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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Reaches $51 Million

CHICAGO – In the nearly two weeks since 11 counties in Illinois were declared a major disaster area, federal assistance has reached $51 million, distributed among more than 17,000 individuals and households.

The latest summary of federal assistance to individuals and households that suffered losses due to the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 includes:

$51 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
Of that amount, more than $45 million approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance, home repair costs and assistance toward replacing destroyed homes;
Nearly $6 million approved to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
More than 22,000 home inspections completed to confirm disaster damage; and
More than 900 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated jointly by FEMA and the state of Illinois.

Eight languages, other than English, are being used to communicate assistance information to those affected by the severe storms and flooding: Arabic, German, Korean, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Urdu.

On May 22, 2013, FEMA approved the addition of 14 counties. Residents of 25 counties in the major disaster declaration can now 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 apply 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. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Reaches $51 Million

FEMA Corps Helps Young People Prepare

TRENTON, N.J.–In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy the Federal Emergency Management Agency implemented a program to help children understand the importance of preparation for future disasters. The program, FEMA for Kids, is presented by FEMA Corps members to elementary schools throughout New Jersey.

FEMA Corps is a new partnership between AmeriCorps and FEMA. Members, ages 18 to 24, help in the aid of disaster response and recovery. After Superstorm Sandy, teams were deployed to New Jersey to assist with recovery efforts and provide FEMA registration and preparedness information in communities throughout the state.

Through FEMA for Kids, elementary school students learn how to create a family emergency plan, assemble a disaster supply kit, and take care of pets during and after a disaster. The “art expression zone” encourages kids to express their feelings and thoughts about recent experiences with disasters through drawings and crafts.

FEMA has integrated FEMA for Kids in New Jersey’s affected communities, visiting 21 different schools, giving 28 presentations, and attending two community events to promote disaster awareness so far. Since its implementation, FEMA Corps members have reported having positive responses from the children and teachers, especially from the “art expression zones”.

Following the success of the FEMA for Kids program in New Jersey, FEMA Corps members created and developed the FEMA Connect program targeted to high school audiences. With numerous schools interested, FEMA Connect has grown from an idea to an active program. FEMA Corps has presented at one event and has more scheduled for May.

The objectives of the program are much like FEMA for Kids except it is geared towards an older age group. Students learn how to establish a family communication plan and how communities plan, respond to, and recover from disasters. In order to relate to and involve high school students, the program uses an emergency management scenario involving a fictional town and real life issues that may arise during and after a major storm event. The students are asked to give input on what families should do to prepare/react and how emergency managers should plan and respond for the disaster. FEMA Corps members are also there to answer any questions the students may have on how to get involved in their communities via volunteer agencies.

For more information on how to properly prepare for disasters, about the Ready Campaign or FEMA for Kids visit www.ready.gov.

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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FEMA Corps Helps Young People Prepare

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Close

CHICAGO – Two federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will permanently close this week. The DRC in Fulton County will close at 7 p.m. Friday, May 24. The DRC in Grundy County will close at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Although the centers will close, Illinois storm survivors can continue to register by phone or online through July 9.

The centers in the following locations are closing:

Fulton County

Fulton County Health Dept.

700 E. Oak St.

Canton, IL 61520

This DRC closes 7 p.m. Friday, May 24.

Grundy County

Morris Fire Dept.

2301 Ashton Rd.

Morris IL 60450

This DRC closes 7 p.m., Saturday, May 25.

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. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Be sure to contact FEMA if you change your mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, receive an insurance settlement, or discover additional damage.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Two Disaster Recovery Centers Close

Long Term Recovery Groups Help New Jersey Sandy Survivors

TRENTON, N.J. — In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched a coordinated effort to establish community-based recovery groups in affected counties of New Jersey.

Long Term Recovery Groups, also known as LTRGs, often become involved when personal resources, insurance and government grants or loans are not sufficient to meet the needs of disaster survivors. LTRGs identify long term recovery needs of individuals and families, utilize community volunteers and assist in determining the best recovery strategies.

There are currently 16 LTRGs established throughout New Jersey and are made up of representatives from different organizations that can provide resources for the long term disaster recovery process.

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) support the recovery process when LTRGs are not needed in a community. This group organizes and coordinates local community resources in response to the unmet needs of disaster survivors.

The Bergen County organization is one example of a successful LTRG in New Jersey. Recently, they have recently approved $100,000 in unmet needs assistance to be allocated to survivors in their county, granted temporary use of non-residential buildings to house volunteers, as well as continued the food stamp outreach program. This group has also provided 1,325 volunteers who have contributed 15,000 hours of service.

