SEVEN DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
One week. That’s all the time you have left to register for federal disaster assistance if you sustained damage from the spring storms and floods in Tennessee and have not done so. Renters, homeowners and business owners are encouraged to apply by the deadline, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010.
“FEMA urges anyone who has not registered for disaster assistance to do so now,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia B. Szczech of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “Federal grants and low-interest loans are available to help you recover, but you must register before the Aug. 5 deadline to be eligible.”
Federal grants are available for housing assistance, repairing and replacing essential personal property, and other serious disaster-related needs.
“People throughout Middle and West Tennessee have received money to repair homes, pay rent and replace property since the flooding in April,” said Director James H. Bassham of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). “Many more people may be eligible but have not registered. If you sustained damage due to the disaster, register now, before time runs out.”
The deadline to complete and return a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application for physical damage to homes, personal property and businesses is also Aug. 5. SBA loans are the largest source of disaster funds to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property or for making substantial repairs or rebuilding damaged structures. The low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, non-profits and businesses of all sizes.
There are several ways you can apply for federal disaster assistance now:
· Call FEMA's Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 any day of the week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
· Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov; or
· Use your mobile phone by visiting m.fema.gov.
Federal assistance to Tennesseans has totaled more than $293 million, including more than $153 million in FEMA grants and $140 million in low-interest loans from the SBA.
DISASTER RECOVERY GUIDE
The severe storms that swept through Tennessee this month damaged many communities in our state. The process of rebuilding our towns and our lives will take help from local, state, and federal officials. My staff and I stand ready to offer assistance as you work with federal officials. Feel free to contact my offices for help with your recovery needs.
We urge all 7th district residents to look to local news and radio whenever possible to get tips from local officials that will be helpful as we begin the cleanup process.
FEMA registration deadline is just two weeks away. If you were affected by last month's storms and flooding in Tennessee, you have until July 6th to register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov . You do not need to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for help.
CONTACT MY OFFICE FOR HELP:
The volunteer spirit is truly alive and well in Tennessee and I am continually encouraged by sights of neighbor helping neighbor in time of need. Still, we were hit hard and recovery will take some time.
I support Governor Bredesen's request to the President that 52 Tennessee counties be declared federal disaster areas. Every county in the 7th Congressional District has been declared a federal disaster area. That means that 7th District residents can apply for recovery assistance through FEMA. This brochure offers useful first steps in that proces. I hope it will be a useful resource for you.
Those seeking assistance are encouraged to apply online. If for some reason you can't get online from home, feel free to come by one of my district offices or give us a call. We would be happy to help you.
My office is able to help you as you file your claims with FEMA and other federal agencies. These claims can take time; sometime several weeks. However, if you feel that your claim is not being handled appropriately, we can help. The fist step is to fill out this form and return it to any of my district offices: http://blackburn.house.gov/af/authorizationform.aspx
Local Assistance:
American Red Cross (Williamson County Chapter)
615-790-5785 or 1-800-663-5785
American Red Cross (Middle Tennessee Chapters)
Salvation Army (Nashville Area Command)
615-242-0411
Mid South Red Cross
901-726-1690
Jackson TN Red Cross
731-427-5543
Clarksville TN Red Cross
931-645-6401
General Flood Inquiries: 615-862-8574
**Williamson County: Residents can get the latest information on resources and news regarding flood damage at:
www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov**
United Way: Dial 2-1-1 (Provides area resources for assistance)
YMCA: Has shower facilities available for flood victims
Gracework Ministries: 615-794-9055
Second Harvest Foodbank
Volunteer Opportunities
Hands on Nashville
**People who are interested in volunteering may contact the Mayor's office at 615-550-6947**
Flood Shelters
List of Flood Shelters throughout Tennessee
Clean Up Tips
Road Closures
Tennessee Department of Transportation
Animal Services
Happy Tails: Providing lodging and other assistance to any/ all animals needing temporary shelter during this emergency. Foster homes are available as well. Contact Debbi Cure (615) 791-0827 or after hours, cell (615) 210-7095.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and CVS Caremark Temporarily Lift Certain Pharmacy Restrictions for Tennesseans Impacted by Recent Floods
To help individuals affected by this past weekend’s flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and CVS Caremark, our pharmacy benefits manager, will allow early prescription refills without prior approval during the next two to three weeks.
