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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Poinsettia Fire in San Diego County, California

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California combat the Poinsettia Fire currently burning in Carlsbad, Calif.

On May 14, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Poinsettia Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 2,500 homes in and around the community of Carlsbad, Calif., with a combined population of 105,000. All of the threatened homes are primary residences; none are secondary residences. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 15,000 people. The fire started on May 14, 2014 and has burned in excess of 100 acres of State and private land. There are 5 other large fires burning uncontrolled within the State.

The President’s Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible costs covered by the grant can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Poinsettia Fire in San Diego County, California

Don’t Be Victimized by Fraudulent Contractors or Disaster Workers

JACKSON, MS – Mississippians whose homes were damaged in the recent storms and tornadoes may encounter people attempting to cheat them by posing as inspectors, government officials or contractors. These persons may try to obtain personal information or collect payment for disaster assistance or repairs.

Please keep in mind that FEMA employees DO NOT solicit or accept money from disaster survivors. Many legitimate disaster assistance employees may visit your property such as insurance agents, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams and inspectors.

Here are some tips to remember to safeguard against fraud:

Ask to see ID badges. All FEMA representatives will have a laminated photo ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter, please contact local law enforcement.
Safeguard personal information. Be cautious when giving personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone. FEMA will only request an applicant’s bank account numbers during the initial registration process. However FEMA inspectors will require verification of identity.
Beware of people going door-to-door. People knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be con artists, especially if they ask for personal information or solicit money.
Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help to fill out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages, but do not involve themselves in any aspect of the repair nor recommend any contractor.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in your community providing information and assisting people in registering with FEMA or updating their files. The teams coordinate their activities with local emergency managers and make local law enforcement agencies aware of their presence. The teams always consist of at least two people, and may include employees of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) as well as FEMA. They will always be wearing FEMA (or MEMA) shirts and laminated photo IDs. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams never ask for or accept payment for their services.

Always use licensed and bonded contractors and ask for credentials. Use Mississippi contractors if you can. You can verify a Mississippi contractor’s license online at msboc.us. If you have a complaint about anyone soliciting your business, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office toll-free number at 800-281-4418.

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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Don’t Be Victimized by Fraudulent Contractors or Disaster Workers

Completing SBA Disaster Loan Application Keeps the Recovery Process Moving

JACKSON, MS. — If disaster survivors in Mississippi apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration, it’s important for them to submit a loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues and they keep their options open.

FEMA and SBA encourage homeowners, renters and businesses to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund their losses:

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

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

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

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

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Completing SBA Disaster Loan Application Keeps the Recovery Process Moving

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Jones County

RIDGELAND, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Jones County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

The Jones County 361 Saferoom

1425 Ellisville Blvd.

Laurel, MS 39440

Specialists from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be on hand to answer questions. By visiting the center, survivors can:

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists with completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

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

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

(TTY) 800-462-7585.

Disaster survivors can visit any of the nine open disaster recovery centers in Mississippi. To locate the nearest center, survivors can visit FEMA.gov/DRCLocator or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585.)

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

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Jones County

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Madison County

PEARL, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Madison County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

Madison County Road Department

3137 S. Liberty St.

Canton, MS 39046

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

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

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

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

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

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org/ or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Madison County

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Wayne County

PEARL, Miss. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Wayne County to assist Mississippi residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 28 to May 3.

The disaster recovery center will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice and is located at:

City #4 Voting Precinct Building

810 Chickasawhay Street

Waynesboro, MS 39367

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.
Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
Find out the status of an application.

Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

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

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org/ or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Wayne County

Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

CLANTON, Ala. – State and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in thirteen additional Alabama counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses.

Blount, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa counties were added Tuesday to the May 2 major disaster declaration for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that overwhelmed parts of Alabama from April 28 through May 5.

The thirteen additional counties are now eligible to apply for all seven categories listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

Categories A and B cover debris removal and emergency protective measures, while categories C through G include more permanent work on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings and contents, as well as water facilities, public utilities and parks.

The five counties previously designated for Public Assistance for categories A and B are now eligible to apply for all seven categories. These counties are Baldwin, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone and Mobile.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA reimburses applicants a minimum of 75 percent of their eligible expenses. The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

The eighteen total counties in Alabama now eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G are Baldwin, Blount, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa.

