Why Am I Getting A Letter From FEMA?

From the FEMA website:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Everyone receives a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after applying for disaster assistance. It explains where you are in the process and what to do next or how grant money should be spent.

If you have questions about any letter from FEMA, you should call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY at 800-462-7585) or visit a disaster recovery center. You can use the same phone number to find the nearest center. You can also locate a center with your smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov or online at www.fema.gov/drclocator.

If your letter says you are ineligible, it will provide what steps are necessary to resolve your status. For help, you can call FEMA’s helpline or go to a center and speak face-to-face with a recovery specialist.

FEMA looks at a number of things to determine if a survivor can receive disaster assistance. But the agency must be able to:

• Verify an applicant’s identity. If you’ve lost your ID during the storm, visit a disaster recovery center. The staff there can make referrals regarding replacement documents.
• Verify damages. If you believe the inspector didn’t see all of your damages, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a disaster recovery center.
• Verify home occupancy. Applicants need to provide proof of occupancy such as a utility bill. You can bring the bill to a disaster recovery center, where recovery specialists will help you.

You may also receive a letter from FEMA about your eligibility if you missed an appointment with an inspector or failed to return paperwork to the Small Business Administration.

That’s why it is so important to give good contact information – such as a cellphone or work number – and stay in touch with FEMA.

If you receive a disaster loan application from the SBA, you must complete and return it in order to be referred to other FEMA programs. You are not required to accept the loan. But returning the application is part of the assistance process.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Keep Your ID Handy

From the FEMA website:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Before the Federal Emergency Management Agency can provide assistance, applicants must be able to prove their identity. Insufficient identification is one reason applicants may be told they are ineligible for assistance.

The Alabama tornadoes destroyed many documents that need to be replaced so survivors can verify their identity to keep their application moving through the FEMA process.

It’s not unusual for important documents to be lost in a disaster. That’s why the state of Alabama and FEMA want to make sure people know how to replace lost documents and why people need to stay in touch with FEMA after they register.

Recovery specialists at disaster recovery centers can make referrals for survivors who need to replace documents.

In general, people can contact:

• The nearest Social Security office to replace their Social Security card;
• Their county health department for a birth certificate (Alabama births) or the bureau of vital statistics in the state where they were born;
• Their insurance agent or company for a copy of their policy;
• Their local probate judge or License Commissioner Office for a duplicate driver’s license (proof of identity is required);
• Their utility company for a copy of electric, water or gas bills to prove occupancy;
• The Alabama Department of Revenue for tax records; or
• Their county courthouse for property records.

If you received a letter saying you are not eligible for assistance, it will state the reason for the decision and explain your right to appeal. If you have questions about any letter from FEMA, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY at 800-462-7585) or visit a disaster recovery center. You can locate a center with your smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov or online at www.fema.gov/drclocator.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call
800-462-7585.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Durable Medical Equipment For Loan From STAR

STAR - Alabama's Assistive Technology Resource maintains durable medical equipment and assistive devices available for long-term loan via our six (6) reunilization centers:

1.  CARE Project ------- Richard Blome
     Easter Seals Central Alabama
     2125 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36116
     Telephone:  (334) 288-0204 ext. 245
     FAX: (334) 288-7171
     E-mail:  RBlome@eastersealsca.org

2.  Mobile Reuse Project ------- Chara Brown
     Goodwill easter Seals of the Gulf Coast
     7431 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36695
     Telephone:  (251) 300-6093
     FAX:  (251) 287-8412
     E-mail:  Chara@gesgc.org

3.  The 3-R Project ----------Rebecca Breazeal
     The Opportunity Center
     1318 Walnut Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201
     Telephone:  (256) 236-0807
     E-mail:  opportunity90540@bellsouth.net

4.  Waste Not Program ----------Melissa Palat
     UCP Huntsville
     2075 Max Luther Drive, NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
     Telephone:  (256) 852-5600
     FAX:  (256) 852-6722
     E-mail:  mjpalat@ucphuntsville.org