For more information about the waivers, members insured by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee can call the customer service number found on the back of their ID card or go to www.bcbst.com.
Insurance Phone Numbers
We thought it would be helpful to provide you with the phone numbers of some of the largest home insurers in Tennessee; this will assist you in filing your insurance claims.
• State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., 1-800-732-5246
• Farm Bureau Insurance, 1-800-836-6327
• Allstate Insurance Co., 1-800-767-7619
• Nationwide Insurance Co., 1-800-421-3535
• Traveler’s Insurance Co., 1-800-252-4633
• Farmers Insurance Group 1-800-435-7764
• USAA (United Services Auto Association), 1-800-531-8111
• Foremost Insurance Co., 1-800-527-3907
The following are a list of helpful tips from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance on interacting with Insurance companies
• Locate a copy of your policy and read through it.
• Contact your insurance carrier or your agent as soon as possible after damage.
• Make a thorough inventory of all missing or damaged items.
• Take pictures inside and out for documentation before repairs are made.
• Secure and protect your property against further rain or other damage without making permanent repairs, so an adjustor can see the full extent of damage.
• Keep receipts for any expenses required to protect your property from further damage.
• Follow the claims-filing procedure set forth in your policy. If there is a dispute, follow the company’s dispute process.
• Settlement offers from insurers can be negotiated. You don’t have to take the first offer.
• If you have issues with an insurance company, call the Department of Commerce and Insurance at 1-800-342-4029.
• Avoid unscrupulous, unlicensed contractors who take advantage of homeowners anxious to rebuild after disasters by hiring only licensed contractors. Consumers may verify a license status by calling 1-800-544-7693 or checking online at http://licsrch.state.tn.us/ .
For non-insurance issues, call the Consumer Affairs hot line, 1-800-342-8385.
FIRST STEPS FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
If you have experienced damage to your property, the federal government can help you rebuild. My office is able to help you as you file your claim. To get the process going you should first:
1. Document as much as you can about the damage to your property.
2. Contact your insurance company to discuss your policy and your options.
If you require assistance beyond your insurance FEMA is there to help and will soon be opening Disaster Recovery Centers around Tennessee. As these centers are opened, their locations will be posted here.
You can apply for recovery assistance at these centers or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). To complete your application, you will need:
Your Full Name and Social Security Number
Address of the Damaged Property
Your Current Address and Telephone Number
Your Homeowners Insurance Information
Total Household Annual Income
A Bank Routing and Account Number for Direct Deposit
A Description of Your Losses Caused by the Disaster
WHAT HELP FEMA CAN PROVIDE
FEMA can provide funds for a variety of emergency and recovery needs including:
Temporary Housing to cover rent and lodging expenses or even a temporary housing unit such as a FEMA-provided trailer when rental properties are not available.
Repair Funds for homeowners to repair damage not covered by insurance. These funds are meant to make the home safe and habitable; not to restore it to the pre-disaster condition.
Replacement Funds for use in replacing homes totally destroyed in the disaster.
MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION FROM FEMA
The following Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) operated by the state of Tennessee and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are opened for those affected by severe storms and flooding that started on April 30. The DRCs are located at the following locations:
