Nearly $7 Billion in Federal Support Helps Floridians with Rent, Repair, Temporary Housing, Debris, Emergency Response, Other Costs After Hurricane Ian

bree-constance.huffin — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 22:28:57 +0000

LAKE MARY, Fla. – More than $6.97 billion in federal support to Floridians is helping households, communities, and the state of Florida recover from Hurricane Ian.

The support includes $1.06 billion in FEMA Individual Assistance for 384,477 households to help with rent and repairs, $1.77 billion in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, $3.4 billion in payments from the National Flood Insurance Program, and $738 million to reimburse the state and local governments for the costs of debris removal and emergency response.

Temporary housing is a priority and 709 families have been given the keys to travel trailers, manufactured housing units or apartment homes provided by FEMA for hurricane survivors. More homes are being prepared for occupancy. Over 4,500 households have stayed in hotel rooms provided by FEMA. Most have found longer term housing, with 613 remaining in FEMA funded lodging.

FEMA is providing funds for the state’s non-congregate sheltering in travel trailers.

“This has been an enormous effort on the part of many federal agencies, assisting the state with response and recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom McCool. “As part of emergency response, we funded state operations to restore power, transportation, and access to island communities. Federal medical teams helped medical facilities in Lee County continue to treat patients. The U.S. Coast Guard helped get supplies to islands. When the state asked if we could pay for the trailers they are using for survivors, we said yes. We are doing everything we can to get help to people who need it and we will be on the job for as long as it takes.”

Debris removal in the hardest-hit areas was expedited when FEMA allowed for waivers in the application process by some local jurisdictions, saving as much as six months in the debris removal process. More than 32.3 million cubic yards of debris has been removed, including almost 12.4 million cubic yards in Lee County.

Of the $1.06 billion provided to households through Individual Assistance, $449 million has gone to 97,878 Lee County households.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Fri, 03/17/2023 - 22:28

Application Deadline Passes but FEMA is Still Here to Help Alabama Survivors

felicia.jordan — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:44:34 +0000

Application Deadline Passes but FEMA is Still Here to Help Alabama Survivors

PRATTVILLE, Ala. – The March 16 deadline for applying for FEMA Individual Assistance has passed, but that does not mean FEMA is leaving. FEMA will continue working with Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) to help survivors and communities in the recovery process.

If you live in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Morgan, Sumter and Tallapoosa counties and applied for help with FEMA due to damage from the Jan. 12 storms, FEMA encourages to you keep in touch.

This way you can track the progress of your case, notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.

Here's how to reach FEMA:

- - Online at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es (for Spanish)
Call 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week, in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
- - Download the FEMA Mobile App in English and Spanish.

The application deadline for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest physical disaster loan also has passed.

The deadline for small business owners to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is Oct. 16, 2023.

You may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

As of Friday, March 17, 2023:

FEMA had approved more than $6.7 million for households and individuals.
SBA had approved more than $6.9 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.

FEMA, AEMA, and SBA operated 11 disaster recovery centers, all of which are now closed. More than 2,300 people visited the centers throughout the 10 designated counties to receive information and advice for their recovery.

In addition, Disaster Survivor Assistance teams visited more than 11,300 homes and talked to more than 6,800 survivors about how FEMA can help in their recovery efforts, to answer survivors’ questions and, if needed, to help survivors apply.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Fri, 03/17/2023 - 16:44

One Day Left for Jan. 12 Alabama Storm Survivors to Apply for Federal Assistance

felicia.jordan — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:56:17 +0000

One Day Left for Jan. 12 Alabama Storm Survivors to Apply for Federal Assistance

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Alabama homeowners and renters who sustained damage to their primary property due to the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes have one day left to apply for federal assistance.

Survivors in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Morgan, Sumter and Tallapoosa counties have until 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 16, 2023, to apply for assistance.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for assistance the following ways:

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
Download the free FEMA mobile app for smartphones
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find the closest center, go online to: fema.gov/drc.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw

When applying, homeowners and renters will need:

A current phone number where you can be contacted
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
Your Social Security Number
A general list of damage and losses
Banking information if you choose direct deposit
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

If you are unable to locate important documents, FEMA will help you to identify other ways to verify your information.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Thu, 03/16/2023 - 12:56

Ten Key Facts to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance

felicia.jordan — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:54:12 +0000

Ten Key Facts to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance

PRATTVILLE, Ala. – Federal assistance can be an important recovery resource for Alabamians with uninsured or underinsured property damage from the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

It’s important to know the facts about the help that may be available to you:

