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Two Weeks Left for Kentuckians To Apply for FEMA Assistance After May 21-27 Severe Storms
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Homeowners and renters in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren and Whitley counties who have loss and damage caused by the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides have less than two weeks to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Sept. 23.
How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance- Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest center, visit fema.gov/drc.
- Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available daily, 7 a.m.-midnight ET. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download and use the FEMA app.
FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
In-Person Assistance Is Available at Disaster Recovery Centers- Greenup County (DRC): Flatwoods Senior Center, 2511 Reed St., Flatwoods, KY 41139. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday.
- Hopkins County (DRC): 114 Madison Square Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. CT, Monday through Saturday.
- Muhlenberg County (DRC): Muhlenberg County Training Center, 61 Career Way, Central City, KY 42330. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. CT, Monday through Saturday.
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.
gerard.hammink Mon, 09/09/2024 - 17:03Those Waiting for an NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan Should File a Notice of Loss with Claims Office Before the Nov 14 Deadline
SANTA FE, NM – People impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire who are awaiting conservation restoration plans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are encouraged to start a FEMA claim as soon as possible.
Affected individuals should not wait for the NRCS to inspect their properties before filing a Notice of Loss (NOL) with the FEMA Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office as they may risk missing the Nov. 14, 2024, deadline due to NRCS working through a heavy backlog.
NRCS has 1,288 requests for site inspections required to compensate people for damage to natural resources – a volume the agency estimates will take until spring 2025 to complete, well past the deadline for filing a new claim. Inspections are expected to slow when snowy conditions make higher-elevation sites in the burn scar less accessible and more hazardous to navigate.
Although NRCS handles inspections and produces conservation restoration plans, FEMA covers the losses and delivers compensation under the Fire Assistance Act. Impacted property owners must file an NOL through the Claims Office to receive compensation.
“NRCS teams have worked hard to create conservation restoration plans to address damage to the natural resources from the devastating fire and subsequent floods, but there’s only so much they can do in a limited time,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations for the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “I encourage anyone who suffered damages to file a Notice of Loss before the November 14 deadline.”
NRCS and the Claims Office have cultivated a strong partnership, completing 1,277 conservation restoration plans. The Claims Office has paid for 989 NRCS claims for more than $490 million.
Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not impact eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.
The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid more than $1.1 billion to claimants.
For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.
erika.suzuki Mon, 09/09/2024 - 15:58National Preparedness Month: Take Action Today and Enhance Resiliency Across the Mid-Atlantic
PHILADELPHIA –As we observe National Preparedness Month this September, FEMA Region 3 is committed to making emergency preparedness accessible to all communities, with a particular focus on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations. Our goal is to empower communities with tools to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Mid-Atlantic communities are preparing for potential emergencies, including storms and flooding. This National Preparedness Month, we encourage all community members to take a step towards becoming better prepared whether starting a conversation with families and networks, learning about the hazards most common in our region, staying alert, or joining an event related to disaster preparedness. Small steps can have a big impact when it comes to staying safe and recovering from a disaster.
Through collaboration with community-based organizations we have put together a series of events and resources designed to enhance individual and community preparedness. We are especially excited to launch a roundtable discussion on preparedness strategies and to expand outreach to people living with disabilities.
"Equity drives our mission to enhance disaster preparedness for everyone. By centering communities in our outreach, particularly AANHPI communities with their rich variety of languages and cultural backgrounds, our preparedness messaging is more accessible and effective for all communities,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney.
Upcoming Events:
- AANHPI Community-Focused Preparedness Webinar: “A Conversation in Preparedness”
- Date: September 18th
- Time: 10:00 AM ET
- Event Link: www.fema.gov/event/conversation-preparedness
This in-depth webinar will feature a panel of experts from FEMA Region 3, specializing in preparedness, hazard mitigation, and grant funding. The discussion will cover essential preparedness operations and procedures, address individual and community concerns, and explore challenges related to language barriers and accessibility.
- Nextdoor Live Chat: Engaging with the AANHPI Community
- Date: September 20th
- Time: 12pm-2pm ET
- Link: FEMA Region 3 on Nextdoor
Join us for an interactive live chat on Nextdoor, where we will address key preparedness concerns with a focus on the AANHPI community. The Preparedness Team from Region 3 will be available for a two-hour session to respond to comments and questions in real-time, following initial post soliciting feedback on disaster preparedness issues.