The Long Term Recovery Center in Bergen County provides disaster survivors with access to local resources as well as the opportunity to fill out requests for assistance from Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) member agencies. There are currently more than 55 faith-based, governmental and non-profit organizations contributing to the recovery effort in the county.

LTRGs throughout the state often are made up of friends, neighbors and community leaders who are able to incorporate the values and priorities of their local cultures in their disaster relief efforts. Based

on their involvement in these areas, voluntary agencies are frequently able to identify specific individuals, families or groups that have special needs after a disaster.

To locate additional assistance, Superstorm Sandy survivors in New Jersey can visit www.nj211.org or call 2-1-1 or 1-800-JERSEY7 to locate additional assistance they may need. For more information on the Bergen County LTRG, please visit www.bergenvoad.org.

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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Long Term Recovery Groups Help New Jersey Sandy Survivors

What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

CHICAGO – Inspectors from FEMA have begun meeting with disaster applicants in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties. Inspectors are reviewing damage caused by severe storms and flooding from April 16 through May 5, 2013.

Here is what you should expect if your storm/flood-damaged home is inspected:

Generally, within 10 days of registering for FEMA assistance, an inspector will call you to schedule an appointment to visit your damaged property. This property must be your primary residence.

Be prepared to coordinate a time for an appointment. Typically, inspections take 15 to 45 minutes. When an appointment time is agreed upon, the applicant or another adult who lived at the property must be present.
When the inspector arrives, look for official FEMA identification. The badge should include an identification number and a photo of the inspector. If a badge is not readily visible, ask the inspector to see it.
Authorized inspectors will only confirm personal detailed information that has been provided previously during the registration process. FEMA inspectors will never ask for money, for bank account information, or for a Social Security number. If someone tells you he or she is a FEMA inspector and asks you these questions, notify your local authorities.

The inspector will ask you for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy if you are a homeowner. If you are a renter only occupancy will be verified. You can speed up the process by having the following appropriate documents on hand:

A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Proof of occupancy, which may include any one of the following:
- A lease, rent receipt, recent utility bill or other document confirming the home was your primary residence
- A pay stub or similar document showing the address of the damaged home
Proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following:
- A deed showing applicant as the legal owner
- A title that lists applicant on escrow or title document; mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address
- A property insurance policy with applicant’s name as the insured
- Tax receipt or bill that lists the address and the applicant as the responsible party.

A FEMA video about home inspection is available online: fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5027 .

You must register for assistance before an inspector can schedule a visit. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the storms may register for assistance by calling the telephone registration line at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Online at fema.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov; and
By smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Keep in mind that July 9, 2013 is the last day to register for assistance in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties.

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: 609-508-2238

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What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Illinois’ Flood Damaged Areas

CHICAGO, IL – Only two days after President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for 11 Illinois counties, FEMA teams were out providing information to those affected recently by severe storms and flooding.

More than 10 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are canvassing areas hit by the disaster to provide information and give residents an opportunity to register for disaster assistance. DSAT members can also provide referrals to additional resources when unmet needs remain.

These teams visit homes, businesses, organizations and high-traffic locations in affected areas. They also meet with local officials and community leaders to provide additional eyes and ears in determining where issues exist.

“FEMA is providing support to disaster survivors directly in the communities where they live and work,” said W. Michael Moore, the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in Illinois. “This is a value-added service that we bring after a disaster for responders as well as survivors to expedite the recovery process.”

While FEMA DSATs are offering in-person service, it’s important that Illinoisans remain vigilant about protecting their personal information. For example, residents should always ask for identification. Federal and state officials always have ID clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

DSAT members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf. Illinois residents will not be required to share personal information unless they wish a DSAT member to enter the data for them. Residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585), visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov. For more information, go to: fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Illinois’ Flood Damaged Areas

Inspect Your Property Thoroughly Before You Repair Or Rebuild

TRENTON, N.J.–Repairing or rebuilding your home following Superstorm Sandy can be a complicated and expensive process, but having your home thoroughly inspected and making all necessary repairs are critical components of the recovery process.

While much of the damage from a storm such as Sandy is visible to the naked eye, hidden damage may exist that can pose a safety hazard to residents and/or compromise the integrity of the structure.

If you are living in your home while you are repairing it, are preparing to move back in and are about to begin repairs, be sure to follow these guidelines to protect your family:

Look for any external damage

Examine the foundation, roof and chimney of the structure for cracks or other damage. The presence of cracks does not necessarily mean an unsafe structure and may be unrelated to the storm. If necessary, contact a building design professional to evaluate your building and make a determination. If you have reason to believe that your home is not safe to occupy, the local building inspector could perform an inspection.

