Last Updated: 02/22/17 9 a.m.
Hurricane Matthew Public Information Meetings Announced for Homeowners That Need Help After Flooding
The Hurricane Matthew Tidewater Long-Term Recovery Group has scheduled two information days for homeowners to meet with disaster case managers needing help after flooding from Hurricane Matthew.
Where: Princess Anne Plaza United Methodist Church (208 South Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach, 23452)
When: February 25 and March 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information: (757) 932-0295,
cceva.disasterrelief@gmail.com
Please bring a photo ID, any FEMA paperwork/letters, and all storm-related documents.
Disaster Case Managers will be there to answer questions and to begin paperwork for homeowners who have unmet needs.
Homeowners seeking help do not need to attend more than one session.
The Tidewater Long-Term Recovery Group was formed by representatives from local organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to help affected communities recover from flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew.
01/10/2017 01:36 PM EST
Virginia Beach, Va. – It has been over two months since disaster assistance personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed to Virginia in response to President Obama's major disaster declaration of Nov. 2, 2016. The president's signature on the decree made federal assistance available to eligible survivors affected by Hurricane Matthew in seven independent cities for individual assistance.
Although the deadline for registering for individual financial assistance from FEMA has passed, the recovery continues. Survivors affected by Hurricane Matthew, who have registered for FEMA assistance, still have access to the agency for information about temporary housing, help with insurance claims, questions about filing an appeal, and other disaster services and resources.
Registered individuals have access to FEMA’s toll-free Helpline, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. Call 800-621-3362 (TTY users should call 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available.
Applicants receiving temporary rental assistance and who have a need for continuing housing assistance must apply to FEMA for approval. FEMA will evaluate the information to determine if the applicant qualifies for ongoing federal rental assistance, based on financial need. Contact the FEMA Helpline for information on how to apply.
FEMA urges registered individuals to “keep in touch” and notify FEMA of address or phone number changes, initiate appeals or reschedule inspection appointments. It is important to keep all contact information current to avoid delays in getting assistance.
As of the Jan. 3 deadline, 5576 Virginia homeowners and renters have applied to FEMA for disaster assistance. To date more than $7.4 million in individual housing assistance grants and nearly $1.6 million in other needs assistance have been approved for residents of the 7 designated cities: Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.
Since the Nov. 2 disaster declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), one of FEMA’s partners in disaster recovery, has approved 399 low-interest disaster loans totaling nearly $13.4 million. SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters who have applied for FEMA assistance, as well as to businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover the cost of repairing, rebuilding or replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.
For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. (TTY users should call 800-877-8339). Individuals and businesses may also email
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit
http://www.sba.gov/disaster.
In addition to the FEMA grants, and SBA loans, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has paid out $46.8 million to 2263 claimants to settle Flood Insurance Claims. Several of the claims were outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) proving to be a good investment for homeowners who suffered flooding damages. Homeowners and renters who purchased insurance through NFIP were able to find affordable Preferred Risk Policies that cover homes not located in a SFHA. Flood insurance continues to be the best tool for recovering financially from a flooding disaster for both homeowners and renters.
The Commonwealth’s and FEMA’s 6 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) served 3,051 visitors between Nov. 7 and Jan. 3, while FEMA-contracted housing inspectors have completed more than 4,052 inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage.
The Public Assistance Program, which aids local governments and certain nonprofits was also approved for this disaster. Eligible projects are reimbursed not less than 75 percent of their costs for uninsured damages to infrastructure and certain emergency response costs. The eligible cities are Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is working closely with FEMA to develop costs for the eligible reimbursements. Applicants have six months from the date of the declaration to identify all projects for reimbursement consideration.
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01/03/17 6 p.m.
The Disaster Recovery Center at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library is now closed. FEMA will no longer have a presence at this location for walk-in assistance. You can still have your questions answered by FEMA and the SBA by calling 800-621-3362, for voice, 711 or video relay services or 800-462-7585 for TTY users.
12/28/2016 07:44 AM EST
Virginia Beach, Va. – Survivors have one week left to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and to submit applications for low-interest disaster loans to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Virginia survivors eligible for federal assistance, impacted by Hurricane Matthew have until
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, to file their applications.