Find information about additional events on Events | FEMA.gov
Resources:
- Public Service Announcement (PSA): This new PSA video highlights the importance of disaster preparedness within the AANHPI community. The videos, available in both English and Cantonese, will be shared on our YouTube channel and Nextdoor platform, with additional promotion by FEMA through Ready.gov.
- Visit Ready.gov/start for messaging, graphics, and resources specifically designed for the AANHPI communities.
We encourage all community members to join us and share these messages with their networks. Through taking steps towards preparedness, including having conversations, asking questions, making plans, and staying alert, we build resilience and are better equipped to handle emergencies.
Stay informed and engaged as we continue to promote preparedness and resilience, during National Preparedness Month and throughout the year.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Follow us on X at x.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.
amanda.hancher Mon, 09/09/2024 - 14:32Disaster Assistance Tops $2 Million for West Virginia Survivors
Sept. 9, 2024
DR-4787-WV NR-011
FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov
News release
Disaster Assistance Tops $2 Million for West Virginia Survivors
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Fifteen weeks after a major disaster was declared for West Virginia, more than $2 million has been approved for homeowners and renters affected by the severe storms and flooding of April 11-12, 2024.
More than 500households and businesses have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to date. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 2, 2024.
“Reaching the $2 million milestone means more than disaster recovery dollars in West Virginians’ hands,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Jeff Jones. “It symbolizes the commitment of FEMA and the whole recovery community to storm survivors. It’s part of our dedicated effort to work with West Virginians until the mission is complete.”
Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and essential disaster-related needs. Housing inspectors have completed more than 400 inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage.
Federal disaster assistance is available to residents of eight counties: Boone, Hancock, Kanawha, Marshall, Ohio, Roane, Wetzel and Wood.
FEMA encourages all survivors who sustained disaster-related damage or losses to apply for assistance at their nearest Disaster Recovery Center. Residents can find a center by calling 800-621-3362 or going online to www.fema.gov/drc.
Survivors can also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. 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. They can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app on their smartphone.
In July and August, FEMA deployed Disaster Survivor Assistance teams to visit storm-damaged homes to register people and answer their questions about disaster assistance. Teams visited more than 4,800 residences, nearly 900 faith-based organizations and more than 490 businesses.
Other help remains available to individuals:
- Free disaster legal assistance is available to West Virginia storm survivors. This service offers counseling on insurance claims, landlord-tenant issues, home-repair contracts, the replacement of legal documents destroyed by the storm and other legal matters. Call the legal hotline 866-255-4370.
Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps and several other programs. Disaster grants are just that — grants that do not have to be paid back to the government.
One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, and the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.
For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online via SBA’s secure website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, should dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4787 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
issa.mansaray Mon, 09/09/2024 - 12:30State/Federal Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cassville
Cape Girardeau, MO – A joint Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in Cassville until Saturday, Sept. 14, to give survivors of the May 19-27 severe storms an opportunity to talk face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists.
The center is located at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 504 West St., Cassville, MO 65625 and will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will permanently close at 4 p.m., Saturday.
The DRC is open to residents of Barry County and any of the nine other counties included in the federal disaster declaration: Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas.
DRCs are a one-stop shop for disaster survivors who have applied with FEMA and need to present additional documentation or just have questions about the status of their cases. In addition to FEMA staff, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to help survivors apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund recovery efforts.
Survivors are encouraged to apply with FEMA before visiting a DRC to get the process going as quickly as possible. For those who need help to apply, DRC staff can assist survivors on the spot. For those who are blind or low-vision, or Deaf or hard-of-hearing, assistive devices are available at the centers as well.
Here are the 3 best ways to apply:
- Online: www.disasterassistance.gov
- Phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Download and use the FEMA app
Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. FEMA also can connect survivors by phone with language interpreters who can help complete their application or answer questions.
A center was opened Aug. 1 in Sikeston at the YMCA, 511 Taylor St. with the same hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays until further notice. The center is closed Sundays.
Disaster survivors can go to any DRC for assistance, even if it is not in the county in which they live. DRC services are FREE.
The FEMA assistance, granted July 23 by President Biden, helps eligible homeowners, renters and self-employed business owners in the 10 Missouri counties included in the federal disaster declaration for the May 19-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.