You won’t be taking grant money away from someone else by applying. There are enough disaster funds to assist every eligible applicant.
Homeowners and renters may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
FEMA assistance is provided to eligible homeowners and renters as grant funding that does not have to be repaid. Federal assistance cannot duplicate insurance or payments from other sources.
FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal or state benefits.
While it’s a smart practice to get multiple cost estimates before hiring a contractor to do work on your home, you may only need to submit one verifiable contractor quote or estimate when appealing a FEMA decision.
The Disaster Recovery Centers are sites where survivors can submit documents to support their FEMA application and get information about federal assistance. There are two centers currently open in Selma in Dallas County.
If your insurance is delayed by 30 days or more, and you need immediate money to relocate, FEMA may be able to help. Contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what you need to do to get this assistance. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in most languages. Any money you may get from FEMA will be an advance and must be repaid when you get your insurance.
If your car had uninsured damage caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for money to help repair or replace it. Certain requirements apply, but you must apply with FEMA first and submit U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Home Loan application to determine eligibility.
Applicants may be eligible for a U.S. Small Business Administration loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their property’s physical damage to make their home safer. To learn more, visit SBA.gov/disaster.
If you applied for assistance through a voluntary organization or other federal or state agency, you have not applied to FEMA. If you aren’t sure, or to apply with FEMA, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for smartphones or call 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Thu, 03/16/2023 - 12:54

Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Dallas County to Close March 16

felicia.jordan — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:01:50 +0000

Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Dallas County to Close March 16

PRATTVILLE, Ala. – The two FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Centers in Dallas County will close permanently March 16.

The centers are currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will close permanently at 6 p.m. Central Time, March 16, 2023.

WHERE:

Dallas County

Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community Center

1428 Broad St.

Selma, AL 36701

Dallas County

Felix Heights Community Center

405 Medical Center Pkwy.

Selma, AL 36701

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance.

The centers provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

Survivors may also apply for assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app for smartphones or calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for assistance for all designated counties is March 16, 2023.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Tue, 03/14/2023 - 21:01

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Marvin’s in Selma

felicia.jordan — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 20:45:57 +0000

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Marvin’s in Selma

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are working on their homes after the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes can visit Marvin’s Hardware Store in Selma to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes.

Mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available between March 16 and March 21 at:

Marvin’s Hardware Store

1500 AL-Hwy 14 East

Selma, AL 36703

Hours:

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 16

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 17

7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 18

1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 19

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 20

7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 21

Specialists are also available on the Mitigation Helpline, 833-336-2487 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Central Time. You may leave a voicemail at any time. Or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Tue, 03/14/2023 - 20:45

Avoid and Report Disaster Fraud

bree-constance.huffin — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:24:59 +0000

Avoid and Report Disaster Fraud

LAKE MARY, Fla. – A survivor recently reported getting a text that their “federal government check in the amount of $2800 has been disbursed”. The text instructed the survivor to visit a link and provide personal information for FEMA to verify. This is a scam. Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person. FEMA is not providing any financial assistance in the amount of $2,800.00. If you have applied for disaster assistance, FEMA will notify you of its decision. The agency may also contact you if it needs additional information to process your application. This may come in the form of a letter. In some instances, you may receive a phone call. Review your FEMA letters carefully.

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov to create an online account with FEMA. Be extremely careful when clicking any links.

Here is a list of other possible scams that may target Hurricane Ian survivors:

Identity Theft

Disaster survivors should be aware con artists and criminals may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.
If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you have not filed a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge. Tell the inspector you did not apply for FEMA assistance.
If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call our Helpline at 800-621-3362 any day between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

If you believe you are the victim of a contracting scam, price gouging or other fraudulent activity, contact local law enforcement and report it to the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com). or contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Telephone calls

FEMA will only reach out if you have already applied for assistance. If you are contacted by someone asking you to apply for FEMA assistance or if you question someone’s intent, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA

Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit application number. A FEMA inspector will not ask for this. They already have it in their records and may provide it to you to confirm they are interacting with the correct person.
FEMA inspectors never ask for or confirm banking information.
Ask the inspector to show you their identification badge. Federal and contracted employees always wear an official government badge to identify themselves.

Someone comes to your home without a FEMA photo ID

Do not let someone into your home who claims to be a FEMA employee but does not have a FEMA photo ID. All FEMA representatives carry a laminated photo ID.

Fake offers of local or federal aid

Don’t trust someone who asks for money. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and staff from the Small Business Administration never charge for inspections or help in filling out a disaster assistance application.
Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Charitable giving

A list of reputable charities that are approved by the Better Business Bureau’s “Wise Giving Alliance” can be found at www.give.org.

Rental listings

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has information on how rental scams work. For instance, scammers know finding the right apartment or vacation rental can be hard work, and a seemingly good deal is hard to pass up when you need a place to stay. Learn more at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0079-rental-listing-scams.

bree-constance… Mon, 03/13/2023 - 17:24

Christian County Receives Nearly $1.2 Million in Federal Funding to Repair and Strengthen Electric Grid

mayshaunt.gary — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:54:30 +0000

Christian County Receives Nearly $1.2 Million in Federal Funding to Repair and Strengthen Electric Grid

FRANKFORT, Ky.– FEMA has approved nearly $1.2 million in total funding to reimburse the Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (PRECC) for repairs to its power distribution system. This damage was due to severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred Dec. 10-11, 2021.

