Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en Caseyville, Illinois cierra el 16 de diciembre

St. Clair County, Ill. – El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC por sus siglas en inglés) en Caseyville cerrará permanentemente el viernes, 16 de diciembre. Las personas afectadas por las inundaciones del 25 al 28 de julio en el condado de St. Clair pueden aún visitar el Centro de Recuperación de Caseyville hasta las 3 p.m. del 16 de diciembre.

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

lunes a sábado, 9 a.m. a 3 p.m., cerrado los domingos

Cierra permanentemente el viernes, 16 de diciembre

Los sobrevivientes del desastre también pueden visitar el Centro de Recuperación en East St. Louis, hasta el 22 de diciembre.

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

lunes a viernes: 8 a.m. a 6 p.m.,

sábado: 9 a.m. a 3 p.m., cerrado los domingos

Cierra permanentemente el jueves, 22 de diciembre

No se necesita cita previa para visitar un DRC. Las personas sin cita son bienvenidas. En los Centros de Recuperación, especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios de EE. UU. (SBA) brindan información sobre los servicios disponibles, explican los programas de asistencia y ayudan a los sobrevivientes a completar o verificar el estado de sus solicitudes.

La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 22 de diciembre.

Hay varias maneras de solicitar:

• Solicite en línea, en disasterassistance.gov/es
• Descargue y use la aplicación móvil de FEMA para solicitar
• Llame a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA 800-621-FEMA (3362) para solicitar

• Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otro servicio, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. La Línea de Ayuda está disponible los siete días de la semana. Presione 2 para español, o 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma.

• Los sobrevivientes también pueden solicitar en persona en cualquier DRC que esté operando.

Tenga la siguiente información disponible al solicitar o verificar el estado de su solicitud:

• Número de teléfono donde pueda ser contactado
• Dirección de la propiedad donde ocurrieron los daños por inundación
• Dirección donde se aloja actualmente
• Número de Seguro Social de un miembro del hogar
• Lista básica de daños y pérdidas
• Información bancaria, si elige depósito directo para recibir dinero de FEMA
• Información del seguro, si está asegurado, incluyendo el número de póliza

Si tiene seguro de propietario, inquilino o seguro de inundación, debe presentar una reclamación lo antes posible. FEMA no puede duplicar los beneficios por pérdidas cubiertas por el seguro. Si su póliza no cubre todos sus gastos por los daños, usted puede ser elegible para asistencia federal.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido discriminación, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA sobre desastres, siga a @FEMAregion5  en Twitter y active las notificaciones móviles. Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676.

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar fácilmente información y recursos

 

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Fri, 12/09/2022 - 14:34

Disaster Recovery Center in Caseyville, Illinois Closes December 16

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Caseyville will close permanently on Friday, Dec. 16.  People affected by the July 25 - 28 flooding in St. Clair County can still visit the Caseyville Recovery Center through Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.

Caseyville Village Hall – 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and closed on Sundays 

Closes permanently on Friday, Dec. 16

Disaster survivors can also visit the Recovery Center in East St. Louis, through Dec. 22.

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center – 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3p.m. and closed on Sundays

Closes permanently on Thursday, Dec. 22 

No appointment is necessary to visit a DRC. Walk-ins are welcome. At the Recovery Centers, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are providing information on available services, explaining assistance programs and helping survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is December 22.

There are several ways to apply:

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA mobile app to apply
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to apply

• If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

• Survivors may also apply in person at any open DRC.

Have the following information when you apply or check the status of your application:

• Phone number where you can be contacted
• Address at the time of the flooding
• Address where you are staying now
• Social Security Number of one member of the household
• Basic list of damage and losses
• Bank information if you choose direct deposit for any FEMA money you may be awarded
• Insurance Information if you have insurance, including the policy number

If you have homeowners or renters flood insurance, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

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 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

nicole.wilson Fri, 12/09/2022 - 14:29

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Hiring Local Residents

SANTA FE, New Mexico – The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is hosting two job fairs to fill available job openings.

Job seekers can visit a job fair on December 14, 2022 in Santa Fe, NM, or December 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, NM, and speak directly with recruiters to learn about the positions.

