Keep Your Recovery Options Open with Help from SBA

BATON ROUGE, La. — After you have registered with FEMA, the agency may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), our federal partner.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to Louisiana residents and businesses affected by recent storms. Homeowners and renters who receive an application for an SBA loan should complete the application even if they decide not to take the loan.  

If SBA finds applicants ineligible for a disaster loan, they may be referred back to FEMA for potential additional grant assistance. Survivors who have been referred to SBA for low-interest loans and do not apply will not be considered for FEMA’s other needs grants.

SBA Low-interest Disaster Loans

U.S. Small Business Administration Hurricane Disaster Loans are available for Louisiana disaster survivors.

• For businesses of any size and certain nonprofits: up to $2 million for property damage.
• For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most qualifying nonprofits: up to $2 million for working capital needs even if they had no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.
• For homeowners: up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.
• For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage for Hurricane Laura is Nov. 27. The filing deadline for Hurricane Delta is Dec. 16. There is no cost to apply nor any obligation to accept funds if approved.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Or, follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Thu, 11/12/2020 - 17:19

FEMA Deadline to Register for Hurricane Laura Two Weeks Away

BATON ROUGE, La. —  Renters and homeowners in parishes designated for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Laura have until Nov. 27 to register for help.

Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property.

Additionally, grants may be available to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.

To see if you live in a designated parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4559/designated-areas.

For more information or to register for assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
• To find a drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), text 43362 and type DRC and a ZIP code (for example DRC 12345).
• To receive a link to download the FEMA app:
• Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
• Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362
• Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app
• Call 211 or text 527435837 to 898-211. For Louisiana evacuees that are living now out-of-state, please call 337-310-4636. This number also is valid for TTY out-of-state users.
• Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Hurricane Laura survivors with home repair questions should contact FEMA mitigation outreach at 866-579-0820 or at fema-mitoutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov Monday-Saturday, 8am to 6pm CDT. To view mitigation resources visit https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lauramit/.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

 

christopher.teed Thu, 11/12/2020 - 16:56

Free Legal Help Available for Disaster Survivors

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Free help with disaster-related legal concerns is available to eligible wildfire survivors in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties.

These counties are covered in federal disaster DR-4569 for fires beginning Sept 4. This includes the Bobcat, Creek, El Dorado, Oak, Slater and Valley fires. The disaster was declared Oct. 16 and expanded later to include Napa and Sonoma counties for the Glass Fire and Shasta County for the Zogg Fire.

Survivors may seek no-cost aid with wildfire-related legal issues by calling the disaster legal services hotline at 888-382-3406. English- and Spanish-speaking attorneys will be available. Callers also may leave a message. The program is a partnership between FEMA and the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

Types of free legal assistance that may be available from a volunteer lawyer include:

• Help securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors;
• Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims;
• Help with home repair contracts and contractors;
• Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the wildfires;
• Assisting in consumer-protection matters, remedies and procedures;
• Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems;
• Counseling on landlord-tenant problems;
• Referral to other attorneys and organizations for help with additional legal matters and COVID-19 resources.

Free disaster legal services are not allowed for cases that will produce a monetary award.

The deadline to register with FEMA for DR-4569 disaster assistance is Dec. 16, 2020.

Legal aid is available at the same hotline for survivors of DR-4558, declared Aug. 22 and expanded later to offer aid to those who suffered losses in wildfires starting earlier that month in the counties of Butte, Lake, Lassen, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare, and Yolo. The deadline to register with FEMA for DR-4558 disaster assistance is Nov. 21, 2020.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558, www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Thu, 11/12/2020 - 15:51

Oregon Wildfires: Four External Outreach Sites to Close, Help is Still Available

SALEM, Ore. – With the deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance approaching, FEMA External Outreach Sites will begin closing. Help is still available online, by phone, or through the FEMA mobile app.

If you were affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn or Marion counties, there’s still time to apply with FEMA for disaster assistance. The deadline is Nov. 16.

