North Carolina Hurricane Matthew (DR-4285)

Applying for Assistance

• Homeowners, renters and business owners in Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Wake, Washington, Wayne and Wilson counties are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as they may be eligible for disaster assistance. 
• Assistance may include grants for temporary housing, rental assistance and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed personal property, and medical and dental expenses.
• Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance.
• North Carolina residents should register with FEMA even if they have insurance, but only if their property was damaged by the floods or wind-driven damage. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
• For flood insurance questions, please call 800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select option 2. Call center staff we be available to assist  with information regarding policies, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery and answer other flood insurance questions.
• North Carolina residents should register with FEMA even if they registered for help from other agencies such as the American Red Cross, disaster-relief organizations, or community- or faith-based organizations

3 Ways to Register

• Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov  
• By Phone: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 
• In Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Download the FEMA App to find the nearest location.

Information You Will Need:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged home or apartment
• Description of the damage
• Information about insurance coverage
• A current contact telephone number
• An address where you can receive mail
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

After Applying

What happens after I apply for federal disaster assistance?

If you applied and live in a designated county, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection of your home or rental property. Remember that FEMA may only consider you for assistance for your primary residence.

What do I need for the FEMA inspector?

Be sure to have a photo ID, homeowner and insurance documents, a list of people who living at the residence during the disaster, a list of damage and proof of occupancy. Proof of occupancy can include a utility a bill or proof of a mortgage payment or tax bill.

My home is still flooded and cannot be entered. What next?

FEMA housing inspectors will remain in North Carolina as long as it takes to complete all inspections, even for homes where water is slow to recede.

What happens after the FEMA inspection visit?

FEMA will review your application. You’ll receive a letter on your eligibility decision within a week.

I was approved for FEMA assistance. What can I use the money for?

You may receive assistance for things uncovered by insurance. This includes a place to stay, repairs to make your home safe, sanitary and functional, and replacing or repairing certain household items. Make sure to save your receipts.

How can I find places to stay?

Search the FEMA Housing Portal. The portal is routinely updated with a list of available rental resources.

How do I discuss my temporary housing options further?

Please call 800-621-3362 or visit your closest recovery center by using the Disaster Recovery Center locator to find a location where you can speak with someone face-to-face.

National Flood Insurance Claim

If you have experienced a flood, you can file your flood insurance claim by following these three steps.

STEP ONE: NOTIFY YOUR INSURER TO START THE CLAIMS PROCESS

After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. Make sure you have the following information handy:

• The name of your insurance company

• Your policy number

• A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

  An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, please contact your insurance agent or company again. Find your company’s toll-free phone number.

  STEP TWO: DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

  Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.

• Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.

• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.

• Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.

  STEP THREE: COMPLETE A PROOF OF LOSS TO SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM

  Your adjuster will assist you in preparing a Proof of Loss (which is your sworn statement of the amount you are claiming including necessary supporting documentation) for your official claim for damages. You'll need to file your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. You'll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss.

  How to Appeal

  I applied with FEMA and was given a letter saying I’m ineligible or that my application was incomplete. Does this mean I’m not going to get any help?

  Don't be alarmed or discouraged. Sometimes just a quick fix can change “ineligible” to “eligible”. Maybe FEMA does not have all the information needed to make a decision regarding your application for disaster assistance.  It’s important to call 800-621-3362 or visit a recovery center to discuss this with us face-to-face. Find your closest North Carolina recovery center online: www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

   

• Can I appeal my determination letter?  How long do I have to appeal?

  Every applicant has the right to appeal. Appeals must be delivered within 60 days of the date on your determination letter. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant’s Handbook sent to everyone who registered with FEMA.

• How do I appeal?

• You can visit our page "Appeal FEMA's Individual Assistance Decision" about how to appeal. You can also call 800-621-3362 or visit your nearest North Carolina recovery center to speak with somebody who will assist you through the appeal process. Locate disaster recovery centers online at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

  What are some reasons why I could have received this letter?

  Maybe you didn’t return information about your insurance policy, provide information to prove occupancy or ownership of the damaged property, fill out all necessary paperwork, or complete and return the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application. Remember: You are never obligated to accept an SBA loan offer.

  I have insurance. How do I get that information to FEMA so you can proceed with my application?

