FEMA Blog

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

Posted by: Craig Fugate, Administrator

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the partnership of everyone who makes up the emergency management team – individuals and communities, organizations and companies, and all levels of government – because no one can do it alone when it comes to planning for a disaster, responding to one, or recovering after one.  This year we have definitely had our work cut out for us – from wildfires, to the derecho, to Hurricane Isaac, and Hurricane Sandy, we’ve tackled each disaster by working together as a team.

As a result of Hurricane Sandy, this Thanksgiving may be different for many compared to years past.  Survivors of Sandy who are going through the recovery process, like all survivors of disasters, will feel stress and uncertainty.  But there is one thing I am certain of, and that is that we as a nation will always support those in need.  We’ve weathered storms in the past, and the Whole Community effort endures.  I’m confident that the communities impacted by Sandy will be strong and enduring in the end.

To the many emergency management partners assisting the survivors: you find yourselves away from home because duty calls, so know that I’m thankful for your service and sacrifice and I’m humbled by your actions, as this is the ultimate example of neighbors helping neighbors.

As we always do at this time of the year, but especially after this year, I ask everyone to take a moment to reflect on their blessings and what they’re thankful for this year, and on behalf of everyone at FEMA, I wish you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Autor: Craig Fugate, Administrador

Este día de Acción de Gracias, expreso mi agradecimiento por la colaboración de todos aquellos que forman parte del equipo para el manejo de emergencias – individuos y comunidades, organizaciones y compañías, y todos los niveles de gobierno – ya que la planificación, respuesta y recuperación ante desastres no es solo el trabajo de uno. Este año hemos enfrentado muchos desastres – desde incendios forestales, a los huracanes Isaac y Sandy, y hemos podido enfrentar cada desastre trabajando como un equipo.

A consecuencia del huracán Sandy, este año el día de Acción de Gracias será muy diferente para muchos. Al igual que los sobrevivientes de todo desastre, los sobrevivientes de Sandy que aun están en proceso de recuperación se encontrarán en tensión e incertidumbre. A pesar de esto, si estoy seguro de algo es que, como nación, siempre le brindaremos apoyo a aquellos que lo necesitan. Hemos podido sobrellevar tormentas en el pasado gracias a los esfuerzos de toda la comunidad. Estoy confiado de que las comunidades afectadas por Sandy perdurarán y volverán a ser fuertes nuevamente.

A todos los colaboradores del equipo para el manejo de emergencias que han dado ayuda a los sobrevivientes y se encuentran lejos de sus hogares para asistir en tiempos de necesidad, sepan que les agradezco su servicio, sacrificio y estoy maravillado por sus acciones, que sirven como ejemplo de cómo los ciudadanos se han unido para ayudarse mutuamente.

Como hacemos todos los años, pero este año en especial, les pido a todos que se tomen un momento para reflexionar sobre sus bendiciones y las cosas por las que dan gracias este año, y a nombre de todo el equipo de FEMA, les deseo un día de Acción de Gracias seguro y agradable.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs


Hoboken, N.J., Nov. 1, 2012 -- FEMA Inspector Richard Martin inspects a basement apartment in Hoboken two days after the residents applied for FEMA assistance. FEMA is working with many partners and organizations to provide assistance to residents affected by Hurricane Sandy.

So far, more than 444,100 Hurricane Sandy survivors from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island have applied for federal disaster assistance and more than $782 million in assistance has been approved.  As Sandy survivors continue to apply for assistance, many may find themselves asking what’s next after registering with FEMA. Often times, a housing inspection is needed to verify and assess damage claims made during registration, which is normal after any disaster.

After you register, one of the more than 2,000 FEMA Housing Inspectors on the ground will contact you to schedule an appointment to come see the damaged property if it is accessible. The inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes but can be shorter, and consists of a general inspection of damaged areas of your home and a review of your records. This is important: there is no fee for the inspection.

When a FEMA housing inspector comes to visit your home, be sure they show you proper identification. If they do not show you photo identification, then do not proceed with the inspection. Unfortunately, disasters often bring out criminals who prey on the needs of disaster survivors – so beware of scams and scam artists.

It’s important to note that throughout the recovery process, applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector. In addition to FEMA housing inspectors, representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as state and local officials could also visit neighborhoods in affected areas, so don’t be alarmed if you receive a visit from more than one inspector.

If you suspect someone of posing as a FEMA inspector, call our toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or your local law enforcement officials.

When a FEMA Housing Inspector visits your home, someone 18 years of age or older who lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment. The inspector will ask to see:

• Photo Identification.
• Proof of Ownership/Occupancy of damaged residence (Structural Insurance, Tax Bill, Mortgage Payment Book/Utility Bill).
• Insurance documents: Home and/or Auto (Structural Insurance/Auto Declaration Sheet).
• List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.
• All disaster related damages to both real and personal property.

Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA and you will receive a letter, or email if you signed up for E-Correspondence, outlining the decision:

• If you qualify for a FEMA grant, FEMA will send you a check by mail or deposit it directly into your bank account. You will also receive a letter describing how you are to use the money.  You should only use the money given to you as explained in the letter and save receipts on how you spent the money.
• If you do not qualify for a FEMA grant, you will receive a letter explaining why you were turned down and will be given a chance to appeal the decision. Your appeal rights will be described in this letter. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of FEMA’s decision.
• If you’re referred to the Small Business Administration, you will receive a SBA application. The application must be completed and returned in order to be considered for a loan as well as certain types of grant assistance. SBA representatives are available to help you with the application at local Disaster Recovery Centers. Completing and returning the loan application does not mean that you must accept the loan.

Again, the first step in receiving assistance is registering for assistance with FEMA.  So if you’re a Hurricane Sandy survivor and you haven’t registered yet, we encourage you to take advantage of our many ways to register for assistance:

• Over the phone by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. 
• Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
• On your mobile device at m.fema.gov
• Or by visiting a disaster recovery center

If you’re a disaster survivor or know someone affected by Hurricane Sandy, please share this information with them.

For Hurricane Sandy recovery updates, visit www.fema.gov/sandy and follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @FEMASandy & www.facebook.com/FEMASandy


Monmouth Beach, N.J., Nov. 12, 2012 -- A FEMA housing inspector records damages to a home in Monmouth Beach, NJ that was impacted by Hurricane Sandy. FEMA is providing housing inspection to residents who have registered and are seeking assistance in rebuilding their homes.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

As Sandy survivors continue to register for disaster assistance with FEMA and many others begin the process of cleaning and repairing their homes, we wanted to remind everyone that as you look for contractors and companies to assist you with your recovery process, be mindful of scams and scam artists.

Although many businesses, voluntary, faith-based, and community-based organizations, government agencies and committed citizens come together to try and meet the needs of the affected individuals and communities, disasters  can also bring out criminals looking to prey on survivors by offering fraudulent services.



To help you spot fraud, here is a list of consumer safety tips to keep in mind when applying for disaster assistance and working with contractors:

1. There is never a fee to apply for FEMA disaster assistance or to receive it. 
2. There is no fee for FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration property damage inspections. 
3. The only ways to register for FEMA help are to: call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585), visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov from a smartphone or Web-enabled device, speak to a FEMA employee at a Disaster Recovery Center.
4. Government workers will never ask for a fee or payment. They wear an official government photo ID.  Watch out for middle men who promise you will receive money, especially if they ask for an up-front payment.
5. Get three written estimates for repair work. Then check credentials and contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to learn about any complaints against the contractor or business.
6. Before work begins, make sure you get a written contract detailing all the work to be performed, the costs, a projected completion date, and how to negotiate changes and settle disputes. 
7. Make sure the contract clearly states who will obtain the necessary permits. Consider having a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved. Keep a copy of the signed contract. 
8. If the contractor provides any guarantees, they should be written into the contract clearly, stating what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid. 
9. Pay only by check or a credit card. A reasonable down payment may be required to buy materials for some projects, but don't pay anything without a signed contract. 

If you suspect anyone – an inspector, disaster survivor, or someone posing as one of these – of fraudulent activities, call our toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or your local law enforcement officials.

If you’re a survivor and haven’t registered for assistance yet, please see #3 above, because registering for assistance is the first step.

While we’re discussing scams, we wanted to address a few rumors and potential scams that have recently been reported and mentioned on many social media channels:

• FEMA is providing $300 for food assistance - This is FALSE.
• FEMA is hiring for cleanup crews and inspectors - This is FALSE.
• FEMA is giving out cash cards to disaster survivors - This is FALSE.

None of the rumors are true, so if you see or hear people discussing or passing these rumors along, please help us spread the message that they are false. For more information on these and other rumors floating around, visit our Hurricane Sandy Rumor Control Page.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA has been working hard to make sure disaster survivors receive the information and help they need to apply for disaster assistance with us and our partners, as well as other organizations that provide assistance.

One of the ways we’re reaching out to survivors is through our Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). At these centers, disaster survivors can meet one-on-one with officials from voluntary and non-profit agencies, local communities, and state and federal agencies such as FEMA and the Small Business Administration.  Personnel staffing the DRCs are there to answer questions from survivors about the types of assistance available, how to apply for assistance and details about how exactly the recovery process works.  It is important to note that survivors do not need to visit DRCs to apply for assistance. The centers are simply another resource that FEMA is using to get everyone the help they need.