The Following External Outreach Sites Are Scheduled to Close

FEMA External Outreach Site #5: Estacada City Hall, 475 S.E. Main St., Estacada, Oregon 97023.The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.

FEMA External Outreach Site #4: Lincoln Outlet Mall, 1500 S.E East Devils Lake Rd., Suite 200, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367. The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

FEMA External Outreach Site #6: Old Middle School Gym, 301 Glide Loop Rd., Glide, Oregon 97443.The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov.14

FEMA External Outreach Site #3: Stayton Community Center, 400 W. Virginia St., Stayton, Oregon 97385. The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

Help is Still Available!

FEMA External Outreach Site #1 remains open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Central High School, 815 South Oakdale Ave., Medford, Oregon 97501.

Survivors can still visit the Medford External Outreach Site. However, it’s not necessary to visit to apply or update applications, which can be done in one of three ways:

• Call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate    7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST, seven days a week;
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov; or
• Check FEMA's mobile app.

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

For those survivors who rely on American Sign Language (ASL) or Real-time captioning (CART) to communicate, please call 425-487-2143 or email requests to: DR-4562-OR-ASL-CART-REQUESTS@fema.dhs.gov.

For those survivors who have limited English proficiency, multilingual operators are available. Call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (press 2 for Spanish) (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST, seven days a week.

External Outreach Sites offer Oregon residents affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds in-person visits to get information about their FEMA application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application.

Representatives from FEMA’s Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs are available at the site.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry and visitors receive “no touch” temperature screenings. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Federal staff wear masks, face shields and gloves. Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly during the day and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

                                            # # #

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond survivor inquiries.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

virginia.case2 Thu, 11/12/2020 - 11:56

FEMA Mobile Centers in Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties to Close Nov. 14

PENSACOLA, Fla. –FEMA mobile registration centers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will close permanently at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

The State of Florida and FEMA have determined that these centers have satisfied the need for helping Hurricane Sally survivors in the area register for disaster assistance. The centers are located at:

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Brownsville Community Center 320 W. DeSoto St., Pensacola, FL 32505 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

Lexington Terrace Community Center 700 S. Old Corry Field Rd., Pensacola, FL 32507 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

Escambia County Equestrian Center 7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Gulf Breeze Community Center 800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

Pensacola State College 5988 U.S. 90, Milton, FL 32583 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

The centers operate under COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors and FEMA personnel are safe. Distancing and face coverings are required.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register with FEMA. Disaster survivors with uninsured losses can also apply by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA App; or by
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

The deadline to register is Dec. 1, 2020.

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

barbara.murien… Thu, 11/12/2020 - 11:26

FEMA Awards Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles $1.79 Million for Hurricane Dorian Expenses

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,790,724 for the State of Florida to help the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) defray the costs of emergency response associated with Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the FLHSMV for emergency protective measures that were put in place before, during and after the storm, including law enforcement personnel, emergency equipment and security for safe evacuations.

The program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

barbara.murien… Thu, 11/12/2020 - 11:16

FEMA Provides More than $3.6 Million to Loyola University Medical Center

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $3,629,528 has been made available in federal disaster aid to Loyola University Medical Center for emergency protective measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant funding is part of the recovery efforts in response to the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020. In response to COVID-19, Loyola University Medical Center altered existing facilities to allow for proper distancing, purchased personal protective equipment, established screening areas, created COVID-19 testing locations and increased onsite cleaning to limit the virus’ spread.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding helped Loyola University Medical Center protect their healthcare workers and ensure critical services remained accessible and safe for patients in Illinois.”

The Public Assistance Program funding will be administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The total cost of the project is $4,839,371, with the remaining amount paid by Loyola University Medical Center.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

troy.christensen Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:18

Momentum to Repair Public Buildings Accelerates

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- The mission to repair damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria to public buildings led to $3 million awarded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program for numerous recovery projects in the Territory last month.

An obligation of $890,169 for the Judiciary of the Virgin Islands to restore the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center on St. Thomas back to its pre-disaster design, capacity and function stands out among approved projects in October. The three-story justice center on Veterans Drive houses courtrooms and offices.