Positions are full-time, in-person and will support individuals, businesses and organizations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The duty stations for these positions will be in Las Vegas, NM, Mora, NM, or Santa Fe, NM. The annual pay ranges from $55,169 to $123,675.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 – Santa Fe Job Fair

Santa Fe Community Convention Center

201 W Marcy Street

Santa Fe, NM 87501

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 – Las Vegas Job Fair

Old Memorial Middle School

947 Legion Drive

Las Vegas, NM 87701

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Job Titles of Open Positions

• Chief Ombudsman (Advocate)
• Navigator
• Claims Representative
• Inventory Management Specialist
• Supply Management Specialist
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Mobile Communications Office Vehicle Operator

Additional information about the duties of each position can be found at fema.gov/fact-sheet/hermits-peakcalf-canyon-claims-office-now-hiring.

Candidates for all positions must be able to represent the Claims Office with integrity and compassion. They must also have customer service experience and strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills. And, they must have demonstrated experience completing high quality work within assigned timeframes.

Here are things to know about for the job fair:

• Interviews may be conducted on site, or you may be asked to participate in an interview later.
• Bring enough copies of your resume to share for each job you want to apply for.
• Bring a valid driver’s license or Social Security card or passport.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check.
• Employees must participate in direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can learn about the positions at fema.gov/fact-sheet/hermits-peakcalf-canyon-claims-office-now-hiring. You can also email your resume to: fema-hermits-peak-jobs@fema.dhs.gov.

Positions are open until filled.

About the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act: On Sept. 30, President Joe Biden signed the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act that provides $2.5 billion to compensate New Mexicans and Tribal Nations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The funding may cover eligible loss including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/disaster/current/hermits-peak.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 12/08/2022 - 16:53

Volusia County Approved for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance

BRANDON, Fla. – Volusia County is now approved for FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for Hurricane Ian survivors.

Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties are the other counties currently approved for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance, which provides options for eligible survivors whose homes are uninhabitable because of the hurricane.

FEMA determined that rental assistance is insufficient to meet the housing needs in those counties because of the lack of available housing resources.

FEMA will notify survivors who are eligible for direct housing. It will take time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are ready to occupy.

The Direct Housing Program Provides Three Primary Options:

• Multi-Family Lease and Repair, where FEMA enters into a lease agreement with the owner of multi-family rental properties and makes repairs to provide temporary housing for survivors.
• Transportable Temporary Housing Units, including travel trailers and mobile homes.as a travel trailer or manufactured home.
• Direct Lease, which is leasing existing ready-for-occupancy housing.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided for up to 18 months from Sept. 29, 2022, the date of the federal disaster declaration, to March 28, 2024.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance takes significant time to implement and is not an immediate solution for a survivor's interim and longer-term housing needs. Additionally, not all survivors impacted by the disaster will be eligible for direct housing. It is important that partners at all levels – local, state, other federal, nonprofit and private sector – work together to fill potential gaps.

Survivors who have applied to FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. If you haven’t yet applied, you can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for smartphones or call 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The application deadline is January 12, 2023.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

bree-constance… Thu, 12/08/2022 - 16:52

Las subvenciones por desastre de FEMA no afectarán el Seguro Social ni otros beneficios

St. Clair County, Ill. – Recibir asistencia federal por desastre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) no afectará otros beneficios federales que los sobrevivientes de Illinois puedan recibir.

Las personas afectadas por las inundaciones de julio en el condado de St. Clair que se inscriban con FEMA podrían tener preguntas sobre si los fondos de FEMA pudieran ocasionar la pérdida de pagos federales que reciben.

Las subvenciones por desastre de FEMA no son ingresos tributables. El aceptar una subvención de FEMA no afectará su elegibilidad para el Seguro Social, Medicare, Medicaid, beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) y otros programas federales de asistencia social y benéficos.

Las subvenciones por desastre ayudan a los sobrevivientes a pagar por la vivienda temporal, reparaciones esenciales al hogar, reemplazo de propiedad personal esencial y otras necesidades graves relacionadas con el desastre que no están cubiertas por el seguro u otras fuentes.