For more disaster-related information, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency online at www.sema.dps.mo.gov or FEMA at www.fema.gov and www.fema.gov/disaster/4803
thomas.wise Mon, 09/09/2024 - 12:24Schedule Change for Disaster Recovery Centers in Dixie and Lafayette Counties
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Disaster Recovery Centers in Dixie and Lafayette counties will be closed on Sundays starting Sept. 8.
Effective Sept. 9, the center in Lafayette County will operate 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Hours for Dixie County center remain 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Center locations:
Dixie County
Old School Board Building
841 SE Hwy 349
Old Town, FL 32680
Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Lafayette County
Mayo Community Center
150 NW Community Circle
Mayo, FL 32066
9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
For other Disaster Recovery Center locations, go online to fema.gov/drc.
For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
kirsten.chambers Fri, 09/06/2024 - 21:39Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Coming to Christian, Simpson and Todd Counties for a Limited Time
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will open Sept. 9 in Christian, Simpson and Todd counties to assist Kentuckians who experienced loss from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides.
These Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be available for a limited time at the following locations.
- Christian County: Hopkinsville Public Works Complex, 705 N. Main St. Hopkinsville, KY 42240. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday, Sept. 9 - 13 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Central Time. Saturday, Sept. 14. This Mobile DRC will end operations at 5 p.m., Sept. 14.
- Simpson County: Simpson County Health Department, 1131 S. College St. Franklin, KY 42134. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday, Sept. 9 - 13 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Central Time, Saturday, Sept. 14. This Mobile DRC will end operations at 5 p.m., Sept. 14.
- Todd County (Mobile DRC): Todd County Dispatch Center, 813 S. Main St. Elkton, KY 42220. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday, Sept. 9 - 13 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Central Time, Saturday, Sept. 14. This Mobile DRC will end operations at 5 p.m., Sept. 14.
In addition, three other Disaster Recovery Centers are also open:
- Greenup County: Flatwoods Senior Center, 2511 Reed St., Flatwoods, KY 41139. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday.
- Hopkins County: Madison Square Shopping Center, 114 Madison Square Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.
- Muhlenberg County: Muhlenberg County Training Center, 61 Career Way, Central City, KY 42330. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.
FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
Kentucky homeowners and renters in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren and Whitley counties can apply for FEMA assistance at any of the Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky. FEMA representatives will help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.
FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses.
In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and agencies from the Commonwealth will be available to assist survivors.
Other Ways To Apply for FEMA AssistanceIt is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to apply. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.
gerard.hammink Fri, 09/06/2024 - 20:48FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Hinesburg
Williston, Vt. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in the town of Hinesburg at the Hinesburg Town Hall. The DRC will be open Sunday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Hinesburg, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will have disaster assistance specialists available to help disaster survivors apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.
The DRC is located at:
- Hinesburg Town Hall - 10632 Route 116, Hinesburg, VT 05461
- Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
You do not need an appointment to visit a DRC.
Other DRCs open include:
- Brighton Town Hall Gym - 49 Mill Street, Island Pond, VT 05846
- Lyndon Public Safety Facility - 316 Main Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851
- Waterbury Armory - 294 Armory Drive, Waterbury, VT 05676
- Barre Municipal Auditorium - 20 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
- Goddard College - 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667
All locations are open Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
FEMA specialists and representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which can provide low-interest disaster loans to survivors, will be on hand to discuss available assistance.
Those affected by the disaster do not have to visit a DRC in order to apply. Survivors can also register in one of the following ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The FEMA website is accessible and includes language translation options.
- By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
- Download FEMA’s Mobile App. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.
All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 1-833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).
For the latest information, visit DR-4810. Follow FEMA on X (Twitter) at https://x.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.
amy.ashbridge Fri, 09/06/2024 - 20:25FEMA Grants Won’t Affect Other Federal Benefits
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Applying for disaster assistance will not affect other federal benefits you may receive. Those who sustained loss from the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides that occurred May 21-27 and live in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren or Whitley County, should not hesitate to apply for FEMA assistance.
Accepting FEMA funds will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefit programs. Also, FEMA assistance is not taxable.
Disaster funds help survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.
How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance- Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest center, visit fema.gov/drc.
- Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available daily, 7 a.m.-midnight ET. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download and use the FEMA app.
FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.
For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA at x.com/femaregion4and facebook.com/fema.
