Deadline to Apply for Federal Assistance Nears

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentuckians: Don’t wait! Apply with FEMA for disaster assistance now! The deadline is fast approaching to apply for help from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Homeowners and renters who suffered damage as a result of the Dec. 10, 2021, severe storms and tornadoes have until Feb. 11, 2022, to apply.

If you live in Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties, you may be eligible for grants from FEMA and low-interest disaster loans from SBA.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are canvassing neighborhoods, interacting with residents to help them apply for assistance and to provide referrals to other resources.

Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Registration Intake Centers provide one-on-one help with the application process. To find the latest information about Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky, visit the FEMA App on your smart phone, click on “Talk to FEMA in person.” You also may visit the Disaster Recovery Center Locator online, or call the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362.

Applying for help is free. Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA mobile app. 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 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

scott.reuter Tue, 01/18/2022 - 21:07

How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision

FRANKFORT, Ky – Western Kentucky residents who applied for assistance with FEMA following the Dec. 10, 2021, severe storms and tornadoes and received a determination letter regarding their eligibility should read the letter  carefully. It might not be the final answer. 

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal. Every survivor has the right to appeal. By appealing, you are asking FEMA to review your case.

You may just need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application. Examples of missing documentation may include proof of insurance coverage; settlement of insurance  claims or denial letter from insurance provider; proof of identity; proof of occupancy; proof of ownership; and proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster.

For answers to questions about the letter, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. 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 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

An applicant who disagrees with FEMA’s decision or the amount of assistance may submit an appeal letter and supporting documents such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.

An appeal must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include the applicant’s full name; the FEMA disaster number (FEMA DR-4630-KY for the Kentucky disaster); the address of the pre-disaster primary residence; the applicant’s current phone number and address; and the FEMA application number on all documents.

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.

A letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. An appeal letter and supporting documents may be submitted to the agency via a FEMA online account or by mail or fax.

• To set up a FEMA online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions in English or Spanish. At the account, an applicant can also check the status of the application and upload personal information and documents as well as the appeal letter.
• Or mail to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
• Or fax to 800-827-8112 (Attention: FEMA).

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4

scott.reuter Tue, 01/18/2022 - 18:48

FEMA Assistance Available for Tennessee Tornado Survivors

Nashville, Tenn – President Biden declared a major federal disaster declaration on Jan. 14 for the deadly tornado outbreak that took place on December 10 and 11, 2021. Homeowners and renters in 12 counties affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornados may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance. These designated counties include Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, Weakley, and Wilson counties.

Those affected by the tornadoes can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) to apply. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Residents can also register via smartphone or tablet using the FEMA App, or at www.disasterassistance.gov

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, along with other programs to assist those recovering from the tornadoes, such as replacement of personal property and medical expenses not covered by insurance.

For more information on Tennessee severe storms, visit Tennessee Severe Storms (DR-4637-TN) | FEMA.gov. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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felicia.jordan Tue, 01/18/2022 - 18:04

FEMA Announces $530 Million for Emergency Food and Shelter Program

WASHINGTON – FEMA has announced that the National Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) allocated $530 million to jurisdictions (counties and cities) across the country to assist our nation’s hungry and homeless populations.

Congress appropriated $130 million through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and $400 million through Section 4007 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to the EFSP. The program’s National Board will distribute the funds to local organizations dedicated to feeding, sheltering and providing critical resources to people with economic emergencies. These funds are for people with non-disaster related emergencies and can be used for a broad range of services, including mass shelter, mass feeding, food pantries and food banks, utility bill payments to prevent cut-offs, rent/mortgage payments to prevent evictions/foreclosures and transition assistance from shelters to stable living conditions. The $400 million in supplemental funding was provided by Congress to specifically address the continuing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Board is chaired by FEMA with representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide. United Way Worldwide, selected by the National Board as its secretariat and fiscal agent, is also responsible for the EFSP’s daily administration, in alignment with federal requirements and National Board governance.

EFSP funding is allocated to qualifying local jurisdictions based on a formula using the most recent national population, unemployment, and poverty data. Grants are then awarded by local boards to nonprofit and government organizations that provide direct services to those in need in their communities. All applications are evaluated competitively. With this FY 2021 annual and supplemental funding, the total aid disbursed in the EFSP’s 39-year history will be more than $5.6 billion.

Find information about allocations on the EFSP website. Learn more about how EFSP funds help Americans rebuild their lives.

