Recovery
Times
FEMA
North Carolina
Sept. 30, 2003
Vol. 1
Published by the
U.S. Department of
Homeland Security/ FEMA
and the
North Carolina Department of
Crime Control and Public Safety/
Emergency Management
Division
Apply by Phone
800-621-FEMA (3362)
TTY: 800-462-7585
7 a.m. to midnight
seven days a week,
until further notice
Disaster Help
Available Now!
The North Carolina Army National Guard and a FEMA representative deliver ice to a victim
of Hurricane Isabel in rural Pasquotank County. FEMA photo by Mark Wolfe
Hurricane Isabel came ashore at North Carolina with strong wind and
heavy rain, causing devastation in a number of counties. President
Bush quickly declared parts of North Carolina a federal disaster area,
opening the way for help to individuals and businesses in the affected
counties who suffered disaster related damage.
Twenty-six counties were declared disaster areas (see page 3 for a list
of disaster-declared counties).
The disaster declaration enables the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
other federal agencies to team up with state and local disaster workers
to help residents and business owners in the affected counties recover.
Government disaster assistance covers basic needs, but will not
normally compensate disaster victims for their entire loss. If you have
insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered
under your insurance policy. The types of help available are outlined
in this newsletter and will be explained when you register for aid.
Those affected by Hurricane Isabel who live or own businesses in one
of the disaster-declared counties may apply for aid by calling:
800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362). Speech- and hearing-impaired
persons should call TTY: 800-462-7585.
Important
Recovery Information
Register by phone
Residents of declared counties
whose homes, businesses or personal property
sustained damage as
a result of Hurricane Isabel
are urged to begin the application process. Call 800-
621-FEMA (3362) from 7
a.m. to mid night seven days
a week. Those with speech
or hearing impairments
should call TTY:800-462-7585.
Assistance to Individuals
and House holds
Homeowners and renters
whose primary residences
are not livable may be
eligible for funds to pay for
temporary housing, repairs
to make the home livable
and other serious, disaster-
caused needs including
uncovered medical, dental or
transportation expenses.
U.S. Small Business
Administration
During disasters, the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA) pro vides low interest,
long-term loans to
home-owners, renters and
businesses of all sizes that
are not fully insured.
National Flood Insurance Program
Disaster victims insured with
the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) are eligible
to file claims to repair or replace
their damaged homes
and personal property.


How to File a Flood
Insurance Claim
If you have flood insurance, call your
insurance agent to report your claim.
The agent will prepare a Notice of
Loss form and an adjuster will be assigned
to help you.
If possible, photograph the outside and If possible, photograph the outside and
the inside of the damaged property,
showing the flooding and dam age.
Dispose of damaged property that
presents a health hazard or that may
hamper clean-up operations. Be sure
to describe fully all discarded items so
that when the adjuster examines your
losses and your records, these articles
are included.
Compile a room-by-room inventory
of missing or damaged goods and
include manufacturers’ names, dates
and places of purchase and prices,
where possible. Try to locate receipts
and proofs of purchase, especially for
large appliances. Good records can
speed settlement of your claim.
Dealing with Mold and
Mildew
A major health concern after flooding
is the growth of molds and bacteria.
If your home has been water damaged,
inspect and clean all appliances
that have been in contact with
floodwaters. Look for mold growth
throughout the house, including the
attic, basement and crawlspaces.
Have professionals check heating/
cooling ducts and wall insulation for
mold growth.
Wash all items that came in contact
with floodwaters with a household
chlorine bleach solution of 4 oz. of
bleach to 1 gal. water. Leave the
bleach solution on the item for at least
15 min. before rinsing off with clean
water.
When using a bleach solution, open
windows and wear rubber gloves.
Questions? Call your local health
department.
Q&A
Disaster Assistance
Q. What should I do to get help on my disaster losses?
A. Call the toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you
have a speech or hearing impairment, call the TTY number, 800-462-7585.
Q. If I have insurance, can I still get assistance?
A. If you have any insurance coverage, contact your insurance company.
However, if you believe you have needs not covered by your insurance, do
not delay in applying for disaster assistance.
Q. What information do I need to give when I call for
assistance?
A. Your name, address of damaged property, Social Security number,
insurance information, gross income and a phone number where you may
be reached.
Q. What happens after I apply?
A. It depends on which sources of aid you are referred to. In some cases,
you will have to contact that agency directly. If you are applying for
disaster housing assistance, a trained FEMA inspector will call for an
appointment within two weeks after you have registered. If you have not
heard by then, call FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362).
Q. I registered with FEMA and then I received a disaster loan
application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Why did I receive a loan application?