Hay varias maneras de solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA:

• Solicite en línea, en disasterassistance.gov/es
• Descargue y use la aplicación móvil de FEMA para solicitar
• Llame a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA 800-621-FEMA (3362) para solicitar

• Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otro servicio, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. La Línea de Ayuda está disponible los siete días de la semana. Presione 2 para español, o 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma.

• Los sobrevivientes también pueden solicitar en persona en dos Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC).

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

lunes a viernes: 8 a.m. a 6 p.m., sábado: 9 a.m. a 3 p.m., cerrado los domingos

Cierra permanentemente el jueves, 22 de diciembre

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

lunes a sábado, 9 a.m. a 3 p.m., cerrado los domingos

Cierra permanentemente el viernes, 16 de diciembre

No se necesita cita previa para visitar un DRC. Las personas sin cita son bienvenidas.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido discriminación, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA, síganos en Twitter @FEMAregion5, y active las notificaciones móviles (enlace en inglés). Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar información y recursos relacionados con el desastre fácilmente. (enlaces en inglés)

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Thu, 12/08/2022 - 16:14

FEMA Disaster Grants Won’t Affect Social Security, Other Benefits

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – Receiving federal disaster assistance from FEMA will not affect other federal benefits that Illinois survivors may receive.

People affected by the St. Clair County July flooding who register with FEMA may have questions about whether funds from FEMA might cause them to lose other federal payments they receive.

FEMA disaster grants are not taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other federal welfare and entitlement programs.

Disaster grants help survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

There are several ways you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA mobile app to apply
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to apply
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• Survivors may also apply in person at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers:

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and closed on Sundays

Closing permanently Thursday, December, 22

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and closed on Sundays

Closing permanently Friday, December, 16

No appointment is necessary to visit a recovery center. Walk-ins are welcome.

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 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

nicole.wilson Thu, 12/08/2022 - 14:18

Stay in Touch with FEMA

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Applying for disaster assistance with FEMA is an ongoing process that begins when you submit your application and requires that you stay in touch. FEMA may need to contact you and a missed call, or an unanswered letter could delay getting help.

Follow up on your application and notify FEMA of changes to your mailing address, phone number, email address and if you receive an insurance settlement or discover additional damage. FEMA may call you to schedule an inspection if you reported damage to your home or may send you a letter if your application has missing or incomplete information.

There are three ways to get answers to your FEMA questions or update your application:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

• Downloading FEMA’s mobile app.

You can appeal a FEMA decision

After your application has been reviewed, you will receive a letter from FEMA. If your application was deemed ineligible or you were approved for assistance but disagree with the amount, you have the right to appeal.

For example, you may find that the amount awarded is insufficient because your insurance settlement was less than expected, or you discovered additional or hidden damage after the initial inspection. Or perhaps your application was deemed ineligible because of insufficient or missing information. All of these scenarios may be appealed by sending a letter to FEMA with documentation to support your claim.

If you cannot be present during a home inspection, you can arrange for a third-party that is at least 18 years old to act on your behalf to meet a FEMA inspector on-site, by completing a written consent form. This document is a legal agreement that allows that person to provide and receive information from FEMA on your behalf, including updates or follow ups on your disaster assistance case.

Survivors of Hurricane Fiona who were unable to apply for disaster assistance during the 60-day standard registration period may still be considered for disaster assistance by submitting a late application.

To be considered, you must complete a registration and write a letter specifying the circumstances that prevented you from registering for assistance within the regular application period. Circumstances may include illness, hospitalization or disability of the applicant, death of an immediate family member or personal business travel.

The letter should include your name, registration number, disaster number and the last four numbers of your social security number. You should also include documents that support your explanation, such as estimates from contractors or insurance settlements.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 12/08/2022 - 12:32

Asistencia Continua de Vivienda Provisional

St. Clair County, Ill. – Los sobrevivientes del desastre que no pueden vivir en sus hogares dañados debido a las inundaciones de julio en el condado de St. Clair, pueden ser elegibles para recibir asistencia continua de alquiler. Los solicitantes pueden pedir una solicitud de Asistencia Continua de Vivienda Provisional llamando a la línea de ayuda de FEMA, al 800-621-3362.