Hurricane Matthew
Time is Running Out
Deadline: January 3, 2017
Virginia Beach, Va.–Whether you're a homeowner, renter, private nonprofit or a business of any size, if you have losses due to Hurricane Matthew, applying for a low interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) could lead to a faster and better recovery. Time is running out to turn in your application. The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is Jan. 3, 2017.
12/14/2016 01:40 PM EST
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. —With the holiday spirit in the air, disaster survivors may be busy with their “to do” lists—shopping for gifts, going to parties and events, and getting together with friends and family.
To ensure that you receive all the disaster assistance for which you are eligible, you may want to add a visit to the Virginia Beach Disaster Recovery Center to your list.
At the recovery center, FEMA specialists are on hand to help you:
- Register
- Appeal FEMA decisions
- Find rental resources
- Check the status of your submitted application
- Get answers to other questions about assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration is at the recovery center to help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes with applications for low interest recovery loans. The SBA is ready to talk with you about these loans and answer your questions. You can also sign the paperwork to complete your loan agreement or check the status of your submitted loan application.
The recovery center also offers information on modifications that can make your property more flood proof.
Virginia Beach Disaster Recovery Center
Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.- Sat., until further notice
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Enter main door, turn right, near Cafe
You do not have to visit a recovery center to register for assistance from FEMA. Many of the services available at the recovery centers are also available on the FEMA Helpline). Call 800-621-3362, for voice, 711 or video relay services or 800-462-7585 for TTY users. The Helpline is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.
If you have any questions about your application or if you need to register for aid, the Helpline can assist you. You may also register with FEMA online at
DisasterAssistance.govor with the
FEMA Mobile App.
Additional information about this disaster is available at
www.fema.gov and
www.vaemergency.gov. Virginians seeking information about disaster-related services and unmet needs should call Virginia 211, a statewide information and referral service. For free legal assistance call 800-552-7977, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the
FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. —More than 1,300 Virginia households displaced because of damage from Hurricane Matthew have received help from FEMA to pay rent for a temporary place to live. If your family has received rental assistance, you must let FEMA know if you will continue to
need it.
You should have received a letter from FEMA explaining the process and a form to fill out and return to FEMA along with:
· Utility bills from before and after the disaster.
· If you are a renter, a copy of your lease (pre-disaster). If you are a homeowner, a copy of your mortgage statement.
· For renter or homeowners, a copy of the current lease or rental agreement signed by the person who applied for FEMA assistance and the landlord.
· Rental receipts, canceled checks (copy of the front and back) or money orders showing that you used your rental assistance to pay rent or a security deposit.
· Income statements from before and after the disaster for all wage earners living in the household (pay stubs, letter from Social Security office, retirement pension letter;
no bank statements).
You must complete the FEMA application to be considered for continued rental assistance. FEMA evaluates the information to determine if your household has a financial need for additional assistance.
For additional help with rental assistance or other questions, call the
FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362. Applicants who use
711 or
Video Relay Service may also call
800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a
TTY may call
800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from
7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
Additional information about this disaster is available at
www.fema.gov and
www.vaemergency.gov. To find a DRC nearest you go to
www.Fema.gov/DRC. Virginians seeking information about disaster-related services and unmet needs should call
Virginia 211, a statewide information and referral service. For
free legal assistance contact
800-552-7977.
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12/07/16
Council Extends Deadline for Waiver of Permit Fees for Disaster Repairs
People now have until April 10, 2017 to get permits for repairs related to Hurricane Matthew
First, City Council waived the fees on permits people needed to make certain disaster-related home repairs. Now, it has extended the deadline to apply for the permits. People have until April 10, 2017.
"Homeowners are just now receiving funds from their insurance companies and FEMA, so they needed more time to apply for permits and hire contractors to help with home repairs," said Barry Frankenfield, director of Planning & Community Development. "We want to make it a little bit easier for property owners to get necessary repairs completed properly and safely. This extension will help homeowners continue to recover from damages caused by Hurricane Matthew."