A state-by-state list of the eligible jurisdictions and award amounts is available at www.efsp.unitedway.org.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 01/18/2022 - 17:33

FEMA Assistance Available to Washington Renters

LACEY, WA. – Renters in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties and members of the Lummi Nation, the Nooksack Indian Tribe and the Quileute Tribe whose homes and property were damaged by the November floods can apply for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners. Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a 2-month period and can be reviewed for further assistance. The application deadline is March 7, 2022.

Renters may also qualify for a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. These may include:

• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies
• Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by the employer
• Primary vehicles in compliance with state registration and insurance requirements that have disaster-caused repair or replacement expenses 
• Uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, childcare, moving or storage expenses

Survivors in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ or call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Renters may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $40,000, depending on their losses. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 7, 2022.

For an accessible video on how renters may be able to get federal help after a disaster: youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yAHSPK_K7tg&feature=youtu.be.

For more information about Washington flood recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion10.

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

 

mary.j.edmon Sun, 01/16/2022 - 18:34

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alaska

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alaska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Oct. 29–Nov. 1, 2021.

Federal funding is 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 severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Kenai Peninsula Borough.

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

Thomas J. Dargan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mashana.davis Sat, 01/15/2022 - 22:19

$1.5 Million Approved for Washington Disaster Survivors

LACEY, WA. – One week after Washington disaster survivors became eligible for federal assistance, the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division and FEMA have worked together to award $1.5 million in federal grants to individuals and households.

Residents of Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, including members of the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and the Quileute Nation who were affected by the Nov. 13-15, 2021 floods and mudslides, can apply to FEMA for help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance. 

County residents and tribal members in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Since the Jan. 5 major disaster declaration, the state and FEMA have coordinated to provide $1,526,454 million in federal funds to individuals and households.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams (DSA) have been deployed to affected communities. DSA team members carry photo identification and never charge for assistance. These teams can help survivors apply for federal assistance, check the status of applications and provide information about resources.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 7, 2022.

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

For more information about Washington flood and mudslide recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion10.

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

mary.j.edmon Sat, 01/15/2022 - 03:18

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Tennessee

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from Dec. 10-11, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, Weakley and Wilson counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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

Myra M. Shird has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

mashana.davis Sat, 01/15/2022 - 01:40

Joint Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Northeast Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Three joint State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open next week in Northeast Arkansas to help survivors affected by the December 10-11 severe storms and tornadoes.

Survivors can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to have their questions about disaster assistance answered. They may also upload any documents needed for their applications at the centers.

The following locations will open next week:

Poinsett County Opens Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at 8 a.m.

Parkview Missionary Baptist Church 104 N. Parkview Dr. Trumann, AR 72472 Hours of operation after opening day: Mondays through Saturdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Craighead County Opens Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022 at 8 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Monette 18847 Highway 18 Monette, AR 72447 Hours of operation after opening day: Mondays through Saturdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jackson County Opens Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 at 8 a.m.

Diaz City Hall 3401 S. Main St. Newport, AR 72112 Hours of operation after opening day: Thursdays and Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents of any of the five counties approved for individual assistance, Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi, Poinsett and Woodruff may visit any open disaster recovery center in Arkansas.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4633. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

You can also follow the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management’s (ADEM) Twitter account at  www.twitter.com/AR_emergencies , Facebook at www.facebook.com/ARemergencies and Instagram at www.instagram.com/ar_emergencies/

daniel.green2 Fri, 01/14/2022 - 23:02

ICYMI -- FEMA Administrator Gives Remarks to Ongoing COVID-19 Response

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke today at the White House about FEMA and the federal government’s continuing support in the ongoing response to COVID-19.

Criswell’s comments came almost one year after FEMA began supporting community vaccination centers in 2021.

“We know that the most critical need right now is medical staffing for our hospitals, and we've been working nonstop with the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services, who have been on the ground in communities since day one to push even more medical teams out the door to communities who need it most,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of these teams on their continued heroic efforts.”

Criswell added that FEMA policy will now provide funding for states to use their National Guard troops to fill critical healthcare vacancies.

“As critical as our doctors and nurses are, countless other professionals keep our hospitals running. Patient transporters, workers and cleaning staff are all at the heart of these healthcare facilities,” she said. “I am now directing an expansion of our FEMA policy to permit funding to states who elect to use their National Guard troops to fill these critical support roles in hospitals. This pandemic has shifted and changed through the delta variant and now the omicron variant, but our commitment of the entire federal family has not changed. Together, we will continue to surge staff, push resources and provide support using every tool that we have available to fight our fight against COVID-19.”

