Articles by kimberly.keblish

SPRINGFIELD – A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center will open Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to help residents kickstart their recovery after the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.Specialists from FEMA, the state of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, get their questions answered in person, access other types of help that may be available and learn ways to make their property more disaster resistant.The center will be open at the following location, days and hours:Dixmoor Village Community Center14336 Paulina St.Dixmoor, IL 60426Hours: Mon. – Sun. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Additional recovery centers will be opening in other impacted counties soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers.Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.   […]

SPRINGFIELD – A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center will open Wednesday, October 2, 2024, to help residents kickstart their recovery after the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.Specialists from FEMA, the state of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, get their questions answered in person, access other types of help that may be available and learn ways to make their property more disaster resistant.The center will be open at the following location, days and hours:Henry County Office of Emergency Management4424 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Hwy 34)Kewanee, IL 61443Hours: Mon. – Sun. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Additional recovery centers will be opening in other impacted counties soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers. Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.   […]

CHICAGO – FEMA is offering a wide variety of help to people affected by the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding. Homeowners and renters in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties who suffered damage are encouraged to apply.FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance. FEMA assistance is limited to primary homes only, or the place you live more than six months of the year. Second homes, vacation homes or homes used as vacation rentals do not qualify for FEMA assistance.Money provided by FEMA does not have to be repaid and may include:Serious Needs: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.Displacement: Money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit.Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster. The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage.Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster.Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or child care expenses caused by the disaster.Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use.Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage.Apply for Disaster Assistance If you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, you can go online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or call toll-free 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.You can also apply online for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. These are available to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations and can provide funds for needs not met by FEMA grants or insurance settlements.  Apply for these loans online at SBA.gov/disaster.For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.   […]

SPRINGFIELD – Two FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers will open Tuesday, October 1, 2024, to help residents kickstart their recovery after the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.Specialists from FEMA, the state of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, get their questions answered in person, access other types of help that may be available and learn ways to make their property more disaster resistant.The centers will be open at the following locations, days and hours:Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus2300 W. Main StreetSuite M117 (City of Belleville Office Bldg.)Belleville, IL 62226Hours: Mon. – Sun. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Cahokia Heights Fitness and Community Center509 Camp Jackson RoadCahokia Heights, IL 62207Hours: Mon. – Sun. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Additional recovery centers will be opening in other impacted counties soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers. Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.   […]

CHICAGO – In just one week since President Biden announced the major disaster declaration for Illinois, FEMA assistance for residents affected by the July 13 -16 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding topped $1.5 million.Here is a snapshot of FEMA disaster assistance as of Sept. 27:More than 300 households have been approved for FEMA grant funding totaling $1.5 million, including:$987,000 in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.$560,000 approved for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental, and lost personal possessions.More than 750 home inspections have been completed.Reminder: Apply with FEMA Residents with property damage from the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties are encouraged to apply for federal assistance if they haven’t done so already.There are several ways to start the process:Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. Use the FEMA mobile app. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. For more information about the Illinois recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.   […]

ST. PAUL – A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center will open Thursday, September 26, 2024, in Fulda to help residents kickstart their recovery after the severe storms and flooding of June 16 – July 4, 2024. Specialists from FEMA, the state of Minnesota and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, get their questions answered in person, access other types of help that may be available and learn ways to make their property more disaster resistant.This center will be open at the following location, days, and hours:  Murray County: Fulda Senior Center 107 N. Lafayette Ave., Fulda, MN 56131 Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Sundays.Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.The deadline to apply with FEMA is October 27, 2024. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797.  […]

CHICAGO – Illinois homeowners and renters in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on July 13 – 16, 2024, may now call or go online to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.If you have insurance coverage for the damage to your property, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, apply for FEMA assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance.Have the following information ready when you apply with FEMA: A current phone number where you can be contacted,Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying,Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf),A general list of damage and losses,Banking information if you choose direct deposit, andIf insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.When applying, one member of a household needs to comply with citizenship criteria. That means a minor child who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen can have a parent or guardian who is not eligible apply for assistance on the child’s behalf. Learn more about citizenship and immigration status requirements to qualify for disaster assistance by visiting www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/citizenship-immigration-status. Getting help to those who need it most is FEMA’s priority. Recovery teams will be out soon in the neighborhoods affected by the disaster to provide one-on-one support to individuals. Recovery centers will also be opening for individuals to get additional in-person help. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.   […]

ST. PAUL–Homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the severe storms and floods of June 16 -July 4 have additional time to apply for federal disaster assistance. FEMA has extended the application deadline to October 27, 2024, for survivors in the 21 Minnesota counties designated for Individual Assistance. FEMA assistance may include funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to support the repair or replacement of your primary home, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral expenses, and other pre-approved miscellaneous items. Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797. […]

ST. PAUL –Minnesota residents have already been approved for more than $15 million in federal assistance to recover from the summer storms and flooding, including over $11.3 million in FEMA grants and more than $4.8 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. While federal financial assistance continues to be approved, FEMA, the state of Minnesota, and many other partners are helping in even more ways too, meeting survivors where they are to support their road to recovery.Additional Recovery Resources AvailablePrioritizing an Accessible Recovery FEMA Speaks Your Language. In addition to posting translated materials into languages such as Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the disaster webpage, FEMA provides American Sign Language (ASL) and language interpreter services on FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use Video Relay Services (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages. FEMA also offers interpreting services during home inspections, at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and during visits with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members.FEMA in the Community. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have already visited more than 45,000 homes, more than 1,600 businesses and over 1,700 other locations and public spaces in affected communities to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, get their FEMA questions answered and identify additional resources to support their recovery. These teams continue to focus their efforts in high impact areas, ensuring Minnesotans can access the recovery help they need. In addition, nine Disaster Recovery Centers have been opened across the state since early August, serving more than 1,400 individuals with one-on-one support. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797 or Disaster Recovery – Disaster Recovery and Assistance (mn.gov).    […]

ST. PAUL –Martin and Murray counties are now approved for FEMA Individual Assistance after the severe storms and flooding of June 16 – July 4. Homeowners and renters in Martin and Murray counties may now apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. Previously, 19 counties were approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.To apply with FEMA, you can go online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.Disaster Recovery Centers are also open to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, get their questions answered in person, access other types of help that may be available and learn ways to make their property more disaster resistant.The Disaster Recovery Centers are located at: Cottonwood County: Cottonwood County Office Building 41385 U.S. Highway 71, Windom, MN 56101Le Sueur County:  Waterville City Hall 200 3rd Street South, Waterville, MN 56096St. Louis County:  St. Louis County Public Works Training Room 7823 Highway 135, Virginia, MN 55792Waseca County: Waseca Public Safety Center 303 S. State St., Waseca, MN 56093Hours of Operation: Mon. – Friday 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Sundays For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797. […]