5.  ReMEDy Project ---------- Jim Branum
     Birmingham Baptist Association
     1900 West 43 Street, Birmingham, AL 35205
     Telephone:  (205) 783-9170
     FAX:  (205) 783-9171
     E-mail:  jimb@bbaonline.org

6.  The R.E.A.L. Project ---------- Jon Lee
     Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center
     795 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36303
     Telephone:  (334) 699-7727
     E-mail:  jlee@wrcjobs.com

Access a listing of available devices via STAR's website at www.rehab.alabama.gov/star   There is NO FEE and/or cost associated with the loan of this equipment and the borroweer may keep it for as long as needed.

If you seek a particular item that is not on the list, ask a Center Coordinator or contact the STAR office at (800) 782-7656, FAX:  (334) 293-7388.

FREE Vision Exams and Glasses Offered

Cahaba Valley Health Care (CVHC) with Alabama Vision Alliance will provide FREE Vision Exams and glasses on Sunday, May 22 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama, beginning at 1:30 p.m.  This service will be provided without fee to any victim of the recent storms, regardless of where they live.

In addition, CVHC 2011 has scheduled vision, dental and hypertension screenings for residents of Jefferson and Shelby Counties without health, vision or dental insurance and with low income (following Alabama Medicaid guidelines.) 

Vision acuity exam and bifocals available for $75 and single vision lenses for $60 for those who qualify.

• June 12 - HICA, 260-F West Valley Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35209
• July 10 - Riverchase United Methodist in Hoover, AL (2:00 pm - 5:30 pm)
• August 14 - First Baptist Church of Center Point, AL - East Birmingham, AL
• August 28 - St. Francis Catholic Church on Montclair Road in Birmingham, AL

Please register before screenings by e-mail:  lostglasses@cahabavalleyhealthcare.org
Or call:  205-437-1050

Contact Matt Ennis for more information at 205-437-1050 or e-mail:
matt@cahabavalleyhealthcare.org

Will FEMA or State Grants Affect My Social Security or Other Benefits?

From the FEMA website:

In most cases, the Social Security Administration does not count federal or state disaster aid as income.

Here are answers to the most common questions:

Question: If I earn more than a certain amount each year, I must repay $1 of my Social Security payment for every $2 earned. Will FEMA grants add to my income and require me to repay Social Security?

Answer: No. FEMA grants for housing and Other Needs Assistance (ONA) are not counted as income.

Question: Will receiving a grant result in my income being increased so that I am no longer eligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children?

Answer: No. Grants for housing and ONA are not counted as income in determining eligibility for any income-based benefit programs funded by the U.S. government.

FEMA Is Offering FREE Advice On Rebuilding After the Tornadoes

From the FEMA website:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Rebuilding is not easy after a disaster. Survivors may find themselves spending more and more time at their local hardware store, overwhelmed with decisions.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now offering free consultations with building experts at hardware and home improvement stores in Alabama counties affected by the recent tornadoes.

These mitigation specialists will be on hand at display booths to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven techniques to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and building contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a safe room, experts can advise on the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

“FEMA mitigation education is available to all the people of Alabama,” said Mickey Acosta, Group Supervisor for Mitigation Community Education and Outreach. ”It is important that survivors know we have a lot of information to offer, including publications with blueprints that will help build a safe room.”

Alabama is Responding to Federal Assistance

From the FEMA website:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabamians are responding to the message that federal assistance is here following the devastating tornadoes that struck the state. The number of weekly registrants rose by 32 percent for a total of nearly 64,000 individuals and households filing for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the first two weeks.

A total of nearly $36 million has been approved through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s low-interest disaster loan program.

The following numbers, compiled May 13, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved

• $25.3 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs;
• $9.4 million for Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
• $1.2 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters or business owners.

Survivor recovery

• 33,659 damaged homes and property have been inspected (84 percent of requests);
• 11,418 visits have been made to one of the 28 disaster recovery centers located in designated counties. An average of 1,300 survivors visit disaster recovery centers daily.
• 42 counties declared for individual assistance.