Watch all of Criswell’s comments from today’s briefing. Additional information on how FEMA continues to support COVID-19 response efforts can be found on FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 01/14/2022 - 21:45

Kentucky Counties Become Eligible for Additional Public Assistance in Recovery from December Storms and Tornadoes

FRANKFORT, Ky – The Presidential disaster declaration issued Dec. 12, 2021 for Kentucky was amended Jan. 6, 2022 to include Permanent Work under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA), which supplements state and local recovery efforts. Seven additional counties have been added for Emergency Protective Measures.

Sixteen Kentucky counties designated earlier for FEMA Public Assistance after storms, flooding and tornadoes assaulted Western Kentucky on Dec. 10, 2021 are now eligible to apply for Permanent Work, Categories C-G. The affected counties are Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor, Todd, and Warren.

These 16 counties have previously been designated for FEMA Individual Assistance and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance under the PA program.

The following seven counties have been newly designated for PA Emergency Protective Measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance: Barren, Breckenridge, Bullitt, Grayson, Meade, Shelby, and Spencer. These benefits assist with emergency operations such as sheltering and threats to public health and safety.

FEMA’s PA program reimburses counties, states, tribes, and certain nonprofit organizations for eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair and, under the Permanent Work designation, replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, such as roads, bridges, public utilities, including water treatment and electrical plants, government buildings and parks.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

scott.reuter Fri, 01/14/2022 - 21:14

Recovery Centers to Close in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

FRANKFORT, Ky – All Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) and the Mobile Registration Center will be closed Monday, Jan.17, 2022, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Additionally, beginning this weekend, including Jan. 16, all DRCs will be closed on Sundays.

Regular DRC hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Operations at the following centers will resume at 8 a.m. local time Tuesday, Jan. 18:

Warren County: Old Sears location at Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104 

Caldwell County: Butler Gymnasium, 600 W. Main St., Princeton, KY 42445 

Muhlenberg County: Neal’s Chapel General Baptist Church, State Route 81, Sacramento, KY 42372 

Marshall County: Joe Creason Community Center, 1600 Park Ave., Benton, KY 42025 

Graves County: Graves County Public Library, 601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY 42066 

Hopkins County: Community Center, 108 W. Keigan St., Dawson Springs, KY 42408 

Hopkins County: Mike’s Old Pharmacy, 104 S. Lee Trover Todd Jr. Hwy., Earlington, KY 42410

Find locations for open DRCs online at www.fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. On a smart phone, open the FEMA App, click on “Talk to FEMA in person.”

The mobile registration center in Marshall County will also be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will reopen Tuesday at 8 a.m. It is located at the Old Marshall County Library, 1003 Poplar St., Benton, KY 42025. Regular hours  are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4.

scott.reuter Fri, 01/14/2022 - 19:34

Connecticut Ida: Two Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Assistance with FEMA

HARTFORD, Conn. –Homeowners, renters and businesses who had property damage or losses caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida, have two weeks to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA and for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.

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

If you live in Fairfield, New Haven or New London counties, and had storm damage, you can register for disaster assistance, update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision the following ways:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA app; or
• Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily. 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.

Are You Ready to Register with FEMA?

You should have the following information available when you are ready to register:

• Address of the damaged primary dwelling
• Current mailing address, telephone number and Social Security number
• Your insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit; and
• A description of disaster damage and losses.

Low-interest Disaster Loans for Businesses, Homeowners and Renters

The primary source of federal funding for long-term disaster recovery not covered by insurance is the Small Business Administration. SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size, homeowners, and renters.

For businesses, SBA disaster loans may help repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages for mitigation purposes. Eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations may also apply for working capital to help overcome an economic injury.

Homeowners, renters, and businesses that were affected by Hurricane Ida may apply for disaster loans using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, and should apply under SBA declaration #17258. For more information, applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

The application filing deadline for physical damage loans is Jan. 28, 2022.

The application filing deadline for economic injury loans is Aug. 1, 2022.

adrien.urbani Fri, 01/14/2022 - 18:22

Luling Disaster Recovery Center to Close Permanently Jan. 21

BATON ROUGE, La. – The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Edward Dufresne Community Center Parking Lot, 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling, will close permanently at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan 21.

Residents of all parishes affected by Hurricane Ida can continue to visit any open disaster recovery center in Louisiana. To locate a center, check the FEMA app, visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362;

All DRC centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees, and volunteers.

Survivors do not need an appointment to meet face to face with FEMA specialists in Luling until the center closes.

kiarash.ghiam Fri, 01/14/2022 - 17:31

FEMA Specialists to Offer Rebuilding Tips at Stine Home & Yard in Walker

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA mitigation specialists will be on-hand at Stine Home & Yard in Walker from Jan. 18 to 22.