On Oct. 18, 2016, City Council passed the original
ordinance (Sec. 8-38 of the City Code) and amended it on Tuesday, Dec. 6. To date, more than $30,000 in fees have been waived for repairs including fences, sheds, soffit/fascia/siding, roofing, docks, electrical wiring and screen enclosures, as well as replacement of HVAC equipment. A permit is typically good for six months and required inspections can reset the clock. Staff will assist homeowners in determining needed approvals.
To be eligible for the fee waiver, applicants must provide verification that the request is a direct result of damage sustained by Hurricane Matthew along with a site plan for fences, sheds, screen enclosures and docks. Acceptable documentation includes either an insurance evaluation or the application for damage assistance available at
www.vbgov.com/stormupdate.
The fee waiver period will expire April 10, 2017, so citizens are reminded apply for permits soon. Property owners or contractors licensed with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Board for Contractors may obtain the permit.
The city will attempt to expedite all hurricane-related permits. To apply for a permit or for more information, contact Permits & Inspections at (757) 385-4211.
Waives Permit Fee Flyer
# # #
12/07/2016 02:59 PM EST
Virginia Beach, Va. - Private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Virginia may be eligible to receive federal assistance in recovering from losses connected with Hurricane Matthew, officials of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said. The deadline for applying is
December 15, 2016.
The latest update on FEMA Assistance and FAQ's
12/06/2016 08:18 AM EST
Having an adjuster with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) come to your home isn’t the same as having your homeowner’s insurance agent or a FEMA inspector assess your damages.
FEMA Individual Assistance (IA), homeowners insurance and flood insurance are three different programs.
Homeowner and business insurance policies usually don’t cover flood damage. They generally do not. Disaster officials recommend:
- If you have flood insurance, call your agent right away.
- If you have homeowners insurance, call your agent right away.
- If you had damages and haven’t registered with FEMA, do so right away.
Receiving a flood claim inspection, registering with your city’s emergency management agency, registering with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Red Cross, or with any other charitable organization is NOT the same as registering with FEMA or having a homeowner’s or flood insurance policy.
If you have dual insurance, you need to contact both your homeowners insurance and your NFIP flood insurance agent as well as register with FEMA to initiate individual recovery assistance. The deadline to register with FEMA is January 3, 2017. The deadline to file a flood-loss claim is February 7, 2017.
The deadline date for filing an NFIP flood insurance claim has been extended from 60 to 120 days from the date the flood damage occurred. After contacting your flood insurance agent, the claims process begins with your sending in ‘proof of loss’ paperwork. The flood claim process commonly follows this timeline:
- An adjuster will usually call you within 24 to 48 hours after you notify your agent about the flood damage.
- Once contacted, a claims adjuster will visit to open the claim. In disasters such as Virginia, some adjusters may have hundreds of policy holders to service.
- Policyholders have 120 days after the date of the loss to file proof of loss paperwork. This sworn statement may have to be notarized.
- For instance, if you send in your proof of loss at 28 days, it can take at least 14 to 20 days more after that to review and process for payment.
- It can take another 20 days to process the claim for payment—and at times only a partial payment can be made.
- If you have a mortgage, regulations require that homeowner payment checks be issued in both the lender and homeowner’s name. Usually a bank or lender will require a construction contract or proof of pending repairs before releasing the money to you.
To date, NFIP in Virginia has received 2,231 claims with an estimated payout of nearly $25 million due to Hurricane Matthew.
Some damages not covered by your NFIP insurance may be eligible for coverage under your homeowners insurance, FEMA individual assistance program, or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You must be registered with FEMA to find out if you are eligible for additional assistance not covered by your insurance policies.
If you receive an SBA loan application, complete and submit it to the SBA, even if you don’t want a loan. Sometimes unanticipated expenses come up as your recovery process nears conclusion.
Information about claims, what to do, how to file, and what proof of loss is needed can be found in the NFIP online booklet “The NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook” at
http://go.usa.gov/x89kz. In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period for a new flood insurance policy to take effect. To learn more about this program, contact your insurance agent or the NFIP at 888-379-9531, or visit
www.floodsmart.gov.
Call the FEMA helpline to register, register online at
www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or get additional information: 800-621-3362, or TTY at 800-462-7585. You can also visit your nearest Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Location addresses can be found at
www.FEMA.gov/DRC.
