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President Declares Disaster for Maryland

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Maryland to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 26 to November 4, 2012.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

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

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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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President Declares Disaster for Maryland

After Sandy, Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Home Depot This Weekend

WINDSOR, Conn. – An outreach team from FEMA will be at the Home Depot store in Fairfield this weekend to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer “how-to” information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities. Specialists can also provide clean-up tips to help prevent mold and mildew from forming in a storm-damaged home.

The FEMA team will be at the Home Depot store, 541 Kings Highway Cutoff, Fairfield, CT 06824, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 25.

Information will include instructions on how to:

Relocate circuit breaker panels, outlets and switches above potential floodwaters
Move washer and dryer hookups to a higher floor
Elevate furnaces and water heaters
Prevent sewer backups with a backflow valve

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

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 (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 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.

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After Sandy, Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Home Depot This Weekend

$564 Million Provided to Sandy Survivors in New York

NEW YORK – New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy have received $564 million in federal individual assistance grants to help them recover from damages caused by the storm.

The assistance includes $531 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs, and $33 million to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.

Disaster assistance grants must be used for disaster-related expenses. Shortly after receiving the funds, survivors receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency explaining how the money may be used. Survivors should keep receipts for all disaster-related expenses.

Housing Assistance funds may be used for:

Repairs to return the home to a safe and functional condition. These may include repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems or other structural parts of a home.
Rebuilding a home that has been destroyed.
Reimbursement for hotel or motel lodging expenses directly related to the disaster while the survivor’s home is being repaired. Those who must remain in temporary housing for an extended period may request more assistance until their home can be reoccupied or other permanent housing arrangements can be made.

Other Needs Assistance funds may be used for:

Medical, dental and funeral expenses.
Repair or replacement of damaged personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, furniture and appliances.
Reimbursement for moving expenses and transportation costs (vehicle repair).
Other approved disaster-related expenses.

Survivors with questions about use of FEMA grants may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA representatives are available 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice. Multi-lingual representatives are also available. Survivors may also visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov for information, or by smartphone, visit m.FEMA.gov.

The deadline for registration with FEMA is Dec. 31, 2012.

After registering, survivors may receive a loan application packet from the U. S. Small Business Administration. Even if they don’t want a loan or don’t expect to qualify for a loan, homeowners and renters should complete and return the SBA application. A completed SBA loan application is needed in order to qualify for state and FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and other help.

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$564 Million Provided to Sandy Survivors in New York

Louisiana Hurricane Isaac Survivors Have 10 Days Left to Register with FEMA

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana residents who sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Isaac have just 10 days left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for possible state and federal recovery assistance.

The registration deadline is Nov. 29. Louisianians can register for Individual Assistance or check the status of their registrations online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week; non-English speakers may receive assistance in the language of their choice by pressing Option 3 when prompted.

“Tens of thousands of Louisianians are putting state and federal recovery assistance to good use toward their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “We urge survivors who haven’t yet registered to do so before the deadline so we can be sure we’ve helped everyone who is eligible.”

Storm-affected homeowners, renters and business owners with uninsured or underinsured damage in the following disaster-designated parishes should register: Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

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

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Louisiana Hurricane Isaac Survivors Have 10 Days Left to Register with FEMA

FEMA Eligibility Letter, the First Letter May Not Be the Final Word

NEW YORK – If you applied for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Sandy and received a letter stating you were not eligible for disaster aid, you should know that the first letter may not be the final word.

If applicants receive a letter from FEMA that states that they are ineligible, it does not necessarily mean an applicant is not eligible for disaster assistance. If the letter states “ineligible” or “incomplete,” more information may be needed, such as the applicant’s insurance documents or proof of status of their claim, prior to disaster aid being granted.

FEMA requires homeowners and renters to provide insurance and other information at the time of registration. After a disaster, important documents may not be readily available or may be destroyed. Applicants for disaster aid can update their information about insurance and residency at any point during the application process.