Disaster survivors can visit to get advice from FEMA mitigation specialists about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage such as high winds and water. They will also have information about selecting contractors, flood insurance, roof repair and other topics. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, Jan. 18 to 22 at:

Stine Home & Yard / Walker

29200 S. Walker Road    

Walker, LA 70785

If you need to discuss your assistance application, please call the Helpline at 800-621-3362 to speak to a FEMA individual assistance specialist. Hazard mitigation outreach specialists offer general rebuilding tips and will not be able to discuss specific details of individual assistance cases.

If you cannot visit in person, please call 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487 to speak to a mitigation specialist.  You can email a specialist at FEMA-LAMit@fema.dhs.gov. Visit a Mitigation web link to find repairing, retrofitting, and rebuilding information at https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit, https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit for Spanish, or https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-vie-mit for Vietnamese. 

kiarash.ghiam Fri, 01/14/2022 - 17:08

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

LACEY, WA. – After a disaster, con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

Residents of Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties and members of the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe or the Quileute Tribe who were affected by the Nov. 13-15, 2021 floods and mudslides should be alert to potential fraud as they recover from the disaster.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do want to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the storms. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have a photo-ID badge and your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local law enforcement authorities.

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at:  StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.

For an accessible video on fraud after a disaster, go to youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EVqS709Gj_U&feature=youtu.be.

For more information about Washington flood recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion10.

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 01/13/2022 - 19:18

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to Close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

BATON ROUGE, La.— FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisiana will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 17.

Centers will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 18, for disaster recovery specialists to provide survivors help with their FEMA applications, upload documents and answer questions about federal disaster assistance.

All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors.

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA DRC Locator for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana.

kiarash.ghiam Thu, 01/13/2022 - 15:18

30-Day Snapshot: FEMA and SBA Assistance Tops $25 Million for Kentucky Storm, Tornado Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Just 30 days after President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Kentucky following the Dec. 10 tornadoes and flooding, more than $25 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support disaster recovery here. 

“FEMA and our federal partners are working closely with the commonwealth to provide help to thousands of storm survivors as quickly as possible,” said John Brogan, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Kentucky disaster recovery operation. “Federal assistance is just one part of the whole community effort to support Kentucky’s recovery from last month’s storms and tornadoes.”

As of Jan. 12, 2022, Kentucky’s recovery assistance includes:

More than $9.6 million in Individual and Households Program (IHP) grants awarded to eligible homeowners and renters in 16 Kentucky counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:

• More than $6.9 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
• More than $2.7 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses.

More than $15.5 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury from the December storms and tornadoes.

The 16 counties designated for Individual Assistance in this disaster are: Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor, and Warren.  

The commonwealth and FEMA have staffed and operated 18 Disaster Recovery Centers in 14 counties which provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. The centers have tallied more than 2,200 visits by survivors.  In addition, a FEMA Mobile Registration Center is open Marshall County.

• FEMA response staff was on site at the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center within hours of the storm. To date more than 500 FEMA personnel have deployed to the operation to execute disaster assistance and recovery programs in partnership with the Kentucky.
• In the early days of response FEMA deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams to assist in life saving actions. Other specialized teams were deployed to work on power restoration and debris assessment.
• FEMA has sent Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams to storm-impacted neighborhoods in every designated county. These teams travel door-to-door in hard-hit neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance. DSA teams work with commonwealth and local emergency managers to identify and conduct targeted outreach to underserved communities, visit homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to help residents register for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, commonwealth, and voluntary agencies for additional support.
  • These teams provide information on resources available from federal and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and the faith-based community to help address immediate needs.
  • To date, DSA personnel have visited more than 5,400 homes and more than 300 businesses; they have interacted with more than 6,000 survivors and have registered more than 1,500 households for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
• FEMA is working to remove barriers to assistance, ensuring all survivors have equal access to disaster aid and resources.
  • No one’s background or primary language is a barrier to receiving FEMA financial assistance. FEMA offers help in 75 languages available through our call centers to assist caseworkers and processing staff to provide customer service to non-English speaking applicants. Live operators are available by phone.
  • FEMA is providing timely translation of information and resources into Spanish and multiple other languages identified in Kentucky.  

Public Assistance

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses counties, the Commonwealth, tribes, and certain nonprofits for eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, such as roads, bridges, public utilities, including water treatment and electrical plants, government buildings and parks.

