Virginia Earthquake

December 08, 2011
VA-DR-4042-NR-018
FEMA NEWSDESK: 804-639-8695
VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400
SBA PIO Contact: 404-275-5532

News Release
FEMA Grant Not Enough?
MORE FORMS OF HELP ARE AVAILABLE

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. -Virginians who apply for disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should understand there is a limit to what FEMA funds can do. Disaster grants can help make a home’s essential living space safe, sanitary and secure and help pay for disaster-related losses of essential personal property, but it may not be enough to cover all disaster expenses.

The total amount that individuals receive for home repairs, rental assistance and other disaster-related losses will vary based on each individual case. The maximum amount of FEMA grant assistance available to Virginia earthquake survivors is $31,400.
 ”Registering with FEMA is the first step. Clearly, even the maximum amount FEMA can grant is not enough to replace or repair an extensively damaged Virginia home,” Federal Coordinating Officer Don Keldsen said.

Another option available to FEMA applicants is a low-interest disaster loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA offers loans up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters can apply for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size can apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

In addition, Virginia’s voluntary organizations also can help earthquake survivors meet serious disaster-related needs not addressed by other disaster assistance programs.

“Registering with FEMA allows earthquake survivors to qualify for other forms of state and federal disaster aid, including assistance provided by volunteer groups,” said Michael Cline, state coordinating officer for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

Groups known as Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) step in to meet these needs and members of these organizations typically continue to assist survivors long after the emergency phase has passed. Voluntary organizations can provide a broad range of assistance, such as shelter, food, clothing, and counseling as well as home repairs and reconstruction not covered by FEMA.
 
Register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.  You can also apply with a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  Operators are available to assist callers seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., or visit the Disaster Recovery Center, at the Triangle Plaza, 502 E. Main St., Suite 6000 (former Video 2000 store), in Louisa.

Applicants who have been denied FEMA assistance or are unhappy with the amount of assistance they’ve received, can file an appeal by calling the FEMA registration number
1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

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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

DISASTER NEWS
Loans for Homeowners, Renters and Businesses of all Sizes
SBA Disaster Assistance – Field Operations Center- East – 101 Marietta Street, NW, Suite 700, Atlanta, GA 30303 

Release Date: December 5, 2011
Contact: Michael Lampton
Phone: (404)331-0333
Release Number: 12-187, VA 12909/12910

SBA’s Deadline for Physical Damage
Disaster Loan Applications is January 3 
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations located in Louisa County, Virginia of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for physical damage. The deadline to file an SBA physical loan application is Jan. 3, 2012 for damage as result of the earthquake that occurred between Aug. 23, and Oct. 25, 2011.

“There is a tendency for survivors to discard SBA disaster loan applications because they may not want a loan. However, homeowners and renters may risk missing out on grants by not returning completed applications to SBA,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta. Those who received SBA applications are encouraged to return them even if they do not want a loan. If the SBA is not able to approve a home loan, the individual may be referred to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for possible grant assistance.

The SBA offers low interest loans to disaster survivors for physical losses up to its loan limits. Approved loans can be increased for protective measures to lessen similar future damages. Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations can obtain loans for unmet working capital needs. To be considered for this assistance, disaster survivors need to apply by the deadline.

For assistance, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan application forms can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Those affected by the disaster may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is January 3, 2012. The deadline to return economic injury applications is August 6, 2012.

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For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov.

December 05, 2011
VA-DR-4042-NR-015
FEMA NEWSDESK: 804-639-8695
VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400
SBA PIO Contact: 404-275-5532

News Release
GRANTS TOTALING MORE THAN $5 MILLION APPROVED FOR SURVIVORS OF VIRGINIA’S EARTHQUAKE AND AFTERSHOCKS

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. - One month after federal disaster aid was made available for Louisa County earthquake survivors, more than $5 million in grants has been approved, officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) announced today. 

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made financial assistance totaling more than $700,000 available in the form of low-interest disaster loans.
Here is a summary through Sunday, December 4, of state and federal assistance to Louisa County residents and business owners who suffered losses due to the earthquake and aftershocks between August 23 and October 25, 2011:

•  $5,171,588 in total housing and personal needs has been approved.
•  Of that amount, $5,142,403 has been approved for housing expenses, including temporary rental assistance, home repair costs and assistance toward replacing destroyed homes.
• $29,185 has been approved as Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
• $715,100 in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by SBA.
• 2,559 applicants have registered with FEMA for some form of disaster assistance.

