Recovery Times
FEMA
VIRGINIA
Oct. 1, 2003
Vol. 1
Published by the
U.S. Department of
Homeland Security/ FEMA
and the
Virginia Department of
Emergency Management
Apply by Phone
800.621.FEMA
(3362)
TTY:
800.462.7585
7 a.m. to midnight
seven days a week,
until further notice
This uprooted tree in Colonial Beach is one of thousands of trees downed by 
Hurricane Isabel throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. FEMA photo by Andrea 
Booher
Disaster Help
Available Now!
Hurricane Isabel battered parts of Virginia, prompting President
George W. Bush to declare a number of independent cities and counties
in the state federal disaster areas. The declaration, issued on Sept.
18, opened the way for federal help to individuals and businesses in
the affected localities that suffered disaster related damage. (For a list
of disaster-declared jurisdictions, see page 3.)
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 cities
and 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 midnight 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 (SBA)
Following disasters, SBA
pro vides low-interest, long term
loans to homeowners,
renters and businesses of
all sizes that are not fully
insured.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Disaster victims insured with
the NFIP are eligible to file
claims to repair or replace
their dam aged 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 the inside of the damaged property, showing the flooding and damage.
Dispose of damaged property that
presents a health hazard or that may
hamper clean-up operations. Be sure
to describe all discarded items so
that when the adjuster examines your
losses and 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
Questions about FEMA assistance?
Call: 800.621.FEMA (3362)
TTY: 800.462.7585
Q. What should I do to get help with 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 com pa ny.
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 the 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.


Aid to Help You
on the Road to Recovery
Individuals and business owners who suffered losses
because of Hurricane Isabel may be eligible for
disaster assistance.
Declared jurisdictions are: The independent
cities of Alexandria, Bedford, Buena
Vista, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Colonial
Heights, Danville, Emporia, Fairfax, Falls
Church, Franklin, Fredericksburg, Hampton,
Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Lynchburg,
Manassas, Manassas Park, Newport News,
Norfolk, Petersburg, Poquoson, Portsmouth,
Richmond, Staunton, Suffolk,
Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, Williamsburg,
Winchester and the counties of Accomack,
Albermarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox,
Arlington, Augusta, Bedford, Brunswick,
Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Charles
City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Clarke,
Culpeper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex,
Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Fluvanna,
Goochland, Gloucester, Greene, Greensville,
Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of
Wight, James City, King George, King William,
King and Queen, Lancaster, Louisa,
Loudoun, Lunenburg, Madison, Mathews,
Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Nelson, New
Kent, Northampton, Nottoway, Northumberland,
Orange, Page, Pittsylvania,
Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George,
Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond,
Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah,
Southampton, Spotsylvania, Surry, Stafford,
Sussex, Warren, Westmoreland and York.
ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS
AND HOMEOWNERS
Help is available for renters and home-owners
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,
money for emergency repairs to make a
home livable, help to meet disaster-related
serious needs or necessary expenses including
medical, dental or transportation costs.
HOME/PERSONAL PROPERTY
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 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 unfair or disreputable
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. To find out if you are
eligible, 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 underinsured
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 state bar
association.
INSURANCE INFORMATION
The state insurance bureau can help with
matters such as speeding up settlements,
getting copies of lost policies, verifying
losses and filing 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 faith based
groups offer a wide range of services
from supplying disaster victims with home
clean-up kits to financial assistance to meet
emergency disaster needs.



A FEMA representative assists Hurricane Isabel victims in Claremont. FEMA photo 
by Andrea Booher. 
Safety Tips
FLOOD SAFETY - Walking, swimming
or driving through floodwaters is extremely
dangerous. Keep these facts in mind: Never
drive through floodwaters. Even six inches
of swiftly moving water can knock you off
your feet and two feet of water will carry
away most automobiles.
Do not drive where water is covering the
road. The pavement could already be
washed away underneath.
GENERATOR SAFETY - Portable generators
can be deadly if not used properly.
To avoid carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning, operate generators out doors only
in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from
air intakes to the home, and protected from
direct exposure to rain (preferably under a
canopy, open shed, or carport). Never use a
generator indoors or in attached garages.
To avoid electrocution, plug individual
appliances into the generator using heavy
duty, outdoor rated cords with a wire
gauge adequate for the appliance load.
Observe the generator manufacturer's
instructions. Do not plug the generator into
a wall outlet. If connecting the generator
into the house wiring is necessary, have
a qualified electrician hook up the electrical
system.
CHAINSAW SAFETY - The following tips
will help you avoid serious injury. Wear
protective clothing, including gloves to give
you a good grip, a hard hat, safety goggles,
hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with
non-slip soles and trim-fitted clothing that
won't get caught in the chain.
Follow instructions in the owner's manual
for starting and operating the saw. Stand
to the side of the saw so you won't follow
the cut through into your leg. Hold the saw
parallel to the ground with your left arm
straight for better control and to reduce the
chance of "kick back." Keep both hands on
the saw while it is running.
Avoid cutting above mid-chest height.
Never try to cut a tree with a diameter
greater than the length of the chainsaw
blade. Be extremely careful when cutting
limbs or stems of trees that are bent or
under tension; the branch can spring back
into the operator.
Carry the saw below the waist with the
engine off and bar pointed to the rear. Do
not work alone. Have bystanders stay well
away from the work area.
Help with Septic Tanks
and Wells
Homeowners in the declared disaster areas may be eligible for a grant
to cover repairs or even replace wells
and septic systems. Damaged private
wells that are the sole source of water
for the house also may be re paired or
de contaminated with grant funds.
When you apply for state and federal
disaster assistance, advise the FEMA
inspector that you have a private well
and septic system.
Water Purification
Procedures
If you are under a boil water notice,
bring water to a rolling boil for one
minute to kill any disease-causing
micro organisms.
If you cannot boil water, add six drops
of newly purchased, un scent ed liquid
household bleach per gallon of water,
stir well and let the water stand for 30
minutes before using it. (Remember
that bleach will not kill parasitic organisms.)
Or you can use water-purifying
tablets from your local pharmacy or
sporting goods store.
Don't Lose your Heritage
In a rush to recover from Hurricane
Isabel, it may be easier to demolish
damaged historic buildings than
to undertake repair. Before a hasty
decision is made, FEMA recommends
you contact your local historic society
or preservation planner for assistance
in finding ways to repair and recover
these valuable resources for your
community.
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


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 costs of
devices 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 un answered 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
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
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
DR1491
Federal Coordinating Officer
DAVID FUKUTOMI
State Coordinating Officer
MICHAEL CLINE
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 floor.
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 fl oat rises and plugs the drain.
Install a backflow valve to prevent
sewer backup from coming into your
home.

For information on
Hurricane Isabel or for
disaster-related
information visit
FEMA
on the web@
www.fema.gov
www.vaemergency.com
Clip & Save
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......................... 800-659-2955
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
STATE AGENCIES
State Corporation Commission..................................800-552-7945
Attorney General's Office HOTLINE ..........................800-451-1525
Dept. of Motor Vehicles...........................................866-368-5463
Dept. of Labor & Industry .......................................804-371-2327
Va. Employment Commission ................................804-786-1485
Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services...........804-786-2372
Dept. of Housing &
Community Development ....................................804-371-7000
Dept. for the Aging ..................................................804-662-
9333
Bureau of Insurance................................................800-552-7945
VOLUNTEER AGEN CIES
American Red Cross ............................................. 866-GET-INFO
Salvation Army ........................................................ 317-937-
7000