Para ser elegible para la asistencia continua de vivienda provisional, los sobrevivientes deben cumplir con las siguientes condiciones:

• Se les otorgó asistencia inicial de alquiler y la usaron como estaba previsto. La subvención inicial cubre un periodo de dos meses.
• No pueden regresar a su vivienda previa al desastre porque está inhabitable, no tiene acceso a esta, o no está disponible debido a las recientes inundaciones.
• No pueden pagar una vivienda sin asistencia.
• No reciben asistencia de vivienda provisional de ninguna otra fuente.
• Están desarrollando un plan de vivienda a largo plazo o permanente, o pueden demostrar algún progreso en el proceso de hacerlo.

Los solicitantes deben presentar los siguientes documentos con la solicitud llenada:

• Ingresos antes y después del desastre para los miembros del hogar mayores de 18 años.
• Prueba de gastos de la vivienda antes del desastre (copia del contrato de alquiler y facturas de servicios públicos, seguro de inquilino, estados de cuenta hipotecarios, impuestos sobre bienes inmuebles, seguro de la vivienda, etc.)
• Prueba de gastos de la vivienda después del desastre (copia actual del contrato de arrendamiento o alquiler, firmado por el solicitante y el arrendador).

El formulario de solicitud y documentos justificativos deben devolverse a FEMA mediante una de las siguientes maneras:

• Súbalas a la cuenta de desastres del solicitante, en DisasterAssistance.gov/es
• Envíelas por correo postal a FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Envíelas por fax, al 800-827-8112
• o visite su Centro de Recuperación por Desastre más cercano para completar o enviar la solicitud

Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación son:

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center - 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

lunes a viernes: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

sábado: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos

Cierra permanentemente el jueves, 22 de diciembre.

Caseyville Village Hall - 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

lunes a sábado: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos

Cierra permanentemente el viernes, 16 de diciembre

FEMA evaluará la solicitud de asistencia continua de alquiler para determinar si el solicitante es elegible. Es importante que los solicitantes mantengan a FEMA al día con su información de contacto y el estado de vivienda.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido discriminación, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA, síganos en Twitter @FEMAregion5, y active las notificaciones móviles (enlace en inglés). Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar información y recursos relacionados con el desastre fácilmente. (enlaces en inglés)

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Wed, 12/07/2022 - 22:29

Continued Temporary Housing Assistance

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – Disaster survivors who are unable to live in their damaged homes due to the July flooding in St. Clair County may qualify for continued rental assistance. Applicants can request an application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

To be eligible for continued temporary housing assistance, survivors must meet the following conditions:

• They were awarded initial rental assistance and used it as intended. The initial award covers two months.
• They are unable to return to their pre-disaster residence because it is uninhabitable, cannot be accessed or is not available due to the recent flooding.
• They cannot pay for housing without assistance.
• They are not receiving temporary housing help from any other source.
• They are developing a longer-term or permanent housing plan or can demonstrate progress toward one.

Applicants should submit the following documents with the completed application:

• Pre- and post-disaster income for household members 18 and older.
• Proof of pre-disaster housing costs (copy of lease and utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, home insurance, etc.)
• Proof of post-disaster housing costs (copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant and the landlord).

The application form and supporting documents should be returned to FEMA in one of the following ways:

• Upload them to applicant’s disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Mail them to FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Fax them to 800-827-8112
• Or visit your nearest Disaster Recovery Center for filling out or submitting the application

Recovery Center locations are:

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center - 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

Closes permanently on Thursday, Dec. 22 

Caseyville Village Hall - 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

Closes permanently on Friday, Dec. 16

FEMA will evaluate the request for continued rental assistance to determine if the applicant is eligible. It is important for applicants to keep FEMA updated with their contact information and housing status.

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 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

nicole.wilson Wed, 12/07/2022 - 22:24

Asistencia legal gratuita disponible para sobrevivientes de tormentas severas e inundaciones en Illinois

St. Clair County, Ill. – Hay ayuda legal gratuita disponible para las personas en el condado de St. Clair que se vieron afectadas por las inundaciones del 25 al 28 de julio. Los abogados pueden responder preguntas y aclarar dudas sobre los beneficios de FEMA, contratos de reparación de viviendas, reclamaciones de seguros de propiedad, problemas de propietarios o inquilinos, acceso a la asistencia relacionada con la discapacidad, y más.