  Contact your insurance company and ask for a settlement letter detailing exactly what is covered under their claim.
  They should mail your insurance settlement information to:

  FEMA – Individuals and Households Program
  National Processing Service Center
  P.O. Box 10055
  Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

  How long do I have to submit insurance information?

  You have up to 12 months from the date you registered with FEMA to submit insurance information for review. FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses already covered by insurance.

Beware of Fraud and Scams

After a disaster scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Survivors should keep in mind:

• Federal and state workers never ask for, or accept money, and always carry identification badges

• There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state

• Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person

  Price Gouging

  Price gouging occurs when a supplier marks up the price of an item more than is justified by his actual costs. Survivors are particularly susceptible because their needs are immediate, and have few alternatives to choose from. If you find price gouging, contact your State's Office of the Attorney General.

  Dealing with Contractors:

  Survivors should take steps to protect themselves and avoid fraud when hiring contractors to clean property, remove debris or make repairs.

  Simple rules to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

• Only use contractors licensed by your state

• Get a written estimate and get more than one estimate

• Demand and check references

• Ask for proof of insurance

  • i.e., liability and Workmen's Compensation

• Insist on a written contract and refuse to sign a contract with blank spaces

• Get any guarantees in writing

• Make final payments only after the work is completed

• Pay by check.

  The best way to avoid fraud is to arm yourself against it by having a checklist to remind you of what you need to demand when hiring a contractor.

  Charitable Giving Scams

  Donating money or supplies to the relief effort is another way to help survivors. Be alert to scams during an emergency. Learn more about donating.

  If you are aware of a potential charity scam in a state affected by Hurricane Matthew, you can report it to that state's consumer affairs or attorney general's office:

• < > - Call toll free 1-866-966-7226 or file a complaint online.< > - Call 404-651-8600 or toll free 1-800-869-1123 or file a complaint online.

  North Carolina - Call toll free 1-877-566-7226 or file a complaint online.

• South Carolina - Call 803-734-4200 or toll free 1-800-922-1594 or file a complaint online.

  Those who question the validity of a contact or suspect fraud are encouraged to call the toll free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement agencies.

 

Disaster Recovery Centers

Locate a Disaster Recovery Center near you

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.
Closed Sundays.

Harnett County DRC
Harnett County Governmental Complex
309 West Cornelius Harnett Blvd.
Lillington, NC  27546        

Bertie County DRC
Senior Citizens Center
103 W. School Drive
Windsor, NC 27983

Edgecombe County DRC
The Imperial Centre
270 Gay St.
Rocky Mount, NC  27802  

Lenoir County DRC NOVA Building
105 W. Caswell St.
Kinston, NC 28501

Johnston County DRC
Johnston County Industries
912 N Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577

Hoke County DRC
City of Raeford Civic Center
220 College Drive
Raeford, NC 28376

Wayne County DRC
W.A. Foster Recreation Center (Top of the hill at Mina Weil Park)
1012 S. John St., Room 110.2
Goldsboro, NC 27530       

Tyrrell County DRC
Tyrrell Hall
906 US Hwy 64 East
Columbia, NC  27925

Edgecombe County DRC
Riverside Plaza
1600 W. Howard Avenue
Tarboro, NC 27886 

Bladen County DRC
Powell Melvin Agricultural Service Center
450 Smith Circle
Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Greene County DRC
201 Carolina Drive
Snow Hill, NC 28580         

Sampson County DRC
Sampson County Human Services
360 County Complex Road, Suite 200, Room 274
Clinton, NC 28328

Craven County DRC
Old Family Dollar Store
281 NC Hwy 43
Vanceboro, NC 28586      

Robeson County DRC
Old Kmart store
2750 N. Roberts Ave.
Lumberton, NC 28358

Cumberland County DRC
Dept. of Social Services
1225 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301      

Pender County DRC
Malpass Corner Elementary School
4992 Malpass Corner Rd.
Burgaw, NC 28425

Pitt County DRC
Pitt County Agricultural Center
403 Government Circle
Greenville, NC 27834                 

Columbus County DRC
Employment Security Commission
913 Jefferson Street
Whiteville, NC  28472       

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers:

Open from: 9:00 A.M- 6:00 P.M

Jones County
Farm Service Agency office
110 S. Market St.
Trenton, NC 28585

Pasquotank County
County Cooperative Extension Center
1209 McPherson Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Beaufort County
Beaufort County Health Department
1436 Highland Drive
Washington, NC  27889

Dare County
Kill Devil Hills Fire Department
1634 N. Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

How To Help

Monetary Donations & Volunteer Opportunities – Governor Pat McCrory has activated the NC Disaster Relief Fund to which monetary contributions may be made. To make a donation, please visit ncdisasterrelief.org. You may also text NCRECOVERS to 30306 to donate funds. All donations received will support Hurricane Matthew long-term recovery efforts in North Carolina.

