Hurricane Sandy Survivors May Now Use FEMA Rental Assistance for Security Deposits

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors may now be able to use temporary rental assistance funds to help pay for a security deposit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reported today.

Survivors may use up to one month of FEMA rent money to cover required security deposits. Those who need more help with rent can show a security deposit receipt to support a request for additional assistance. Survivors must also show a continuing need. This money may not be used to pay for telephone or television service or utilities. For more information, contact FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Federal and state officials encourage residents of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London County to apply for assistance as soon as possible.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register, check status of applications or receive other assistance at the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern, seven days a week, until further notice. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available during the same hours at the close of the English message.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance, nor does it disqualify anyone from applying for assistance. Flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers 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.

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.

 

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Hurricane Sandy Survivors May Now Use FEMA Rental Assistance for Security Deposits

Deadlines extended for FEMA registration and Transitional Sheltering Assistance program in New York

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the State of New York, has approved a 30-day extension for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance. The new registration deadline for Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York is Feb. 27. FEMA also approved a 14-day extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. The new checkout date for applicants staying in hotels under this program is Sunday, Feb. 10.

Registration deadline

The Feb. 27 registration deadline allows survivors in the 13 New York counties designated for federal disaster assistance an additional 30 days to register with FEMA and complete and return low-interest SBA disaster loan applications, an important step in the FEMA grant process. Designated counties include: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

People in these counties who sustained losses due to Hurricane Sandy should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Applying by the deadline may help survivors avoid a funding shortfall if they later find that they are underinsured or have additional damages.

Survivors who register may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses including rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

By returning the SBA disaster loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property. Businesses and private nonprofits may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program deadline

The temporary Transitional Sheltering Assistance program allows eligible Hurricane Sandy survivors whose houses have been severely damaged or destroyed to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

The extension was approved to help those applicants still eligible for the program to remain in hotels as FEMA and its state and local partners work to identify longer-term housing solutions. All TSA applicants currently staying in hotels will be evaluated for continued eligibility.

FEMA continues to work in coordination with state, local and voluntary agency partners to assist applicants through outreach and comprehensive casework to identify and transition them to more suitable temporary or long-term housing.

Meals, telephone calls and other incidental charges are not covered, and applicants are responsible for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance.  The program does not reimburse previously incurred hotel expenses.

How to register

Individuals also can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors also can call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). People who use 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors who have questions regarding the registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs are encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center or contact FEMA.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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. 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.

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Deadlines extended for FEMA registration and Transitional Sheltering Assistance program in New York

Preliminary Flood Maps in Greater New Orleans Area Ready for Public View

PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS IN THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA READY FOR PUBLIC VIEW

Knowing flood risks allows for more informed decisions

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in Greater New Orleans area are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Local officials from Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles and Jefferson parishes, the state of Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities impacted by the new Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the parishes, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said R6 Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To view the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) or follow the links below:

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  The NFIP is currently undergoing a thorough modernization.  Meanwhile, contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about insurance.  Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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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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Preliminary Flood Maps in Greater New Orleans Area Ready for Public View

Service to end at Disaster Recovery Center in Brooklyn

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, to visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 9719 Flatlands Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11236.

The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. Traffic at the Flatlands Avenue center has slowed, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met. So far, nearly 4,500 survivors have visited the center.

The center’s remaining hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, Friday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27.

Survivors who need help may still visit any of the other centers that remain open throughout New York, including five in Brooklyn. To find the nearest center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.                  

Individuals also can find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors also can call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until Jan. 28, 2013, to register for federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Service to end at Disaster Recovery Center in Brooklyn

FEMA Extends Deadline To Register For Hurricane Sandy Assistance In New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until March 1, 2013, to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

People with storm losses in all counties in New Jersey can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week.

The deadline was extended one month at the request of the state of New Jersey. Through Wednesday, Jan. 23, more than 57,500 storm survivors have been approved for help through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program in New Jersey.

