The FEMA mobile disaster unit will be in Sanford

The FEMA mobile disaster unit will be in Sanford Friday, May 27th from noon until 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The mobile unit will be located at the McSwain Agricultural Center, 2420 Tramway Road, Sanford, North Carolina.

Individuals affected by the April 16th tornado that have not yet completed FEMA applications may visit the mobile center to complete an application, ask questions in person, get information from FEMA and other federal, state and volunteer agencies or check the status of an application. No cash, checks or vouchers are distributed at the mobile centers.
Individuals that have not yet completed applications are urged to do so since FEMA representatives will only be in the area for approximately one more week.
FEMA Helpline – 800-621-3362

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR RECOVERY - Tips to speed disaster assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. – People in 19 North Carolina counties who sustained losses from the storms and tornadoes that struck on April 16 can speed the process of getting state and federal disaster assistance with these tips:
Register and File
• File your insurance claim and register for state and federal disaster aid. Those with
disaster-related damages should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open daily 7 a.m. to
10 p.m. and help is available in all languages. Online registration is available at all times at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Register, even if you are insured. Your insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all
of your losses.
After Registering
• Keep your information up to date. Use the Helpline option at the FEMA registration toll-free number to update your contact information, including a new address or phone number.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for answers to your questions. Find the nearest disaster recovery center by calling FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at http://www.fema.gov/assistance/opendrcs.shtm.
• Return all forms promptly. After registering, you may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application package in the mail. SBA disaster loans are not only for businesses, but for homeowners and renters as well. Complete and return these forms promptly – they are an important part of the disaster-assistance process. SBA representatives at disaster recovery centers will assist in completing your loan application as well as answer any of your questions.
• Read all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants eligible for disaster assistance will receive a letter from FEMA telling them how the money can be spent. Federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or other assistance received.
• The letter says I’m ineligible. Now what? If you receive a FEMA letter saying you are ineligible for assistance, it is important to follow up by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA. The letter may mean one or more aspect of your application needs more information or correction.
• Take responsibility for your recovery. If you are not satisfied with FEMA’s decision on your application, you can appeal in writing to the FEMA Appeals Officer as explained in your letter. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date of the FEMA letter.
President Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration on April 19 that made federal aid available to supplement the state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
The North Carolina counties under the disaster declaration are Bertie, Bladen, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Onslow, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Wake and Wilson.
For more information about this disaster, go to www.nccrimecontrol.org and click on the red “April Tornadoes” tab. More information is also available at www.fema.gov.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
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 to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

SBA DISASTER LOAN PROGRAM IS KEY TO TORNADO RECOVERY

RALEIGH, N.C. - For many North Carolinians recovering from the onslaught of tornadoes on
April 16, completing a disaster loan application is an essential step in recovery.
Funds to repair or replace tornado-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. Homeowners and renters who receive SBA loan applications are encouraged to complete and return them to be considered for FEMA and state assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and
storage expenses.
Registering with FEMA is the first step in seeking federal financial disaster assistance. It can be done online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Registration help is also available at Disaster Recovery Centers.
Homeowners, renters, business and nonprofit organizations of all sizes in all impacted counties can apply for SBA loans to pay for disaster-related damages. People with home-based businesses or rental property who have been affected by the storms may also be eligible for SBA loans.
Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property lost in the disaster.
Business owners can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA also provides small business owners and most private nonprofit organizations Economic Injury Disaster Loans for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available even if the businesses didn’t sustain physical damages.
Loan amounts and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. Interest rates are as low as
2.563 percent for homeowners and renters and as low as 4 percent for businesses and 3 percent for nonprofit organizations. Payment terms as long as 30 years are intended to make the loans affordable.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for disaster-related medical and dental expenses and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA home loan applications must complete and submit them to SBA to be eligible for FEMA and state assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
SBA representatives at all Disaster Recovery Centers will help individuals complete and submit loan applications and answer any questions.
The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number is 800-659-2955 or (TTY) 800-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by going online at www.sba.gov/.
Loan applications can be made online at SBA’s secure website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
For more information about this disaster, go to www.nccrimecontrol.org and click on the red “April Tornadoes” tab. More information is also available at 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 to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