Nutrition

• 77,381 survivors in Alabama have received food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the first two days of the five-day registration period.
• 32,049 survivors took part in the program on day three.

FEMA continues to work with volunteer agencies and the private sector to speed the recovery effort. But those affected by the severe storm need to register with FEMA for disaster aid.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use the following methods:

• By phone, call 800-621-FEMA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Operators are multilingual.  For the speech or hearing impaired, the number is TTY 800-462-7585.
• By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

Recovery officials urge all Alabama residents who have registered for assistance to stay in close touch with FEMA throughout the recovery process, especially during the first weeks after registering when FEMA housing inspectors must contact applicants to view damages. Those with mobile phones should provide that number to FEMA during the registration and/or a good contact number.

Affected survivors and business owners in the 42 designated counties may apply for assistance. Those counties are: Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marengo, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Washington and Winston.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Key to Rebuilding Alabama: Low Interest Disaster Loans

From an article on the FEMA website:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Now that immediate needs are being met, the focus is shifting to long term recovery in the aftermath of April’s tornadoes.

Impacted residents are now dealing with issues from how to pay mortgages when no house remains, to replacing lost personal property.

The road to recovery will be long for many, but the journey has begun. Getting there will require help from many resources, including the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SBA can help homeowners, renters, and businesses:

• Replace damaged homes and businesses
• Replace clothes, furniture and vehicles
• Replace inventory, machinery and equipment for businesses and certain nonprofits
• Provide working capital for small businesses and private non-profits

SBA can offer loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace real estate, and $40,000 to repair or replace personal property damages, including automobiles. The interest rate of disaster loans for homeowners and renters may be as low as 2.563 percent, with terms up to 30 years. This makes repayment affordable.
FEMA addresses immediate needs of disaster survivors, but it is low-interest disaster loans from the SBA that provide the greater amount of assistance.

The SBA has already approved more than $2 million to help with long term recovery.

Those who received damages to their homes or businesses need to complete and return the low-interest disaster loan application they received after registering with FEMA. While they’re not required to take out the loan the application process is a key to receiving other assistance. Homeowners and renters determined as unable to afford a loan are referred back to FEMA for consideration of getting a new refrigerator, furnishings and other home essentials.

Loans to business owners affected by the April tornadoes may be up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4 percent. These loans may pay for the repairs, replacement of property as well as working capital.

Visit by Small Business Administration Administrator

From the FEMA website:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – For many Alabamians recovering from the recent tornadoes, completing a disaster loan application may be overwhelming, but it is an essential step in recovery.

“Many Alabamians have endured a tremendous amount of devastation and we want them to have access to every option for assistance and support,” said Cassius Butts, regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, who visited the disaster-damaged areas in Alabama on Friday. “Completing an SBA application opens the door to other types of disaster assistance.”

SBA disaster loans are not only available for businesses – the low-interest disaster loans can also help homeowners and renters rebuild and recover. No one is required to take out a loan, but the application must be completed to be considered for other assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, such as grants to cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses and medical and funeral costs.

Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property lost in the disaster.

Business and nonprofit organizations of all sizes in all designated counties can apply for SBA loans to pay for disaster-related damages. Business owners can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Economic injury disaster loans are also available for ongoing business expenses to recover from the economic impact of a disaster. Economic injury disaster loans are available even if the businesses didn’t sustain physical damages.

Loan amounts and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. Interest rates are as low as
2.563 percent for homeowners and renters, and as low as 4 percent for businesses and 3 percent for nonprofit organizations. Payment terms as long as 30 years are intended to make the loans affordable.

Help with Prescription Medication for Storm-Related Victims in Jefferson County, AL

After a major disaster many personal items come up missing,  One of the most important of those is people's medications.  This becomes especially important when it is medications such as insulin or those taken by people with chronic medical conditions.  This is also true with medical supplies as well.

The following is a list of places in Jefferson County, Alabama, where anyone who needs to get their medication restarted.