A determination letter sent by FEMA will specifically explain why an application needs to be revisited. It might ask for insurance settlement documentation for property damaged or destroyed, or for documents reflecting proof of occupancy or ownership of the damaged property.

Other reasons an applicant may receive a denial letter include:

The damaged property is not listed as your primary residence at the time of the disaster.
The damage was due to pre-existing conditions.
The disaster damage was not documented.
The FEMA housing inspector cannot reach the applicant by phone.
Someone else in the household has already applied for assistance.
The application is not complete.

Applicants have several options to obtain clarification on their letters, they can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or they can call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or TTY 1-800-462-7585. In the DRCs, applicants will find representatives from the state, FEMA, the SBA and other organizations. The FEMA representatives can provide clarity on the letter and guidance on what additional documentation is needed.

For a list of the DRCs open in New York, go online to www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers. For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, please call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free lines are open 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice.

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FEMA Eligibility Letter, the First Letter May Not Be the Final Word

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Lowe’s This Weekend

WINDSOR, Conn. – An outreach team from FEMA will be at the Lowe’s home improvement store in Milford this weekend to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer “how-to” information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities. They will also provide clean-up tips to help prevent mold and mildew.

The FEMA team will be at the Lowe’s store at 311 Old Gate Lane in Milford from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 18.

Information will include instructions on how to:

Relocate circuit breaker panels, outlets and switches above potential floodwaters
Move washer and dryer hookups to a higher floor
Elevate furnaces and water heaters
Prevent sewer backups with a backflow valve

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

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Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Lowe’s This Weekend

FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers Stay Open Later To Help Survivors

WINDSOR, Conn. – The FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers in Connecticut will now be open later to give survivors more time to visit one of the centers.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand at the centers to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

People who suffered losses can get person-to-person assistance at the centers from specialists skilled in disaster-related subjects.

If possible, before visiting a center, register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, at m.fema.gov on the browser of a smartphone or web device; or call 800-621-3362. TTY users call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help in many languages is available.

Disaster recovery specialists at the center can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about their claim, or review information needed to process their claim. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.

Connecticut Disaster Recovery Center locations include:

Western Greenwich Civic Center

Room 203

449 Pemberwick Road

Greenwich, 06381

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Sat.

Groton Senior Center

102 Newtown Road

Groton, 06304

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Sat.

Long Wharf Campus Gateway Community College

60 Sargent Drive

New Haven, 06511

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Sat.

Department of Police Services

Conference Room

6 Custom Drive

Old Saybrook, 06475

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Sat.

Parson’s Government Center

70 West River St.

Milford, 06460

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 5 through Nov. 17

Housatonic Community College

900 Lafayette Blvd.

Bridgeport, 06604

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Fri., Sat 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

East Lyme Town Hall

108 Pennsylvania Ave.

Niantic, 06357

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 14 through Nov.16

Norwalk City Hall

125 East Ave.

Norwalk, 06851

Thurs., Nov. 15, 12-8 p.m.,

Nov. 16 through Nov. 17, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m

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FEMA-State Disaster Recovery Centers Stay Open Later To Help Survivors

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in New York

NEW YORK — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the request of the state of New York, has approved a 30-day extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. The program allows FEMA applicants whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Sandy, to stay in hotels or motels. This temporary emergency program is intended to help applicants whose homes are uninhabitable, until more suitable housing accommodations are available.

“We know that some survivors in hard-hit areas are facing critical challenges to getting back into their homes,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “We are working in close coordination with our state and local partners to do all we can to speed that process. Until that day, the TSA extension will offer eligible survivors some relief.”

The program, which began November 3, was originally scheduled to expire on November 16 with a checkout on November 17. The program now runs through December 14, in two successive intervals, with checkout dates of December 1, 2012, and December15, 2012.

New Yorkers can register for FEMA assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone on m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA has a toll-free number to help New Yorkers eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance find a hotel. The phone number is 866-863-8673 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585; phone lines are open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. New Yorkers who need accessible transportation assistance from the shelter they are currently in to the hotel where they will be staying should identify that need to operators at 866-863-8673 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. New Yorkers can also go online at http://femaevachotels.com/ to find participating hotels.