“The Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center is an important facility for the people of the Virgin Islands. FEMA staff is pleased and proud to have worked with our USVI partners to obligate funds for a very important facility and taking another step forward in the recovery process from the devastating hurricanes of 2017,” said FEMA Acting Recovery Director John Covell. 

Maria’s winds and rains damaged the justice center’s roof and caused water intrusion inside the complex in September 2017. Water saturation collapsed the ceiling inside courtrooms and saturated drywall, light fixtures, ceiling tiles and carpet. High winds blew out windows and damaged window seals inside multiple offices.

The Judiciary will administer the design and choice of contractors, permits and compliance with regulatory codes and standards of the Territory during the justice center’s restoration.

“The recent obligations for the repair of these public buildings that provide vital services to the Territory signals continued progress towards restoring our infrastructure,” said Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien. “With this funding, the work now begins with soliciting for a contractor to perform the necessary repairs for these facilities. The Territory is appreciative of the continued support from FEMA.”

Other public buildings projects obligated include:

• $384,093 awarded to the Bureau of Corrections for the Alva A. Swan Jail Annex and Franklin Building contents. Water infiltration destroyed and damaged various contents at the buildings during the 2017 hurricanes;
• $151,928 obligated for the V.I. Fire Service for repairs to the Emile C. Berry Fire Station on St. Thomas. Severe winds and wind-driven rain caused damages to the Dorothea firehouse. Heavy debris damaged three overhead bay doors, and blocked the roof drains, causing water to accumulate over the main corridor, and leak onto the lower roof;
• $107,852 awarded to the Office of the Governor for management costs on St. Croix;
• A total of $1.5 million was obligated for other projects that include debris removal for the Nature Conservancy and management costs for the St. Croix Landmarks Society.

FEMA’s USVI Public Buildings Group will continue to focus on projects to restore damaged facilities to their pre-disaster condition and strengthen the Territory’s resilience against disasters.

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

Follow us on social media at twitter.com/femaregion2 and www.facebook.com/FEMAUSVirginIslands

 

gina.callaghan Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:15

Resiliency of the Puerto Rico Fire Department Increases with $5.7 Million from FEMA

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — FEMA assigned nearly $5.7 million to the Puerto Rico Fire Department as part of the recovery efforts on the island as a result of Hurricane María. The funds include projects to replace fire trucks as well as for the repair of facilities that provide response services related to all types of emergencies.

The Fire Department has approximately 1,535 staff across 95 stations distributed in 6 fire zones. In addition to preventing, fighting and determining the causes of fires to protect life and property, the team handles emergency calls in disasters and provides guidance to the public through seminars and conferences.

“Our brave Fire Department men and women are part of our first line of defense in disasters. With these funds we are supporting our mission to help strengthen critical services on the island for the safety of all citizens,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

The awards include $542,000 for the Barceloneta station, which was recently inaugurated as repairs were completed. Of these funds, just over $17,000 went to measures to prevent similar damage in the future like an anti-filtration treatment and strengthening the electrical system against power surges.

“The renovation took approximately eight months, where the roof and other areas of the station were completely replaced. As a result, we are now able to serve the citizens of Barceloneta,” said Captain Manuel Medina Moya, head of the Barceloneta District of the Puerto Rico Fire Department.

On the other hand, just over $9,000 was obligated to the Training Academy located at the Jueyes neighborhood in Salinas. The educational center, comprised of 160 students, will receive funds to repair classrooms, hazardous material simulators and training areas, among other repairs.

Here, both civilian and emergency response and brigade personnel receive the necessary training on the latest fire prevention and extinction techniques.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $19.2 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. FEMA works with COR3 through the agency’s Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 11/12/2020 - 07:36

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Eta beginning on Nov. 7 and continuing. 

Federal funding is available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a 75% federal cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support.  This assistance is available to alleviate the hardship and suffering  to save lives and protect property in Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Sumter counties.