During this storm, power lines and trees were downed, damaging the PRECC electric grid in Christian County. FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations including rural electric cooperatives, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters.

FEMA approved $1,176,260 to reimburse the PRECC for repair efforts. The electrical co-op used contract workers and PRECC crews, equipment and vehicles to assist with the repairs. They removed/replaced 200 wood poles, 53 transformers along with conductor wire, insulators, guy wires, crossarms and associated hardware. The project restored the power distribution system back to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity within the existing footprint.

Because of the damage from this storm, President Biden authorized a cost share adjustment to 90% federal funding for this project. All work and costs were between Dec. 11, 2021, and May 20, 2022. This means FEMA reimburses applicants at 90% of eligible costs with the remaining 10% covered by the commonwealth. The federal share is paid directly to the commonwealth to disburse to the PRECC. Following the commonwealth's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they reimburse the PRECC.

A hazard mitigation proposal was included in this project to reduce the likelihood of similar damage from a future event. To increase the wind resistance and overall resilience of the power distribution system the PRECC reinforced specific poles with extra guy wires and anchors.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 03/13/2023 - 16:54

Be Prepared for Future Disasters

felicia.jordan — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:10:50 +0000

Be Prepared for Future Disasters

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Tornadoes may end up causing massive destruction to homes, property, and infrastructure. Typically, tornadoes cause the greatest damage to structures of light construction, including residential dwellings and particularly manufactured homes.

Mitigation measures are available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damage to structures and personal property. FEMA building specialists can give information on how to repair, retrofit, or rebuild to be safer and stronger before the next disaster.

Roof failures are a common cause of major damage to buildings and their contents from high winds. There are mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce potential roof damage.

These mitigation measures include:

Designing wind-resistant roofs
Reinforcing gable roof ends
Securing sheathing properly
Installing shingles properly

Exterior doors and windows are the weakest parts of a structure’s outer shell. If they are broken or blown in, high winds can enter a structure and create internal pressures which act on the roof and walls, resulting in serious damage. Once the structure is breached, wind, debris, and rain can damage the interior of the structure or injure any person inside.

Breach point mitigation measures include:

Reinforcing garage doors
Securing double-entry doors
Installing impact-resistant glass

Always check with local building official before beginning any repairs or rebuilding .

Building codes, permits, inspection requirements, and zoning ordinances may be involved.
A floodplain ordinance will affect rebuilding when the structure has sustained substantial damage and is situated in a floodplain.

Building officials will reinforce the point that only licensed professionals are qualified to perform structural repair or structural mitigation work.

FEMA mitigation specialist are available to talk to survivors about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes on the Mitigation Helpline. Survivors can call 833-336-2487 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Central Time. Survivors may leave a voicemail at any time or email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Mon, 03/13/2023 - 16:10

One Week Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

felicia.jordan — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:41:25 +0000

One Week Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

ATLANTA – There are two dates coming up on the calendar that disaster survivors from Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Troup counties should be aware of.

Monday, March 20, is the last day to apply for FEMA assistance if you had uninsured or underinsured damage to your property after the January storms and tornadoes. The last day to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration is three days earlier, Friday, March 17.

Homeowners who had damage should apply for FEMA disaster assistance because your insurance may not cover all of your damage. Renters who had losses caused by tornadoes are also encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Your losses may include damage to personal property such as furniture, appliances and vehicles.

After a disaster, you may find that a FEMA grant and your insurance settlement do not give you all the funds you need to restore your home to its pre-disaster condition. SBA’s disaster loans can help with the recovery of homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property including vehicles. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital.

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to submit an SBA disaster loan application even if you’re not sure you will need or want a loan. There is no obligation to take all or part of an approved loan. If SBA cannot approve the application, SBA will refer you to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance.

If your SBA application is approved, you are not obligated to accept the loan. However, if you fail to return the application, that decision may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance and other grants or services. All disaster loans approved through Sept. 30, 2023, will be granted 12 months of no payments at zero percent interest.

Here are the ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance by Monday, March 20:

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
Use the FEMA mobile app
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6

To apply for an SBA disaster loan for property damage by Friday, March 17, or to download applications, go to https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov to have a loan application mailed to you.

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. You may also apply or leave your loan application with an SBA representative at one of their five Business Recovery Centers. For the locations of the centers, click https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/download/068t000000izy1BAAQ.

You may mail completed SBA paper loan applications to:

U.S. Small Business Administration,

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4685. You may also follow @GeorgiaEMAHS/Twitter, Facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

felicia.jordan Fri, 03/10/2023 - 14:41