Joint VDEM/FEMA teams of /Community Relations (CR) field specialists have distributed more than 10,000 flyers and worked throughout Louisa County to identify disaster survivors and urge them to register for assistance. Recently, the CR teams have been reminding survivors that the deadline for registering is January 3 and recommending that they register before the hectic holiday period.

“If you find damage after the registration period has ended and you have not registered, you will not be eligible for assistance. That’s why you should register now, before the January 3 deadline. Don’t forget!” said Federal Coordinating Officer Don Keldsen of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
 

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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.
 

News release: FEMA DOES NOT CONDEMN HOMES

MIDLOTHIAN, Va - Some Louisa County residents are reluctant to register with FEMA for earthquake assistance because they fear FEMA will condemn their homes and they’ll have no place to live. Many earthquake survivors have told Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Community Relations teams, they have not registered because of this fear.

“It’s very important that everyone understands,” Don Keldsen, Federal Coordinating Officer added, “FEMA does not condemn property.”

“We urge Louisa County residents and business owners who suffered earthquake-related damage, to begin the disaster application process by registering online at

· www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362),

· Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585,

· Anyone who uses 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday, and, added Keldsen,

· Face-to-face assistance is available at the FEMA/VDEM Disaster Recovery Center in the City of Louisa. The DRC is located in the Triangle Plaza, 502 E. Main St., and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.”

Whether you apply online, over the phone or visit the DRC, you should have the following important information:
Your Social Security number.
Current and pre-disaster address.
A telephone number where you can be contacted.
Insurance information.
Total household annual income.
A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account).
A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.
FEMA Assistance can include:
Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are uninhabitable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to two months for homeowners and renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.

Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
“Once you register, a FEMA inspector who can identify earthquake damage will call to set up an appointment and visit the property.”

The FEMA inspector will ask questions that are important in determining what damages are eligible for FEMA grant programs, Keldsen explained. That information is protected by the Privacy Act. “FEMA does not share this information - and we do not condemn property. FEMA inspects damaged property for disaster recovery program purposes only.”

· The inspection is free.

· It generally takes 30-40 minutes and consists of inspecting all areas of the home and personal property.

· The inspector enters damage-related information into a hand-held computer and sends that data to a FEMA processing center.

· The inspector does not determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance.

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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.

News Release and Notice: Louisa County - HUD SECRETARY ANNOUNCES DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR VIRGINIA EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

HUD NEWS
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20410
HUD No. 11-263
Released November 9, 2011
April A. Brown (202) 708-0685 www.hud.gov/news/

HUD SECRETARY ANNOUNCES DISASTER ASSISTANCE
FOR VIRGINIA EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
Foreclosure protection offered to displaced families

WASHINGTON – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to the Commonwealth of Virginia and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following an earthquake in August.

Last week, President Obama issued a disaster declaration for Louisa County. The President’s declaration allows HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in these counties.

“Families who may have been forced from their homes need to know that help is available to begin the rebuilding process,” said Donovan. “Whether it’s foreclosure relief for FHA-insured families or helping these counties to recover, HUD stands ready to help in any way we can.”

HUD is:

Ø Offering the Commonwealth of Virginia and other entitlement communities the ability to re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief – HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs give the State and communities the flexibility to redirect millions of dollars to address critical needs, including housing and services for disaster victims. HUD is currently contacting State and local officials to explore streamlining the Department’s CDBG and HOME programs in order to expedite the repair and replacement of damaged housing;

Ø Granting immediate foreclosure relief – HUD granted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured home mortgages;

Ø Making mortgage insurance available – HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims who have lost their homes and are facing the daunting task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs;

Ø Making insurance available for both mortgages and home rehabilitation – HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home; and

Ø Offering Section 108 loan guarantee assistance – HUD will offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development and repair of public infrastructure.

Ø Information on housing providers and HUD programs -The Department will share information with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties. This includes Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners. The Department will also connect FEMA and the State to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.

Read about these and other HUD programs designed to assist disaster victims.