A. SBA is the main source of federal recovery aid for disaster victims.
For disaster damage to private property owned by individuals, families and
businesses that is not fully covered by insurance, the basic form of
federal assistance for long-term recovery is a low-interest disaster loan from
SBA.
Q. What happens if I cannot afford a loan?
A. Even if you believe you cannot afford a loan, you should submit your
low-interest loan application to SBA. If SBA determines you are unable to
repay a loan, it may refer you to another program.
Questions about FEMA assistance?
Call: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
TTY: 800-462-7585


Aid to Help You
on the Road to Recovery
Individuals and business owners who suffered losses
because of Hurricane Isabel may be eligible for
assistance.
Declared counties are: Beaufort, Bertie,
Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan,
Craven, Currituck, Dare, Edgecombe,
Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Jones,
Martin, New Hanover, Northampton,
Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender,
Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington.
ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS
AND HOMEOWNERS
Help is available for renters and homeowners
whose primary homes were damaged
or destroyed or who face displacement from their homes because of disaster
damage. Aid can include grants for temporary
housing or money for emergency
repairs to make a home livable. Help is
also avail able to meet disaster-related serious
needs or necessary expenses including
medical, dental or transportation costs.
HOME/PERSONAL PROPERTY
DISASTER LOANS
U.S. Small Business Administration
(SBA) low-interest disaster loans up to
$200,000 are available to homeowners for
real estate repairs. Renters and homeowners
may borrow up to $40,000 to
replace personal property losses.
BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS 
Businesses of all sizes and certain nonprofit organizations may borrow up to
$1.5 million from the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) to pay for repairing
or replacing real estate, machinery and
equipment, inventory and other assets.
For small businesses, SBA makes economic injury loans available for working
capital. Eligible businesses can be in the
adjoining as well as declared counties.
CONSUMER SERVICES
Complaints about business practices and
other consumer problems should be filed
with the state attorney general’s office.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT
ASSISTANCE
Weekly benefits may be provided for those
out of work because of the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm/ranch
owners and others not covered by regular
unemployment. Apply at your local un employment office.
AGRICULTURAL AID
Emergency loans may be available to
farmers or ranchers for actual losses to
essential property and/or production capacity. Cost-sharing grants also are available
for emergency conservation measures.
Contact your local Farm Services Agency
office.
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Help to speed delivery of checks delayed
by the disaster is available from your local
Social Security office.
TAX ASSISTANCE
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
allows federal income tax deductions for
under-insured or uninsured losses on
homes, personal property and household
goods.
FRAUD PROTECTION AND
LEGAL SERVICES
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) can assist in cases of
unlawful discrimination in federally
subsidized or insured housing. Complaints
may be filed with the state Office of the
Attorney General. Legal assistance and/or
referrals may be available by calling the
FEMA Helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362).
INSURANCE INFORMATION
The state insurance bureau can help with
matters such as speeding up settlements,
getting copies of lost policies, verifying
losses and fi ling claims.
VETERANS BENEFITS
Information is available about benefits, pensions,
insurance and VA mortgage loans.
VOLUNTEER AGENCY
SERVICES
Volunteer relief agencies such as the
American Red Cross, Salvation Army and
religious groups offer a wide range of
services from supplying disaster victims
with home clean-up kits to financial assistance
to meet emergency disaster needs.
If you’re insured,
should you apply for
assistance?
If you suffered damage from
Hurricane Isabel and
you live or own a business in one of
the disaster-declared counties, you
may be eligible for federal disaster
assistance
even if you were insured.
The law does not allow disaster aid
to duplicate insurance benefits; however,
if your insurance does not cover
all your costs or damage, FEMA may
be able to help.
Register for aid by calling
800-621-FEMA (3362)

A mother and infant receive help at the FEMA mobile recovery center in Swan Quarter. FEMA photo by Cynthia Hunter.
Help Children Cope with
Storm Related Stress
Disasters affect people in many ways. Most
disaster situations involve a change from
what is usual and familiar. This change creates
fear, and no one is more susceptible to
fear and the resulting stress than children in
disaster-struck communities.
Here are some suggestions to help children
cope:
Understand the fears children have. Fear
is a normal reaction to disasters. Children
often express fear through anxieties long
after a disaster. In dealing with emotions, it
is important that parents accept that anxieties
are very real to children.
Encourage children to talk. Encourage
children to describe what they are feeling.
Let children talk about the disaster and ask
questions as much as they want. Listen to
what they say. Be attentive. Include the
entire family in the discussion, if possible.
Return to a normal routine. Structure and
normalcy are essential to providing support
and comfort to the entire family. Reassure
children. Show them through words and actions
that life will return to normal. Touching
and holding are important. Hugs help.
