FEMA Aid Will Not Affect Senior Citizens’ Benefits

WARWICK, R.I. – Rhode Island senior citizens who receive federal disaster assistance for losses due to Hurricane Sandy will still be able to receive all their other federal benefits-and they need not worry about having to pay any additional taxes. 

“We want to assist seniors affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo, who leads the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Sandy recovery mission in Rhode Island. “We can’t do that if they fear that asking for help will impact their other benefits or raise their taxes.”

Federal disaster assistance does not affect Social Security payments, Medicare benefits, food stamps or any other federal assistance programs.. The Internal Revenue Service does not consider it taxable income.

Seniors and others who experienced damage from Sandy may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. This may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs, not covered by insurance or other programs.

To determine whether they are eligible for disaster recovery help from FEMA, seniors and others must register. Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or to m.fema.gov if using a smartphone or call 800-621-FEMA (3362), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585.

After registering with FEMA, applicants may receive a packet from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA loans are not just for small businesses. After a federally declared disaster, the SBA offers low-interest disaster recovery loans for homeowners and renters. No one is obligated to take out a loan. But if you don’t complete the application, you will not be considered for some other federal grants.

Some seniors with paid-off mortgages may wonder why they would want a long-term government loan. But if they need funds to restore their homes to pre-disaster condition, a low-interest loan from the federal government may be the best solution. The SBA offers disaster loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to homeowners and renters for personal property losses.  Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent. 

Find tweets about Sandy recovery at @femaregion1. For Rhode Island specific information go to http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4089. Other online resources include @FEMASandy and http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FEMASandy and http://blog.fema.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.

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 temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, 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.

Excerpt from:

FEMA Aid Will Not Affect Senior Citizens’ Benefits

National Flood Insurance Program Probation for Port Vincent, Louisiana

DENTON, Texas- Efforts are ongoing by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist the village of Port Vincent, Louisiana hold on to its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) status; a status that it is in jeopardy of losing if it does not correct current floodplain management violations.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) makes flood insurance available in communities where minimum local floodplain management standards are adopted and enforced. FEMA recently issued a letter to Port Vincent that establishes a deadline of March 1, 2013 for the village to correct certain violations and program deficiencies.

The deficiencies cited in the probation letter include the failure to manage floodplain development in accordance with the village’s floodplain program and a lack of adequate administrative procedures and record keeping.

While the village works to correct these violations, property owners will still be able to purchase and renew flood insurance coverage during the probationary period. However, a $50 surcharge will be added to any policy sold or renewed in the community for the next year beginning on March 1, 2013. There are currently 103 flood insurance policies in the village.

If the village fails to make progress by Sept. 1, 2013, it could be suspended from the program. The result of suspension is the loss of federally backed flood insurance in the community.  Residents in the village will not be able to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies after the suspension occurs.

Additionally, if a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance for structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including federal assistance to individuals and households is not available. Also, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies from making grants, loans, or guarantees for the acquisition or construction of structures located in a SFHA.

###

 FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

This article: 

National Flood Insurance Program Probation for Port Vincent, Louisiana

New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kings County on Thursday

 NEW YORK – The state of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a new Disaster Recovery Center in Brooklyn at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, to provide one-on-one, face-to-face help for Hurricane Sandy survivors. 

The center will be located at Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club, 3076 Emmons Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11235.

Normal operational hours for the Disaster Recovery Center are:

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice

Individuals may visit the Brooklyn center to obtain useful FEMA information and apply forlow-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Two months after Hurricane Sandy struck, 22 Disaster Recovery Centers are open throughout New York. They have hosted more than 114,000 survivors of the severe weather. 

To find the nearest 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, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals 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 downloading the FEMA app. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (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 24 hours a day, 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.

Link:  

New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kings County on Thursday

Help Available For Sandy Survivors Stressed By Holidays

TRENTON, N.J. — The holiday season can create its own stress. This stress can be especially trying for those recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

Free help is available just a phone call away for New Jersey survivors who feel overwhelmed during the holidays.

The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline at 877-294-4357 or TTY 877-294-4356 is open  from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Hours for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All calls are free and confidential.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also supports a Disaster Mental Health Helpline run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration where counselors are available 24 hours a day including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The number is 800-985-5990.

Rest, exercise and healthy eating help the body deal with stress. But disaster-induced mental distress may include:

  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Stomach aches or headaches.
  • Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why.
  • Lack of energy or always feeling tired.
  • Severe disorientation or confusion.
  • Overwhelming sense of guilt.
  • Depression, sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
  • Increased use of substances like drugs or alcohol.

Disaster survivors may doubt that happiness will ever be possible again. Talking about those feelings with friends or counselors can help.

Talking to someone can help survivors keep perspective. Eventually, these out-of-balance times will improve. In the meantime, it is important to connect with others.

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.

Continue reading here – 

Help Available For Sandy Survivors Stressed By Holidays

Use Disaster Funds Wisely and for Intended Purpose

HUNT VALLEY, Md.  — State and federal disaster assistance is bringing needed financial help to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damage or loss as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

But Maryland Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are urging storm survivors to use disaster funds wisely and only for their intended purpose.

“Many people have great needs and the money they receive may not cover all they would like,” said MEMA Executive Director Ken Mellette. “But if you spend money on anything other than what your FEMA letter tells you, additional assistance may not be available.”