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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter
@HUDnews or on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD

Louisa County Disaster Recovery Center Staffed by Certified Housing Counselors

PRESS RELEASE – November 21, 2011

Louisa, VA – Piedmont Housing Alliance’s Housing Counselors will be staffing the Louisa County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) starting Tuesday November 22nd. As the local HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, Piedmont Housing Alliance’s goal is to provide information regarding the programs available to all homeowners impacted by the August 23rd earthquake. Homeowners with an FHA mortgage who are behind on their mortgage payments due to being impacted by the earthquake may qualify for relief to help keep their home. “HUD is committed to assisting borrowers whose lives and livelihoods are thrown into turmoil by a disaster,” according to a statement on the website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Information will also be provided to homeowners about Piedmont Housing Alliance’s ongoing mortgage default and foreclosure prevention counseling, if they are behind on their mortgage but do not have a FHA mortgage, as well as credit improvement and budgeting/money management counseling. Certified Housing Counselors from Piedmont Housing Alliance will be staffing the Disaster Recovery Center 3 days per week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10:00 am - 4 pm.

The Disaster Recovery Center is located in the Triangle Plaza Shopping Center at 502 E. Main Street in Louisa. Hours for the center are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. Some of the assistance available includes temporary housing, home repair information, and even counseling services.

According to FEMA officials, there has been some confusion about registering for federal aid. “If you reported your damage to the local emergency management office, that does not mean you are registered to receive federal assistance from FEMA,” said Art Alejandre, a public information officer with FEMA. Residents who were affected by the Aug. 23 5.8-magnitude earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks can register for federal disaster assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or logging on to DisasterAssistance.gov or by visiting the DRC. Officials recommend those seeking assistance have their Social Security number available, as well as insurance information, family income figures and description of the damages. Registering with FEMA is the only way to be considered for individual assistance.

Piedmont Housing Alliance is a regional nonprofit organization that creates housing and community development opportunities for very low to moderate income families and individuals, teaches financial literacy and management, home buying and home ownership skills, and advocates for affordable housing policies and programs in central Virginia.

For more information, contact Shelley Murphy, Director of Development Services with Piedmont Housing Alliance, at (434)817-2436 x 104 or shelleym@piedmonthousing.org.

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November 21, 2011
VA-DR-4042-NR-007
FEMA NEWSDESK: 804-639-8695
VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400
SBA PIO Contact: 404-275-5532

News Release

Now Available in Louisa County
FREE ADVICE ON REDUCING DAMAGE FROM FUTURE EARTHQUAKES

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialists will be providing free publications in several Louisa County locations, officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) announced today. The specialists and publications will provide valuable information for homeowners and business owners regarding ways to rebuild or remodel properties that can reduce the risk of damages from future earthquakes and other disasters.

• Lowe’s Home Improvement store, 165 Camp Creek Parkway (just north of I-64 Exit 136), Gordonsville, VA 22942.

Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Day: Sunday. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Day: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24. Hours: Closed.
• The FEMA/VDEM Disaster Recovery Center, Triangle Plaza, 502 East Main Street, Suite 6000, Louisa, VA 23093.

Days: Monday through Saturday. Hours:10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Days: Sundays and Thanksgiving Day, November 24. Hours: Closed

Free publications containing rebuilding-stronger information are available at displays in these locations:

• Besley Implements, 704 Mineral Ave., Mineral, VA 23117 
  Days: Monday through Friday. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Day: Saturday. Hours: 8 a.m. to noon.
• Crossroads Home Center, 78 Zion Park Court (Zion Crossroads), Troy, VA 22974.
  Days: Monday through Friday. Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Lakeside Electrical Contractors, 4344 Davis Highway, Louisa, VA 23093.
  Days: Monday through Friday. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Purcell Lumber, 138 West Street, Louisa, VA 23093.
  Days: Monday through Friday. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m.
  Day: Saturday. Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
• True Value hardware, 401 East Main St., Louisa, VA 23093.
  Days: Monday through Friday. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  Day: Saturday. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Day: Sunday. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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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.

November 21, 2011
VA-DR-4042-NR-007
FEMA NEWSDESK: 804-639-8695
VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400
SBA PIO Contact: 404-275-5532

News Release

REGISTER WITH FEMA FOR PEACE OF MIND TODAY!

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Register, Register, Register! That is the message that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants everyone to understand. In preliminary damage assessments, there were more than 1,400 Louisa County homes inspected that showed damage associated with the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. Since the November 4 declaration, fewer than 600 of those residences have applied for assistance.

Do you think you may have registered already? Double check by calling FEMA today, it will only take a few minutes for some peace of mind.