Try to find or replace pets or favorite toys.
Inform children. Parents should make every
effort to keep children informed about
what is happening. Keep your explanations
simple. Explain the disaster factually: Children
have vivid imaginations. Things they
don’t understand can make them afraid.
When they know the facts, they may deal
better with disaster.
Have fun. Remember, adults and children
both need to have fun. Schedule time for
activities that the whole family enjoys
together.
It is also important to take care of yourself.
Rest often and eat well. Remember, your
children reflect your fears and worries. If
they see you striving to adjust to the loss,
they can learn from and imitate your efforts,
enabling them to cope better. Remember,
the recovery period can be long and hard.
Flood Insurance May Help
Reduce Future Damage
If your home or business is substantially
damaged by a flood, you may have to
meet certain building requirements in
your community to repair or rebuild.
Help in covering the costs of meeting
those requirements may be provided
in your flood insurance policy.
To meet the definition of "substantially
damaged," the home value must have
declined 50 percent or more of its pre-
flood damage value.
Flood insurance policyholders may be
eligible to get up to $30,000 to help
pay the costs to bring their home or
business into compliance with their
community flood plain ordinance.
If your community officials determine
that your home or business has been
"substantially damaged" by the flood,
contact your insurance company or
agent to file a claim for help in meeting
these costs.
For more information, call your insurance company or agent or the NFIP
toll-free number, 800-720-1090.
Make sure disaster aid goes to those
who deserve it.
FEMA Fraud Hotline:
800-323-8603
Disaster recovery assistance is
avail able without regard to race,
color, sex, religion, national origin,
age, disability or economic status.
If you or someone you know has
been discriminated against, contact
FEMA at
800-621-FEMA (3362)
TTY: 800-462-7585
or contact the state equal rights office.


SBA Low-Interest Loans: 
Not Only for Business
A low-interest loan from the U.S. Small
Business Administration (SBA) is the main
form of federal help for long-term recovery
for homeowners, renters and businesses
of all sizes. These SBA loans fund repairs
of damages to private property not fully
covered by insurance. By making
affordable loans, the SBA disaster program
helps disaster victims pay for repairs while
keeping costs to the taxpayer reasonable.
Loans for homeowners and renters. SBA
disaster loans up to $200,000 are available
to homeowners for real estate repairs and
up to $40,000 for replacement of
disaster-damaged personal property.
Renters may borrow up to $40,000 to
replace disaster-damaged personal property.
An additional 20 percent may be added to
the disaster loan to cover the cost of improvements
to prevent future damage.
SBA analyzes the income and debts of
a ho me owner or renter. If the applicant
cannot afford a disaster loan, SBA may
automatically refer that person to another
source of help.
Loans for businesses and nonprofit
organizations. Businesses of all sizes and
private nonprofit organizations may apply
for low-interest disaster loans from SBA
to repair or replace disaster-damaged real
estate, machinery and equipment, inventory
and other business assets. Loans of up
to $1.5 million are available for losses not
fully covered by insurance.
For small businesses only, SBA makes
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs)
to provide working capital to pay necessary
obligations until operations return to
normal. These loans, up to $1.5 million, are
available to businesses financially impacted
by the disaster, even if they had no property
damage. Small businesses located in counties
next to the declared counties also may
apply for these loans.
When you register for assistance by calling
the FEMA toll-free number, 800-621-
FEMA, you may receive an SBA loan
application. If you need assistance in
completing it, you can get help from an
SBA representative at any disaster recovery
center. Also visit SBA on the Web at
www.sba.gov.
Out of Work
Because of the Disaster?
The federal Disaster Unemployment
Assistance Program may provide you
with a weekly check if you have become
unemployed or have suffered a
loss of income as a result of the disaster.
The program is designed to help
the self-employed, farmers and others
not normally eligible for unemployment
insurance.
Disaster unemployment assistance can
provide weekly benefits for up to 26
weeks following the date of the disaster
declaration.
You may be eligible if you are:
• out of work as a result of the disaster;
• self-employed or a seasonal/migrant
worker whose income is substantially
affected by the disaster;
• an employee not covered by any other
unemployment compensation; or
• a survivor who, as a result of the disaster,
becomes a head of house hold.
Contact your local unemployment office
for information.
Hiring a Contractor?
Ask Questions First
Common sense is the watch word when
hiring a contractor to repair or rebuild your
storm-damaged home. To help the process
go as smoothly as possible, follow these
suggestions:
Check the contractor’s reputation.