The disaster registration process serves as a referral point for FEMA programs and those of partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. 

The SBA has also set March 1 as the date for homeowners, renters and business owners to complete and return SBA disaster loan applications. Visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955, TTY 800-877-8339 for more information.

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 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.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program provides long term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. All SBA’s program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

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FEMA Extends Deadline To Register For Hurricane Sandy Assistance In New Jersey

Register with FEMA even if you registered with other agencies

NEW YORK – Since Hurricane Sandy impacted New York State, voluntary agencies and community- and faith-based groups have been working hand-in-hand with New Yorkers to help meet their needs — and some agencies may have asked survivors to register with them.

But the Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding survivors to register with FEMA if they are seeking federal disaster grants or loans.

“We often find that people think they are registered with FEMA after they have contacted their county emergency managers, disaster-relief organizations, or local community- or faith-based organizations, but they are not,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “The only way we can get federal assistance to eligible survivors is if they are registered with FEMA.”

This means you should register with FEMA even if you have contacted New York 2-1-1, the American Red Cross or any other agency or local organization. Only a FEMA registration will open the way for possible federal grants and loans.

“Sometimes survivors mistakenly think they are not eligible for federal or state assistance, but when we review their applications we find they are,” Byrne said. “That’s why it’s so important that they register.”

That means register with FEMA, even if:

  • You have insurance. FEMA may be able to provide additional assistance or help with other needs not covered by insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
    • You used all the rent money that your insurance company provided under Alternative Living Expenses coverage and your home is not ready for occupancy.
    • Your insurance does not include Alternative Living Expenses.
    • Your insurance settlement for Hurricane Sandy has not arrived.
  • Your home is still inaccessible. Register. If a housing inspection is warranted, we’ll assign an inspector as soon as possible.
  • You are a renter. Renters may be eligible for temporary housing or other needs assistance.
  • You think you may not be eligible. Let our specialists work with you to help determine whether FEMA might be able to provide some form of assistance.
  • You only had minor damage. It’s hard to know the full extent of the damage. Go ahead and register.

Survivors have until Jan. 28, 2013 to register for FEMA assistance.

Registration is easy through any of FEMA’s registration portals: Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet, go to m.fema.gov or download the FEMA app. Call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

A FEMA Language Assistance Line is available for those who need interpretation services in languages other than English or Spanish. Call: 866-333-1796.

Survivors can also visit any one of the Disaster Recovery Centers now open in many of the disaster-designated counties. To find the DRC nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address or visit www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Disaster assistance for individuals may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make a home habitable. Survivors could also be eligible for grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Register with FEMA even if you registered with other agencies

FEMA Obligates Nearly $3.3 Million to Louisiana Department of Public Safety for Hurricane Isaac Emergency Measures

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Public Safety will receive a nearly $3.3 million federal grant to reimburse the costs it incurred to provide measures to save lives and property before, during and after Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Thursday.

“When disasters strike, the men and women of the Department of Public Safety are on the front lines to help protect Louisiana and its residents,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “This grant helps reimburse the department for its efforts to protect the health, safety and property of Louisianians during Hurricane Isaac.”

Between Aug. 26 and Sept. 10, Hurricane Isaac produced high winds, rain and flooding throughout the state. The department and its divisions provided emergency protective measures necessary to eliminate and reduce immediate threats to life, public health and safety, and public and private property. The FEMA Public Assistance grant, totaling $3,277,030, helps reimburse the department for the costs of equipment, personnel and supplies used during the Hurricane Isaac response and recovery effort.

The newly obligated funds are a portion of the $189 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration.

Once FEMA reimburses the state of Louisiana it is the state’s responsibility to manage the funds, which includes making disbursements to local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Obligates Nearly $3.3 Million to Louisiana Department of Public Safety for Hurricane Isaac Emergency Measures

Deadline Extended a Third Time for Isaac-Related Flood Insurance Claims in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana property owners with flood insurance policies whose homes or other structures were damaged during Hurricane Isaac have an additional 30 days to file claims for their flood-related losses. This means most policyholders have until Feb. 21 to complete their proof of loss.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) usually requires claims to be reported within 60 days from the date of loss. Three extensions have been granted, however, because access to NFIP-insured homes and other buildings was delayed due to infrastructure damage and high floodwaters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the program.