“We need to reach the other two thirds of the citizens that we heard from before,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Don Keldsen. “They need to pick up the phone and call 1-800-621-3362 today, or register online at www.disasterassistance.gov. ”

There are many hidden damages to a home in an earthquake

• Cracked foundation
• Separated brick from mortar
• Rupture or cracked pipes under the house
• House crooked or out of plumb
• Exposed or cracked beams

FEMA will send an inspector to your home when you report significant damages to your home or personal property. There is no cost to the resident for this service. It is a thorough inspection of your damages.

In addition to the FEMA inspections, you should get your chimney inspected by a professional before using it for the first time this winter. There could be hairline cracks that a visual inspection may not catch. An engineer has the tools to thoroughly go through your chimney and certify it safe for use.

Your home is your haven, the one place you can feel safe and secure. There is no better feeling than knowing your home is safe and ready for the upcoming winter months. To get this peace of mind you need to call FEMA today to get the process started.

Some residents have already made repairs. Did you know that you may be eligible for assistance for those repairs? The inspectors are trained to recognize recent repairs and even make additional suggestions on things you may not have thought of repairing.

“There have been more than 40 aftershocks causing additional damage. Each one can cause minute cracks that the untrained eye would not even notice,” said State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline. “That is why you need a trained professional to come out and do an inspection. FEMA provides this service at no cost to you.”

Do you really want to crawl under your house or climb through an attic full of insulation? The answer is probably no.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to bui0ld, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

November 18, 2011
VA-DR-4042-NR-007
FEMA NEWSDESK: 804-639-8695
VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400
SBA PIO Contact: 404-275-5532

News Release

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY ADDED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) announced today that Spotsylvania County has been approved for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance (PA) program for recovery from the August 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

Public Assistance is for local governments and certain private, nonprofit organizations in the county, not for individuals. To be eligible to receive PA, a private, nonprofit organization must own or operate facilities that provide services of a governmental nature, such as educational, emergency, medical, or custodial care.

A county designated eligible for PA may receive help for emergency work, such as debris removal and emergency protective measures, and for permanent work, including repair of roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and contents, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other public facilities, FEMA officials said. Louisa County was previously designated for Public Assistance.

“Funding for these infrastructure repair and civic restoration projects is shared jointly; 75 percent federal and 25 percent non-federal funds,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Don Keldsen.

Virginia’s State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline said “this will enable Spotsylvania County and certain private nonprofit agencies to recoup a large share of the costs of clean-up and damage resulting from the earthquake and aftershocks.”

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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.

November 18, 2011

VA-DR-4042-NR-007

FEMA NEWSDESK: 804-639-8695

VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400

SBA PIO Contact: 404-275-5532

News Release

NEW HOURS FOR LOUISA COUNTY DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. - New hours for the Louisa County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will go into effect Saturday, November 19, officials of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

The new hours for the DRC located at Triangle Plaza, 502 East Main Street, Louisa, are:

·         Monday through Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

·         Sunday - Closed

The DRC also will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24.

VDEM and FEMA opened the DRC on Wednesday, November 9, to help Louisa County residents and business owners with their recovery from the August earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

Available at the DRC are FEMA specialists who can answer questions about FEMA disaster assistance in the form of financial grants that do not have to be repaid as well as representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) who can answer questions about SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for individuals as well as businesses. Also available at the DRC is information about crisis counseling and assistance from non-governmental organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations.

Disaster officials recommend you register with FEMA before visiting the DRC.  Then, if you have any questions about the application process, they can be answered face to face. You can visit the DRC regardless of where you live or work.

To register for assistance, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585.

You also can register:

·         Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The screens will prompt you through the registration process.

·         With a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.

·         Via 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) by calling 1-800 621-3362.

Operators are available to assist callers seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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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.

COUNTY OF LOUISA
Willie L. Gentry, Jr., Chairman Louisa County Board of Supervisors
Robert Dubé, County Administrator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2011

Contact: Amanda L. Reidelbach
Phone: (540) 223-6929
Email: areidelbach@louisa.org

Louisa County Earthquake Survivors Need to Register for Disaster Aid

LOUISA, Va. – All Louisa County residents should register for federal disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. It is important for residents to allow FEMA inspectors to check for damage from the Aug. 23 earthquake or its aftershocks.

