News and Media: Disaster 4605

West Virginia residents in Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo and Wayne counties whose furnaces, septic systems, bridges or wells were damaged by the Feb. 27-March 4, 2021 severe storms and flooding may be eligible for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

After a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. Federal and state emergency management officials urge residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity. In West Virginia, the registration period for residents who suffered damage due to late February flooding ended on July 19, 2021. Beware of anyone offering to register you for FEMA assistance after that date. When a disaster strikes, dishonest people and scam artists may try to take advantage of survivors by posing as FEMA representatives or other official disaster aid workers. They may even pose as relatives “just trying to help” survivors complete their applications when they are only interested in using a survivor for their own benefit. Some so-called contractors make promises they don’t keep and do shoddy work or no work at all while pocketing a survivor’s money.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With only one week left before the July 19 application period ends for federal disaster assistance, West Virginia residents who had losses or damage from the Feb. 27-March 4 severe storms and flooding are encouraged to review the many types of grants and loans that are available. Survivors may apply if they live in Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo or Wayne counties and had damage from last winter’s storms.

If you suffered damage or losses from the Feb. 27-March 4 severe storms and flooding, you have less than two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to register is Monday, July 19. Individual disaster assistance grants for homeowners and renters are available to eligible residents of Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo and Wayne counties. Here is how to register: Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. By downloading the FEMA app. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

If you received a letter from FEMA that says you’re ineligible for help or that there is “no decision,” read the letter carefully. FEMA may need additional information from you to continue processing your application. If you have insurance and are applying for federal assistance, you must file a claim with your insurance provider. If applicable, you will need to provide a copy of your insurance settlement approval or denial letter.