To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.
gerard.hammink Fri, 09/06/2024 - 18:44FEMA Rental Assistance Available for Homeowners and Renters in South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Homeowners and renters in Davison, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties may be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance if they cannot live in their homes because of damage due to recent severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding in South Dakota from June 16 to July 8, 2024.
What Is Rental Assistance?
FEMA Rental Assistance is a temporary grant for survivors to pay for somewhere to live while they repair or rebuild their home. You can use this money to rent a place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel room, RV or other options while your home is repaired, or while you look for a new place to live.
If you need additional assistance to pay for somewhere to live while you repair or rebuild your home, ask for Rental Assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
What Does Rental Assistance Cover?
- Rental Assistance covers temporary housing while you are unable to live in your permanent residence.
- Rental Assistance can be used for rent, security deposits and the cost of essential utilities (gas, water and electric).
- Rental Assistance can be used for short-term hotel stays while you look for a place to rent.
- Rental Assistance cannot pay for cable or internet.
How Long Does Rental Assistance Support Me?
If you are deemed eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance, the initial grant is for two months on a case-by-case basis.
If you received initial FEMA Rental Assistance, you will be sent an application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA), which may be granted for three-month periods. You will need to submit additional documentation to be eligible for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA). You can apply using the application that you received with your initial rental assistance, or by calling the FEMA Helpline.
What If I have Insurance?
File a claim as soon as possible. Your insurance may have benefits for temporary housing. Your insurance company will give you a claim settlement, proof of exhaustion or denial document that includes Additional Living Expenses. It is important that you provide this documentation from the insurance company to FEMA to determine your eligibility for FEMA Rental Assistance.
You can submit Insurance documents in the following ways:
- Bringing documentation to a Disaster Recovery Center to be scanned and faxed to your account
- Upload documents to your account on DisasterAssistance.gov
- Mail documentation with a cover letter listing the documents enclosed. Send them to the FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
- Fax documentation with a cover letter listing the documents and noting “Attention: FEMA.” Fax them to 800-827-8112.
How to Apply with FEMA
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person. To search for Disaster Recovery Centers, visit www.fema.gov/drc or text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362 for a list of centers closest to you.
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
- Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
- Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448.
anthony.mayne Fri, 09/06/2024 - 17:23FEMA Will be at Clay County Fair to Help Survivors
FEMA will be at the Clay County Fair to help survivors register for Disaster Assistance and provide information on how to build safer and stronger.
FEMA representatives will be in the Emergency Management booth Sept. 7–15 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 800 W 18th St., Spencer, IA 51301. FEMA representatives will be available to give residents information about home repair and rebuilding in addition to how to register for federal assistance.
If you had flood related damage or storm-caused expenses or are self-employed and live in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Scott, Sioux and Woodbury counties, FEMA assistance can provide grants to help cover temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster related needs. U.S. Small Business Administration provides loans to help cover home repairs and other disaster-related needs along with business impacts.
Residents can also register for disaster assistance by:
- Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
- Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Using the FEMA app
Anyone using a relay service, such as a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Press 2 for Spanish. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
thomas.wise Fri, 09/06/2024 - 17:22How To Appeal FEMA’s Decision
FRANKFORT, Ky. – If you have applied for FEMA assistance following the May 21-27 severe weather, you may get a letter from FEMA. Please read the FEMA letter carefully.
If you are found ineligible, the letter will explain the reasons. It is possibly something as simple as missing documentation or information.
If you are found eligible for assistance, the letter will explain the grant amount that FEMA has approved and information on the appropriate use of the disaster assistance grant.
If you disagree with any decisions made by FEMA, including your eligibility status or the amount of grant you may receive, you have the right to appeal.
The Appeal ProcessIt is important to include documentation to support your reason for appeal. Provide any information FEMA has requested, such as documents from your insurance company and documents that prove occupancy or ownership.
Be sure to write your FEMA application number and the disaster number (DR-4804-KY) on each page of your appeal and on any documents that are submitted. Writing your application number on each page submitted helps FEMA to organize your case.
Mail your appeal within 60 days from the date on your FEMA decision letter to:
- FEMA - Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
You can also upload your appeal documentation to your account on DisasterAssistance.gov, or fax to
800-827-8112.