Hay una línea directa disponible para conectar a los sobrevivientes que no pueden pagar un abogado con servicios legales gratuitos. Los sobrevivientes pueden llamar al 877-342-7891.

Las personas de bajos ingresos afectadas por el desastre pueden calificar para recibir ayuda legal gratuita con asuntos como:

• Beneficios financieros de FEMA y SBA
• Contratos de reparación de viviendas y reclamaciones de seguros de propiedad
• Rehacer testamentos y otros documentos legales importantes destruidos en el desastre
• Especulación de precios, estafas o robo de identidad
• Problemas del propietario o inquilino, o amenazas de ejecución hipotecaria
• Acceso relacionado con la discapacidad a programas federales, estatales y locales por desastres

Los sobrevivientes pueden llamar a la línea directa al 877-342-7891 durante los siguientes horarios:

• lunes a jueves, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• viernes, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

El programa de Servicios Legales por Desastre (DLS) trabaja con socios estatales y locales para brindar ayuda legal gratuita a los sobrevivientes de desastres de bajos ingresos. El servicio es una asociación entre la División de Abogados Jóvenes de la Asociación Americana de Abogados (ABA YLD) y FEMA. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid brindará apoyo.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido discriminación, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA, síganos en Twitter @FEMAregion5, y active las notificaciones móviles (enlace en inglés). Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar información y recursos relacionados con el desastre fácilmente. (enlaces en inglés)

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Wed, 12/07/2022 - 18:32

Free Legal Help Available for Illinois Severe Storm and Flooding Survivors

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – Free legal help is available to individuals in St. Clair County who were impacted by the July 25-28 floods. Lawyers can answer questions and address concerns about FEMA benefits, home repair contracts, property insurance claims, landlord or tenant problems, disability-related access to assistance, and more.

A hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services who cannot afford an attorney. Survivors can call 877-342-7891.  

Low-income people impacted by the disaster may qualify for free legal help with issues like:

• FEMA and SBA financial benefits
• Home repair contracts and property insurance claims
• Re-doing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
• Price gouging, scams, or identity theft
• Landlord or tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure
• Disability-related access to federal, state, and local disaster programs

Survivors can call the hotline at 877-342-7891 during the following times:

• Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
• Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program works with state and local partners to provide free legal help for low-income disaster survivors. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and FEMA. The Land of Lincoln Legal Aid will be providing support.

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 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

nicole.wilson Wed, 12/07/2022 - 18:29

FEMA Awards Almost $4.5 Million to Manchester-by-the-Sea to Fight Flooding

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced a nearly $4.5 million grant to the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea to help address flooding problems on Sawmill Brook by the Central Street Bridge.

The $4,484,673 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant will pay for part of the cost of replacing and upgrading the existing Central Street bridge, as well as removal of an obsolete tide gate to further increase hydraulic capacity and promote fish passage.

Culvert upgrades, installation of a flexible retaining wall and living shoreline to stabilize streambanks along Sawmill Brook, and restoration of a wetland to restore habitat and improve ecological resiliency are also funded by the grant.

The grant amounts to roughly 75 percent of the total $5,979,564 million price tag for this project, which will be funded through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

“FEMA is extremely pleased to assist Manchester-by-the-Sea in their efforts to build more resilient infrastructure,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Studies have shown that every dollar spent on mitigation saves roughly $6 in future disaster losses, so grants like this one are smart investments that pay off in the long run and help keep our communities safe.”

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants programs are an important source of funding for states and communities seeking long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in the future.

adrien.urbani Tue, 12/06/2022 - 19:03

FEMA extiende la fecha límite para solicitar asistencia hasta el 22 de diciembre

St. Clair County, Ill. – Los propietarios e inquilinos en el condado de St. Clair que se vieron afectados por las inundaciones del 25 al 28 de julio, ahora tienen hasta el jueves, 22 de diciembre para solicitar asistencia por desastre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés).

