Latest news with #FEMAHelpline
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
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
FEMA extends deadline for Kentucky residents to receive individual assistance
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Homeowners and renters in Kentucky who have suffered uninsured or underinsured damage from February's severe storms now have a few weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance. More than 100 gather in Madisonville to protest Trump administration, Garcia deportation FEMA has extended the application deadline to Monday, May 25. Assistance for individuals affected be the severe weather can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property loss, as well as other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. To apply for assistance, visit download the FEMA app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Deadline approaches for FEMA Assistance in West Virginia
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The deadline is approaching for people dealing with damage caused by storms in February 2025 to apply for FEMA Assistance. According to a press release, April 28, 2025 is the deadline for people to apply for FEMA Assistance for damage caused by storms in February. More than $20 million in FEMA Disaster Assistance approved in West Virginia The assistance can help with home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related needs that insurance does not cover, in Mercer, McDowell, Raleigh, Wyoming, Logan, Mingo, and Wayne counties. According to the press release, there are multiple ways that renters who dealt with losses can apply for assistance such as: Visiting the Disaster Assistance website Downloading the FEMA App. Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, are advised to provide FEMA with the number for that service. Speaking with someone in person. Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will be on the ground in affected communities, walking door-to-door to share information, and helping residents apply for FEMA assistance. At Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, Logan, Mingo, and Wayne counties. People can get help applying for federal assistance, update applications, and learn about other resources available when they visit DRCs. DRCs are accessible to all people, including survivors with impaired vision, mobility issues, and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Information about Disaster Recovery Centers includes: Mercer County Lifeline Princeton Church of God at 250 Oakvale Road in Princeton Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays Closed on April 26 McDowell County Bradshaw Town Hall at 10002 Marshall Highway in Bradshaw Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays Board of Education Office at 900 Mount View High School Road in Welch Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays Wyoming County Wyoming County Courthouse at 24 Main Avenue in Pineville Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays Mingo County Williamson Campus at 1601 Armory Drive in Williamson Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays Logan County Southern WV Community & Technical College at 100 College Drive in Logan Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays Wayne County Tolsia High School at 1 Rebel Drive in Fort Gay Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays The press release stated that a person's eligibility for Social Security, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, or other federal benefit programs are not affected if FEMA funds are accepted. Renters in West Virginia could be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance The application deadline for homeowners, renters and business owners to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration physical disaster loan is April 28, 2025. People can apply here, by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or emailing disastercustomerservice@ for additional information about SBA disaster assistance. The press release stated that those who with a speech disability, or who are deaf or hard of hearing can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service. Additional information about recovery efforts in West Virginia can be found on FEMA's website, the West Virginia Emergency Management's website, or FEMA's social media page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
FEMA offers tips for protection against identity theft and home inspection information
GHENT, WV (WVNS) — As recovery efforts continue after flooding occurred in West Virginia in February 2025, FEMA offered advice for ways people can protect their identity and deal with home inspections. According to a press release, FEMA encouraged people to protect their identities against identity theft and fraud after natural disasters and gave information about home inspections. Second FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opens in McDowell County The press release stated that some people may try to pretend to be disaster workers, and scam artists could try to apply for FEMA assistance using information such as addresses, social security numbers, and names that they stole from people who were affected by disasters. Some ways people can protect their identity include: Federal and local disaster workers do not ask or accept money from people. FEMA advised people to not trust anyone who offers financial or contracting help and asks for money. FEMA will only call or e-mail you if a person contacted FEMA first or registered for assistance. Do not give out information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees. Those who receive suspicious e-mails or phone calls, can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify the legitimacy of a FEMA call or e-mail. Always ask to see I.D. since FEMA personnel will always have an official identification badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. Do not give out any personal information, such as Social Security number and bank information, unless the person is a verified FEMA representative. Be careful if someone asks for the 9-digit FEMA registration ID, which people receive when applying for disaster assistance through FEMA. Follow trusted local media for updates from local officials on disaster fraud and scams. Once a person applies for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary. FEMA inspectors will make an appointment before going to houses. They may verify identities using the last four digits of the 9-digit registration number but will not ask for all nine numbers, and will also not ask for a Social Security number. FEMA will not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs, and FEMA inspector's only verify damage. People can report identity theft, scams, and fraud at the toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721, the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud website, and local authorities. Once a person applies for disaster assistance, FEMA may do a home inspection to verify disaster damage. FEMA staff members and inspectors will call to talk about the damage and to make an inspection appointment within ten days after an application is submitted. Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits available for communities affected by storms and flooding in February 2025 The call will likely come from an out-of-state phone number, and an inspector will try to contact someone three times over three different days. If the inspectors cannot get in contact with someone after three attempts, the case will be closed until the person contacts FEMA again. FEMA will not arrive at a person's home without an appointment, and will schedule times to visit homes. The press release stated that information people will need for inspections will include: FEMA application number. An inspector may ask for the last four digits. Photo identification. Proof that you owned or occupied the house at the time of the disaster. Documents that can help prove home ownership or occupancy can include driver's license, utility bill, lease, rent receipts, pay stubs, merchant statement, mortgage statement, tax bill or receipt, and insurance policy information. A list of all occupants living in the home at the time of disaster. A list of disaster-caused damage to both your home and personal property. Collect any photos or videos of the damage. Insurance policy information. Inspections should take around 30 to 40 minutes, and the press release stated that showing any photos or videos of the damage to house or a private well to the inspectors is encouraged. FEMA inspectors will: Verify a person's name, address, contact information, and insurance Confirm the individuals living in a disaster-damaged house; bedrooms occupied; clothing, medical, dental, transportation, or miscellaneous losses; and items bought as a result of the disaster (such as a chainsaw or dehumidifier) Assess the structure, furniture, and appliances of the house pre-disaster for damage caused by the disaster, as well as undamaged items Document your pre-disaster residence's square footage, foundation, and structural type (e.g., one or multiple stories) Record the cause of damage, applicable water levels, impacted utilities, and accessibility features Confirm with you all damage has been viewed and discussed Describe next steps in the FEMA process A person will get a letter or electronic correspondence within ten days after a FEMA inspector visits the home, and people are advised to carefully read the letter, as it may include details about what to do next. According to the press release from FEMA, not all losses will need an inspection, and people are encouraged to keep an eye on their mail and online FEMA account on the Disaster Assistance website, as well as respond to any FEMA requests. Those with questions about the inspection can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
FEMA assistance climbs to over $6.3 million
bradshaw — Victims of the Feb. 15 flood that devastated much of southern West Virginia were being reminded Thursday that they still need to apply for assistance even as FEMA announced that over $6.3 million of Individual Assistance had been approved over a five-county area. FEMA has approved $6,326,934 for Individual Assistance which includes $3,835,815 for Housing Assistance and $2,491,119 for Other Needs Assistance, Nate Custer, a Media Relations Specialist with FEMA, said Thursday. There had been 2,234 valid registrations for assistance as of Thursday. McDowell County had 1,019 registrations followed by 537 in Mingo County; 355 in Mercer County; 340 in Wyoming County; 56 in Wayne County; and 34 in Logan County. Residents of McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Logan, Wayne and Wyoming counties whose primary residences were damaged by the floods of Feb. 15 to Feb. 18 may be eligible to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. The deadline to apply is April 28. Flood victims that have registered their damages through a state survey still need to register for FEMA Individual Assistance, agency officials said. The information from the state survey was used to help the damage assistance teams scope the extent of the damages; however, residents in the designated counties must additionally apply for FEMA assistance and may receive help with expenses related to essential items, temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs as a result of the flood. There are four ways for flood victims to apply for FEMA assistance. • Visit • Download the FEMA App. • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. • Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. People that use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service should provide FEMA their number for that service. • Speak with someone in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. At a Disaster Recovery Center, flood victims can get help applying for federal assistance, update their applications and learn about other resources available. Centers in the area include: • The Mercer County Disaster Recovery Center is at the Lifeline Princeton Church of God at 250 Oakvale Road in Princeton. Its hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday. It will be closed Saturday, March 15, March 22 and April 19. • The McDowell County Disaster Recovery Center is located at Bradshaw Town Hall, 10002 Marshall Highway in Bradshaw. Its hours of operation are Monday to Saturday form 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sundays. • The Wyoming County Disaster Recover Center is located at the Wyoming Courthouse on 24 Main Avenue in Pineville. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and closed on Sundays. FEMA is warning residents in flood areas to beware of scammers. Agency officials said the FEMA staff can be recognized the following ways: • FEMA representatives never charge a fee or ask for payment for disaster assistance, inspections, or help filling out applications. • FEMA staff carry a photo ID badge. • People who aren't sure if someone works for FEMA can call the helpline at 800-621-3362. Flood victims who have insurance should file a claim as soon as possible, agency officials said. FEMA cannot pay for losses that insurance will cover. When filling for FEMA assistance, flood victims will be asked to provide: • A description of the damage • contact information, including their current phone number and your 911 address where they can currently be reached. • Their 911 address at the time of disaster • Their Social Security number • Their contact information • For people who have insurance, their policy number, agent or company • Their annual household income • Their bank account information, if they would like to receive direct deposit People who have already applied for FEMA assistance and have questions about the status of their application or about appealing a FEMA determination letter they have received can visit a Disaster Recovery Center for one-on-one assistance or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@