If you are unable to send an appeal yourself, ask someone to do it for you. It could be someone in your household, a friend or an attorney. You will need to provide FEMA with a statement signed by you that the person is authorized to appeal on your behalf.
For additional information about FEMA’s appeal process or about authorizing a third party to act on your behalf, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to midnight, ET. Assistance is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center; to find the nearest center, go to: fema.gov/drc. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Sept. 22.
gerard.hammink Fri, 09/06/2024 - 14:42Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Pottawattamie County
FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Crescent and Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding this spring.
Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.
The DRC will open in Crescent on Monday, Sept 9 at 1 p.m. at:
Crescent
Council Bluffs Community School District
Crescent Elementary School
401 E Welch St.
Crescent, IA 51526
Opens Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.
Closes Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.
Council Bluffs
Charles Lakin Human Services Campus – North Parking Lot
815 N. 16th St.,
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Opens Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.
open daily 8 a.m.-6p.m.
until Sept.21
Closed Sunday 09/15
To save time, apply online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center by:
- Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
- Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Using the FEMA app
All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.
Anyone using a relay service, such as a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated
against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Press 2 for Spanish. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
thomas.wise Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:18Reminder! Check Utilities Such as Water Heaters Before Winter
ST. PAUL – With the late summer heat across Minnesota, the last thing you may be thinking about is the winter months ahead. But as temperatures drop, your furnace will become the most important appliance in your home. Ahead of the cold weather, FEMA suggests making sure your heating systems, water heaters and other appliances in your primary residence are in good working condition if you were impacted by the June 16 - July 4 severe storms and floods.
If floodwaters reached your home heating systems, you should have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel. If you are a homeowner, and your essential appliances were damaged or destroyed in your primary residence, by the storms, you may be able to receive funds from FEMA to get them repaired or replaced. FEMA home repair assistance is intended to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional to essential living areas.
First, you must apply for FEMA assistance. When filling out the application make sure to report any disaster-caused damage to the furnace, water heater, other electrical appliances and occupied, lower-level rooms. After applying, a FEMA housing inspector may contact you to schedule an appointment to verify damage you reported on your application. FEMA inspectors do not decide if you will receive funds. After the home inspection is completed, FEMA specialists review your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted to determine all damage and losses that may be eligible. A FEMA decision letter will be sent to you by email or U.S. postal service mail.
Appealing a FEMA Decision with New DocumentationIf you received a FEMA grant to repair your furnace and/or water heater and later discover those items need to be replaced, you may choose to appeal to FEMA for additional grant funds. Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.
Your FEMA letter will detail information on what will need to be provided if you choose to appeal FEMA’s decision. Your decision letter also includes an Appeal Request Form that may be used to help provide additional information like copies of supporting documents including proof of your disaster-caused losses. All submitted documents, receipts, bills, and estimates must include contact information of the service provider/contractor.
Your appeal may be submitted by fax or mail, in-person, or online if you have a FEMA online account. To set up a FEMA online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.
- By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
- By fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
- In-person: Visit any Disaster Recovery Center to submit your appeal. Find a center here: fema.gov/DRC.
To learn more about FEMA’s appeal process, visit www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/appeals.
Disaster Survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
The deadline to apply with FEMA is September 27, 2024. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797.
kimberly.keblish Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:08FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the State of Maryland
PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise for communities around the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The exercise will occur during the week of September 10, 2024, to assess the ability of the State of Maryland to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.
“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the State of Maryland.”
Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.
FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 4:30 p.m. on September 12, 2024. The meeting will be conducted in person at the Crown Plaza Hotel, 173 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, MD. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC.
amanda.hancher Thu, 09/05/2024 - 21:01Texas Hurricane Beryl Survivors Can Apply for an SBA Loan
Austin – FEMA partners with other agencies to help meet the needs of disaster survivors. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans in a declared major disaster area. As a matter of fact, 80% of SBA loans are approved homeowners and renters. Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses and residents impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
Residents and businesses in Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties are eligible to apply.
SBA is the largest source of funds to help private property owners pay for disaster losses not covered by insurance or other programs. The program may cover deductibles and increased cost of compliance. Survivors should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $100,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
Applicants may apply online and can find additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster.
The deadline to apply for assistance for property damage is October 10, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is April 14, 2025. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan.
SBA representatives are also available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. Disaster Recovery Centers operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday, closed Sunday. To find a center location near you, go to fema.gov/drc.