Also:

• FEMA mission assigned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to manage debris removal in Graves County. The Corps has deployed 175 personnel. USACE estimates that more than 80,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from roads in Graves County.
• President Biden approved an increase in the federal cost share for tornado-related debris removal in Kentucky from 75% to 100% for a period of 30 days in the first 120 days following the Dec. 12, 2021 declaration. The commonwealth will determine which 30-day window will best suit the needs. Twenty-three counties Kentucky Counties are now eligible funding under this program.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit  www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

scott.reuter Thu, 01/13/2022 - 13:25

Washington Disaster Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

LACEY, WA. – Residents of Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties and members of the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe or the Quileute Tribe who were affected by the Nov. 13-15, 2021 floods and mudslides can apply to FEMA for help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance.  

Residents in the designated counties and tribes can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

What FEMA will need from applicants

During the application process, FEMA personnel will ask for:

A current phone number where you can be contacted.

Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.

Your Social Security Number.

A general list of damage and losses.

Banking information if you choose direct deposit.

If insured, your policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits. Applicants are required to provide FEMA with information about insurance coverage and settlements before FEMA can consider eligibility for assistance.

Disability or accessibility needs

In the application process, please pay special attention to question number 24 about people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Answer "yes" to this question if you have a disability, accessibility need or another health or medical condition.

This is the best way to note any additional disability-related losses and/or needs such as medical support assistance, durable medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology that was lost or damaged as a result of the disaster. Examples include wheelchair, scooter, walker, CPAP machine, hearing aids, eyeglasses, screen reader. This question will also help applicants identify other services for which they may be eligible to receive reimbursement.

FEMA teams will assist survivors

FEMA will have Disaster Survivor Assistance teams (DSA) in affected areas helping with applications for FEMA assistance and providing information about other resources. DSA team members carry photo identification and never charge for assistance. These teams can help survivors apply for federal assistance, check the status of applications and provide information about resources.

The teams will operate at fixed locations such as community centers, libraries, covered parking lots, etc. The teams will follow CDC safety guidelines for COVID-19 including social distancing and use of protective equipment. Locations will be determined by local officials and will be in the most heavily impacted areas.

DSA teams will also work virtually with organizations that have the capability to electronically distribute disaster-related information to survivors, through faith-based and community organizations, private sector and public libraries.

Home inspections

If you report that you cannot, or may not be able to, safely live in your home, FEMA may need to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA will conduct exterior inspections. An interior inspection is not mandatory but if the owner and the inspector agree, an interior inspection may be conducted. If the applicant has technology that can assist in the viewing of damage inside the home, such as FaceTime or Zoom, the applicant may walk through the dwelling and demonstrate the damage without the inspector entering the dwelling.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 7, 2022.

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

For more information about Washington flood and mudslide recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion10.

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 01/13/2022 - 00:48

Use Disaster Funds as Intended to Ensure Continued Eligibility

DENVER – 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 the Marshall Fire. Emergency management officials encourage those who have applied for assistance and received assistance to use disaster funds for their intended purpose to ensure continued eligibility for assistance.

Funds are available through grants for housing and other needs and through low-interest federal loans for repair or replacement of primary homes, personal property and business recovery.

As part of their award, individuals will receive a letter stating what their disaster assistance is for, whether that is repairs to a specific part of the home, replacement of personal property, or rental assistance to find temporary housing while the home is being repaired or rebuilt. 

Rental assistance is initially made available in the amount of one or two months’ rent. If residents are unable to return to their home for a longer period, as may be the case for many individuals and families impacted by the Marshall Fire, they may be eligible for continued rental assistance, but must contact FEMA and provide documentation of how the initial aid was used. Rental assistance funds cannot be used for other disaster related needs.

If individuals have any questions about rental assistance or any other FEMA assistance they have received they may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) anytime from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mountain Time seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Or individuals can visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center co-located with the Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center at the following address:

1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette, Colorado.

Here are tips to help applicants get the most out of disaster recovery assistance funds:

• Keep all receipts for disaster related expenses.
• Don’t use disaster recovery payments to pay household bills.
• Don’t use disaster recovery payments to make purchases unrelated to needs created by the disaster.

In addition to the grants available through FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofits organizations, homeowners and renters.

FEMA’s 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 are referred to SBA must complete the loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Completing an SBA loan application does not commit applicants to take the loan if it is offered but applying for the loan is an important part of the federal financial disaster assistance process and will help ensure individuals can receive all the aid they are eligible for.

Federal disaster assistance is available to renters, homeowners and businesses in Boulder County, Colorado.

 

anthony.mayne Wed, 01/12/2022 - 21:59