Funds are available through grants for housing or other needs and through low-interest federal loans to replace housing or personal effects.

Housing Assistance grants must be used only for

Basic housing repairs for homeowners

  • Short-term rental assistance
  • Reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses

Other Needs Assistance grants should be used to help replace essential personal property and meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable-aid programs. Most funds are deposited electronically and a letter follows in the mail to explain how the money is to be used.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

“We want you to use the money to meet specific disaster-related needs,” Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said.

Here are tips to help you get the most out of your personal disaster recovery payment:

  • Keep all of your receipts.
  • If you receive your grant in the form of a check, make sure to safeguard those funds and only spend the money on disaster-related expenses.
  • Don’t be tempted to pay household bills with the disaster recovery payment.
  • Don’t make purchases unrelated to needs created by the disaster.

Disaster grants are subject to an audit and recipients should keep receipts or bills for three years to demonstrate how all funds were used in meeting disaster-related needs. These grants are tax free and are not a loan. They do not have to be repaid. They are not counted as income for welfare or other federal benefit programs and they cannot be garnished.

 “If you receive an SBA loan application after you apply with FEMA, be sure to complete and return it to the SBA,” Lapinski said. “If you don’t, you can disqualify yourself from any more federal assistance.”

FEMA’s housing assistance and grants for disaster-related medical and dental expenses, 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 the SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Completing the loan application does not commit you to a loan, but it is an important part of the federal financial disaster assistance process.

President Obama’s major disaster declaration for Maryland made federal assistance available to affected individuals in Somerset County.

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091, www.mema.maryland.gov or www.sba.gov/sandy.

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.

 

 

 

Original article – 

Use Disaster Funds Wisely and for Intended Purpose

Resolve to be Ready in Florida, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Florida, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

“While Florida is known as the most hurricane-prone state in the nation, there are an abundance of severe weather threats that require all Floridians to be prepared year-round,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “Making emergency preparedness a resolution for your family or business is a great way to get motivated and be prepared for whatever 2013 may bring to the Sunshine State.”

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.gov.  

To learn more about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan!, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org or www.kidsgetaplan.com, and follow FDEM on Twitter at @FLSERT, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and on Google+ at FLSERT.

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.

 

###

View original article – 

Resolve to be Ready in Florida, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Mississippi, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Mississippi, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

MEMA’s goal for the new year is for every Mississippian to be prepared for any type of disaster, whether natural or man-made.

“The events of the past year prove that preparedness is the most important aspect of disasters,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “Preparedness begins with individuals and families, but should include the whole community. When everyone is prepared, residents will have to depend less on local, state and federal government to recover after a disaster.”

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.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.

 

###

 

Link:

Resolve to be Ready in Mississippi, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

“Although local, state and federal governments are ready to assist the public during times of emergencies and disasters, preparedness starts at home.  In the event of large scale disasters, it may take time to respond immediately,” said KYEM Director John W. Heltzel.

“The severe weather and tornadoes that destroyed much of West Liberty last March and other past disasters have taught us many valuable lessons which we continue to learn from,” continued Heltzel. “One of the most important lessons is the value of individual and family preparedness.”

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.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.

 

###

 

See the article here:

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

I Started By Calling FEMA, Why Did I End Up With The SBA

TRENTON, N.J. — Some Hurricane Sandy survivors who ask for disaster assistance wonder why they receive applications for loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Receiving an SBA loan application is part of the process that begins when survivors register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help after a disaster.

Applications of those registering with FEMA are evaluated, based on the information they supply, for available disaster assistance. This includes money for essential repairs or replacement of homes and personal property, such as automobiles, lost as a result of the disaster.

Those found to be eligible for SBA’s low-interest, long-term loans are sent applications. The applications for SBA loans must be returned by Jan. 30, 2013.

Filling out and returning the SBA documents does not obligate the survivor to accept a loan, if offered. But completing the application is a necessary step for those needing money for more than housing assistance.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program can provide grants to repair or replace personal property items such as clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

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.

Visit site: 

I Started By Calling FEMA, Why Did I End Up With The SBA

Stay In Touch With FEMA – Make Sure Your Contact Information Is Current

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who have already registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency need to keep in touch with the agency, especially if their contact information changes.

Updating contact information with current address and phone numbers will ensure FEMA can reach an applicant with new information or questions.

Individuals can visit a disaster recovery center for help or talk by phone or 711/VRS to the toll-free FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Either method works to:

  • Update an application with a change of address or new phone number.
  • Ask questions about disaster assistance.
  • Track the progress of a FEMA application.
  • Get information about the inspection process.
  • Advise FEMA of insurance settlements.
  • Learn about the steps to appeal a FEMA decision.
  • Obtain a Small Business Administration application and get help filling it out.
  • Learn rebuilding techniques to make a home stronger.

Anyone who was affected by Hurricane Sandy but has not yet registered with FEMA should do so as soon as possible. In addition to the disaster recovery centers and the FEMA helpline, it is possible to register online at www. DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov anytime.

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.

See original: 

Stay In Touch With FEMA – Make Sure Your Contact Information Is Current

 Page 78 of 105  « First  ... « 76  77  78  79  80 » ...  Last »