Hickman County
Centerville Community Church of Christ
138 N. Central Ave.
Centerville, TN 37033
Davidson County
100 Oaks Mall (near the Hollywood 27 Theatre)
719 Thompson Lane
Nashville, TN 37204
Dyer County
Dyersburg Mall
2700 Lake Road
Dyersburg, TN 38024
Shelby County
Millington Civic Center
8077 Wilkinsville
Millington, TN 38353
Franklin, TN
Church Street Side of Franklin City Hall Downtown
109 3rd Avenue
Franklin, TN 37064
Cheatham County
Pegram City Hall
308 Highway 70
Pegram, TN 37143
Haywood County
Parks and Recreation Building
100 Boyd Avenue
Brownsville, TN 38012
Opening May 12th at noon
McNairy County
Selmer Community Center
230 North 5th Street
Selmer, TN 38375
Opening May 12th at noon
Madison County
Store Building
80 G Innsdale Cove
Jackson, TN 38305
Opening May 14th at noon
Tipton County
National Guard Armory
4500 Muller Brass Road
Covington, TN 38019
Opening May 14th at noon
The centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week until further notice. Disaster officials ask that before visiting the centers, people first register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. Help in all languages is available.
Once registered, staff at the recovery center can check an individual’s case, answer questions about claims, or review information needed to process their claim. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives will be at the disaster centers to answer any questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes. These loans are to repair or replace real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and flooding.
Representatives will help complete and accept SBA disaster loan applications. Anyone not able to go to a DRC should call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday or Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., toll-free at 800-659-2955 for information and assistance, or visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Special web page for Tennessee
NEWS FROM THE IRS
Victims of the flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in Tennessee may qualify for tax relief from the IRS. The IRS is postponing until June 29 certain deadlines for residents who live, or have a business in the disaster area. To view the release, please click here.
NEWS FROM THE TENNESSEE PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATION
FREE MEDICATIONS
Due to the sever flooding across TN and the impact on patients who are struggling to obtain their prescription medications, the Dispensary of Hope is offering to help provide FREE medications.
Contact Julie Chupp at Julie.chupp@dispensaryofhope.org or 615-394-1816 and you will be provided with a secure username and password to view the available medications and place your order on-line. UPS will deliver your order in 2-3 days at no cost, and you can place additional orders as needed. You will have access to all medications available through the Instant Access Program which offers approximately 600+ sample medications aggregated from physicians with surplus samples across America who wanted to help.
While not every drug is available, over 20 drug classes are represented and this will provide a 30-90 day bridge to help patients get through this difficult time. For more information go to www.dispensaryofhope.org or call 1-888-428-HOPE.
IMPORTANT NEWS ON MOLD
AFTER THE FLOOD, MOLD CAN POSE HEALTH ISSUES
As the Tennessee flood waters recede, another problem may arise. Excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings.
Infants, the elderly, or anyone with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be sensitive to mold. People with immune suppression are also susceptible to mold infections.
Two of the best sources of information about mold and what to do about it are the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Valuable information from these websites: www.cdc.gov/mold, and www.epa.gov/mold.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE REGISTRATION EXTENSION GRANTED
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a request from the State of Tennessee for a 30-day extension of the deadline to register for federal assistance for those affected by the severe storms and flooding between April 30 and May 18, 2010.
Tennesseans can now file for Individual Assistance through August 5, 2010.
Likewise, the deadline to submit loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has also been extended through August 5, 2010. While no one is required to take out an SBA loan, applications are a key part of the FEMA registration process. A loan denial may open up other assistance to eligible applicants.
"The additional time for disaster survivors to discover the extent of their damage, file for assistance, and prepare their claims is important for a full recovery from this storm of historic proportions," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech.
To date, FEMA has approved more than $141 million in aid to disaster households in the state, while the SBA as approved nearly $89 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations.
FEMA will also take applications for assistance during the upcoming holiday weekend. Disaster survivors in the counties designated for Individual Assistance, may apply online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The helpline operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in all languages.
You must register with FEMA to receive federal disaster assistance. Filing damage reports with state or county emergency managers or voluntary agencies will not start the process.
When applying for help, be sure to have the following information available:
· Your current telephone number.
· Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you now are staying.
· Your Social Security number.
· A general list of damages and losses you suffered.
· If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number.
· Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance by using direct deposit.
MOST TENNESSEANS CAN NOW PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE
Flooding is America’s most common natural disaster, yet most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance allows people to have the cost of flood damages covered.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers federally backed insurance to property owners and renters in communities that participate in the NFIP. Those communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.