TORNADO SURVIVORS: DON’T BE VICTIMIZED BY FRAUD

RALEIGH, N.C. – Disasters bring out the best in people – and the worst. If you survived the April 16 severe storms and tornadoes, don’t be victimized by scam artists who approach you in person or on the telephone.
If you suspect anyone – contractor, inspector, disaster survivor or someone posing as any of these – of committing fraudulent activities, call the Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at 800-323-8603. Also let local law enforcement agencies know.
The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office has a toll-free number to report scams – 877-5-NO-SCAM – and a website to file consumer complaints at www.ncdoj.gov
To safeguard against disaster-related fraud, Federal Emergency Management Agency and North Carolina Emergency Management officials suggest the following precautions:
Ask for ID. If someone represents him or herself as a federal employee, such as an inspector, but doesn't produce identification, you should ask to see the identification. Note: a FEMA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone's affiliation with the government.
Inspectors sent by FEMA, or verifiers from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), carry official, laminated photo identification. Applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier.
Safeguard personal information. Do not give out your Social Security number, bank account or your FEMA registration number to individuals claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require this information.
When you called FEMA to register, you were asked for your Social Security number. If you asked for direct deposit, you also gave a bank number. If a FEMA representative makes a follow-up call to you, he or she will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number and then he or she will verify other critical information which may include your banking information, depending on the reason for the call.
If you have any doubts, you can shut the door or hang up and dial the FEMA Helpline at
800-621-FEMA (3362). That way, you are in charge of the call.
Homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes with questions about the SBA disaster loan application process can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
Be alert when your doorbell rings. People going door-to-door to damaged homes or telephoning disaster survivors and claiming to be building contractors could be frauds. If visitors or callers solicit personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers, they are not legitimate.
Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. Remember, FEMA and SBA staff members never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or for help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information. You should report people claiming to be government workers to local police.
FEMA inspectors only verify damage. FEMA inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to repair damage.
For more information about this disaster, go to www.nccrimecontrol.org and click on the red “April Tornadoes” tab. More information is also available at 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 to, recover from, and mitigate.

County Extends Deadline for Storm Debris Removal

County Extends Deadline for Storm Debris Removal
Lee County has extended the deadline for placing storm debris in the right-of-way for collection by the County’s contractor to Friday, May 20th. Any debris placed out for collection after this date will be the responsibility of the property owner. In keeping with FEMA guidelines, only storm generated debris will be collected by Lee County or its contractors. Storm generated debris is any loose debris removed from a structure by the tornado. Residents are reminded that any homes demolished or removed by a hired contractor should not be placed curbside. All hired contractors are expected to remove damaged structures and haul the resulting debris to a permitted disposal facility. Any property owners needing assistance are encouraged to register at the Disaster Recovery Center at the McSwain Center located at 2420 Tramway Road or to call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

Please adhere to the following guidelines when placing your storm generated debris curbside for collection:

1. Do not place demolished homes curbside for collection by the County. Only the debris from your home that was caused by the storm will be collected by the County’s contractor. For guidance on what is eligible storm debris call Lee County General Services at 919-718-4622.
2. Do not put your foundation or concrete slab to the right-of-way for pickup. The foundation and/or slab from homes are not eligible storm debris under FEMA Guidelines.
3. Do not place debris on top of utilities, for example: cable, phone, electrical, storm drain boxes or fire hydrants.
4. Please do not place debris in front of or around your mailbox.
5. Please do not place debris in front of or around your driveway, as emergency vehicles may need to enter the area.
6. Please drive with extreme caution in areas with large debris piles.
7. Please do not block or dump any debris into the storm drains or ditches. This will cause a flood hazard.
8. Please aid contractors by sweeping excess and loose debris from the street in front of your house.
9. Please create separate hazardous debris piles, such as paint cans, propane tanks, etc., from construction and demolition debris piles. This will aid the expedited collection of debris from the roadway.
10. Report damages that occur to your personal property to the Byrd Brothers hotline, 1-866-932-0333.
11. Report drainage problems to Lee County General Services, 919-718-4622.

Lee County would like to thank its citizens for their cooperation, patience and support as we continue to recover from the Tornado of April 16. For more information call Lee County General Services at 919-718-4622.

TORNADO SURVIVORS GET NEARLY $9 MILLION IN DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Joint Field Office
Raleigh, NC
News Release

Note to editors: A county breakdown follows this news release.