As of today, 30 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, 23 in New Jersey and seven in Connecticut and more continue to open.  FEMA is working closely with state and local officials in the hardest hit areas to identify future DRC sites that are accessible to those who need help and are large enough to handle the full suite of services.

In addition to our Recovery Centers, we are also out in the communities working to assist survivors through our Community Relations (CR) specialists who are going door-to-door in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to help explain the types of assistance that are available through the federal government and to help residents register. Having these teams on the ground allow us to reach survivors in their homes and communities as quickly and effectively as possible. The Community Relations teams also help to dispel rumors in the community, identify if survivors need translated information, and coordinate and assist those with functional or access needs.

As many people across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic continue to recover from Hurricane Sandy, members of the entire emergency management team, including the federal, state, tribal, and local governments, the faith based and non-profit communities, and the public, are working together to support those across the impacted area. If you need help applying for assistance, please visit a DRC or speak to a Community Relations specialist.

There are four ways you can find a disaster recovery center location,

1. Search on your computer
2. Search on your mobile phone at m.fema.gov
3. Text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) For example, if you lived in Atlantic City, NJ you would text: DRC 08401 (standard data rates apply)
4. Use the FEMA smartphone app and locate one on the map

The content is updated regularly, so be sure to check for updates, changes and new locations.

Desde que el huracán Sandy tocó tierra, FEMA ha estado trabajando duro para asegurarse que los sobrevivientes reciban la información y ayuda que necesitan para solicitar asistencia con nosotros y nuestros colaboradores, así como de otras organizaciones que proveen asistencia.

Una de las formas en que estamos tendiendo una mano a los sobrevivientes es a través de nuestros Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRCs). En estos centros, los sobrevivientes de desastre pueden conversar con oficiales de las agencias de voluntarios y sin fines de lucro, de comunidades locales y de agencias estatales y federales como FEMA y la Administración para los Pequeños Negocios (SBA). El personal en estos DRCs está ahí para contestar preguntas de los sobrevivientes sobre los tipos de asistencia disponibles, cómo solicitar asistencia y  detalles sobre cómo es que el proceso de recuperación trabaja. Es importante notar que los sobrevivientes no necesitan visitar el DRC para solicitar asistencia. Los DRC son simplemente otro recurso que FEMA está utilizando para proveer ayuda a todos los que la necesiten.

Al día de hoy, 30 Centros de Recuperación por Desastre están abiertos en New York, 23 en New Jersey, siete en Connecticut y más continúan abriendo. FEMA está trabajando de cerca con los oficiales locales y estatales de las áreas más afectadas para identificar lugares donde establecer DRCs  en el futuro, accesibles para aquellos que necesitan ayuda y suficientemente amplios para acomodar el extenso conjunto de servicios que en ellos se ofrece.

Además de nuestros Centros de Recuperación, también estamos trabajando en las comunidades asistiendo a los sobrevivientes por medio de nuestros especialistas en Relaciones con la Comunidad, quienes van puerta por puerta en New York, New Jersey y Connecticut para explicarle a los sobrevivientes los tipos de asistencia que le gobierno federal tiene disponibles y para ayudarlos en su proceso de solicitud. Tener estos equipos en el campo nos permite llegar a los sobrevivientes en sus casas y comunidades de la manera más rápida y efectiva posible. Los equipos de Relaciones con la Comunidad también ayudan a disipar rumores en la comunidad, a identificar si los sobrevivientes necesitan que se les traduzca información y a coordinar y asistir aquellos con necesidades funcionales o de acceso.

Mientras mucha gente en el Noreste y Atlántico central continúan recuperándose del huracán Sandy, miembros del equipo de manejo de emergencias entero, incluyendo al gobierno federal, estatales, tribales y locales, las comunidades de fe y organizaciones sin fines de lucro y el público, están trabajando juntos para apoyar a aquellos que se encuentran en las áreas afectadas.  Si necesita ayuda solicitando asistencia, por favor visite un DRC o comuníquese con un especialista de Relaciones de la Comunidad.

Hay cuatro formas de encontrar un centro de recuperación por desastre:

1. Busque usando su computadora
2. Busque usando su celular en http://m.fema.gov/esp
3. Enviando mensaje de texto con las letras DRC y su Código de Area al 43362 (4FEMA) Por ejemplo, si usted vivía en Atlantic City, NJ, usted enviaría el siguiente texto: DRC 08401 (cargos por data aplican)
4. Use la aplicación FEMA smartphone app  y localice uno en el mapa

Este contenido se actualiza regularmente, así es que asegúrese de visitarnos para enterarse de cambios y nuevas localidades.