More information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

For more information on Alabama disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4176. Visit the Alabama Emergency Management Agency website at ema.alabama.gov/ or Facebook page at facebook.com/AlabamaEMA.

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Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

FEMA Specialists Reach Out to Survivors in Hard-Hit Alabama Communities

CLANTON, Ala. – Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are reaching out to survivors in Alabama’s hardest hit communities to help individuals register for assistance. Survivors may meet a specialist in their neighborhood or speak to one on the phone.

Crews of FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists and FEMA Corps members are canvassing affected areas to provide on-site registration assistance, address immediate and emerging needs, and answer any questions specific to the registration process. Specialists can also provide referrals to additional resources.

FEMA crews are visiting homes, businesses, local organizations and churches in Baldwin, Blount, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone and Tuscaloosa counties.

Using tablets, crew members can help a survivor fill out an application for assistance on the spot – collecting information in person. Crew members can be identified easily by their photo badges and either FEMA or FEMA Corps clothing. Alabama residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

Survivors in designated counties may also receive a phone call from FEMA Individual Assistance specialists if they have already registered for disaster assistance.

If called, applicants could be asked to verify their identity with some of the following information:

The last four digits of their Social Security number.
The address of their damaged home.
The applicant’s current mailing address.
The applicant’s current phone number.

If applicants receive a phone call from FEMA representatives and question the validity of the caller, they can contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the source of the call. The FEMA representative will then make another attempt to call the applicant back. FEMA will not call applicants to request any banking information.

Those who suspect anyone of committing fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and through the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs at 800-392-5658.

Survivors in the counties currently designated for Individual Assistance can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

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FEMA Specialists Reach Out to Survivors in Hard-Hit Alabama Communities

First Letter May Not Be the Last Word from FEMA

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Applicants who receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saying they are ineligible for disaster assistance after the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding on April 27 may discover that a “no” can be turned into a “yes.”

“Please don’t be discouraged if you get a letter from FEMA saying you are ineligible for aid,” said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM). “That letter may be just one step in the process. You can ask FEMA for a fresh review of your situation.”

“A denial may simply mean that we need more information to make a decision regarding your application,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Timothy J. Scranton. “Please work with us. Help us help you.”

The most common reasons for a denial of housing assistance include:

The applicant needs to provide FEMA with a copy of an insurance settlement.
The applicant did not sign the required documents.
The applicant did not prove occupancy or ownership.
The damage is to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.
Someone else in the household has already applied and received help.
A FEMA housing inspector cannot reach the applicant by phone.
The applicant did not maintain the required flood insurance coverage for the damaged property.

An applicant has the right to appeal a denial in writing within 60 days from the date of the decision letter from FEMA. Instructions for appeals can be found in the “Help After a Disaster” handbook that each applicant receives.

Applicants can call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or TTY 1-800-462-7585, to ask for an explanation of why they were denied and instructions for submitting information that was missing or has changed from their initial registration. For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Applicants may also get assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center, where specialists from the state of Arkansas, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand to answer questions, accept required documents and review applications, including disaster loan applications. DRCs are currently operating in Mayflower, Pocahontas and Vilonia, with Mobile DRCs open in Searcy and Little Rock.

If FEMA determines that an applicant is not eligible for a federal grant, the applicant may still be eligible for other assistance, such as disaster unemployment assistance, low-interest federal disaster loans or free legal assistance.

For more information on Arkansas disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4174. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.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. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6, Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

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First Letter May Not Be the Last Word from FEMA

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Hard-Hit Vilonia

Little Rock, Ark. – A State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Monday in Vilonia in Faulkner County, giving storm survivors there the chance to talk directly with qualified disaster assistance personnel.

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources.

At the center, visitors will be able to talk to specialists from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Internal Revenue Service, the American Red Cross, plus other agencies and groups. Those professionals will be available to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available, including FEMA Individual Assistance grants and SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.

Disaster Recovery Center Location:

Disaster Recovery Center
1122 Main St.
Vilonia, AR 72455
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays: 1 to 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing affected areas in the county to help people register and provide information. All DSA team members wear FEMA shirts and have FEMA badges.

Survivors can continue to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also 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 telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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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, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Hard-Hit Vilonia

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