TORNADO SURVIVORS GET NEARLY $9 MILLION IN DISASTER ASSISTANCE

RALEIGH, N.C. – Federal and state disaster assistance grants and loans add up to nearly $9 million
a month after severe storms and tornadoes struck North Carolina.
This week, Tyrrell County was added to President Obama’s disaster declaration which means people in 19 counties can apply for federal assistance for damage and loss resulting from the April 16 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.  N.C. Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff continue to work in partnership to help affected communities recover.
Through Thursday, May 12, 2011:
• $3.7 million has been approved from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program for temporary housing and home repairs.
• $1.4 million has been approved in Other Needs Assistance, a joint state-federal program
that helps replace personal property and pay medical, dental, transportation and other
serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable
aid programs.
• $3.8 million has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for
low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.
“We continue to work together to reach everyone who may be eligible for disaster assistance,” said Doug Hoell, N.C. Director of Emergency Management.
FEMA community relations specialists are in neighborhoods visiting affected residents and businesses, recovery specialists at Disaster Recovery Centers are providing in-person assistance, and hundreds of volunteers from dozens of organizations are helping with emergency repairs, food, clothing, furniture and more for North Carolinians.
Other figures from the recovery:
• 2 families are now living temporarily in FEMA mobile homes while they repair or rebuild.

(MORE)

TORNADO SURVIVORS GET NEARLY $9 MILLION – Page 2
• 8,000 people have registered with FEMA for state and federal disaster assistance.
• Nearly 5,000 damaged homes have been inspected by FEMA.
• More than 3,700 residents have visited disaster recovery centers operated jointly by FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management, with support from SBA.
• More than 1,800 visitors to Disaster Recovery Centers and 3,180 people in home improvement stores, plus more than 2,400 attendees at community special events have spoken with FEMA Mitigation specialists about how to rebuild safer and stronger. Mitigation specialists have also met with 129 insurance agents.
• State and FEMA Community Relations specialists who continue to go door-to-door providing information in English and Spanish to people affected by the tornadoes have visited almost 13,650 homes and talked to almost 12,850 people. They have also provided information to 2,390 businesses, 268 community organizations and 918 faith-based organizations.
• More than 4,200 SBA disaster loan application packages have been mailed to homeowners and renters as well as businesses and nonprofit organizations of all sizes.
“If you register with FEMA and get an SBA loan packet in the mail, be sure to complete the application and return it to the SBA – if you don’t, all assistance stops,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Bolch. 
Individuals can register for disaster assistance with FEMA by going online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
President Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration on April 19 that made federal aid available to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on April 16.
The North Carolina counties under the disaster declaration are Bertie, Bladen, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Onslow, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Wake and Wilson.
For more information about this disaster, go to www.nccrimecontrol.org and click on the red “April Tornadoes” tab. More information is also available at http://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 to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
All figures are through close of business May 12, 2011 County Registrations Grants in $ for housing and other needs
Bertie 189 570,074
Bladen 418 106,437
Craven 48 21,329
Cumberland 1,471 639,301
Currituck 12 6,856
Greene 202 90,744
Halifax 264 62,802
Harnett 306 319,853
Hertford 54 67,089
Hoke 70 5,199
Johnston 412 768,092
Lee 470 490,980
Onslow 262 295,860
Pitt 137 42,200
Robeson 1,274 369,100
Sampson 273 95,551
Tyrrell 4 8,089
Wake 1,962 1,116,529
Wilson 140 23,818
Total 7,968
$5,099,903

County Sets Deadline for Storm Debris Removal

Lee County has set Monday, May 16th as the deadline for placing storm debris in the right-of-way for collection by the County’s contractor. Any debris placed out for collection after this date will be the responsibility of the property owner. In keeping with FEMA guidelines, no insured structures will be collected by Lee County or its contractors. Residents are reminded that any demolished homes removed by a hired contractor should not be placed curbside. All hired contractors are expected to remove damaged structures and haul the resulting debris to a permitted disposal facility. Any property owners needing assistance are encouraged to register at the Disaster Recovery Center at the McSwain Center located at 2420 Tramway Road or to call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

Please adhere to the following guidelines when placing your storm generated debris curbside for collection:

1. Do not place debris on top of utilities, for example: cable, phone, electrical, storm drain boxes or fire hydrants.

2. Please do not place debris in front of or around your mailbox.

3. Please do not place debris in front of or around your driveway, as emergency vehicles may need to enter the area.

4. Please drive with extreme caution in areas with large debris piles.

5. Please do not block or dump any debris into the storm drains or ditches. This will cause a flood hazard.

6. Please aid contractors by sweeping excess and loose debris from the street in front of your house.

7. Please create separate hazardous debris piles, such as paint cans, propane tanks, etc., from construction and demolition debris piles. This will aid the expedited collection of debris from the roadway.

8. Do not place demolished homes curbside for collection by the County.

9. Report damages that occur to your personal property to the Byrd Brothers hotline, 1-866-932-0333.

10. Report drainage problems to Lee County General Services, 919-718-4622.

Lee County would like to thank its citizens for their cooperation, patience and support as we continue to recover from the Tornado of April 16. For more information call Lee County General Services at 919-718-4622.