RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

ATLANTA – At the request of the state of Georgia, FEMA has extended the deadline for survivors to apply for federal assistance. Homeowners and renters in the 63 counties who were affected by Tropical Storm Debby, Aug. 4—20, 2024, and Hurricane Helene, Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024, now have until Feb. 7, 2025, to apply. 

There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

For needs not covered by insurance or other sources, FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:

Rental assistance if you need to relocate because of storm damagePersonal property that was damaged or destroyed by the stormsLodging reimbursement if you had to stay in a hotel temporarilyBasic home repairs for homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by the stormsOther serious needs caused by the storms

In addition to the assistance listed, survivors should be aware:

Only one application per householdFEMA does not pay

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA assistance for the residents of West Virginia affected by Tropical Storm Helene includes a variety of programs. Below is a summary of the types of assistance currently available. 

Insurance

Residents with homeowners or renters insurance should contact their insurance provider immediately and begin the claims process. FEMA requires information from your insurance which may include a declaration page, settlement or denial. 

Types of Temporary Housing Assistance 

Displacement Assistance 

Displacement Assistance helps survivors who can’t return to their home following a disaster by giving them up-front money to help with immediate housing needs. It is money you can use to stay in a hotel or motel, stay with family and friends, or for any other available housing options. 

Rental Assistance 

Financial assistance to pay for alternate temporary housing if a homeowner or renter is displaced from their primary residence because of damages resulting from Tropical Storm Helene in Mercer County. This may include renting an apartment, house or staying at a hotel, bed and breakfast or Airbnb. 

Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER) 

Reimbursement for out-of-pocket lodging expenses that are not covered by insurance benefits like additional living expenses or loss of use. The resident’s pre-disaster primary residence must be unlivable, inaccessible or affected by an extended disaster-caused utility outage. Eligible expenses may include the cost of the room and taxes charged by a hotel or other lodging provider. This does not include

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Dakota to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds from Oct. 5-6, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the wildfires and straight-line winds in McKenzie and Williams counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Robert Little III has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After a natural disaster, it is important to protect your identity against fraud and identity theft. In some cases, criminals may try to get information by pretending to be disaster workers. Scam artists may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by a disaster.   

Protect your identity and stay informed by doing these easy things: 

Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers financial or contracting help and then asks for money. FEMA will only contact you if you have called FEMA first or registered for assistance. Do not disclose information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees. If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or email is legitimate. Always ask to see I.D. FEMA personnel will always have an official identification badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.  Do not offer any personal information, including your Social Security number and bank information, unless you are speaking with a verified FEMA representative.  Be on alert if someone asks for your 9-digit registration ID, which you receive when you apply for disaster assistance through FEMA.  Stay tuned to trusted local media for updates

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.