April 23, 2016 - Latest FEMA Facts, Info, Statewide Statistics
Low-interest Disaster Loans Help Fuel Texas Disaster Recovery
- Disaster recovery experts encourage applicants for federal assistance to complete a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Taking a loan is not required; completing the application can open the door to all federal assistance, including possible additional grants from FEMA.
- A new Disaster Recovery Center is open in Limestone County to help survivors whose homes or businesses were affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred March 7-March 29.
FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage
- FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to reduce disaster damage. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as storm shelters and safe rooms.
Specialists will be available at the following locations:
- Home Depot: 411 E Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605
- Home Depot: 603 Strickland Drive, Orange, TX 77630
Available: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 22; 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24; and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 25-26.
Individual Assistance to Date:
As of Close of Business April 21st
Registrations approved: 1630
IHP Total: Nearly $17.8 million
Housing inspections completed: 98%
U.S. Small Business Administration: 147 home and business loans approved for $10,073,000
Registering with FEMA:
- FEMA is advising individuals to contact both their insurance agent and FEMA.
For more information, see What Texans Should Expect after FEMA Registration
- Texans who registered with FEMA for disaster aid are encouraged to “stay in touch.” It is the best way to get answers and resolve potential issues that might have resulted in assistance being denied.
SBA Programs:
- Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters. These loans help fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.
- Economic Injury disaster loans are available to businesses and private nonprofits to assist with working capital needs as a direct result of the disaster.
- SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center may be reached at 800-659-2955 (Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339). Or, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
- DUA is now available for workers and the self-employed who have been unable to work because of the disaster. DUA applies to those living inside or outside a designated county whose work has been affected.
- To apply, call 800-939-6631 or go online to http://www.texasworkforce.org/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services. The deadline to apply is April 27 for Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Hood, Marion and Parker and May 9 for Henderson, Limestone, Shelby and Tyler counties.
Other Disaster Assistance Information and Referral Services:
- Texans seeking information about disaster-related services and unmet needs should call 211, a statewide information and referral service. Anyone using a relay service should call 877-541-7905.
- FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Hotline is 866-720-5721. If you are the victim of a home repair scam or price gouging, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)
- Representatives from the state, FEMA, SBA and other agencies at the centers can provide guidance regarding disaster recovery and rental resources; explain written correspondence from FEMA; inform survivors of the status of their application; make referrals to other organizations and answer questions.
- Survivors in any of the designated counties may visit any DRC location.
