DISASTER RECOVERY UPDATE

**FRAUD HOTLINE**
WHILE MOST PEOPLE REGISTERING FOR HELP HAVE GENUINE NEEDS, THE RUSH TO GET MILLIONS IN DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO THOSE AFFECTED BY SEPTEMBER���S GEORGIA FLOODS, SADLY, PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES TO DEFRAUD TAXPAYERS.  THE INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY INVESTIGATES COMPLAINTS OF FRAUD, WASTE OR ABUSE INVOLVING FEMA CONTRACTS, PROGRAMS OR PERSONNEL. IT MAINTAINS A TOLL-FREE FRAUD HOTLINE AT 866-720-5721.

Jim Homstad/FEMA Public Information Officer (TRT:23)
���We try to make two very basic points. Number one, if you suspect fraud, by all means, report it. Also try to protect yourself by taking the necessary steps. Those who would consider committing fraud, there are very serious penalties which could include imprisonment or fines. We want to get that message out to deter people from even attempting fraud.���

SOME EXAMPLES OF COMPLAINTS THAT ARE TYPICALLY FILED WITH THE FEMA OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL INCLUDE:
���APPLICANTS USING FALSE NAMES AND MULTIPLE AND/OR FICTITIOUS ADDRESSES;
���APPLICANTS CLAIMING LOSSES THEY DIDN���T SUSTAIN OR TO WHICH THEY WERE NOT ENTITLED;
���APPLICANTS NOT USING FEMA MONEY FOR THE INTENDED PURPOSES.
ANYONE SUSPECTING A CONTRACTOR, INSPECTOR, DISASTER SURVIVOR OR SOMEONE POSING AS ANY OF THESE IS ENGAGING IN FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES SHOULD CALL THE FEMA DISASTER FRAUD HOTLINE TOLL-FREE AT 866-720-5721.

**SBA REFINANCING**
IF YOUR HOME WAS DAMAGED OR DESTROYED BY FLOOD WATERS BUT THE THOUGHT OF TAKING OUT ANOTHER LOAN DOESN���T INTEREST YOU, CONSIDER THIS.  THE U-S SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COULD HELP YOU PAY THE CARPENTER WHILE STILL PAYING JUST ONE HOUSE BILL A MONTH.  SBA���S MATT YOUNG EXPLAINS. 

Matt Young/SBA Spokesman (TRT:24) 
���There are certain instances where SBA can assist them with refinancing their existing mortgage and then loaning them money to repair or rebuild their house. We can roll all of that into one loan and at the low rate of 2.75% for this disaster for homeowners and renters, we can make that loan affordable and the terms for that loan can go up to 30 years.���

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SBA���S REFINANCING PROGRAM, VISIT ONE OF SEVEN DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTERS IN NORTH GEORGIA.  TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU, CALL SBA AT 800-659-2955 OR LOG ONTO DISASTER ASSISTANCE ���DOT- GOV. 

**DISASTER PREPAREDNESS**
NO ONE EVER WANTS TO PLAN FOR A DISASTER, BUT EMERGENCY OFFICIALS RECOMMEND INDIVIDUALS BE PREPARED TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY FOR THE FIRST 72 HOURS FOLLOWING ANY MAJOR TYPE OF DISASTER.  
AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT SHOULD INCLUDE FOOD AND WATER FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY FOR THREE DAYS, A BATTERY-POWERED OR HAND-CRANK RADIO, FLASHLIGHT, SPARE BATTERIES, FIRST AID KIT, NON-ELECTRIC CAN OPENER, LOCAL MAPS, MOIST TOWELETTES, TOILET PAPER, GARBAGE BAGS AND PLASTIC TIES FOR PERSONAL SANITATION.  
IN ADDITION TO MAKING A KIT, DENA BRUMMER WITH GEORGIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SAYS YOU ALSO NEED TO HAVE A PLAN.

Dena Brummer (duh-NAY), GEMA Spokesperson (TRT:26)
���Prepare your family, get the kids involved.  Practice the steps of what are you going to do if the house is flooded, what to do when the light is out or if there is a tornado warning, Those basic steps can help you in the long run. A lot of times we think we can use our cell phones or that the phone may be available. Have a point of location to go to, a contact, an email, some kind of communication mechanism to keep in touch with those who care about you the most.���

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF IDEAS ON PREPARING A PLAN AND A MAKING A KIT, LOG ONTO TO THE GEMA WEB SITE��� www.ready.ga.gov. 

REGISTRATION REMINDER

IF YOU HAVE DISASTER-RELATED DAMAGES, DON���T FORGET TO REGISTER WITH FEMA ON THE WEB AT WWW.DISASTERASSISTANCE.GOV, OR BY CALLING 800-621-FEMA (3362) BY NOV. 23rd.  THE TOLL-FREE NUMBERS ARE STAFFED FROM 7 A.M. - 10 P.M. ET, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  HELP IS AVAILABLE IN ALL LANGUAGES.