30 days since Hurricane Matthew declaration, 30 days left to register
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- As the first 30 days in the Commonwealth of Virginia recovery concludes following Hurricane Matthew, people in seven cities and two counties are eligible for disaster assistance.
The cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach are eligible for FEMA's Individuals and Households program. Eligible jurisdictions for the Public Assistance program are Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton.
During the first 30 days, more than 4,200 people have registered for more than
$7 million in federal assistance of that:
- More than $6.1 million for rent or repair of disaster-damaged housing
- More than $3 million was approved for rental assistance
- More than $940,000 for Other Needs Assistance
- Nearly $110,000 per day was dispersed for eligible home repairs
- More than 1,400 survivors have visited Commonwealth/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.
- More than 3,000 FEMA housing inspections have been completed.
- FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams in the field have spoken with nearly 7,500 survivors and have visited more than 115 homes per day.
- The Small Business Administration, a FEMA and Commonwealth partner, has approved nearly $6.8 million in low-interest disaster loans to more than 3,100 homeowners, renters and business owners to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents.
- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 2,220 claims and paid more than $22 million to policyholders, including advance payments to help homeowners get started quickly on repairs.
Disaster response involves the whole community, FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) joined forces with voluntary groups, community agencies, faith-based organizations, and neighbors helping neighbors rebuild and repair damages.
Voluntary organizations provide a wide range of assistance to disaster survivors, including flood debris cleanup, shelter, food, clothing, counseling, home repairs, and reconstruction. These organizations belong to the Virginia chapter of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters.
Virginia voluntary and faith-based organizations include: Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Southern Baptist Conservatives, Volunteers of America, The Salvation Army, 211, Point of Light, Federation of Food Banks, Operation Blessing, Team Rubicon, Crisis Cleanup, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, American Red Cross and Baptist General Association of Virginia, as well as dozens of other organizations providing assistance to survivors who have unmet disaster-related needs.
Survivors who still need help cleaning up with other recovery needs can turn to the many voluntary, faith and community-based groups that are donating their time and skills in Virginia. These groups are always the first and last presence to help disaster survivors recover.
Disaster recovery officials are still on the ground in all seven cities and continue interacting with survivors in a variety of ways to help them with the recovery:
·
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs): more than 4,200 survivors have visited the six DRC that have been open. These are facilities where survivors can meet face-to-face to discuss their cases with federal, Commonwealth, local, and volunteer representatives. The first centers opened less than a week after the presidential disaster declaration. Visit
FEMA.gov/DRC to find locations.
·
Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialists (DSAs): nearly
7,500 survivors have spoken with FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists. Specialist are FEMA staff who canvass affected neighborhoods and communities to encourage survivors to register for help, provide recovery information, and listen to their concerns.
·
Mitigation Specialists: free consultations are available at DRCs and by calling the flood helpline:
868-379-9531 where survivors can get tips and techniques on building hazard-resistant homes.
If you had storm damage no matter how small, here's how to register for help or to get more information:
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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Effective Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Virginia Beach will close on Sundays. DRCs located in Hampton, Portsmouth, and Suffolk will remain open seven days a week until further notice.
Virginia Beach
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Enter main door, turn right, near Cafe
If you have questions outside the DRC business hours, you can call the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service), or 800-462-7585 for TTY users. You can use the Helpline to:
-
Register with FEMA.
-
Ask questions about a FEMA letter.
-
Ask about the status of your registration.You will need your nine-digit FEMA registration number and zip code.
-
Update your personal information (e.g., change of address or phone number, bank or insurance information, et al) to avoid processing delays.
-
Receive information about FEMA property inspections.
-
Ask about other federal assistance.
Additional information about this disaster is available at www.fema.gov and www.vaemergency.gov. To find a DRC nearest you go to www.Fema.gov/DRC. Virginians seeking information about disaster-related services and unmet needs should call Virginia 211, a statewide information and referral service. Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. You can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA).
Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
Don't disqualify yourself—Register with FEMA today!
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — As the Hampton, Portsmouth, and Suffolk localities join the four existing cities eligible for federal and Commonwealth disaster aid, residents with damage who haven't registered directly with FEMA, need to do so before the January 3, 2017 deadline.