1.  Alabama Medicaid Agency - call (334) 242-5000

• Provides assistance if eyeglasses were damaged or lost
• Contact Dodie Teel at (334) 353-5149 or e-mail her at Dodie.Teel@medicaid.alabama.gov
• or Contact Theresa Carlos at (334) 353-3711 or e-mail her at Theresa.Carlos@medicaid.alabama.gov
• or Contact Sheila McDaniel at (334) 242-2366 or e-mail her at Sheila.McDaniel@medicaid.alabama.gov
• Medicaid recipients can work with pharmacy providers to obtain an emergency 72-hour supply of covered outpatient prescription drugs.  Pharmacy providers can contact Health Information Designs at 1-800-748-0130.

2.  American Diabetes Association of Birmingham - talk with Anna Grace Morgan at (205) 870-5172 ext 3071.  They provide diabetic supplies.

3.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield - call 1-888-883-3950 or go to www.bcbsal.com

• Access to prescription drugs:  for prescriptions filled on or after April 27, 2011, all benefit limits related to days supply, quantity, high dollar and early refill have been suspended for affected customers, allowing prescriptions to process immediately at the time of purchase.

4.  Catholic Center of Concern - call (205)-786-4388 or go to www.bhmdiocese.org

5.  Disabled Veterans - call Charles Lobdell at (334)-213-3365

6.  Greater Birmingham Ministries - call (205) 326-6821

7.  Jefferson County Health Department Prescription Voucher Program

• Provides vouchers to tornado victims to be presented at a pharmacy.
• Stipulations:  You MUST have NO paying source (such as insurance) available and must show some proof that the need is related to the tornado event.
• You may go to any of the Jefferson County Health Department locations to get the vouchers. They are:
• Bessemer - 2201 Arlington Avenue - 497-9300
• Central or Main Office - 1400 Sixth Avenue, South - 930-1135
• Chris McNair - 1308 Tuscaloosa Avenue, S.W. - 715-6121
• Eastern - 5720 First Avenue, South - 591-5180
• Morris - 586 Morris Majestic Road - 933-4242
• Northern - 2817 North 30 Avenue - 715-6121
• Western - 1700 Avenue E (Ensley) - 241-5230

8.  M-Power Ministries at 4022 Fourth Avenue, South, Birmingham, AL - call Blanche McIntyre at (205) 595-5959

• M-Power opened a satellite clinic in the Pratt City community which is open from 8 am to 7 pm to provide tornado victims with medications they lost and cannot quickly replace.  This clinic is behind Scott School.  A medica team of one doctor, one nurse and one pharmacist is on site.

9.  The Jefferson County SenioRx Wellness Program at 2601 Highland Avenue, South, Birmingham - call Rene Breland at (205) 327-7314

• This program provides FREE medications, FREE nutritional supplements (Ensure and Glucerna) and FREE diabetic supplies.
• Stipulations for this program are that you must be age 55 or older or disabled and in the 2-year waiting period for disability.  There are also income qualifications.

10.  Sight Savers America - call (205) 991-4878

• They provide treatment for storm-related eye injuries, replacement or repair of glasses, contact lenses, refills of prescription eye drops.
• Funding for this effort is provided by the EyeSight Foundation of Central Alabama.

11.  Viva Health Insurance

• Prescription Refills - Members who have lost their prescription mediciation in the tornadoes may go to their pharmacy for a refill.
• Lost Member ID Cards - call Customer Service at the following numbers:
• Medicare Members - call 1-800-633-1542 from 8 am to 8 pm
• TTY Users - call 1-800-548-2546
• All other Members - call 1-800-294-7780 from 8 am to 5 pm

Update on Red Cross Shelters in Birmingham, AL

The Red Cross Shelter at the Boutwell Auditorium is closed.  In its place the Red Cross has designated the Faith Chapel Christian Center located at 100 Lexington Street in Birmingham as a shelter.

