Virginia Earthquake

LAST OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER FOR FEMA EARTHQUAKE AID

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:08:21 -0500

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration deadline for renters, homeowners and business owners in central Virginia who suffered damage from the August 23 earthquake is one week away. Counties designated for disaster assistance are Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Goochland, King George, Louisa, Orange and Spotsylvania as well as the City of Fredericksburg.

The deadline to register for disaster aid is Monday March 5, 2012.

Louisa County High School Receives $19 Million from FEMA to Rebuild

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:06:49 -0500

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $19 million to rebuild the Louisa County High School, which was severely damaged during the Aug. 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

“This news could not come at a better time.
Read more…

The deadline to register for disaster aid is Monday March 5, 2012.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:04:59 -0500

FEMA DISASTER AID REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TWO WEEKS AWAY
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. -Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration deadline for renters, homeowners and business owners in central Virginia who suffered damage from the August 23 earthquake is two weeks away. Counties designated for disaster assistance are Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Goochland, King George, Louisa, Orange and Spotsylvania as well as the City of Fredericksburg.

King George County To Host An Informational Meeting With FEMA, VDEM And SBA

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:50:00 -0500

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. - King George County is hosting The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and The Small Business Administration (SBA) to an Informational Meeting to provide information to King George County residents who may have suffered damage from the August 23, 2011 earthquake.

Albemarle County To Host An Informational Town Hall Meeting With FEMA, VDEM And SBA

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:49:00 -0500

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. - Albemarle County is hosting The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and The Small Business Administration (SBA) to a Town Hall Meeting to provide information to Albemarle County residents who may have suffered damage from the August 23, 2011 earthquake.

LOUISA COUNTY’S THOMAS JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO RECEIVE OVER $3 MILLION IN FEMA ASSISTANCE TO REBUILD SCHOOL

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:02:39 -0500

MIDLOTHIAN, VA – Natural disasters disrupt the daily routine of survivors’ lives, and nowhere is a disrupted routine more evident than when a school is destroyed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding approximately $3.25 million dollars to rebuild Louisa County Public Schools’ Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

Statement of Governor McDonnell After FEMA Awards $3.2 Million In Disaster Assistance To Replace Earthquake-Damaged Louisa Elementary School

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:51:58 -0500

~Grant will cover 75% of uninsured balance to completely replace facility~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell released the following statement after learning that the Federal Department of Emergency Management (FEMA) has granted Louisa County $3.2 million to replace Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, which was severely damaged during the Aug. 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The move comes after repair estimates said it could cost more than 50 percent of the estimated replacement cost to restore the school to pre-earthquake condition. The cost to replace the school is $13. 7 million. The anticipated insurance proceeds will be approximately $9.4 million, leaving an estimated balance of approximately $4.3 million, of which 75 percent will be eligible for FEMA coverage.

FEMA Approves Earthquake Assistance for Albemarle and King George Counties

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:40:54 -0500

FEMA Approves Earthquake Assistance for Albemarle and King George Counties
~Deadline to Register is March 5~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that individuals in Albemarle and King George are now eligible for federal disaster aid to help them recover from a 5.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Virginia on Aug. 23 and led to more than 60 aftershocks.

FEMA denied Virginia’s original request for assistance for Albemarle and King George on Dec. 29, 2011. Governor McDonnell appealed and now the counties join Culpeper, Fluvanna, Goochland, Louisa, Orange and Spotsylvania counties and the city of Fredericksburg in eligibility for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. Read more…..

Disaster Recovery Centers In Louisa County And Spotsylvania County To Close

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:37:16 -0500

The Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Louisa County at 520 E. Main St., Louisa, VA, and in Spotsylvania County at 8960 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania, VA, will close permanently at 6:00 PM, Saturday, February 11, state and federal officials have announced.
One-on-one assistance is still available.

CHANGING WEATHER MAY REVEAL EARTHQUAKE CHIMNEY DAMAGE

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:09:22 -0500

Masonry chimneys and fireplaces are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage, and many Virginia residents experienced such damage firsthand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) inspectors have visually inspected nearly 4400 homes and in nearly 30% of those visits, inspectors suspected chimney damage.
Chimney damage can be deadly and may continue to lurk in the homes of unsuspecting Virginians. Do not take a chance with the health of your household, and find a licensed inspector to assure the safety of your home.

Learn about damage to water wells that has resulted from the...

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:18:20 -0500

Learn about damage to water wells that has resulted from the August 2011 earthquake. If you think you have well damage, please call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA.

TWO DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS FOR EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY TO OPEN IN VIRGINIA

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:50:09 -0500

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) will open a new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Spotsylvania County and reopen the Louisa County DRC.

The Louisa County DRC and the Spotsylvania DRC will open Thursday, Jan 5.

Disaster officials recommend that you register before visiting the DRC.

Disaster aid registration deadline for Louisa County extended to Monday March 5

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:10:51 -0500

At the request of State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for renters, homeowners and business owners in Louisa County who suffered damage from the August 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks to register for state and federal disaster assistance.

The new deadline is Monday March 5, 2012.

Over $1 Million SBA Disaster Loans Approved in Virginia; SBA Deadline to Return Applications is January 3

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:03:24 -0500

The U. S. Small Business Administration has approved over $1 million in Disaster Assistance Loans for residents and business owners in Virginia affected by the earthquake. The deadline to return applications for physical damage is January 3, 2012.

SBA Adds the City of Fredericksburg to the Private Non-Profit Organizations Earthquake Declaration in Virginia

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:01:25 -0500

The U.S. Small Business Administration adds the City of Fredericksburg as an eligible area for disaster assistance and reminds eligible Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) of the Jan. 9 deadline to submit disaster loan applications for physical damage in Virginia. These loans are available as a result of a Presidential disaster declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by the earthquake that occurred between Aug. 23, and Oct. 25, 2011.

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

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:24:00 -0500

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,...

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:11:00 -0500

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, 2011VA-DR-4042-NR-015FEMA NEWSDESK: 804-639-8695VDEM PIO Contact: 804-674-2400SBA PIO...

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:30:45 -0500

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

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:01:52 -0500

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

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:10:34 -0500

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