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Flood or Wind Damage? Get Permits Before Rebuilding

AURORA, Ill. – Before beginning new construction or repairs of property damaged during the recent spring severe weather, residents are urged to consult with local building officials to obtain the necessary permits.

“Obtaining building permits is especially important for those with homes or businesses located within a FEMA-mapped floodplain,” said State Coordinating Officer Jonathon Monken, the Illinois official in charge of disaster recovery. “Residents rebuilding after the recent severe weather need to know that building permits are based on local codes and ordinances that are enforced locally, not by FEMA.”

Permits assure residents and communities that all proposed work complies with current codes, standards, flood ordinances and recommended construction techniques. Permits that include an elevation certificate can provide a permanent record of compliance with elevation, and/or retrofitting requirements, which is useful information for flood insurance ratings, and when selling your home.

Often, local permit offices can provide suggestions or literature on how to protect your home or business from future disaster-related damage.

Floodplain development permits are required and repair projects must meet community building codes and flood-damage prevention ordinances. Repairs begun without proper permits may be subject to stop-work orders, fines or penalties.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register for disaster assistance. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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: 571-408-1835

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Flood or Wind Damage? Get Permits Before Rebuilding

Disaster Grants Won’t Affect Social Security or Taxes

AURORA, Ill. – State and federal disaster assistance is not treated as income and is not taxable. It also does not affect Social Security benefits, nor does it affect a recipient’s eligibility for other federal assistance programs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has so far awarded more than $80.9 million dollars in disaster grants to individuals affected by the Illinois storms of April 16-May 5. Those grants have paid for temporary housing and other needs, such as personal property loss, medical care, and transportation. Here are answers to some typically asked questions:

Question: Will receiving a grant cause my income to increase to the point that I am no longer eligible for Medicaid, or food stamps, or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).

Answer: No. Grants for housing and Other Needs Assistance are not counted as income in determining eligibility for any income-tested benefit programs that receives U.S. government funds.

Question: I took my Social Security benefits early. If I earn more than a certain amount each year, I must repay $1 of my Social Security payment for every $2 I earn. Will FEMA grants add to my income and require me to repay Social Security?

Answer: No. FEMA grants for housing and ONA are not counted as income.

Question: I’m over 65, but if I earn more than a certain amount, I must pay tax on my Social Security income. Will a FEMA grant boost my income and require me to pay tax on my Social Security income?

Answer: No. Again, the IRS does not count FEMA grants for housing and ONA as income.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fem a.gov/disaster/4116.

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Disaster Grants Won’t Affect Social Security or Taxes

An SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application is Key to Some FEMA Grants

AURORA, IL – FEMA disaster assistance applicants who do not complete and submit the companion U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance loan application could be throwing money away.

No FEMA applicant is required to accept an SBA disaster assistance loan. However, the SBA loan application provides financial information necessary to determine whether to offer a low interest loan or refer the applicant back to FEMA for possible additional grant assistance.

Common mistakes made by FEMA applicants are assuming that SBA packets are only for businesses or ignoring the application because they do not want a loan. Failure to submit a completed SBA disaster assistance loan application could prevent a survivor from receiving some types of FEMA grants.

SBA loans are an affordable means to pay for up to 100 percent of uninsured disaster-related losses.

If a disaster survivor does not qualify for a low-interest loan, FEMA may be able to offer them additional disaster grants that help reimburse for lost personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Survivors are not required to complete an SBA disaster assistance loan application to qualify for FEMA grants for medical, dental and funeral expenses.

Help is available to complete the SBA application. Disaster survivors can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY at 800-877-8339 or go to one of FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers to meet with an SBA representative. Survivors also can apply online using the electronic disaster loan applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Don’t throw away money. Fill out the SBA application and return as soon as possible.

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An SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application is Key to Some FEMA Grants

FEMA’s Specialists Help Macomb and Mason County Survivors Register

AURORA, Ill. – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews will travel to McDonough and Mason counties to meet with survivors of the April 16 – May 5 flooding to answer questions and help them register for FEMA assistance.

The dates and locations are:

McDonough County Health Department

505 E. Jackson St.

Macomb, IL 61455

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 3, through Saturday, June 8.

Mason County

Bath Village Offices

205 E. First St.

Bath, IL 62617

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 3, through Thursday, June 6.

DSA crew members will answer questions on registration, hand out flyers in several languages, assist those with damages to register for FEMA assistance and provide status updates to those who have registered. DSA Crew members, who carry federal identification, also will offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or, if asked, enter the data on behalf of the applicant.

FEMA mitigation specialists also will be available to provide information on how to repair or rebuild homes to limit future storm or flood damage.

Survivors also can use personal computers or phones to register. Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov. Information also is available by visiting the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

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FEMA’s Specialists Help Macomb and Mason County Survivors Register

New Jerseyans Should Include Pets in Their Preparedness Plan

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages New Jerseyans to include their pets as they update their emergency plans.