For more information call Faith Chapel Christian Center at (205) 492-2766 or (205) 492-3945 or go to their website at http://www.faithchapel.net/contact.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Jefferson County, Alabama

There are 4 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Jefferson County, Alabama.  Anyone needing help from FEMA is welcome at any of the four (4) of these DRCs.  Information about each of them is as follows:

1.  Serving Concord and Hueytown and Western Jefferson County
     Union Hill Baptist Church
     7049 Taylor's Ferry Road
     Bessemer, AL 35023
     Hours: 7 am to 7 pm
     FEMA Manager is Betty Roberson
     Phone:  (571) 329-6100

2.  Serving Warrior and Northern Jefferson County  (CLOSING Tuesday, May 17)
     Old Armory
     140 Cane Creek Road
     Warrior, AL 35180
     Hours: 7 am to 7 pm
     FEMA Manager is Sandra Brown
     Phone:  (571) 329-6103

3.  Serving Fultondale and Northern Jefferson County (CLOSING Tuesday, May 17)
     Old Ashley Furniture Store
     3429 Lowery Parkway
     Fultondale, AL 35068
     Hours:  7 am to 7 pm
     FEMA Manager is Maria Gabel
     Phone:  (571) 422-1535

4.  Serving Pratt City and SouthWestern Jefferson County
     Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
     306 Avenue U, Pratt City
     Birmingham, AL 35214
     Hours:  7 am to 7 pm
     FEMA Manager is Henry Leong
     Phone:  (205) 614-1647

5.  Serving Pleasant Grove and Western Jefferson County (OPENING Wednesday, May 18)
     Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
     724 Fourth Street
     Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
     Hours:  7 am to 7 pm

Some Tips from FEMA

Here are several articles from FEMA which may prove very useful to you.  Instead of giving you the text of the article, I am giving you a link to each of the articles:

1. Tips for Disaster Survivers to speed recovery aid.  This article talks about recent disasters in Mississippi, however the tips mentioned can be used by the disaster survivers in Jefferson County, AL as well.

        http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54986

2.  Guide to the Recovery Process from FEMA

        http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54966

3.  Help may be available for debris removal from your property:

        http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54984

4.  Don't Put off Calling FEMA to Register for Disaster Assistance.

       http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54905

5.  Take Charge of Your Recovery.  Again this article is not about Alabama, however the tips mentioned are true for us in Jefferson County, AL.

      http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54907

6.  Get in touch with FEMA in person, by phone, internet and U.S. Mail.

      http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54943

7.   Use Disaster Funds Wisely and for Intended Purpose.  Once again, this article is not about Alabama, however the tips mentioned are true in after any disaster.

      http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54973

8.  Help FEMA Help You:  Visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

      http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=54998

Beware of Fraud After a Disaster

Some of the lesson learned from disasters like Hurricane Katrina, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the Haitain earthquake are that there will be many incidences of fraud as devastated areas rebuild.

Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange and the Alabama Home Builders Association join together to offer several tips to protect yourself from fraud when hiring a building contractor:

Before You HIRE a Contractor:

• Verify the contractor's name, address, and phone number.  Be wary of workers who give you pager numbers or post office boxes rather than street addresses.
• Request references on similar work performed by the contractor.  Ask to see a job in progress and ask for the name and address of a customer who had work done over a year ago.
• Make sure that your contractor has an occupational license from the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.  (General contractors licensed prior to January 1, 1992, are exempt.)
• Obtain 2 or 3 bids for different contractors.  Get written estimates.
• When comparing estimates, be sure each is based upon the same set of plans, specifications and scope of work.
• Check with professional associations and licensing boards listed below to verify the worker's record.  Ask to see the contractor's pocket-sized license card. 
• Home Builders Association of Alabama - 1-800-745-4222
• Home Builders Licensure Borad - 1-800-304-0853
• The Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Hotline - 1-800-392-5658
• The local Better Business Bureau - 205 558-2222 (in Birmingham)
• If you are having parts of your house remodeled, check to see if the remodeler has a professional designation such as the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) which is awarded upon completion of coursework in technical courses, business management, contracts and law.