All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. There is no cost to apply for an SBA disaster loan.
For more information about Texas disaster recovery, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4798. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
alexa.brown Thu, 09/05/2024 - 18:01Schedule Change for Disaster Recovery Centers in Manatee, Sarasota Counties
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Disaster Recovery Centers in Manatee and Sarasota counties will be closed on Sundays starting Sept. 8.
The centers will operate 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Center locations:
Manatee County
Lakewood Ranch Library
16410 Rangeland Pkwy.
Bradenton, FL 34211
Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Sarasota County
Sarasota Christian Church
2923 Ashton Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34231
Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
For other Disaster Recovery Center locations, go online to fema.gov/drc.
For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
kirsten.chambers Thu, 09/05/2024 - 16:01Levy County Disaster Recovery to Relocate
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– A Disaster Recovery Center in Levy County will operate 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 5-7. The center will close permanently at noon Sept. 7 and reopen in a new location Sept. 9.
The center did not open as scheduled Sept. 4 because of severe weather.
Current location:
Chiefland City Hall
214 East Park Ave.
Chiefland, FL 32626
Open 9 a.m.-noon Thursday-Saturday, closed Sunday
New location Sept. 9:
Levy County Government Complex
310 School St.
Bronson, Florida 32621
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
For other Disaster Recovery Center locations, go online to fema.gov/drc.
For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
Doniphan Disaster Recovery Center Temporarily Closes
Cape Girardeau, MO – The state/federal Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Ripley County Caring Community Partnership building, 209 West Highway St., Doniphan, MO 63935, will temporarily close Saturday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. It will reopen at the same location from Sept. 16 to 20.
The DRC, which opened Aug. 21, is part of a circuit in which DRCs move to multiple locations so impacted residents have may meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists within a reasonable distance of where they live.
Doniphan DRC staff will move to Cassville over the weekend to open a DRC there on Sept. 9 at the First Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 504 West St., Cassville, MO 65625. The center will close permanently on Saturday, Sept. 14. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
DRCs are one-stop shops for disaster survivors who have applied for FEMA assistance and need to provide additional documentation or have questions about the status of their cases. In addition to FEMA staff, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to help survivors apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund recovery efforts.
The DRC that opened on Aug. 1, at the Sikeston YMCA, 511 Taylor St., Sikeston, MO 63801 remains open.
All DRCs in Missouri are open the same hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice. All centers are closed on Sundays.
Homeowners, renters and self-employed business owners in 10 Missouri counties who were impacted by May 19-27 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can visit any of the centers for one-on-one help, regardless of where they live. Services at the centers are free.
The 10 counties are: Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas.
Survivors are encouraged to apply with FEMA before visiting a DRC to make their visit most efficient. Individuals who are having difficulty applying can go to a DRC and get help with filing their initial application.
Here are the 3 best ways to apply:
- Online: www.disasterassistance.gov
- Phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Download and use the FEMA app
- Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
For more disaster-related information, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency online at www.sema.dps.mo.gov or FEMA at www.fema.gov and www.fema.gov/disaster/4803.
thomas.wise Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:38FEMA May Be Trying to Reach You
MADISON, Miss. — FEMA is providing enhanced customer service in Mississippi to help all survivors of the April 8-11, 2024, severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides receive much-needed assistance.
If you have applied for FEMA assistance, you may receive a call, text or email from the Enhanced Applicant Services (EAS) team. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers or show no caller ID. You should take the opportunity to let FEMA know about your current needs and how FEMA can better serve you. It is important to answer phone calls from FEMA, even if the caller ID is unknown. When taking calls about your FEMA application, keep in mind that only FEMA knows your nine-digit application number.
FEMA ensures that all survivors, particularly those with additional needs, receive the assistance for which they are eligible to rebuild and recover. As of September 3, the EAS team has already contacted 7,627 applicants to assist with completing applications. These outreach efforts contributed significantly to the more than $29 million approved for survivors of the April 8-11 disaster.
Homeowners and renters in Hancock, Hinds, Humphreys, Madison, Neshoba and Scott counties who have questions about their FEMA application should log on to DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362
6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Central Time daily in most languages, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
For the latest information on recovery from the April tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4790. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4@femaregion4.
luther.wills-dudich Wed, 09/04/2024 - 20:36Pages