For millions of animal owners, pets are important members of the household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire, flood, tornado or terrorist attack could depend on emergency planning done today. Knowing what supplies to have available, how to evacuate with your pets, where your pets will stay and how you will meet your pets’ needs throughout the disaster are all critical questions to address.

All pet owners are urged to keep a pet emergency supply kit, which should include at least a three-day supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container, drinking water, bowls for the food and water, current photos of you and your pets together, physical descriptions of each pet, medication, vaccination records and first aid pet supplies. Also include a leash and a pet carrier that can double as a sleeping area. You should consider comfort items for your pets as well, such as their favorite toys and blankets.

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pets’ emergency supply kit. Also designate specific locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet your buddy in an emergency.

Evacuating pets may be more difficult if you cannot evacuate in your own vehicle. Pet owners must understand their community’s evacuation plans and ensure they are prepared for any variations and restrictions. If officials call for an evacuation, you should be aware that many evacuation shelters do not accept pets and you must plan where you’ll shelter your pets in advance. Many hotels, motels, campsites and other facilities around the country now allow pets. For information on pet-friendly accommodations in your area, visit ready.gov/caring-animals.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the NJOEM website at state.nj.us/njoem, Ready.gov or Listo.gov or call the toll-free numbers 1-800-BE-READY, TTY 1-800-462-7585 and 1-888-SE-LISTO. You can also text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) and sign up to receive monthly disaster safety tips on your mobile phone.

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Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema,

and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.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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New Jerseyans Should Include Pets in Their Preparedness Plan

President Declares Disaster for North Dakota

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of North Dakota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding during the period of April 22 to May 16, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Benson, Bottineau, Cass, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster, McHenry, Pembina, Ramsey, Renville, Richland, Rolette, Towner, Traill, Walsh, and Wells and the Spirit Lake Reservation.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Gary R. Stanley has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Stanley said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.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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President Declares Disaster for North Dakota

Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not Registering For FEMA Assistance

AURORA, Ill. – If you choose not to register with FEMA, you disqualify yourself from receiving federal disaster assistance.

Don’t listen to rumors about eligibility for FEMA assistance. Instead, get informed.

Illinois residents who had losses or damages from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 should register with FEMA, even if they think their damages and losses won’t be covered. Here’s why:

Misconception No. 1: “I only had a few inches of water in my basement.”

Why you should apply: If your appliances (furnace, water heater, freezer or refrigerator) sit directly on your basement floor, it may only take a few inches of water to get inside those mechanicals and cause damage. By applying for FEMA assistance, a trained inspector can determine if there are potential damages you may need to have tested and repaired. Don’t wait until winter to test your furnace and discover water damage. By then, it will be too late to register.

Misconception No. 2: “I bought a generator to operate medical equipment when I lost power during the storms.”

Why you should apply: You may be eligible if you purchased a generator to operate medical equipment after you lost power, but before it was restored. FEMA reviews requests for reimbursement of the cost of a generator on a case-by-case basis. Generators purchased for non-medical needs are not eligible for reimbursement.

Misconception No. 3: “I received assistance from FEMA after the 2010 floods. I won’t qualify for help this time.”

Why you should apply: Not necessarily. If you had damage from the April storms and flooding, take the time to register. A FEMA inspector will assess damages and that inspection will help determine eligibility. Receiving FEMA assistance from a previous disaster DOES NOT mean you can’t receive assistance from a subsequent disaster.

Misconception No. 4: “I’m not a U.S. citizen so I can’t apply.”

Why you should apply: Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from FEMA on behalf of a minor child who was born here. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

Misconception No. 5: “I have insurance, so I’m not going to bother to apply for federal assistance.”

Why you should apply: While FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other sources, including homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may be eligible for other uninsured damages. For example, flood insurance doesn’t cover additional living expenses. If your home is uninhabitable, FEMA may be able to help you relocate while repairs are made to your damaged dwelling.

Misconception No. 6: “My income makes me ineligible.”

Why you should apply: FEMA does not consider income when determining eligibility for FEMA assistance. Income is a consideration when determining eligibility for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, but you should apply and have an SBA specialist work with you to determine your options. Also, if you are denied by SBA, you may be eligible for even more assistance from FEMA, but you must apply first.

Misconception No. 7: “SBA loans are for businesses only.”

Why you should apply: SBA disaster loans are offered to businesses AND individuals. SBA loans are an affordable way to pay for up to 100 percent of uninsured disaster-related losses. By filling out and returning an application, you can first determine whether you’re eligible. You do not have to take a loan if it is offered to you.

Residents of 25 counties in the major disaster declaration are eligible to register for federal assistance. The counties include Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362.

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Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not Registering For FEMA Assistance

Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

Aurora, IL – Floodwaters have receded from the storms that hit several weeks ago, but they have left behind the perfect damp environment for mold and mildew to thrive.