Contact the local Better Business
Bureau, home builders association or
building trades to ask if the contractor
you are thinking of using has unanswered complaints filed against him or
her.
Ask for references. Get the names of
previous customers. Call some and ask
if they would hire the contractor again.
Ask for proof of insurance. Be sure
the contractor has disability and workers’
compensation insurance.
Ask for a written estimate. Make
sure it includes everything you expect
the contractor to do.
Ask for a contract. The contract
should clearly state all work, costs and
the payment schedule. Never sign a
blank contract or one with blank spaces.
Do not sign off before the job is finished.
Do not sign completion papers
or make the final payment until the
work is completed.
Recovery Times
Recovery Times is published by the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security’s Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the
North Carolina Department of Crime Control and
Public Safety/ Emergency Management Division with
help from
other federal, state and voluntary agencies.
Comments and inquiries may
be directed to
PH: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
http://www.fema.gov
DR1490
Federal Coordinating Officer
GRACIA SZCZECH
State Coordinating Officer
DR. KENNETH B. TAYLOR
Editor, FEMA, Public Affairs
AILEEN COOPER

Beware of Debris
As Cleanup Begins
The debris left behind by flooding
may be a source of injury or illness.
Be careful when cleaning damaged
structures or when handling debris.
Here are some safety tips to keep in
mind:
Always wear gloves and work
boots.
Separate hazardous materials
from other debris.
Treat electrical lines and outlets
with extreme care. Don’t assume
power is off.
Do not allow children to play in
or around debris piles.
Maintain a safe distance from
trucks hauling debris.
Be careful when driving at night.
Piles of debris awaiting removal are
a hazard.
Keep open flames and lit
cigarettes away from debris piles
Always wash your hands after
cleanup.
You may encounter potential chemical hazards during your cleanup
and repair efforts. The flooding may
have moved containers of hazardous
solvents or industrial chemicals
from their normal storage places.
Do not try to remove any propane
tanks. These represent a real danger
of fire or explosion. Call the police
or fire department to report location
of these tanks.
Car batteries may contain an electrical
charge. Wear insulated gloves
when removing car batteries. Avoid
coming in contact with any battery
acid that may have spilled.
Building for a Safer Future
Following are some simple, inexpensive
steps you can take to protect your
property from future flood damage.
Raise the electrical box and electrical outlets at least 12 inches above
the base flood elevation or relocate the
box to an upper floor. (Ask your local
building official what the base flood
elevation is for your area.) It’s a good
idea to hire an electrician for these
tasks to be sure the work is done safely.
Raise the water heater, heating
system and washers and dryers on a
masonry base at least 12 inches above
the base flood elevation or relocate
them to an upper flood.
Anchor the fuel tank to the floor or
wall to prevent it from overturning or
floating away. Metal structural supports
and fasteners must be non-corrosive.
Wooden supports must be pressure
treated.
Install a floating floor-drain plug at
the lowest point of the lowest finished
floor. When the floor drain pipe backs
up, the float rises and plugs the drain.
Install a backflow valve to prevent
sewer backup from coming into your
home.
For disaster-related
information visit
FEMA @ www.fema.gov
or the
North Carolina Web site
@www.ncgov.com

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FEDERAL AGENCIES
FEMA Registration ........................................ 800-621-FEMA (3362)
TTY for hearing/speech impaired ..........................800-462-7585
FEMA Fraud Detection ...............................................800-323-8603
U.S. Small Business Administration.........................800-359-2227
Social Security Administration .................................800-772-1213
Internal Revenue Service...........................................800-829-1040
TTY for hearing/speech impaired ..........................800-829-4059
Housing and Urban development Hotline................800-669-9777
Dept. of Veterans Affairs............................................800-827-1000
VOLUNTEER AGENCIES
American Red Cross ......................866-GET INFO (866-438-4636)
STATE AGENCIES
Governor’s Emergency Information Hotline
(English and Spanish)........ 888-835-9966; TTY:877-877-1765
Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services...........919-733-7125
State Animal Response Team Hotline ...................888-989-7278
Dept. of Commerce Business Recovery
Assistance Centers .............................................800-258-0862
Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Customer Service Center ...................................877-623-6748
Coastal Area Management Act permits .............888-472-6278
Emergency Sewage Line ....................................800-973-9243
Dept. of Health and Human Services Careline
(English and Spanish) .......800-662-7030; TTY: 877-452-2514
Dept. of Insurance ...................................................800-546-5664
Dept. of Justice, Attorney General’s Office
Scam and Fraud Hotline .....................................877-566-7226
Secretary of State
Charitable Solicitations Hotline ........................ 888-830-4989
Dept. of Transportation........................................... 877-368-4968