Hay varias maneras de solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA:

• Solicite en línea, en disasterassistance.gov/es
• Descargue y use la aplicación móvil de FEMA para solicitar
• Llame a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA 800-621-FEMA (3362) para solicitar
  • Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otro servicio, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. La Línea de Ayuda está disponible los siete días de la semana. Presione 2 para español, o 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma.
• Los sobrevivientes también pueden solicitar en persona en dos Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC).

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

lunes a viernes: 8 a.m. a 6 p.m.

sábado: 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos

 

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

lunes a sábado, 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos

No se necesita cita previa para visitar un DRC. Las personas sin cita son bienvenidas. En un DRC, puede reunirse personalmente con representantes de FEMA y SBA.

Tenga la siguiente información disponible al solicitar o verificar el estado de su solicitud:

• Número de teléfono donde pueda ser contactado
• Dirección de la propiedad donde ocurrieron los daños por inundación
• Dirección donde se aloja actualmente
• Número de Seguro Social de un miembro del hogar
• Lista básica de daños y pérdidas
• Información bancaria, si elige depósito directo para recibir dinero de FEMA
• Información del seguro, si está asegurado, incluyendo el número de póliza

Si tiene seguro de propietario, inquilino o seguro de inundación, debe presentar una reclamación lo antes posible. FEMA no puede duplicar los beneficios por pérdidas cubiertas por el seguro. Si su póliza no cubre todos sus gastos por los daños, usted puede ser elegible para asistencia federal.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido discriminación, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA, síganos en Twitter @FEMAregion5, y active las notificaciones móviles (enlace en inglés). Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar información y recursos relacionados con el desastre fácilmente. (enlaces en inglés)

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.  

nicole.wilson Tue, 12/06/2022 - 16:23

FEMA Advances Accessibility: Policy Change Provides Over $169 Million to Disaster Survivors for Mold Remediation

WASHINGTON -- This week, FEMA announced over $169 million in additional assistance has been provided to survivors because of a policy update which expanded home repair assistance to specifically address applicants with remediating disaster-caused mold growth. Because of the policy update, more than 111,000 additional applicants have been able to get assistance.

In August 2021, under the leadership of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the agency implemented these policy changes to help simplify the disaster assistance process and increase equity and accessibility for all disaster survivors.

Prior to the policy change, eligible applicants were able to receive assistance to clean and sanitize water-damaged property to prevent mold growth, but those funds weren’t provided for mold remediation from the disaster.

“Flooding can lead to dangerous mold growth, creating challenges for residents to remain in their homes after a disaster and putting their health and safety at risk,” said Administrator Criswell. “By expanding Home Repair Assistance so all residents, including those from low-income and underserved communities, can better access this critical resource, FEMA is putting people first and reducing the likelihood of additional damage to affected homes.”

As a result of this initiative, more than $17 million in mold remediation assistance has gone to survivors of Hurricane Ian and more than $3.5 million to survivors of Hurricane Fiona.

Remedies for Mold and Flooded Items

• Make sure you disinfect anything that’s touched floodwater. Any structure that’s been flooded may have mold.
• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 12/06/2022 - 15:23

Application Deadline for FEMA Assistance in Illinois Extended to December 22

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – Homeowners and renters who were affected by the flooding in St. Clair County from July 25-28 now have until Thursday, December 22, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

There are several ways you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance:

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA mobile app to apply
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to apply
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• Survivors may also apply in person at two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC).

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

 

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

No appointment is necessary to visit a DRC. Walk-ins are welcome. At a DRC, you can meet one-on-one with FEMA and SBA representatives.

Have the following information when you apply or check the status of your application:

• Phone number where you can be contacted
• Address at the time of the flooding
• Address where you are staying now
• Social Security Number of one member of the household
• Basic list of damage and losses
• Bank information if you choose direct deposit for any FEMA money you may be awarded
• Insurance Information if you have insurance, including the policy number

If you have homeowners or renters flood insurance, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all of your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

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 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

nicole.wilson Tue, 12/06/2022 - 15:22

FEMA Gives Free Rebuilding Advice at Caguas, Canóvanas, Guayama, Isabela and Levittown

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit Walmart in Guayama, Home Depot in Caguas and National Lumber hardware stores in Canóvanas, Isabela and Levittown to talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to make homes stronger and safer during the rebuilding process.