There are several types of financial assistance available, the first of which is in the form of a grant from FEMA. This money does not have to be repaid. Homeowners can also apply for low-interest disaster loans issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans are available for homeowners, business owners, nonprofits and churches that qualify. To receive information about low-interest disaster loans, people must register with FEMA first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Additionally, some Louisa County residents may believe that because they reported damage to the county, they are registered with FEMA. This is not the true. Residents with earthquake damage MUST register formally with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

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FEMA Approves Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisa County Schools

RICHMOND The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Governor Bob McDonnell’s request for the Public Assistance Program to help with the cost to repair Louisa County schools that were damaged by the Aug. 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.
The Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and the Louisa County High School sustained the most substantial damage and are closed indefinitely. The county has provided temporary facilities for students until the schools are repaired or rebuilt.

“This is great news for Louisa County schools and Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell. “I want to thank county and school officials for working with us and FEMA to pull together all the necessary information to make this happen. I also want to thank the President and FEMA for their quick approval of our request. There’s a lot of work ahead before Louisa County schools will be back to normal, but the county and the school system have a good plan to ensure that all school children will receive the best possible education in the interim.”

In addition to school repairs, this disaster assistance will help state and local government recover costs associated with earthquake response, such as damage to critical infrastructure, debris removal and related emergency services.

FEMA also approved individual assistance to residents in Louisa County whose homes suffered earthquake damage. Information about the declaration and how to apply is available at http://www.vaemergency.gov.
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News Release: Wherever you live, report earthquake damage to local emergency manager and FEMA

10501 Trade Court
Richmond, Virginia 23236

CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner
(804) 674-2400
bob.spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 9, 2011

Wherever you live, report earthquake damage to local emergency manager and FEMA

RICHMOND, Va. – Residents and business owners in Louisa County who suffered damage from the Aug. 23 earthquake were approved for federal disaster aid Nov. 4, but everyone in Virginia with earthquake damage should report it so that state officials can decide whether to request assistance for additional Virginia communities.

“We know that this historic earthquake caused damage in places other than Louisa County,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator of emergency management.  “We need people who live outside of Louisa County to report their damage to their local emergency manager and also to FEMA.  This will give us a better idea of how much more damage is out there, and we could possibly ask FEMA to make citizens and businesses in other Virginia localities eligible for federal disaster assistance.”

Regardless of where you live in Virginia, those with earthquake damage should take the following actions:

• Call your local emergency manager.  Every city, county and town in Virginia has an emergency manager.  For a list of names and phone numbers, go to www.vaemergency.gov and look on the left side of the page for the link, or check your local phone directory for the local government listings.
• Call FEMA.  The toll-free phone number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).  This does not register you for disaster assistance but does let FEMA know that there is damage outside of Louisa County.

Also, some Louisa County residents may mistakenly believe that because they already have reported damage to county or state officials, they are then registered for federal earthquake assistance.  To formally register for earthquake disaster assistance, Louisa County residents must call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

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News Release: EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS: REGISTER NOW FOR DISASTER AID

FEMA/VDEM
Joint Information Office
Joint Field Office
Midlothian, Virginia

November 8, 2011
VA-DR-4042-NR-001
FEMA NEWSDESK: 571-643-8467
VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400

EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS: REGISTER NOW FOR DISASTER AID
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Louisa County residents who had damage from the Aug. 23 earthquake or its aftershocks now can register for federal disaster assistance.

“Registering is a critical step in putting your life back together after the earthquake,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Don Keldsen of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Register even if you already reported your damage to your local emergency manager,” said Virginia’s State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline. “Registering with FEMA is the only way you’ll be considered for federal disaster aid.”

To register, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585, or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET seven days a week. Online registration is available at any time. Those with smart phones or other mobile devices also can register at m.fema.gov.

It helps to have the following information handy before registering:
• Social Security number.
• Current and pre-disaster address.
• Telephone number where you can be reached.
• Insurance information.
• Total household annual income.
• Routing and account number from your bank (if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account).
• Description of losses caused by the earthquake.
After registering, you will receive a FEMA application number. Write down this number and keep it for future reference.

Assistance from FEMA could include:
• Temporary housing – money for a different place to live.
• Repairs – assistance to repair some of the disaster-related damage not covered by insurance.
• Other needs assistance – assistance for necessary and serious needs caused by the earthquake. This includes medical, dental, personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage and other expenses approved by FEMA.
FEMA assistance may not restore your home to pre-disaster conditions. The goal is to make your damaged home safe, sanitary and functional. Homeowners and renters also may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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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.