ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- Since President Obama's Oct. 14 disaster declaration for North Carolina, more than 2,800 people in 10 designated counties have registered for disaster assistance and more than $2.8 million has been approved in grants for housing assistance and other needs assistance.

Free Advice On Rebuilding Safer And Stronger
Get in-person advice at home improvement stores this week.

FEMA mitigation specialists are staffing informational tables at Ace Home Center in Hertford County and Lowe's locations in Beaufort and Pender counties from Wednesday, Nov. 3, through Monday, Nov. 8.

Specialists are in the following home improvement stores:

Beaufort County
Lowe's
1701 Carolina Ave.
Washington, NC 27889

Hertford County
Ace Home Center
1405 East Memorial Drive
Ahoskie, NC 27910

Pender County
Lowe's
106 Wilkes Lane
Hampstead, NC 28443

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day at both Lowe's locations.

Ace Home Center hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and Monday, Nov. 8; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

SBA Disaster Loan Program Is Key to Storm Recovery
For many North Carolinians recovering from Tropical Storm Nicole, completing a disaster loan application is an essential step.

Funds to repair or replace storm-damaged real estate and personal property (including automobiles) may come in the form of low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

A completed SBA loan application is a critical component to be considered for some financial disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Homeowners and renters who receive SBA loan applications are encouraged to complete and return them to be considered for FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement and moving and storage expenses.
READ COMPLETE ARTICLE AT www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53110

When The Inspector Calls
Inspectors contracted by FEMA have begun contacting North Carolina residents who have applied for federal disaster assistance for damage caused by severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Nicole.

"These inspectors are setting up appointments to meet residents at flood-damaged properties, so it is important you give FEMA a current telephone number," State Coordinating Officer Doug Hoell said. "We know many residents have been living in temporary locations and it's crucial that they have a way to contact you."
READ COMPLETE ARTICLE AT www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53118

North Carolinians Urged To Register, Keep In Touch With FEMA
If you suffered damage from Tropical Storm Nicole, register for disaster assistance and keep in touch.
Homeowners and renters in 10 North Carolina counties who have registered with FEMA for federal and state disaster assistance need to keep information current. Accurate and complete information will assist in timely delivery of assistance. READ COMPLETE ARTICLE AT www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53122

For more information about this disaster, go to www.ncem.org or www.fema.gov

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond t...