2008-11-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

To: Honorable Mayor Adams and Council From: Julie Feier, City Manager Date: November 20, 2008 Subject: Weekly Update FLOOD UPDATE: FEMA’s mission during this process is to return individuals to a safe sanitary and secure environment. FEMA will evaluate damages to real property items in the basement including the water heater, furnace and electrical panel box. FEMA may provide assistance for repairs or replacement for these items to owner-occupied residences only. The SBA provides assistance to homeowners, renters, non-profits and businesses including landlords. Finished basements are not generally considered essential living spaces by FEMA. If there is an occupied bedroom in the finished basement, FEMA will evaluate the damages to that bedroom with respect to the needs of the family. The agency may provide funds for the remaining portion of the basement to be cleaned and sanitized. Personal property, such as washers and dryers in basements, may or may not be covered depending on the situation. Homeowners and renters who sustained damages to personal property are encouraged to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA offers disaster loans up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed structure. Homeowners as well as renters are eligible to borrow up to $40,000 for the repair or replacement of their personal property. Completing the SBA loan application is a crucial step in the recovery process and may determine eligibility for other types of disaster assistance including FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. For more information contact SBA Customer SBA Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. representatives are co-located with FEMA at Centennial Commons. FEMA will operate out of Centennial Commons from 8 AM through 7PM for around 30 days. The ONA program is a grant program funded by the State and FEMA for disaster- related necessary expenses and serious needs such as personal property, transportation, medical, dental, and other expenses. Financial assistance from the FEMA housing assistance program or the ONA program is provided in the form of a check or electronic funds transfer to a personal savings or checking account. Notification of award by letter will arrive separately. FEMA assistance helps disaster victims get started in the recovery process. However, FEMA cannot return everything to its pre-disaster condition. To register with FEMA, call