Jeffrey L. Coleman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.  

zella.campbell Wed, 11/11/2020 - 21:59

Ten Key Facts About Federal Disaster Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Federal assistance can be an important resource for Californians with uninsured or underinsured property damage due to the recent wildfires. Survivors in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties have until Dec. 16, 2020, to register for federal disaster assistance.

Here are 10 facts about the help that may be available to you:

1. You won’t be taking grant money away from someone else by applying. There are enough disaster funds to assist every eligible applicant.
2. FEMA awards to assist eligible homeowners and renters do not have to be repaid. Remember: federal assistance cannot duplicate insurance or payments from other sources.
3. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal or state benefits.
4. While it’s a smart practice to get multiple cost estimates before hiring a contractor to do work on your home, you only need to submit one contractor quote or estimate when appealing a FEMA decision. 
5. FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Centers are temporary sites to support survivors with disaster information. They offer an optional opportunity for survivors to register, especially those without access to internet or telephone service. The MRICs are part of FEMA and the state of California’s ongoing response and recovery mission supporting wildfire survivors. MRICs operate under COVID-19 protocols to protect the health and safety of registrants. Individuals are highly encouraged to wear masks or face coverings when visiting a center. The MRICs do not offer COVID-19 testing.
6. If your insurance settlement is delayed by 30 days or more, and you need immediate money to relocate, FEMA may be able to help. Contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) to find out what you need to do to get this assistance. NOTE: Any money you may get from FEMA that you use for costs that will be reimbursed by your insurance settlement must be repaid to FEMA when you get your insurance.
7. If your car had uninsured damage caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for money to help repair or replace it. Certain requirements apply, but you must register with FEMA first to determine eligibility.
8. If you applied for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for the COVID-19 disaster, be aware those loans are separate from SBA loans for the wildfire disasters. You should apply if FEMA refers you to SBA for the recent wildfires in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties. You may be eligible for separate loans for both the COVID-19 and wildfire disasters. The deadline to apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan also is Dec. 16, 2020.
9. Applicants may be eligible for an increase of up to 20 percent in their SBA property damage loan amount to pay for measures to make their property more resistant to future disaster damage. Survivors can find out more and apply for a loan at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. For additional assistance, contact the SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center. Customer service representatives are available to assist individuals and business owners, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application. The Virtual DLOC is open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST daily. Call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
10. If you applied for assistance through a voluntary organization or other federal or state agency, this does not register you with FEMA. If you aren’t sure, or to apply with FEMA, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585), or download the FEMA App.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Tue, 11/10/2020 - 17:04

Wildfire Survivors Have Less Than Two Weeks to Apply for Federal Aid

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Individuals and households with losses due to August/September wildfires in Butte, Lake, Lassen, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo counties have two weeks or less remaining to apply for grants from FEMA or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The deadline is Nov. 21.

FEMA awards help eligible survivors pay for rent, home repair/replacement and many other serious disaster-related needs, including replacement or repair of vehicles, funeral expenses, medical or dental expenses and miscellaneous other costs. To be reimbursed by FEMA, survivors should photograph damage and save receipts for repair work.

Survivors should contact their insurers and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage before they register with FEMA. Anyone with insurance should register with FEMA even if they aren’t yet certain whether they will be eligible. FEMA may be able to help with costs that insurance doesn’t cover.

The agency can determine eligibility once an applicant’s insurance claim is settled—but there won’t be any FEMA reimbursement for those who fail to register by the Nov. 21 deadline for those who suffered losses in fires including the CZU Lightning Complex, SCU Lighting Complex, August Complex Fire, LNU Lightning Complex, North Complex, Sheep, Dolan and SQF Complex.

There are three ways for survivors to register:  online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with the FEMA Mobile App on a smartphone or tablet, or by or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register. Multilingual services are available on the helpline and specialists can answer most questions about FEMA assistance and registration.