NFIP insurance is sold through private insurance agents. Typically there is a 30-day waiting period from the time the premium is paid until the policy becomes effective.
Nationwide, nearly 21,000 communities participate in NFIP. Currently, 349 Tennessee communities participate in the flood insurance program.
Homes can be insured against flood damage for up to $250,000 and commercial buildings up to $500,000. Separate policies covering contents can provide insurance up to $100,000 for homes and $500,000 for commercial properties. Renters can insure their personal property for up to $100,000. The average premium for flood insurance is less than $570 a year.
Many people mistakenly believe they must live in a high-risk zone to buy flood insurance. However, more than 25 percent of the claims paid are from areas at medium or low risk for flooding. To learn how your property is zoned, visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
On July 2, President Obama signed a bill reauthorizing NFIP through Sept. 30, 2010. It must be reauthorized again to be offered beyond that date. Policies purchased now will be effective 30 days after the premium is paid and will remain in effect for a year.
For more information on NFIP, call 888-379-9531, visit www.FloodSmart.gov, or call your local insurance agent.
HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM BUYOUTS
What is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)?
Hazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction and repeated damage. The program helps reduce loss of life and property from future disasters by providing long-term solutions, such as the acquisition of repetitively flooded homes. Hazard mitigation is not a disaster-relief program. It is a program to reduce risk and improve communities.
The program provides funding to state and local governments and certain private, nonprofit organizations, such as medical, educational and emergency organizations. The jurisdiction must be in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program. The jurisdiction must also possess a FEMA-approved local single or multi-jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Notification of eligibility requirements, responsibilities of grant applicants, and other pertinent information will be provided to all communities included in the Presidential declaration.
A project’s potential savings must be more than the cost of implementing the project. In Tennessee, local governments apply for hazard mitigation grants on behalf of property owners.
Myths and Misconceptions about the Buyout Program
Myth: FEMA will buy my house.
· Fact: The local municipality will make the decision of what properties will be acquired. FEMA provides up to 75 percent of the funding for eligible projects. State and local governments are responsible for the remaining portion.
Myth: If my house is now located in a flood zone, I have to sell.
Fact: The buyout program is 100 percent voluntary. The owner may withdraw without penalty anytime up to the actual sale of the property. Eminent domain is NOT allowed.
Myth: My house was flooded in the storm so I can ask the city to buy my house.
· Fact: Local communities identify areas where buyouts make the most sense and identify potentially eligible properties. It is the local government’s decision to determine if it has the capability or resources to make an application for a buyout offer. Individuals may not apply directly for participation in the program. Rather, they work through their local government, which applies on their behalf.
· Myth: I am not eligible for a buyout because I received a FEMA grant to repair my house from flood damage.
· Fact: People who have received cash assistance or an insurance payment to make repairs to their houses can make the repairs and still be eligible for buyout. If they cannot prove they made the repairs, the amount of assistance for those repairs will be deducted from the buyout purchase price. It is important for homeowners to keep all receipts.
· Myth: I am going to lose money on the sale because the government is only looking to get my property for nothing and will then resell it.
· Fact: The HMGP pays pre-disaster fair market value to the seller based on a certified independent appraisal or other uniform method of evaluation – in other words, the value of the property the day before the flooding began.
· Fact: All reasonable costs necessary to complete the project are eligible. This includes appraisals, legal fees to ensure clear title at purchase, purchase price, demolition costs, etc.
· Fact: After the purchase, the structure is demolished and the local government sponsor is required to keep the property as public open space.
· Myth: Once the sale of my property is complete, I can take my time in moving out.
· Fact: Residents should relocate out of the floodplain as soon as possible after the acquisition.
How do I get into the Buyout Program?
· Individuals interested in having their homes in the program should contact their local officials for the dates of public meetings.
· Homeowners may be asked to describe the history of flooding in the home and on the property. This information is used to determine eligibility and is very important. It’s important to provide as much information as possible.
· Homeowners interested in participating in the acquisition program should contact their local government to begin the application process.
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