Latest news with #DisasterAssistance.gov
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal agencies come to Texarkana to provide in-person storm recovery aid
HOOKS, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) – Following a federal disaster declaration, a temporary Disaster Recovery Center has come to Texarkana to assist Miller County with storm recovery. Several homes hit by falling trees in Arkansas after thunderstorm 'You have FEMA (Federal Emergency Managment Agency, SBA, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management all here on location where we can all work with you, get you started in your application process, and at the end of the day hopefully get you started on your recovery as quickly as possible,' says Chandler Weber with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). FEMA is primarily looking to fill in the gaps in assistance that insurance did not provide in the wake of severe weather between April 2nd and 22nd, which was covered by the disaster declaration. 'Anybody who had any damages to their homes, whether it be a broken window, roof shingles, roof torn off, any kind of damage to their homes. We're asking you to come and apply for FEMA assistance,' says Fabian Gutierrez with FEMA. The SBA is offering low-interest loans of up to $2 million for businesses. 'We'd rather see a small business take a loan out with us than see them potentially have to shut their doors at the end of the day,' says Weber. Arkansas residents can apply for FEMA assistance after federal disaster declared But the money being offered to rebuild goes beyond businesses. 'The majority of our assistance actually goes to the individual,' says Weber, 'We can offer up to $500,000 for physical damage that happened to their property, with an additional $100,000 for personal property. And that can cover anything from your personal vehicle to the clothes in your back.' FEMA says to be prepared to provide personal information and a list of what was damaged. 'They have an inspector that will go out and be able to take a look at the home, take a look at the damage, and within 10 days or so, we'll be able to get back with you on what exactly we may be able to offer you.' says Gutierrez. The purpose of having representatives available in person, though, is to make the entire process as easy as possible. 'So the biggest thing if you can just bring your driver's license and a little bit of patience just because at the end of the day you are going to sit down with the customer service representative, who's going to work you through the application process. They're going to answer all of your questions,' says Weber. While Trump overhauls FEMA, Mississippi tornado survivors await assistance The agencies will be at the Miller County State Survivor Assistance Location at 409 Hazel St in Texarkana, Arkansas from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 31st. The SBA says their application deadline for physical damage is not until July 21st though. SBA applications can be submitted online at MySBA Loan Portal, and they can be reached at disastercustomerservice@ or 1-800-659-2955. FEMA applications can be found at and they can be reached at 1-800-621-3362. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
FEMA individual assistance approved in Kentucky for tornado-affected counties
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — One week after an EF-4 tornado tore through southern Kentucky, there's finally a glimmer of hope for those affected. Governor Andy Beshear announced in a post on X on Friday night that there is some 'good news.' FEMA Individual Assistance is now available for six counties, including Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell. Individual assistance can cover a wide range of needs. Pedestrian taken to hospital after being hit by car in downtown Lexington 'Individual assistance includes things like loss of personal property, damage to your home, displacement assistance, and serious needs assistance, for example. These are just some of the many different types of assistance that people may be eligible for, depending on their situation, which everybody's situation is unique,' said FEMA Public Information Officer Daniel Bernardy. Currently, two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in Pulaski and Laurel counties. These centers are staffed by representatives from FEMA, the American Red Cross, the Small Business Administration, and other state agencies. They are all working together to meet with storm victims face-to-face and connect them with resources tailored to their needs. 'You really do have that face-to-face human connection, which will meet you with empathy. We'll hear your story. And there's something about that that's different than just going online,' Bernardy told FOX 56. Like he said, victims don't have to physically come to the DRC in London or Somerset – they can also go to other DRCs still in place from previous disasters. They can go online to download the FEMA app, or call 800-621-FEMA (3362). 'This particular disaster recovery center could be here for a couple of weeks, or it could be for a couple of months. And it just depends. But one true thing is that FEMA will not make that decision alone. We do that with our county partners,' said Bernardy. According to the FEMA website, new DRCs were established in the following locations for Laurel and Pulaski counties. Both Disaster Recovery Centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays After filling out the proper forms and providing all the necessary information, applicants will get a letter approving or denying their assistance. If you get a denial, Bernardy said not to lose hope. That denial could be reversed. Bernardy told FOX 56, 'It's not necessarily the end of the road. Read that letter through top to bottom, inside out. We might just be missing a document. We might not have your contact information correct. Something might be off. We can maybe turn that denial into an approval.' FEMA individual assistance approved in Kentucky for tornado-affected counties Pedestrian taken to hospital after being hit by car in downtown Lexington Massachusetts woman indicted for allegedly causing crash that killed 1, sent child to ICU Denial appeals can be filed at a DRC, online, by mail, or by fax. Officials are urging everyone impacted by the tornado to apply for assistance, no matter how big or small the loss. There is help waiting; you just need to take the first step. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
No damage is too little, FEMA officials say: Deadline for February disaster help in Ky. approaching
