FEMA Assistance

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

#disasterassistance #storms #readywisconsin

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker is encouraging individuals, families, and businesses impacted by recent flooding and storms in eight Wisconsin counties to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for possible disaster assistance. Last week, President Donald J. Trump approved federal disaster aid for individuals, families, and businesses in Crawford, Dane, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, and Vernon counties.

“We’re encouraging everyone who sustained damage in these eight counties to register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov to receive possible assistance,” Governor Walker said. “Even if you’ve already called 2-1-1 to report damage, we still need you to register with FEMA. I thank President Trump for approving the declaration, and we are pleased that FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are ready to provide this much-needed assistance.”

Residents from the counties listed that sustained flood damage at home or at their business can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362 or for TTY call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Governor Walker reminds homeowners and businesses they still must call FEMA to register even if they called 2-1-1 or their county emergency management office initially to report damage or if they met with a FEMA representative last month during damage assessments. “If you are not sure you are registered, call 1-800-621-3362 and a FEMA representative can provide assistance,” Governor Walker continued.

FEMA assistance may include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to primary residences, as well as funding for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or funeral costs. If you have insurance, first file a claim with your agent. FEMA may still be able to assist with disaster-related expenses that were underinsured or not covered by your policy.

FEMA Disaster Survival Assistance crews will begin outreach in Sauk and Dane Counties Tuesday afternoon to explain the program and to encourage flood victims to report damage. FEMA field personnel will be wearing FEMA shirts and carry official badges.

The SBA opened a Business Recovery Center in Madison and will be opening another office in Viroqua on Thursday to help businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by the storms. SBA officials can provide information about applying for disaster loans. The locations are 740 Regent Street, Suite 100 in Madison and 318 Fairlane Drive in Viroqua. Both offices are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Several other counties that also sustained damage from flooding and tornadoes are still under review by (FEMA) for the Individual Assistance Program. The counties under review are Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette, Ozaukee and Washington. Governor Walker said the state will continue to work with affected individuals and businesses to provide disaster relief.

Information about the various state and federal disaster programs that are available are located at ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov.

SBA Engagement related to Presidential Disaster Declaration

In response to the Presidential disaster declaration made over the weekend, SBA now has disaster assistance staff in place in our Madison office to assist affected businesses (large and small), homeowners, renters, and non-profits. Another location may open next week.

Please share this information in the affected counties: Crawford, Dane, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Vernon, Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Rock, Trempealeau and Wood.

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SBA_Wisconsin/status/1054507392841465857
• Link to news release for opening of Business Recovery Center: https://www.sba.gov/node/1629686
• Southwestern Wisconsin’s businesses, non-profits, homeowners and renters affected by August and September flooding and storms can now visit the SBA’s Business Recovery Center in Dane County for assistance. The address is 740 Regent Street, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53715. The office is open from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday. Counties eligible for assistance include: Crawford, Dane, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Vernon, Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Rock, Trempealeau and Wood. Read more about SBA assistance for these counties.

Questions? Contact Robin Dittberner, Economic Development Specialist, Wisconsin District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration, (608) 441-5521 robin.dittberner@sba.gov