Before the Contractor BEGINS WORK:

• Ask to see proof of workman's comp (when applicable) and liability insurance and is bonded.
• Agree on finance charges and make a payment schedule.  Have a lawyer review the contract, if substantial costs are involved.
• Make sure you have guarantees and warranties IN WRITING.
• Agree on Start and Finish dates and PUT DATES IN WRITING.
• Make sure the contract is SPECIFIC, including details about size, colors, materials, brands, and models.
• Make sure the contract clearly states who will obtain the necessary permits.
• Make all payments to the contractor by check, NEVER in cash.  Avoid paying in advance, if possible.  If not, a reasonable down payment is 30% of the total cost of the project.
• Make sure you keep a copy of the signed contract at all times.

Here are some additional tips from FEMA on how to avoid scammers:

• First of all FEMA employees DO NOT solicit or accept money
• FEMA does NOT offer financial assistance in the form of vouchers.
• ALWAYS ask for an ID.  If some is representing him/herself as a federal employee, such as an inspector they should be able to produce an official, laminated photo identification.
• Just because a person is wearing a FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of that person's affiliation with the government.
• ALWAYS safeguard your personal information.  Do NOT give your personal information such as Social Security number or bank information to individuals claiming to be affiliated with the federal government.  FEMA inspectors NEVER require this information.
• FEMA WILL request an applicant's Social Security or bank account information during the first phone call when the applicant calls FEMA's registration line.  (You call them, they don't call you.)  On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative may ask you to verify your last 4 digits of your Social Security number.  ***If you don't make the phone call, do NOT provide confidential information, it might be a scam.***
• BEWARE of people going door-to-door or phoning disaster survivors who claim to be building contractors.  NEVER give any personal information to these people, they may not be legitimate.
• FEMA inspectors NEVER charge you for their services and are only there to verify damages.  They do not hire or endorse specific contractors to repair damage.

If you think that you have been a victim of a scammer, think you have been involved in a fraudulent transaction or suspect anyone of committing fraudulent activities, you should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.  This number is staffed with a live operator 24/7.

You can also contact your local law enforcement agency or the Alabama Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-392-5658.

Information for Tornado Disaster Victims in Jefferson County, Alabama

Information as of May 10, 2011 -

Wednesday, April 27, 2011, was one THE most distructive weather day in recent memory for the State of Alabama.  Governor Robert Bentley has now declared 42 of the 67 counties in Alabama as disaster areas.  Two of the worst hit are Tuscaloosa and Jefferson. 

This blog is for those Alabamaians living in Jefferson County, Alabama.  However, much of the information may apply to anyone going through a disaster.  I will separate the following information into several  categories, e.g. shelter, food, clothes, debris removal, insurance, medications needed, other:

I will try to keep the information as current as I can.

SHELTER:

1. The Red Cross is operating 3 shelters in Jefferson County, Alabama.  They are:

a.  The Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham
     1931 Eighth Avenue, North
     Birmingham, AL

b.  Dora First Baptist Church
     1440 Sharon Boulevard
     Dora, AL

c.  Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
     1348 Hueytown Road
     Bessemer, AL

2.  FEMA (Individual Assistance Line - 1-800-621-3362) assistance is available for the following:

• Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time):  Money is available to rent a different place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental properties are not available.
• Repair:  Money is available to homeowners to repair damage from a disaster to their primary residence that is NOT covered by insurance.
• Replacement:  Money is available to homeowners to replace their homes destroyed in a disaster that is NOT covered by insurance.
• Permament Housing Construction:  Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. (This type of help only occurs in remote locations where no other housing assistance is possible.)

3.  FEMA is operating several Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) around Jefferson County.  Some of their locations are:

• Concord Mobile DRC at Union Hill Baptist Church
  7049 Taylor's Ferry Road
  Concord, AL
• Fultondale Mobile DRC in the Ashley Furniture Parking Lot
  3429 Lowery Parkway
  Fultondale, AL
• Warrior Mobile DRC at the National Guard Armory in Warrior
  140 Cane Creek Road
  Warrior, AL
• Forestdale Satellite Courthouse
  1485 Forestdale Boulevard
  Foresdale, AL
• Scott's School in Pratt City (Report to Room 3 - Volunteers & See Ms. Edna Brown)
  1517 Hibernian Street
  Pratt City, AL

The above Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 7 am to 7 pm.  FEMA representatives are there to handle your claims.  YOU MUST HAVE A FEMA NUMBER before you will be helped at a DRC. 
You can call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or if you have hearing/speech impaired call 1-800-462-7585.

