Review of Disaster Recovery Steps and Update for June

These are the steps outlined by FEMA in the recovery process which occurs after a disaster. 

These steps and information directly reflect the tornado disaster which affected the State of Alabama from the outbreak of tornados occuring on April 27, 2011.

Steps for victims to follow are:

·        File an insurance claim with your insurance carrier (State Farm, Allstate, etc.)

·        Register with FEMA no later than June 27, 2011

·        Once insurance claim is settled, file appeal with FEMA for potential additional grant

·        Apply for SBA loan (no obligation but get loan in process for potential use)

It is important to know that the maximum benefit amount from FEMA is $30,200 which includes insurance claim benefits.

Alternative Housing continues to be an issue in certain areas. Trailers are not allowed in certain areas due to local laws. Some residents are still living in tents and are reluctant to leave even though FEMA trailers will be located less than 10 miles from their land. Local agencies / Faith Based organizations can be key to disseminating information to neighborhoods. There is also a lot of debris left to be removed before trailers can be set up. Project Clean Sweep has started in Jefferson County, Alabama, with three companies hired to clear public areas. Jefferson County has approved the cleanup of private property as well.

State warehouse has been located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Any donation overflow can be sent to that site and then “ordered back” when items are needed. Brooke Fussell with servealabama.gov is monitoring that program. Big ticket items are going to be needed soon (refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.). Areas need to be careful with donating too much and thereby negatively impacting local economy. Much better to give money so that items can be purchased from local retailers.

Walker County Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) (Paul Kennedy) Walker County still in clean up phase but moving closer to recovery and rebuilding. Temporary housing still an issue as many home owners are “kingdom building” and not wanting to temporarily relocate even a few miles away. Debris clean up is still critical issue and there is a major need for big equipment. They also are in need of overnight facilities for volunteers from out of the area. Walker County volunteer agencies active in disasters (VOAD) meets every Monday at 11:30. Any non-profit agency is welcome to attend.

Mid-Alabama Red Cross (Brooke Cochran) Faith Chapel Christian Center shelter is closing as housing was obtained for families at that shelter. Still in initial casework process but they hope to have that wrapped up by mid June.

American Red Cross (Dave Mesojednik) One large shelter still in place in Tuscaloosa. Red Cross transitioning fairly rapidly to long term recovery phase.

Salvation Army (John Stamps) All Salvation Army Canteens have been closed. The distribution center is still open but they have stopped accepting donations. $300 grants are still being distributed. Proof of eligibility (housing structure damage) is required to qualify for this grant.

Hands On Birmingham  (Tree Davidson) Over 4,500 volunteers have been placed with 8,000 hours logged. Debris removal is still priority for volunteers and HOB is working closely with Don Roybal and Project Clean Sweep. Age requirement for volunteers is over 18 if working on debris removal, 15 and up if working in warehouse sorting donations. Please forward any volunteer requests to Tree at 205.251.5849.    

Lutheran Ministries (Ron Turney) will be having case manager training June 17-18 and June 24-25. They are looking for a facility to host the training and provide food. They are planning an extra half day for CAN training as well. Please complete the contact list on the sign in table.