After the Disaster: Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents

Disasters such as floods and tornadoes commonly result in the loss of important documents, but Texans who lost official and important papers have ways to replace them:

SNAP Card (Food Stamps):
Phone: 800-777-7328
Website: https://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/providers/LoneStar/EBT/EBThowto.html

Green Cards:
Phone: 800-375-5283
Website: http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/replace-green-card

Birth and death certificates:
Phone: 888-963-7111
Website: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/reqproc/default.shtm

Texas Driver License:
Phone: 512-424-2600
Website: https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/replace.htm

Bank Checks, ATM/Debit Cards, or Safe Deposit Boxes:
Phone: 877-275-3342
Website: www.fdic.gov

Credit Cards: Contact the issuing institution:

Credit Reports: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion
Phone: 877-322-8228
Website:  www.annualcreditreport.com

Social Security Card: 
Phone: 800-772-1213
Website:  www.ssa.gov

Fraud alerts or a credit freeze:
Phone: 877-438-4338
Website: http://www.texasfightsidtheft.gov/

Medicare Cards:
Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: www.socialsecurity.gov/medicarecard/

Passport: 
Phone: 202-955-0430 or 1-877-487-2778
Website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/lost-stolen.html  

U.S. Savings Bonds: 
Phone: 800-722-2678 or 800-553-2663
Website: http://www.treasurydirect.gov/

Tax Returns: 
Phone: 800-829-1040
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

Military Records: 
Phone: 866-272-6272
Website: www.archives.gov/contact/

Vehicle Titles:
Phone: 888-368-4689
Website: http://txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/get-a-copy-of-your-title

Insurance Documents:
Phone: Check with your own insurance agent  
Website: http://insurance.lawyers.com/natural-disasters/replacing-personal-documents-lost-in-a-disaster.html

Real Estate and Property Records (Mortgage Documents, Deeds, etc.):
Phone: Contact your own agent
Website: http://propertydeeds.org/lost-property-deed-replacement-procedure/

Medical and Prescription Records:
Call your own doctor; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.

Replace a Texas Marriage Record or Certificate:
Website: General http://texasmarriagelicense.org/replace-marriage-record.html
Website: Issuing Clerk of Court http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/field/localremotedistrict.shtm

Proof of Address/Residency:
Website: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf

National Archives Records:
Website: General http://www.archives.gov/preservation/records-emergency/public.html
Website: Saving family records http://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.html

NOTE: FEMA does not endorse any specific products or services.

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After the Disaster: Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents

FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures Expected This Week

CHICAGO – Dangerously low temperatures and bitterly cold wind chills continue to be in the forecast for much of the Midwest this week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of cold temperatures.

“Whether traveling or at home, subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “FEMA continues to urge people throughout the Midwest to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe.”

During cold weather, you should take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;
• Dress in layers and keep dry;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
• Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
• Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.
• If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home. If you must drive, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and stay on main roads.

You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

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.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures Expected This Week

Be Prepared; Have a Family Emergency Plan

Montgomery, Ala. – Severe weather can happen any time of the year. The best way to prepare for it is with a family emergency plan. If you don’t have one, develop one. If you have an emergency plan, review and update it, then go over it with your family at least once a year.

An emergency plan should include how everyone will contact each other, where to go, how you will get back together and what to do in different situations. A good place to begin is Ready.Gov, the disaster preparedness website managed by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Forms are available at that site for contact information on each family member, phone numbers of out-of-town contacts, work locations and other important phone numbers.

Also inquire about emergency plans in places where your family spends time, such as work, school and daycare. Incorporate this information into your plan.

Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as a contact person for your family members. During an emergency each member of the family will call the contact and let them know they are safe. An out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

Decide where to go in an emergency. Plan for different scenarios, such as where to go if there is a fire. Where in the home is the safest place if a tornado hits? If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, decide whether to evacuate or stay. Plan several evacuation routes, if possible, in case some roads become impassable. Identify where you will stay until it is safe to return home. If you have pets, find, in advance, places to board them or hotels and shelters that are pet friendly.

During a wide-scale disaster, such as tornado or hurricane, prepare for power outages. Keep fresh batteries for flashlights, keep cell phones fully charged. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing a cell phone charger for your vehicle. Also, keep your gas tank full.

During hurricane season, keep a basic disaster supply kit of nonperishable food, water, first aid supplies, medicines, disposable diapers, formula and baby food (if necessary), plus extra food and water for pets. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Keep these items in a waterproof container and include enough food and water for several days.

A battery-operated weather radio will be invaluable in an emergency. These radios can be programmed to your local weather service office and will provide information on approaching severe weather in your area. Heed their advice if you are directed to evacuate.

Keep enough cash on hand to get through several days. Banks will likely be closed and ATMs won’t function during a power outage.

