Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Super Typhoon Yutu

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How to Apply for Assistance

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline to register with FEMA is Jan. 27, 2019.

Registration Help

Damaged Dwelling Address Screen

• If you do not have a house number, place a description of the home in the Street Address field. Example: "Red house on Papago Drive" or "4th house on the left Koa Lane."
• Enter the name of your village in the City field.

Address Verification Screen

• Choose "Use Submitted."

County/Parish/MunicipioScreen

• If your island name is not listed, enter the island name in the County/Parish field

Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) on Saipan. At this stage of the recovery process, the emphasis for assistance is to meet the long-term needs of businesses and individuals impacted by Typhoon Mangkhut and Typhoon Yutu. SBA customer service representatives will continue to answer questions, explain the application process and help businesses and individuals close their approved disaster loans.

Though Disaster Recovery Centers are closed, survivors whose homes were affected by the typhoon can still check the status of their application, ask questions and learn about the appeals process by logging in to their account at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Toll-free numbers are open daily.

Saipan DLOC

Multi-Purpose Center on Beach Road, Susupe, 96950

Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., CLOSED Sundays and Mondays

What To Expect After You Apply

Once homeowners register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a FEMA housing inspector will call to schedule an inspection. Here’s what survivors need to know about the inspection process:

Everyone should know:

• The FEMA inspector will show a photo ID badge.
• If you are not shown photo identification, then do not allow the inspection.
• If you suspect someone is posing as a FEMA inspector, call your local law enforcement agency.
• You may receive visits from more than one inspector. Other inspectors may represent federal, state, parish and local government agencies, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the National Flood Insurance Program and/or insurance companies.
• Representatives of volunteer agencies may contact you to offer their services.

Before the FEMA inspection, it’s important that you know:

• An adult 18 or older who lived in the residence before the disaster must be present for the inspection.
• That person must have the following documents:
  • Photo identification;
  • Proof of ownership and occupancy of the damaged residence such as: property tax bill; mortgage payment bill or receipt, or utility service bill;
  • Homeowner and vehicle insurance documents;
  • List of persons living in residence at time of disaster that you compiled; and
  • List of disaster damage to the home and its contents that you compiled.

Beware of Fraud & Price Gouging

After a disaster scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Survivors should keep in mind

• FEMA does not authorize individual contractors to solicit on its behalf. Beware of any individual contractors contacting you directly on behalf of FEMA to sign you up for debris removal or remediation services.
• If you have any concerns about individuals representing themselves as FEMA or would like to report fraud, please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov. 
• Federal and state workers will never ask for or accept money and always carry identification badges
• There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state
• Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person

Price Gouging

Price gouging occurs when a supplier marks up the price of an item more than is justified by his actual costs. Survivors are particularly susceptible because their needs are immediate, and have few alternatives to choose from. If you find price gouging, contact you the CNMI Office of Attorney General. For more information contact Assistant Attorney General Bob Pickett, Consumer Counsel of the Office of the Attorney General:

Report Price Gouging

• Call: 237- 7500
• Email: consumer_counsel@cnmioag.org
• Price Gouging Complaint form

Dealing with Contractors

Survivors should take steps to protect themselves and avoid fraud when hiring contractors to clean property, remove debris or make repairs.

Simple rules to avoid becoming a victim of fraud

• Only use contractors licensed by your state
• Get a written estimate and get more than one estimate
• Demand and check references
• Ask for proof of insurance
  • i.e., liability and Workmen's Compensation
• Insist on a written contract and refuse to sign a contract with blank spaces
• Get any guarantees in writing
• Make final payments only after the work is completed
• Pay by check.

The best way to avoid fraud is to arm yourself against it by having a checklist to remind you of what you need to demand when hiring a contractor.

Additional Information:

• FBI Warns Public of Scams and Fraud in Wake of Super Typhoon Yutu
• Price Freeze In Effect For The CNMI

Generator Safety Tips

Many residents on Saipan and Tinian are using portable generators as a result of power failure in the wake of Super Typhoon Yutu. Be aware that generators can cause dangerous hazards such as carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust pipe, fire and electrocution.

Safety Tips:

• Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator.
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces- including homes, garages, and crawl spaces - even those areas with partial ventilation.
  • Do not or near open doors and windows. Using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home. Do not place the generator in front of open windows.
  • Do not assume that you are safe. Be aware that carbon monoxide fumes emitted by gasoline, propane, diesel or gas engines can be fatal. As carbon monoxide is odorless people are not aware of its presence.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended placement.
• To avoid electrocution or an electric shock
  • Always connect the generator to the appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
  • Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could increase the voltage or could cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility lineman. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. Connecting the generator to your home could cause a surge in electricity that might result in injury or death to yourself or your family.
  • Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes, or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
• To avoid a fire
  • Keep your generator outside and fuel your generator outside.
  • Do not store fuel for your generator in your house. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, diesel and other flammable liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
  • Do not store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, for example a gas stove.
  • If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches.
  • Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.

News

All News Releases, Fact Sheets, and Updates for Northern Mariana Islands Super Typhoon Yutu (DR-4404) Are Available Here

One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

One Week Left to Register with FEMA for Mangkhut, Yutu Assistance

Rota Disaster Recovery Center Closing but Help is Still Available

Disaster Recovery Center on Saipan Moving to New Location, with New Hours of Operation

Saipan Disaster Recovery Center Closed November 13, 2018 for the Election

Three Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Tomorrow

Preventing Post-Typhoon Molding in Households and Establishments

Super Typhoon Yutu Relief & Recovery Update #3 Relief Supply Distribution Sites Open for Residents; Sea and Airport Open for Movement with Limitations

Federal Aid Programs for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

PUBLIC NOTICE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FEMA-3408-EM-MP/FEMA-4404–DR–MP

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Media

All Photos and Videos for Northern Mariana Islands Super Typhoon Yutu (DR-4404) Are Available Here

Stay In Touch

Follow CNMI on Social Media

The CNMI Joint Information Center (JIC) urges the community to follow the following social media platforms to get the latest weather updates and information:

• CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook
• CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook
• Governor Ralph DLG. Torres Facebook
• CNMI Joint Information Center

The CNMI JIC also encourages residents to download HSEM’s readyCNMI App available for FREE in the Apple iStore or Google PlayStore to receive the latest weather updates and notifications.

How to Help

An effective disaster recovery operation includes representatives from across the whole community. Nonprofit agencies comprise an important segment of the recovery process. The document below lists *some* of the CNMI-based nonprofit organizations that are assisting with recovery efforts. The document is being provided by the CNMI Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations (MANGO).

CNMI-Based Nonprofits Responding to Typhoon Yutu
FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies, agencies or applications. The information contained in the document (CNMI-Based Nonprofits Responding to Typhoon Yutu) is provided for reference only.

• Cash is best. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.
• Confirm donations needed. Critical needs change rapidly – confirm needed items BEFORE collecting; pack and label carefully; confirm delivery locations; arrange transportation. Unsolicited goods NOT needed burden local organizations’ ability to meet survivors’ confirmed needs, drawing away valuable volunteer labor, transportation, and warehouse space.
• Connect to volunteer. Trusted organizations operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed and can ensure appropriate volunteer safety, training, and housing.