FEMA mitigation specialists will share tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, such as high winds and water. They will also provide information on topics such as selecting contractors, understanding flood insurance coverage and emergency preparedness. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following Walmart and Home Depot locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, December 12 – December 17 at:

Walmart Guayama

Ave. Los Veteranos, Km 134.7

Guayama, PR 00784

Home Depot Caguas

Las Catalinas Mall

Caguas, PR 00725

 

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following National Lumber stores from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, December 12 – December 17 at:

National Lumber Isabela

Carr. Núm. 112 Km 1.3

Int. Ave. Agustín R. Calero

Isabela, PR 00662

National Lumber Levittown

Plaza Los Arcos

Carr. Núm. 165 (marginal)

Levittown, Toa Baja, PR 00949

National Lumber Canóvanas

Carr. 3, Km 13.7

Barrio Canovanillas

Canóvanas, PR 00729

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 12/06/2022 - 12:48

Avoid and Report Disaster Fraud

BRANDON, Fla. – A survivor recently reported getting a text that their “federal government check in the amount of $2800 has been disbursed”. The text instructed the survivor to visit a link and provide personal information for FEMA to verify. This is a scam. Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person. FEMA is not providing any financial assistance in the amount of $2,800.00. If you have applied for disaster assistance, FEMA will notify you of its decision. The agency may also contact you if it needs additional information to process your application. This may come in the form of a letter. In some instances, you may receive a phone call. Review your FEMA letters carefully.

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov to create an online account with FEMA. Be extremely careful when clicking any links.

Here is a list of other possible scams that may target Hurricane Ian survivors:

Identity Theft

• Disaster survivors should be aware con artists and criminals may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.
• If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you have not filed a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge. Tell the inspector you did not apply for FEMA assistance.
• If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call our Helpline at 800-621-3362 any day between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
• If you believe you are the victim of a contracting scam, price gouging or other fraudulent activity, contact local law enforcement and report it to the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com). or contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Telephone calls

Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit application number. A FEMA inspector will not ask for this. They already have it in their records and may provide it to you to confirm they are interacting with the correct person.

Housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA

• Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit application number. A FEMA inspector will not ask for this. They already have it in their records and may provide it to you to confirm they are interacting with the correct person.
• FEMA inspectors never ask for or confirm banking information.
• Ask the inspector to show you their identification badge. Federal and contracted employees always wear an official government badge to identify themselves.

Someone comes to your home without a FEMA photo ID

Do not let someone into your home who claims to be a FEMA employee but does not have a FEMA photo ID. All FEMA representatives carry a laminated photo ID.

Fake offers of local or federal aid

• Don’t trust someone who asks for money. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and staff from the Small Business Administration never charge for inspections or help in filling out a disaster assistance application.
• Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Charitable giving

A list of reputable charities that are approved by the Better Business Bureau’s “Wise Giving Alliance” can be found at www.give.org.

Rental listings

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has information on how rental scams work. For instance, scammers know finding the right apartment or vacation rental can be hard work, and a seemingly good deal is hard to pass up when you need a place to stay. Learn more at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0079-rental-listing-scams.

jenna.yeager Mon, 12/05/2022 - 21:18

Asistencia de FEMA no afectará otros beneficios

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Los residentes de Carolina del Sur que reciben pagos del Seguro Social u otra asistencia del gobierno no deben preocuparse de que la asistencia por desastre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) afecte sus beneficios.

La asistencia de FEMA no representa ingresos imponibles y no afecta su elegibilidad para otros beneficios. Las subvenciones de FEMA no afectan el Seguro Social, Medicare o Medicaid. No afectan la asistencia brindada en el marco del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés) de Carolina del Sur ni otros programas federales de bienestar y ayuda social.

Los fondos por desastre ayudan a los sobrevivientes a pagar por vivienda provisional, reparaciones esenciales a la vivienda, reparaciones y remplazos de propiedad personal esencial y otras necesidades serias relacionadas con el desastre que no estén cubiertas por el seguro u otras fuentes.