Thoroughly check your electrical system

Floodwater contaminants can create serious fire hazards if electrical wiring and equipment have been submerged in water. Even with professional cleaning and drying, sediments and toxins are difficult to remove. It is not always necessary to replace all of the wiring, but it is recommended that you have a qualified electrical contractor evaluate the condition of:

Circuit breakers and fuses
All electrical wiring systems
Light switches, thermostats, outlets, light fixtures, electric heaters and ceiling fans
Furnace burner and blower motors, ignition transformers, elements and relays for furnaces
Hot water tanks
Washing machines, dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, freezers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, vacuums, power tools, exercise equipment and similar pieces
Electronic equipment, including computers and home entertainment systems

Keep generators outside

If your building is without power and you plan to install a backup system, use generators or other fuel-powered machines outdoors only. Such machines emit deadly carbon monoxide fumes which are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you if they are used indoors.

Conduct a thorough inspection for mold

Flooding causes dampness where mold, mildew and various organisms thrive. It can grow unnoticed in hidden areas such as above ceilings, behind walls, in attics and basements or crawl spaces.

Exposure to mold can pose a health risk, particularly for infants, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions such as allergies or asthma.

Because mold feeds on cellulose, which is a component of many building materials, it can break down studs and joists, causing extensive property damage.

Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mold spores that may be released while you are cleaning, and be sure to follow directions when using cleaning products.

The New Jersey Department of Health has released Mold Guidelines for New Jersey Residents recovering from Superstorm Sandy. To receive a copy of Mold Guidelines for New Jersey Residents, call (609) 826-4950 or download a copy online at nj.gov/health/er/hurricane_recovery_resources.shtml.

Avoid Scam Artists

As you plan long-term repair and rebuilding projects, be aware that natural disasters can bring out criminals who prey on disaster victims by offering fraudulent services. The state Division of Consumer Affairs in the Attorney General’s Office licenses home improvement contractors, which is intended to provide protection for homeowners. For assistance filing a complaint, or to check on the complaint history of a business, call the DCA Consumer Service Center at (973) 504-6200.

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.

Continued:

Inspect Your Property Thoroughly Before You Repair Or Rebuild

Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

CHICAGO, IL – 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 and to keep these points in mind:

FEMA does not charge for information that it gives out. Apply free online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
FEMA does not send out text messages asking recipients to call fee-based telephone numbers. The toll-free numbers above are used for all contact with FEMA, including applying and follow-up.
FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration do not charge fees for information regarding filling out the SBA loan applications. Free assistance is available by calling SBA’s toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are canvassing affected areas to provide information about disaster assistance and give Illinois residents an opportunity to register. While FEMA DSATs are offering at-your-door service, it’s important to remain vigilant about protecting your personal information:

Residents should always ask for ID. Federal and state officials always have identification clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

DSAT members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf. DSAT members will never require Illinois residents to provide personal information. If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov.

Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse may call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603. You may also send an email to DHSOIGHotline@dhs.gov. Complaints may also be made via the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

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Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

Illinois Residents Urged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

CHICAGO, IL — Illinois residents affected by the late April flooding and storms may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and federal officials announced today.

“Registering is an important way to help get you on the path to a variety of recovery programs,” said Federal Coordinating Officer W. Michael Moore. “We’re urging people with disaster-related damages in federally declared counties to apply as soon as possible.”

The major federal disaster declaration, signed by President Obama May 10, offers Individual Assistance in the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will. Additional counties may be included at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Disaster survivors have several ways to apply.

Individuals can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
Another option is to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

In most cases, a FEMA inspector will call you within a few days of registering to arrange a visit to your damaged home or apartment. A FEMA inspector will always have an official badge visible during the inspection. Request to see identification before allowing the inspector to enter your home.

If you qualify for FEMA assistance, you will receive a federal government check or the funds will be directly deposited into your designated bank account. A separate letter also will be sent to you explaining how you may use the funds.

If you have questions about FEMA assistance, call 1-800-320-FEMA (3362). You can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.gov.

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Media Contact: Dick Gifford, 609-508-2238

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Illinois Residents Urged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Dakota Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

May 10, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-045Factsheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of South Dakota.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

May 10, 2013 – 17:48

State/Tribal Government or Region:

South Dakota

and

Region VIII

Related Disaster:

South Dakota Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm

Original article:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Dakota Declaration

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