Posted by: Rich Serino, Deputy Administrator

Today, our Nation pays tribute to the millions of military veterans who have served the United States as members of our Armed Forces.  We honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication you exhibited in protecting our country.

To veterans here at FEMA, although many of you are no longer wearing a military uniform, you have elected to continue to serve your country by joining the FEMA team – and we thank you for bringing your skills, talents, and experiences to contribute to the success of our mission year round, and especially during our current response to Hurricane Sandy.

And as part of that response, veterans from across DHS have also played an integral role as part of our larger FEMA team, making up the DHS Surge Capacity Force, who have been trained and deployed to New York and New Jersey serving in community relations and individual assistance roles.

I also want to thank all veterans and the many members of the FEMA family who continue to serve in the National Guard and Reserves and salute the many active duty service members and veterans in our partner agencies in federal, state, local and tribal organizations that share our emergency management goals.

On this day, please join me in thanking our veterans for all that they have done — and all they continue to do — to protect our country and to help keep America safe.

Posted by: Richard Serino, Deputy Administrator

Hoy, nuestra Nación le rinde tributo a los millones de veteranos que sirvieron a los Estados Unidos como miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas. Honramos la valentía, el sacrificio y la dedicación que demostraron al proteger nuestro país.

Los veteranos aquí en FEMA, aunque muchos de ustedes ya no usan sus uniformes militares, han decidido continuar sirviendo a su patria uniéndose al equipo de FEMA—y agradecemos brinden sus destrezas, talentos y experiencias para contribuir al éxito de nuestra misión durante todo el año y especialmente durante nuestra operación de respuesta actual al huracán Sandy.

Y como parte de esa respuesta, los veteranos de DHS también juegan un papel importante como parte de nuestro equipo mayor de FEMA, compuesto por la Fuerza de Capacidad y Movilización, quienes han sido entrenados y desplegados a New York y a New Jersey y están sirviendo en capacidad de relaciones con la comunidad y asistencia individual.

También quiero agradecer a todos los veteranos y a los miembros de la familia de FEMA que continúan sirviendo en las Reservas de la Guardia Nacional. Un saludo a todos los miembros activos en el servicio que laboran en nuestras agencias en organizaciones federales, estatales, locales y tribales que comparten nuestros objetivos en manejo de emergencias.

Por favor, únanse a mi en este día para agradecer a nuestros veteranos por todo lo que han hecho – y todo lo que continúan haciendo – para proteger y mantener la seguridad de nuestro país.

Posted by: Michael Byrne, Federal Coordinating Officer

With so many New Yorkers facing the overwhelming and exhausting task of cleaning up after Hurricane Sandy, a group of former veterans known as Team Rubicon have become very popular. And rightly so.

“We were exhausted after the first few days,” said Rockaway homeowner Barbara Millet, “but they just showed up. My mother-in-law calls them angels.”

Founded by two former Marines following the Haitian earthquake in 2010, members of Team Rubicon use skills acquired in the military to assist people affected by disasters.  In the past 10 days, the team has deployed hundreds of volunteers to the Northeast to help Sandy survivors clean houses, remove trees, repair roofs and manage debris as they begin their road to recovery.



FEMA partners with numerous voluntary agencies to provide a wide range of crucial assistance to survivors who may have needs beyond what the state or federal assistance can provide. And this Veterans Day the agency would like to salute Team Rubicon, FEMA’s nearly 3,000 veteran employees, the thousands of veterans in the other federal agencies supporting the response and the more than 12,000 active duty, reserve and National Guard personnel who have been a part of Sandy response operations.

In honor of Veterans Day, Team Rubicon has been joined by volunteers from other veteran groups who have come together for a day of service. Some 1,000 veterans traveled to New York to support survivors as they recover from Sandy.  Representatives from Give an Hour, the 6th Branch, The Mission Continues, the Pat Tillman Foundation, the Headstrong Project, Got Your 6, Student Veterans of America, and Team Red, White, & Blue will be participating.

“A lot of times, people will see us out in the community and they will ask us how they can volunteer” says Andrew Stevens, Team Rubicon’s National Director of Field Operations. “Because of our organizational skills and experience in disaster relief, we’re able to put them to work right away.”

FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) works with state and local governments to establish volunteer reception centers. Unaffiliated volunteers who come to the centers are directed to one of the many voluntary organizations active in disaster relief efforts.  Other groups currently working with Sandy survivors in New York include the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Southern Baptists, Adventist Community Services and other national and local voluntary organizations.
In addition to these organizations, individuals interested in volunteering time or donating money to help New Yorkers recover from Sandy can contact New York Cares at 212-228-5000 or NYC Service.