To register you will need the following information:

• Social Security number
• Insurance policy information
• Address of the damaged primary dwelling
• A description of disaster-caused damage and losses
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account number of your checking or savings account (for direct transfer of funds to your bank account)

After you register online or with the FEMA app, you can create your own account. This will enable you to check the status of your application, view messages from FEMA, update your personal information and upload documents that may be necessary to determine your eligibility for aid..

If you are unable to upload your documents, mail them to FEMA at P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-8055 or fax them to 800-827-8112.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Nov. 21 is also the deadline to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Grants from FEMA are meant to give eligible survivors a start on their road to recovery. However, the primary source of recovery funding for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters is U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. When disaster survivors need to borrow to repair or replace damaged property, the low-interest rates and long terms (up to 30 years) available from SBA make recovery affordable. In some cases, refinancing of prior liens is available. A disaster loss is unexpected. For most disaster survivors, it is beyond their means to pay for disaster damages from their own resources without significant hardship.

You can find out more by contacting the SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center. Customer service representatives are available to assist individuals and business owners, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mondays – Fridays

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

(916) 735-1500

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Tue, 11/10/2020 - 12:52

Free Legal Advice for Louisianans

BATON ROUGE, La. — Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides free legal assistance to low-income hurricane survivors who cannot afford to hire a lawyer after a disaster.

Members of the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division advise and provide legal representation at no charge. There are certain limitations. Assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., cases where fees are paid as part of a court settlement).

DSL has assisted thousands of survivors with disaster-recovery problems including:

• Insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills;
• Claims for property loss or loss of life;
• Drawing up new wills or other legal papers;
• Help with home repair contracts and contractors; and
• Advice on problems with landlords.
• Transferring Title to Property

To request legal help through DLS, call 1-800-310-7029 or visit www.fema.gov or www.disasterlegalaid.org

To see if you live in a disaster-declared parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4570.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. Or, for Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6

scott.reuter Tue, 11/10/2020 - 11:54

Federal Assistance Fuels Puerto Rico’s Recovery from Tropical Storm Isaías

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – More than $1.8 million in federal disaster assistance is helping fuel the recovery of Puerto Rico residents and businesses that suffered damage in Tropical Storm Isaías from July 29-31.

As of Nov. 8, FEMA’s Individuals and Households program approved $513,834 in Housing Assistance to repair disaster-damaged homes and pay for temporary housing. Another $512,767 was approved under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program, which provides funding for disaster-related expenses and serious needs including medical, dental, transportation, moving and storage expenses.

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved more than $819,500 in low-interest disaster loans to 34 homeowners, renters and businesses.

After Puerto Rico received a major disaster declaration for Isaías on Sept. 9, a total of 847 eligible individuals and households in the designated municipalities of Aguada, Hormigueros, Mayagüez and Rincón applied for FEMA disaster assistance.

Disaster Legal Services, a partnership between Puerto Rico Legal Services, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, DisasterLegalAid.org and FEMA, received $5,000 in FEMA funding for administrative support for volunteer lawyers who assist survivors. The program provides free legal help with various disaster-related problems. Among them: filing FEMA appeal forms, completing insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, and resolving disputes with home repair contracts and contractors.

As the recovery operation moved forward, FEMA opened four Disaster Recovery Centers in the designated municipalities under COVID-19 safety measures. The Mayagüez center remains open until Nov. 13 for residents to speak to specialists in person and update their applications. The center will suspend operations Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day. As of Nov. 8, there were 1,300 visits to the recovery centers.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance and SBA physical damage loan applications was Nov. 9. The deadline for businesses to submit economic injury disaster loan applications to SBA is June 9, 2021.

FEMA specialists remain on the island to support recovery efforts and are still a phone call away. The FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 remains open for questions or updates to an application. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4560 and Facebook: www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.

 

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 711 for Video Relay Service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.) TTY call 800-462-7585.

 

Follow us at:

www.facebook.com/femapuertorico

www.twitter.com/femaregion2

 

jassiel.oliveromelo Tue, 11/10/2020 - 09:45

Just One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance, SBA Disaster Loans

Montgomery, Ala. – Homeowners and renters of Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties with uninsured damage or losses from Hurricane Sally occurring September 14 – 16, 2020, have just one week left to apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance and to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low interest disaster loans.