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — If February flooding affected your life, FEMA officials want to hear from you, no matter what the extent of the damage was, but the deadline to apply for relief is coming soon. Kim Keblish, a spokesperson with FEMA, told FOX 56 News on Sunday that some Disaster Recovery Centers are still receiving first-time applicants who said they were hesitant to apply, thinking they didn't have as much damage as their neighbors. 'I'd like to stress this deadline and mention that FEMA may be able to help with a variety of needs that most folks don't know about, like vehicle repairs, moving and storage costs, childcare costs, wells, septic, etc.,' Keblish said. FEMA officials, multi-agency resources arrive in Pulaski County: Where to go for help The deadline to apply for aid in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie,Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson, and Woodford counties is Sunday, May 25. According to a news release, there are several ways to apply for disaster relief: Online at Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center locator website, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: 'DRC 29169'). Use the FEMA mobile app. Call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. It is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, Give FEMA your number for that service. FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis. No damage is too little, FEMA officials say: Deadline for February disaster help in Ky. approaching Kentucky considered 'epicenter' of 17-year cicada 'Bourbon Brood' Letcher County man charged in connection with 2024 death of Whitesburg woman Survivors of the April storms have until June 25 to apply for aid. According to a news release, Woodford County residents who rented or owned property that was damaged in February and then again in April would need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications. More information on getting federal help for February and April storms can be found at the FEMA website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
KY renters, homeowners affected by February storms have just days to apply for FEMA assistance
Family members of Kathy Kinney gather around her in a vehicle near her flooded home at Ramsey Mobile Home Park in Pikeville, Feb. 17, 2025. (Photo by) Kentuckians who own homes or rent in 16 counties damaged by severe February storms and floods have less than a week to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 25, according to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Meanwhile, Kentuckians affected by severe April storms have until June 25 to apply for federal disaster assistance. The February storms were followed by bitter cold temperatures, leading to more deaths throughout the week. Emergency crews made more than 1,000 rescues. Homeowners and renters in the following counties must submit their applications by Sunday: Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford. Homeowners and renters in Woodford County may be eligible for federal disaster assistance due to property damage or losses from the February and April storms. However, they must submit two separate applications. Applications for FEMA assistance can be made online at by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, using the FEMA mobile app, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit online or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362. The FEMA Helpline is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. To apply for assistance, applicants must provide information such as a current phone number, their social security number, a general list of damage and losses, banking information for direct deposit, and their address at the time of the disaster and where they are now sheltering or staying. Applicants must also provide insurance information if they have it, like a policy number and their agent or company name. Kentucky is in the process of seeking FEMA assistance for victims of last weekend's tornado outbreak, but it's too early for individuals to apply for aid recovering from the most recent sever weather. Gov. Andy Beshear in a briefing in London on Saturday urged homeowners and renters to contact their insurance companies now and also to document their losses for future applications for federal aid. Beshear said problems with insurers can be reported to the state insurance commissioner at 800-595-6053.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
St. Louis leaders share rescue and recovery effort after deadly storm
ST. LOUIS — Regional leaders held a press conference Saturday morning to address the devastating storm damage in the St. Louis area. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, U.S. Senator Eric Schmidt, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, Police Chief Robert Tracy, and Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson shared an update on the ongoing recovery efforts. Strong winds swept through the St. Louis area Friday afternoon, leaving five people dead, over 30 injured, and more than 5,000 buildings damaged. There is widespread destruction and ongoing recovery efforts following the likely tornado, which struck Friday between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. 'The devastation is truly tremendous,' said St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. 'As a city, we are grieving.' Police said four people were killed Friday in the heavily damaged areas of Clayton, Richmond Heights, University City, and parts of St. Louis. A fifth person died in their car near Carondelet Park. The city remains under a state of emergency, with crews working to clear debris, restore traffic signals, and address downed electrical lines. A citywide curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the hardest-hit areas. Police spokesman Mitch McCoy said that the curfew remains in effect for public safety. 'Our officers will be helping to enforce that curfew to protect property as well as to make sure that people are not preying on those who have been devastated,' said McCoy. The St. Louis Fire Department has searched more than 4,000 homes for survivors and to check on injuries. 'We have a lot of work left to do. We will make sure we do a clean sweep of all of these buildings,' said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson. 'We will not leave any stone unturned.' Emergency response activity surged in the hours after the storm. Between 2:40 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Friday, St. Louis police received more than 334 calls for service. 'If you see something, say something. If you haven't heard from someone, call 911. Let us know so we can take the proper action,' said Police Chief Robert Tracy. Mayor Spencer said the city is organizing donation efforts and will release information soon about what supplies are needed and where to send them. Governor Mike Kehoe said FEMA is prepared to assist and that his staff is in communication with the White House. He noted that the region is still under a previous emergency declaration from March and that he is working to file a new one for this event. 'The message here is that we're united at the federal, state, and local level to make sure that the people who have been injured get the help that they need,' said U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt. 'I want to thank the first responders who are still out there doing some dangerous work with some buildings that have been damaged,' he added. Anyone needing help is urged to call 211 or visit City officials plan to give another update at a press conference scheduled for 5 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