Mold should be cleaned up as soon as possible or it may create health hazards, especially among the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, individuals can prevent mold after a flood by properly drying all porous and water damaged items, such as carpets, drywall and floors.

“Exposure to mold can cause coughing, sneezing, wheezing, upper respiratory irritation, and asthma symptoms, especially for sensitive individuals,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director, LaMar Hasbrouck, MD, MPH.

“If your home flooded and you have experienced these symptoms, contact your doctor,” Dr. Hasbrouck said.

You can identify mold by its musty, earthy odor and its fuzzy growth or discoloration on hard surfaces, furniture and carpeting. But it is not always visible—it can spread through cooling/heating ducts as well as wall insulation.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends cleaning all hard surfaces, such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic and other nonporous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water.

Then, disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10 percent bleach solution (one cup of bleach in one gallon of water).

Do not to mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Wear protective gear including rubber boots and gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask while cleaning.

Then dry or air dry by opening windows and doors, and turning on ceiling fans for more ventilation.

The general rule for porous materials is, if you cannot wash it, throw it away.

Throw out all moldy items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, pillows, wall coverings and all paper products.

Remove drywall or insulation that has been dampened by floodwater. Allow the wall studs to dry before installing new insulation and drywall.

For areas of mold clean-up larger than 30 square feet, The Illinois Department of Public Health suggests that residents seek out the assistance of a professional mold remediator.

For a mold removal company, people can search the Yellow Pages of a telephone book under “Fire and Water Damage Restoration.” The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (http://iicrc.org/consumers/care/mold-remediation) and the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (http://www.ascr.org) allow consumers to perform a search for their members online. The results of a typical search will include names of professionals, geographic location, and a telephone number.

Some nonprofit, faith or community based organizations can help to remove flood debris from the homes of residents unable to do it themselves. If you live within the Chicago city limits, call 311 for information. Outside of the city, call the local emergency management office to find out if volunteer help is available.

For more information, the Illinois Department of Public Health website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm has links to flood clean-up and related topics.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

CHICAGO – Illinois residents who are not United States citizens may be eligible for federal disaster assistance for damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5.

Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of a minor child who was born here. The child’s information, including his or her social security number, will be needed to register for assistance.

Any citizen living in the affected household can apply for FEMA aid. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

Non-citizen nationals, including those born in American Samoa or Swains Island, or those whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals (subject to certain residency requirements) also may qualify to register.

Applying for FEMA disaster assistance will not affect one’s eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

Undocumented immigrants from a household with no one eligible to apply for federal financial assistance may still be eligible for programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies.

Those in the United States with temporary tourist visas, student visas, work visas and temporary resident cards are not eligible for disaster assistance.

To register for disaster assistance, go to www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Under the presidential declaration, disaster assistance is available for residents in the following counties: Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.

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Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

Hurricane Season Approaches

PHILADELPHIA – Over the past two years, our region has seen numerous major hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought fierce winds, and heavy rains. Last year Hurricane Sandy brought battering storm surge to coastal and bay areas, and heavy snows to inland areas. All areas of our region saw the various effects that hurricanes and tropical storms can have.

As the 2013 Hurricane Season approaches, FEMA Region III continues to proactively work with its state, local, and federal partners to increase preparedness, coordinate response and recovery capabilities, and empower individuals to take an active role in their community’s emergency management team.

Starting on June 1^st, hurricane season lasts until November; the greatest potential for storm activity is the months of August and September. A great time for the Whole Community to begin planning for hurricane season is Hurricane Preparedness Week designated May 26 – June 1, 2013.

Everyone should take time to ensure that their family, household, and/or business is properly prepared for a potential hurricane or tropical storm. Residents should also communicate and interact with their local emergency officials. By talking to local officials, citizens gain valuable insight, lend input, and develop relationships for planning and communications before a storm.

FEMA recommends that everyone have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Emergency supply kits should include essential items like bottled water, battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries, medicines, toiletries, non-perishable food items, manual can opener, and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance policies, and birth certificates.

When planning, think about the potential needs of everyone in the household during an emergency. If your household includes a person with a disability, an infant, or a senior citizen, be sure to take the necessary steps to assist and make them comfortable during an emergency.

Pets are part of the family too! It is up to pet owners to research pet boarding options and pet friendly emergency shelters within your area in case of an evacuation. Be aware that animals may not always be welcome at some public shelter facilities.

Finally, hurricane season is an appropriate time to assess your risk of flooding and consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding, so evaluate whether a flood policy is right for you. Don’t delay though, flood insurance policies take thirty days to take effect. To assess flood risk for your home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov or call toll-free at 888-379-9531.

For more preparedness information, visit fema.gov, ready.gov, and nhc.noaa.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Media Contact: (215) 931-5597 FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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Hurricane Season Approaches

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