Don't disqualify yourself by not registering—let FEMA determine your eligibility. These new localities plus the existing cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Newport News have already registered more than 3,800 citizens for nearly $6.3 million in assistance.
Registering with your city's emergency management agency, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Red Cross, a charitable organization, or having homeowner or FEMA flood insurance inspections is
NOT the same as registering with FEMA.
Because some damages or needs may not show up until later in the repair process, officials urge all residents, renters, homeowners, and businesses that have damage to:
· Register with FEMA now—even if you have homeowners or flood insurance
· Complete and submit a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application—even if you don't want a loan
· Stay in contact with your homeowner and flood insurance adjusters—FEMA needs a copy of your settlement or denial letter to see if there may be other assistance available
If you have hurricane damage to your personal or a visitor's vehicle, storage units, certain property, or other types of flood damage, you may be eligible for assistance—register, then let FEMA make the determination.
After you have registered, if you receive an SBA loan application, officials urge you to complete and submit it to the SBA—even if you do not want a loan. If you do not qualify for the SBA loan, your application can trigger other types of assistance, allowing the SBA to refer you back to FEMA.
You do not have to accept the SBA loan, but sometimes unexpected needs come up and having the loan in your 'back pocket' can make a difference.
FEMA and the SBA offer a variety of programs to help in your recovery. FEMA grants will not affect your government benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid and you will not pay income taxes or see any reduction in your Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.
VDEM and FEMA are working closely with other commonwealth and federal partners, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and voluntary agencies to help match survivors with avenues of assistance.
Two common misunderstandings regarding registering with FEMA are:
1. Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations registers you for FEMA disaster assistance. It does not.
2. Having FEMA flood insurance registers you for disaster assistance.
It does not. It also
does not disqualify you from applying for assistance. Flood insurance claims are handled separately and you may find that you had uninsured losses.
If you haven't registered because English is not your first language, don't let that stop you. If you or someone you know needs language assistance, FEMA has American Sign Language interpreters who speak many languages. Translators are available and can help you in the registration process.
An undocumented parent or guardian may apply for assistance on behalf of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or Qualified Alien. Although the adult will be expected to sign a Declaration and Release (FEMA Form 009-0-3) in the child's name, no information will be gathered on the person signing for the child.
If you have dual insurance, you need to contact both your own homeowners insurance and your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance agent
as well as register with FEMA to apply for assistance. The deadline to register with FEMA is January 3, 2017. The deadline to file proof of loss paperwork with your flood insurance provider is February 7, 2017.
To date, NFIP in Virginia has received
2,214 claims with an estimated payout of $20 million.
If you are a renter and haven't registered, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. You may also receive referrals to Commonwealth agencies that may be able to help.
As an applicant, your information is confidential. FEMA does not share your information with other agencies unless you want us to do so.
Additional information about this disaster is available at
www.fema.gov and
www.vaemergency.gov. Virginians seeking information about disaster-related services and unmet needs should call
Virginia 211, a statewide information and referral service. Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. You can register online at
DisasterAssistance.gov, on the
FEMA Mobile App, or by calling
800-621-3362 (FEMA).
Applicants who use
711 or Video Relay Service may also call
800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a
TTY may call
800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from
7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
11/25/16
Financial Disaster Aid Available for U.S. Citizens, Non-Citizen Nationals and Qualified Aliens
11/23/2016 10:38 AM EST
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is committed to helping all eligible Virginia disaster survivors recover from Hurricane Matthew storm and flood damage, including U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and Qualified Aliens.
11/22/2016 11:44 AM EST
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach will close for the holidays on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
DRCs will be open on Saturday, Nov. 26; however, the Chesapeake and Norfolk DRCs will close permanently at 6 p.m. that evening. The Virginia Beach DRC will be open on Sunday, Nov. 27 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will remain open until further notice.
11/17/2016 01:28 PM EST
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Winter is on its way and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) want to remind homeowners to check whether their heating systems and water heaters were damaged by Hurricane Matthew.
Virginia homeowners and their families may be at risk with flood-damaged furnaces, water heaters and electrical appliances. If the floodwaters reached your heating system or water heater, have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel.