The deadline for both is Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020.

Although FEMA cannot make you whole, FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately, before applying to FEMA. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, if you don’t have insurance or are underinsured, you may receive assistance for uninsured losses.

Even if you applied with another agency or organization you should register with FEMA if you want to access federal disaster grants and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) long-term, low-interest disaster loans.

To register for assistance: 

• Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.  Online applications must be completed no later than midnight on Nov. 19.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Operators are multilingual and calls are answered 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

SBA provides help to survivors in the form of low-interest disaster loans. You may borrow up to $200,000 with a fixed interest rate as low as 1.188% to repair or replace your primary home to its pre-hurricane condition. The loan can be increased by 20% of the damages for mitigation measures, i.e., elevation, hurricane shutters, installation of a seawall or a safe room.

Homeowners and renters may also be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 with a fixed interest rate as low as 1.188% to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, such as clothing, furniture, appliances and cars.

SBA’s disaster loans are also available for businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for physical losses. This includes rental properties. Small businesses and most nonprofits may be eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital loans. The maximum loan amount is $2,000,000. Interest rates are as low as 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits.

After you have registered with FEMA, you may be referred to SBA. You can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the SBA’s https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. You can also mail your application to SBA: Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155. 

You can also call the SBA Customer Service Center number at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

The deadline for applying for an SBA disaster loan for physical damages is also Nov. 19.

 

For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563.

felicia.jordan Tue, 11/10/2020 - 08:07

Wildfire Survivors Must Apply To Extend Time For FEMA Rental Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Wildfire survivors who received an initial rental assistance award may be eligible for an extension of that after two months but must request it.

Many individuals and households who had to move after their homes were damaged or lost due to August/September wildfires in 13 counties have been receiving help from FEMA paying rent on temporary alternative housing. The counties are Butte, Lake, Lassen, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo.

Two weeks after a household initially receives rental assistance, FEMA mails them a letter or an application for an extension. Anyone currently receiving temporary housing assistance who has not received a letter or an application and needs to continue that support may request an application for continuation by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register.

To be eligible for an extension of temporary housing assistance, survivors must demonstrate that they need it by submitting documentation to FEMA that includes:

• A completed FEMA application for continuing rental assistance.
• A copy of the applicant’s lease.
• Receipts showing that rental aid already received was properly used to pay for disaster housing.
• Report of the household’s income.
• Report of the household’s financial obligations.

FEMA will evaluate the request to determine if the applicant is eligible for an extension. There is no guarantee of rental assistance beyond the first two months. FEMA rental assistance may be used for a house, apartment, hotel, motel, manufactured home, recreational vehicle (RV), houseboat or other kind of living space that is available for rent. Rental assistance extensions must be applied for every three months with the total period of assistance for eligible survivors not to exceed 18 months from Aug. 22, 2020, the date of the major disaster declaration.

If you have questions about the process or the required documents, you may call the FEMA helpline. FEMA cannot provide rental assistance unless survivors keep their addresses and telephone numbers up to date so they can be contacted. If your contact information changes, you can update it online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline.

Nov. 21 is the deadline for residents of the 13 counties included in the Aug. 22 disaster declaration to register for FEMA assistance.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9 .

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bree-constance… Mon, 11/09/2020 - 19:37

FEMA Awards $5.46 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $5,465,770 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of emergency response and debris removal following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:

• Orange County: $3,580,497 for removal of 93 leaning trees and 59,751 hanging branches from public roads, property and rights-of-way.
• Indian River County: $1,885,273 for emergency sheriff patrols, sheltering, staffing the emergency operations center, utility operations and emergency lighting.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

barbara.murien… Mon, 11/09/2020 - 16:17

Free Crisis Counseling Available for Delta and Laura Survivors

Baton Rouge, LA — Free counseling services offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help those dealing with stress caused by Hurricanes Delta and Laura.