With the latest 30-day extension on flood insurance claims, Louisianians have 180 days from the date of their insured loss to submit a claim, known as proof of loss. Hurricane Isaac first made landfall in Louisiana on Aug. 28, 2012, with heavy rainfall and flooding occurring within several days before and after it hit. For this reason the date of loss varies for property owners.

“Many Isaac survivors continue to gather information that will help adjusters determine their flood insurance loss,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “However, we urge folks who haven’t yet filed their proof of loss to do so as soon as possible.”

Failure to submit the proof of loss could cause policyholders to miss out on benefits from their flood insurance policy, NFIP specialists said.

Since Isaac made landfall, the NFIP has paid out more than $416 million on 13,159 claims in Louisiana.

Policyholders with questions about flood insurance or concerns about their claims may contact their local insurance agent, call FEMA program experts at 1-866-331-1679 or 1-866-330-7286, or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Deadline Extended a Third Time for Isaac-Related Flood Insurance Claims in Louisiana

FEMA offers Free Advice On ‘Building Stronger, Safer, Smarter’

TRENTON, N.J. — Visit your area home improvement store to get free advice on how to repair or rebuild your home to minimize future disaster damage. Specialists from Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer their expertise on building techniques that can help protect your home, business or other property.

This free service also offers information and publications on topics such as:

  • Elevating or anchoring utilities.
  • Eliminating mold and mildew from your home.
  • Using flood- and wind-resistant building methods.
  • Understanding flood insurance.

FEMA specialists are available daily from Tuesday, Jan. 22, to Saturday, Jan. 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following home improvement stores:

  • Atlantic County –
    • Home Depot, 421 E. Absecon Blvd., Absecon, NJ 08201    
    • Home Depot,  6 Tower Ave., Egg Harbor Township , NJ 08234                
  • Hudson County –
    • Lowe’s, 400 Bayonne Crossing Way, Bayonne, NJ 07002
    • Home Depot, 440 Route 440, Jersey City, NJ 07302
  • Middlesex County –
    • Home Depot, 1090 Route 9 S., Old Bridge, NJ 08857
  • Monmouth County –
    • Home Depot, 3700 Highway 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730
    • Home Depot, 310 Highway 36, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
  • Ocean County –
    • Lowe’s, 1375 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753 
  • Union County –
    • Home Depot , 977 W. Grand St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202

For additional information, visit fema.gov/SandyNJ and click on “Mitigation Resources.”

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 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 offers Free Advice On ‘Building Stronger, Safer, Smarter’

Improve Protection Of Home Or Business With SBA Loan

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jerseyans may use low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration to better protect their home or business structures from future disasters.

Home and business owners can choose to borrow up to an additional 20 percent of the approved loan amount for mitigation improvements including building elevation, retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps and relocating utilities.

Survivors can indicate on their SBA loan applications that they want to apply for additional mitigation funds and specify how they would protect their home or business.

Homeowners can receive loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged property while businesses can receive loans up to $2 million.

SBA disaster loans for building code requirements can increase the total of the loan up to 100 percent.

The deadline to apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan is Jan. 30.

SBA is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. In most cases, Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will not cover all of the repair needs of homeowners. Money for a temporary rental home is the form of help FEMA largely provides so obtaining a low-interest SBA disaster loan is a survivor’s best option for repairing their home, replacing property and mitigating their home.

For additional information on 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. SBA customer service representatives are available at all disaster recovery centers throughout the state. Centers can be found online at fema.gov/DRC.

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 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.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program provides long term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. All SBA’s program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

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Improve Protection Of Home Or Business With SBA Loan

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