El huracán Ian arrasó por Carolina del Sur del 25 de septiembre al 4 de octubre. Bajo la declaración de desastre mayor del presidente, las personas y familias afectadas en los tres condados designados por FEMA—Charleston, Georgetown y Horry—son elegibles para solicitar asistencia. Si usted era una de las personas que sufrieron daños o pérdidas a su residencia principal, puede solicitar asistencia de FEMA.

Presentar una solicitud a otras agencias, tales como la Cruz Roja Americana o el estado, no significa que es elegible para la asistencia de FEMA; debe solicitar asistencia de FEMA para ser considerado para asistencia federal. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el lunes 23 de enero de 2023.

Las maneras de solicitar asistencia son: Visitar DisasterAssistance.gov/es, use la aplicación móvil de FEMA o llame a la Línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Hay ayuda disponible en muchos idiomas. Si usted usa un servicio de retransmisión, tal como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés) o un servicio de teléfono con subtítulos, brinde el número para ese servicio a FEMA. Los operadores de la Línea de ayuda están disponibles todos los días de 7 a.m. a 11 p.m. Marque 2 para español. Marque 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma.

Para ver un video accesible sobre cómo solicitar asistencia de FEMA, visite YouTube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw. 

Para la información más actualizada sobre la recuperación de Carolina del Sur del huracán Ian, visite FEMA.gov/es/disaster/4677. También puede seguir a https://twitter.com/SCEMD; @FEMARegion4/Twitter y Facebook.com/FEMA.###

La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres. Toda asistencia por desastre de FEMA será brindada sin discriminación basada en la raza, el color, el sexo (incluido el acoso sexual), la orientación sexual, la religión, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad, el dominio limitado del inglés o la situación económica. Si usted cree que sus derechos civiles están siendo violados, llame a la línea de Recursos de Derechos Civiles al 833-285-7448.

ron.roth Mon, 12/05/2022 - 16:42

FEMA Assistance Won’t Affect Other Benefits

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina residents who receive Social Security payments or other government assistance should not be concerned that FEMA disaster assistance will affect your benefits.

FEMA assistance is not taxable income and does not affect eligibility for other benefits. FEMA grants do not affect Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. And they do not affect assistance provided under South Carolina’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, or other federal welfare and entitlement programs.

Disaster funding helps survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property repairs and replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Hurricane Ian lashed South Carolina Sept. 25 to Oct. 4. Under the president’s major disaster declaration, affected individuals and households in three FEMA-designated counties, Charleston, Georgetown and Horry, are eligible to apply for assistance. If you were among those who had damage or losses to your primary home, you can apply for FEMA assistance.

Applying with other agencies such as American Red Cross or the state does not make you eligible for FEMA assistance; you must apply with FEMA to be considered for federal assistance. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.

Here are the ways to apply: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to YouTube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw. 

For the latest information on South Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4677. You may also follow https://twitter.com/SCEMD; @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-.7448

 

ron.roth Mon, 12/05/2022 - 16:40

Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Tops $3.3 Billion

WASHINGTON -- More than $3.31 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and to households after Hurricane Ian to help survivors jumpstart their recovery.

FEMA has provided $792 million to households and nearly $400 million to the state for emergency response, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.2 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $919 million in claims.  

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance. Deadline for applications is Jan. 12, 2023.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have visited 297,000 homes and interacted with 141,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• 32 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in impacted areas, with nearly 83,600 visits by survivors.
• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance in 26 counties to survivors eligible for temporary hotel stays. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,572 households with 3,772 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 238,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties. FEMA approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to provide options for those whose homes are uninhabitable because of the hurricane. FEMA determined that rental assistance is insufficient to meet the housing need in those counties because of a lack of available housing resources. FEMA will notify applicants who are eligible for direct housing. It will take time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are available. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided for up to 18 months from Sept. 29, 2022, the date of the federal disaster declaration, to March 28, 2024.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.2 billion in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.
• As of Dec. 5, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 44,800 flood insurance claims and paid more than $919 million to policyholders.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• FEMA is conducting local hiring for more than 300 jobs in Brandon, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Orlando and Sarasota. These positions are full-time, 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof installed 20,119 roofs in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. (Mission completed.)
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022 through Oct. 23, 2022. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days. For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 12/05/2022 - 16:08