 

Call 800-985-5990 (TTY 800-846-8517) or text TalkWithUs (Spanish-speakers text: Hablanos) to 66746 to be immediately connected with a professional counselor who will help callers through disaster-related emotional distress. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential free service is available to everyone in the state.

 

In the weeks and months after disaster strikes, the path to recovery can pose many uncertainties and cause stress and anxiety. Stress symptoms may include sleeping more or less than normal, fatigue, hopelessness or loss of appetite.

 

SAMHSA can make referrals to local resources for follow-up care and support. The Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program is funded through FEMA and administered by SAMSHA. The program is managed by the Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Behavioral Health.

 

Another resource for assistance is VIA LINK, the agency in Louisiana which provides crisis counseling. These counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide crisis counseling and information and referrals to programs that can help with needs such as food, shelter, medical care, financial assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, senior services, childcare and more dial 211 or 800-749-2673 or visit https://vialink.org/

 

Other Crisis Counseling Resources:

 

• The Keep Calm Through COVID crisis phone line provides trained, compassionate counselors to support Louisianans through this difficult time. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with information and service coordination, linking callers to mental health and substance abuse counseling services. This service is available to the public at no charge. The Keep Calm Through COVID hotline is 866-310-7977. All calls are confidential.
• Domestic Violence Louisiana Hotline is 888-411-1333. This hotline is the federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, nonresidential programs and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. You may also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
• Veterans, service members and their family and friends may call the Veterans Crisis line 800-273-8255, text 838255 or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Free suicide prevention counseling is available to anyone. Visit suicidehotlines.com/louisiana.html.

 

For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559 Or, follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6

scott.reuter Mon, 11/09/2020 - 15:40

Rebuilding? Check First with Local Authorities About Permits

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The State of Florida and FEMA remind residents planning to rebuild after Hurricane Sally to consult with their community’s building or planning department first to see if permits are necessary before work can start. Do not rely solely on the contractor’s opinion as to whether permits are required.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to make sure all necessary permits have been obtained – including, if necessary, complying with all floodplain regulations that apply. Construction must adhere to the Florida Building Code and the local floodplain management ordinance.

To find local building contacts, go to https://www.stateofflorida.com/cities/ if you live in a municipality or https://www.stateofflorida.com/florida-counties/ if you live in an unincorporated area.

Contractors should be licensed and insured. The State of Florida provides residents the ability to look up contractor licensing information online at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp.

For a video on making your roof wind-resistant, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8PhTekho3s.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

barbara.murien… Mon, 11/09/2020 - 14:12

Rolling Hills Receives $1.1M Grant to Reduce Wildfire Risk

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted $1.1 million to the city of Rolling Hills to replace overhead power lines and poles with nearly 2,000 feet of underground cables and relocate transformers to an area with less wildfire risk.

With its steep canyons and scrub-covered hillsides, the Palos Verdes Peninsula has always been vulnerable to hazards associated with brush fires. The area around Rolling Hills is no exception.  The Los Angeles Fire Department identified the area as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the highest designation with the greatest fire risk.

Wildfires in 1973, 1993, 2009 and 2018 destroyed homes, disrupted essential utilities and risked the lives of residents, firefighters and livestock. Often the spontaneous ignitions were caused by ruptured gas mains and service lines, damaged or fallen cables and unbraced or inadequately braced gas or electrical equipment.

Undergrounding power lines is the most comprehensive and effective method to eliminate the threat of damaged or downed cables caused by high wind events, fire, earthquakes and earthquake-related fires. Completion of the project will enhance the safety and reliability of Rolling Hills’ electric grid in an area that is particularly vulnerable to fire.

The $1.5 million project includes a $1.1 million grant from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), with the remaining $381,000 from non-federal sources.

FEMA’s HMGP helps states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities, and certain private, non-profit organizations become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs. In the past 31 years, FEMA has invested nearly $1.4 billion to reduce disaster risk in California.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Mon, 11/09/2020 - 12:42