storm Damage

AUSTIN, Texas – To meet the needs of Texans affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 4 to June 22, the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Sherman will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Monday.

The Disaster Recovery Center at the Sherman Youth Center, located at 407 W. Washington St., Sherman, TX will close on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m.

On Monday, Aug. 3, an SBA center will open at the Grayson County Courthouse.

Representatives from the SBA will be available at the center to meet individually with residents and business owners to answer their questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program, help them complete their applications and close their approved disaster loans. 

Residents who have questions or need assistance should visit the Disaster Loan Outreach Center at:

                               Grayson County Courthouse Room A-3-2,

100 W. Houston St., Sherman, TX.

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 from SBA to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

Applying for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is part of federal disaster assistance. Many people who apply to FEMA are automatically referred for a low-interest disaster assistance loan. Survivors should complete SBA loan applications so they can be considered for all available disaster assistance.

People can still apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) daily until further notice. 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 (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money to fund long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters 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 more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/.

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the original article here: 

Disaster Recovery Center in Grayson County Transitioning to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center

AUSTIN, Texas – Two State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will open on Monday, Aug. 3 and Thursday, Aug. 6, at noon in Wharton County for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 4 to June 22.

Specialists from the State of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nongovernmental organizations and the local community are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. Services are provided in English and Spanish.

The recovery center serves survivors from any of the 47 counties designated for Individual Assistance who need one-on-one help. State and federal professionals will be available to assist eligible survivors to get help as quickly as possible.

Locations, dates and hours of operation:

 

El Campo Civic Center

2450 North Mechanic St.

El Campo, TX 77437

Monday, Aug. 3, noon to 6 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 4-5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

City of Wharton Civic Center

1924 North Fulton St.

Wharton, TX 77488

Thursday, Aug. 6, noon to 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 

People who had storm damage can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll-free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Registration deadline is Aug. 27.

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 (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and help applying for it. Some of the services may include:

  • Guidance regarding disaster recovery

  • Clarification of any written correspondence received

  • Housing Assistance and Rental Resources information

  • Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance

  • Status of applications being processed by FEMA

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA may be available to cover losses not fully

compensated by insurance or other resources and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223. Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.
 

###

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

See original article here: 

Two Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Wharton County for Texas Flood Survivors

 Page 11 of 24  « First  ... « 9  10  11  12  13 » ...  Last »