DRC Holiday hours include:
Virginia Beach
Wednesday: normal operations hours, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed: Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25
Saturday, Nov. 26 /
Sunday, Nov. 27: open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Enter main door, turn right, near Cafe
Chesapeake
Wednesday: normal operations hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed: Thursday, Nov. 24; Friday, Nov. 25;
Saturday, Nov. 26: open 8 a.m., closes permanently at 6 p.m.
Chesapeake Department of Human Services
City of Chesapeake
100 Outlaw St.
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Enter main door, turn right
Norfolk
Wednesday: normal operations hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed: Thursday, Nov. 24; Friday, Nov. 25;
Saturday, Nov. 26: open at 8 a.m., closes permanently at 6 p.m.
Norfolk City Work Force Development Center
201 Little Creek Road
Room 208
Norfolk, VA 23505
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operates DRCs. The centers provide FEMA registration assistance and disaster information to residents in the cities of Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach with damage from Hurricane Matthew.
Specialists at the recovery centers can review applicant cases, answer questions about claims, and review information needed to process claims. Survivors who visit the DRCs can also meet with a U.S. Small Business Administration representative.
You do not need to visit a DRC to register for Federal assistance. Survivors can register online at
www.disasterassistance.gov, on the
FEMA Mobile App, or by calling
800-621-3362. TTY users can call
800-462-7585. Phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT until further notice. Help is available in almost any language. To find a DRC location closest to you, go to:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers and click on 'Search for a Disaster Recovery Center.'
Additional information about this disaster is available at
www.fema.gov and
www.vaemergency.gov. Virginians seeking information about disaster-related services needs should call
Virginia 211, a statewide information and referral service.
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Last updated: 11/17/16
Governor McAuliffe Announces Federal Disaster Assistance for State and Local Governments Impacted by Hurricane Matthew
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that President Barack Obama has granted a request for federal disaster assistance to state and local governments in areas of Virginia recovering from Hurricane Matthew. Localities eligible for Public Assistance (PA) are the cities of Franklin, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton.
"This assistance will help ensure our local and community partners receive the appropriate funds in order to begin a path to full recovery from the severe damage incurred by Hurricane Matthew,"
said Governor McAuliffe. "I want to thank President Obama, FEMA, our Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) team and all local government officials for their accelerated coordination in this declaration. Our number one priority will always be the safety of the residents in our Commonwealth."
Hurricane Matthew hit on October 7, 2016 and a federal major disaster was declared on November 2, 2016. More than 11 inches of rain fell across southeastern Virginia in a 24 hour period and peak wind gusts reached 78 mph. After conferring with VDEM officials and personally surveying the damage from the storm, Governor McAuliffe requested federal aid.
The declaration makes FEMA's Public Assistance program available to cover eligible government and certain nonprofit costs. This program provides federal funds for debris removal, repairs to critical infrastructure, roads, buildings and equipment, and related emergency services. The PA program is different from Individual Assistance (IA), which provides direct financial aid to citizens and businesses. State and federal officials will continue to work with local governments over the coming months until all repairs and eligible projects have been completed.
Information about the Public Assistance declaration is available at
http://www.vaemergency.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/4291FRN2PAAdd-ons.pdf.
FEMA had already approved Individual Assistance to residents in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Newport News. Dr. Jeff Stern, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, has requested Individual Assistance for Portsmouth, Hampton, Suffolk, Isle of Wight and York County and the Commonwealth is waiting for the President to make that determination. Information about the declaration and how to apply for individual assistance is available at
http://www.vaemergency.gov.
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Last updated: 11/16/2016 03:18 PM EST
Virginians who applied for disaster assistance after Hurricane Matthew damaged property and homes, should read letters or other correspondence from FEMA carefully.
If you disagree with a decision stated in the letter, a quick fix, such as providing missing or additional information, may be all that is needed to change it.
Common examples of missing information are:
· An insurance settlement or denial letter
· Proof of ownership of the damaged home
Last updated Nov. 7, 2016
To avoid misinformation circulating on social networks regarding the recovery effort for Hurricane Matthew in Virginia always ask for clarification from official sources. Rumors spread fast: please
tell a friend,
visit our rumor control page often and
help us provide accurate information about the types of assistance available.