Several government agencies work together to help you and your family stay safe. If you would like additional information, try these links:

 

 

 

 

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Be Prepared; Have a Family Emergency Plan

May 25-31 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Be Prepared. Get a Plan. Know Your Evacuation Zone

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining its federal, tribal, state and local partners in Louisiana and Texas to commemorate Hurricane Preparedness Week by sharing critical information about the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season which starts on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

The week-long campaign not only provides an opportunity for emergency management experts to remind everyone about this year’s hurricane season outlook and how to prepare in advance, but it also gives individuals, families, and communities a chance to take action now and practice for an emergency.

“We encourage everyone to take basic steps to get ready before hurricane season begins,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “In addition to talking about what you should do and building emergency kits, people can also take part in exercises, drills and discussions about emergencies that are being held in their communities.”

Those in hurricane-prone areas are urged to visit www.ready.gov/prepare to learn about America’s PrepareAthon! and get involved in local training sessions. Basic hurricane preparedness tips include:

  • Before a hurricane
  • Prepare an evacuation kit; you can find more information on what you need in the kit at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov.
  • Secure any important papers in a waterproof container.
  • Fill your vehicle’s tank up with gas.
  • Get any necessary prescription medications refilled.
  • Have enough cash on hand to last for several days.
  • Make sure you have enough extra food and water for your pet.
  • During a hurricane
  • Listen to the radio or TV for information.
  • If you are directed by local authorities to evacuate, be sure to follow their instructions.
  • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  • After a hurricane
  • Safety is a primary issue, as is physical and mental well-being.

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

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May 25-31 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Be Prepared. Get a Plan. Know Your Evacuation Zone

Take Extra Precautions as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

CHICAGO – Dangerously low temperatures are in the forecast and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of cold temperatures.  

“Subfreezing temperatures can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “It is important for everyone to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe during times of extreme cold temperatures.”

During cold weather, you should take the following precautions:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;
  • Dress in layers and keep dry;
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
  • Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
  • Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
  • Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.

You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather .

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:  Mark Peterson, 312-408-4469

 

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Take Extra Precautions as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

FEMA Announces Opening of Application Period for Assistance to Firefighters Grants

FEMA Announces Opening of Application Period for Assistance to Firefighters Grants

DENTON, Texas — Beginning Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, the application period for Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 will be open, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced. These types of grants can cover the costs of crucial items for firefighters and paramedics such as firefighting equipment, rescue equipment and communications equipment.

“The AFG grants are critical to the efforts to protect life and property in communities,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “They allow firefighters and paramedics to properly do their jobs.”

The AFG application period begins on Monday at 7 a.m. and closes on Dec. 6, 2013, at 4 p.m. The following resources are available to help guide you through the process:

FY 2013 Application Assistance Tools
• FY 2013 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Available Now Program Guidance;
• FY 2013 AFG Self Evaluation Operations and Safety;
• FY 2013 AFG Get Ready Guide Application Narrative;
• FY 2013 AFG Self Evaluation Vehicle Acquisition;
• FY 2013 AFG Regional Workshop Presentation; and
• FY 2013 AFG Get Ready Guide Application Information.

Questions can be directed to the AFG Grants Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@fema.dhs.gov Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Help Desk will be open on Friday, Dec. 6 until 4 p.m.

Additional information regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.

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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.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.
                                                                                                        

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FEMA Announces Opening of Application Period for Assistance to Firefighters Grants

Beware of Post-Disaster Fraud

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) urge Illinois residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding to be alert for potential fraud. As federal, state and local officials conduct preliminary damage assessments throughout the state, you can protect yourself by taking the following steps:  

  • Ask for ID. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it. A FEMA, IEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. Federal and state employees carry official photo identification at all times.
  • Safeguard personal information. Do not give personal information such as social security and bank account numbers to individuals who visit your home claiming to be affiliated with the government. Federal, state and local assessment teams never require this information.
  • Under no circumstances are FEMA, IEMA or SBA representatives allowed to accept money. If someone claiming to be a federal or state employee attempts to collect money, report the person and their vehicle number to your local police department.

Those who suspect someone of committing fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

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: Cassie Ringsdorf, FEMA, 312-408-4455 and Patti Thompson, IEMA, 217-836-0742

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Link to original – 

Beware of Post-Disaster Fraud

Don’t Let Winter Storms Catch You Off-Guard

CHICAGO – You can’t always predict severe weather, but you can prepare. As a powerful winter storm continues to develop in the Central U.S., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to get ready now to weather the storm for at least three days by having all the supplies you and your family need on hand.    

“Snow and ice storms can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It’s important to know your risk, have a plan and put it into action when confronted with severe weather,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III.

Protect your family and prevent damages with these easy to follow tips:

  • Create an emergency supply kit that includes a three-day supply of food and water for each person, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, and any items to meet the unique needs of your family.
  • Purchase rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction and snow shovels or other snow removal equipment.
  • Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date.
  • Maintain adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Make sure to also put together a winter survival kit for the time you spend on the road.  Don’t run the risk of being stranded in your vehicle without proper emergency equipment and supplies. 

Valuable information on preparing for severe winter weather can be found at www.ready.gov/winter. Visit the site today so you can be confident you have done all you can to be prepared.

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Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, 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.

FEMA Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

 

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Don’t Let Winter Storms Catch You Off-Guard