All other monetary donations & offers to volunteer may be made directly through charitable nonprofit organizations that are responding to this disaster. Information is available under “Hurricane Matthew--Donate Now” on the NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NCVOAD) website at ncvoad.org.

Clothing – Clothing items are not being accepted at this time. Please donate clothing items to charitable organizations in your local community which can make best use of these donated items.

Food – Please donate food items through local food banks & charities in your community.

Multimedia

• Photo Collections
  • FEMA Photos
  • DVIDS Photos / videos
  • Red Cross Photos
• Video
  • (10-13-16) FEMA IMAT in Georgia
  • (10-13-16) PSA: Take Your Pets With You When Evacuating
  • (10-13-16) Urban Search and Rescue Responds to North Carolina Flooding
  • (10-13-16) Urban Search and Rescue Provides Support to the community
  • (10-13-16) PSA: Register with FEMA for Disaster Assistance
  • (10-13-16) PSA: Call 2-1-1 For Help After Disaster
  • (10-13-16) PSA: Turn Around, Don't Drown
  • (10-13-16) PSA: Listen to Local Officials to Help Them Help Others
  • (10-12-16) PSA: Turn Around, Don't Drown 
  • (10-10-16) PSA: Listen to Local Officials to Help Them Help Others
  • (10-10-16) Facebook Live: Q&A About Search And Rescue for Hurricane Matthew
  • (10-10-16) After a Disaster please return home safely
  • (10-9-16) NY-TF1 Urban Search and Rescue Team Conducting Rescues in Fayetteville, North Carolina
  • (10-8-16) Facebook Live: Hurricane Matthew Briefing with Beth Zimmerman and Daniel Porter
  • (10-7-16) Facebook Live: Hurricane Matthew Briefing with Daniel Porter and Josh Batkin
  • (10-6-16) Facebook Live: Craig Fugate on Hurricane Matthew
  • (10-6-16) Administrator Fugate: An Update on Hurricane Matthew
  • (10-6-16) Hurricane Matthew: FEMA Staging Supplies at Atlanta Distribution Center
  • (10-5-16) Facebook Live: Hurricane Matthew Briefing
• B - Roll
  • (10-8-16) Distribution Center additional shots
  • (10-8-16) Mobilization Center-with FEMA employees processing and getting iPad and laptops etc.
  • (10-6-16) Hurricane Matthew - NRCC B-roll
  • (10-6-16) FEMA B-Roll - Atlanta Logistics Center prepares for Hurricane Matthew
  • (10-6-16) FEMA B-Roll - Hurricane Matthew National Response Coordination Center
• Graphics
  • English
    • How to help after a disaster
    • Who's in your community after a disaster?
    • Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Process for Hurricane Matthew
    • Neighbor Check (sized for Facebook)
    • Neighbor Check (sized for Twitter)
    • Hurricane Evacuation Tips
    • Hurricane Matthew
    • Get Ready for a Hurricane Now 
    • Shelter in Place in a High-Rise Building
  • Gráfica
    • Hurricane Matthew
    • El mejor momento para preparase para un huracán es ahora

News

Geographic Information

• Google Earth
• PDF of Map
• FEMA Data Feeds

Financial Assistance

Individual Assistance - Dollars Approved

Individual Assistance Definitions

	Total Individual Assistance (IA) - Applications Approved:	Total Individual & Households Program - Dollars Approved*	Total Housing Assistance - Dollars Approved*	Total Other Needs Assistance - Dollars Approved*
Total Amount	22,788	$69,694,755.81	$49,908,511.20	$19,786,244.61

Public Assistance - Dollars Approved

Public Assistance Definitions

	Total Public Assistance Grants - Dollars Obligated*	Emergency Work (Categories A-B) - Dollars Obligated*	Permanent Work (Categories C-G) - Dollars Obligated*
Total Amount	$2,250,000.00	$2,250,000.00	n/a

Related Links

• North Carolina Office of the Governor
• Division of Emergency Management