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

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FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in New York

FEMA Mississippi Operations Transfer from Clinton to Biloxi

CLINTON, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency/FEMA Joint Field Office and Operations Center will transfer to the Mississippi Recovery Office location in Biloxi on Nov. 21, and operate as a processing center.

The Clinton joint field office served as a hub for disaster operations following the landfall of Hurricane Isaac in Mississippi Aug. 28. The Biloxi recovery office was established in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina.

Before Isaac made landfall on the Gulf Coast, FEMA disaster personnel from across the country were on the ground to partner with the state to help individuals and communities.

At the height of response operations more than 800 FEMA personnel from every state, plus Canada, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico became part of the emergency response effort to support local and state emergency management. The staff included more than 60 Mississippians.

“The workforce we have brought here is an invaluable asset to Mississippi’s recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “We’re lucky to have a diverse group, including many Mississippians, all of whom possess a unique set of skills to help this state as it recovers from
Hurricane Isaac.”

Disaster personnel at the Clinton facility supported three recovery programs: Individual Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Public Assistance.

The programs help Mississippi disaster survivors and communities recover from Hurricane Isaac, as well as ensure they are better prepared for future disasters.

Disaster personnel do more than assist in the state’s recovery. FEMA personnel also contribute to the local economy by occupying hotel rooms, eating at restaurants and shopping in stores.

More than 40 FEMA Corps volunteers also have contributed to the disaster response effort in Mississippi. FEMA Corps is part of a new program within AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps. These members are devoted solely to disaster response and recovery efforts.

Nearly 50 volunteer agencies and faith-based groups also contributed significantly to the recovery. Hard-hit individuals and families have benefitted from debris cleanup teams, chainsaw crews, tree removal, home repairs and other essential recovery services that have been provided for free.

As FEMA transitions the Clinton Joint Field Office, Mississippians should know that help is only a phone call or internet link away and the agency will continue to assist residents through to a full recovery.

To reach FEMA:

Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
Dial 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 numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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FEMA Mississippi Operations Transfer from Clinton to Biloxi

Beware of Scams After Hurricane Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster recovery officials caution New Jersey residents to be on the alert for scam artists using old and new tricks to obtain vital information or take advantage of storm-weary survivors.

Be aware of the following scams used by con artists after a disaster:

Identity Theft

People may pretend to be employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other government agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or public utilities. By going door-to-door to storm-damaged homes, or by phone or on the internet, con artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers.

Remember:

A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with these agencies. All authorized FEMA or SBA personnel display a laminated photo identification card, which they are required to wear at all times;

FEMA will request personal information only when the applicant first contacts FEMA. Survivors of Hurricane Sandy can register with FEMA in any of the following ways:

Online any time at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov
By phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
By 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) at 800-621-3361 or (TTY) 800-462-758.

On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative would ask only for the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number.

False Payment or Bribe

Imposters may ask for some form of service payment, or bribe – something no FEMA, SBA or federal agency employee should ever do. FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage but do not determine cost estimates. FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.

Con artists may pose as insurance specialists or expeditors, claiming they can convince FEMA to increase home repair damage aid or the insurer to pay a larger settlement. The scammers ask the applicant or policyholder to sign a contract giving them a percentage of the “increased” payment. The essence of the con is to take a percentage of the damage grant or policy settlement that would be given anyway. FEMA always deals directly with each applicant and is always willing to consider an appeal by sending a new inspector to review damaged property or claimed losses.

Home Repair Scams

Unregistered home improvement contractors may take the disaster survivor’s money and disappear, leaving unfinished work and unsafe homes. Before hiring a contractor, the survivor should check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered, as well as ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify the policy is valid. All contracts should be in writing, and reviewed before being signed. Full payment should not be made until the work is completed.

The local police department should be notified of suspected fraud.

Price Gouging

Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect the prices are too high.

Charity Scams

Before donating, people should investigate to be sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey and ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

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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Beware of Scams After Hurricane Sandy

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