4.  HUD (Housing and Urban Development) - call (205) 731-2617.  Low cost (Section 8 Rental Certificate Program)  to assist very low-income families.


FOOD and WATER:

1. The USDA has approved Disaster Food Assistance for Alabama to Jefferson County.  This is program is designed to provide food benefits to people who might not ordinarily qualify for the Food Assistance Program.  Jefferson County DHR will be accepting applications May 10-15 between 7 am and 6 pm at Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Eighth Avenue, North, Birmingham, Alabama.  The application schedule for Jefferson County is based on the first letter of the person's last name and is as follows:

• Tuesday, May 10 --------- A through E
• Wednesday, May 11 ----- F through J
• Thursday, May 12 --------K through O
• Friday, May 13 -----------P through S
• Saturday, May 14 --------T through Z
• Sunday, May 15 --------- Make-up day for persons who missed their scheduled application day

2.  The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, 107 Walter Davis Drive, Birmingham, AL (205-942-8911).  Call the phone number listed and give your zip code and you will be directed to a distribution point to go to pick up food.

3.  The United Way - call 211 and give your zip code to find a distribution point to go to pick up food or water.

4.  Tastee Kitchen, 1324 Pinson Valley Parkway, Tarrant is offering free food for people affected by the tornado near Tarrant.  You need to provide ID that shows that you are from that area.

5.  Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 2001 Cedar Grove Road, Leeds, will open a soup kitchen at 5 pm for anyone in the Leeds area needing dinner.  You must show ID that proves you from the Leeds area.

6.  The Salvation Army is running food vehicles for first responders and for victims.  Three are in the Pleasant Grove area and one is in the Pratt City area.

7.  Mountaintop Community Church, 225 Centerview Drive in Vestavia Hills, is serving a free meal for those without power and victims of the tornadoes.  You must show ID that proves you are from the over the mountain areas.

8. 16 Senior Centers in Jefferson County will have shelf stable means for seniors age 60 and older who were affected by the tornadoes.  You must show ID proving you are 60 or over and complete a form at each site.  You can receive from 5 to 10 shelf stable meals at the sites.  Those sites are:
Concord Area - Hueytown Sr. Center, St. John Sr. Center (Dolomite) and Sylvan Springs Sr. Center
Fultondale Area - Fultondale Sr. Center, Gardendale Sr. Center and Hoopersville Sr. Center (Hooper City)
Warrior Area - Kimberly Sr. Center, Morris Sr. Center and Warrior Sr. Center
Foresdale Area - Adamsville Sr. Center and Foresdale Sr. Center
South & West of Jefferson County - Fairfield Sr. Center, Midfield Sr. Center and Western YMCA Sr. Center.

CLOTHES:

1.  The Salvation Army provides clothing immediately following a disaster -  (205) 328-2420.

2.  The Greater Birmingham Ministries, 2304 12th Avenue, North, Birmingham - 205) 326-6821.

3.  The Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill Campus, 901 Overton Road, Birmingham, AL.  Call Wanda Carter at 516-9667.

4.  The American Red Cross - local number is  205-439-7800.

5.  Cottage Hill Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove - call  (205) 744-8521

6.  Hunter Street Baptist Church, Hoover - call (205) 985-7295

CLEARING Away DEBRIS:

1.  If there is a downed tree over a power line, call Alabama Power - 1-800-888-2726.  The power company urges customers to AVOID touching any lines or debris touching them as they still may have power going through them.
2.  Birmingham Baptist Association - call (205) 599-3245

3.  The Moody Fire Department, 670 Park Avenue, is the command center in Moody.  Call Patsy Beard at 640-0302 if you are in the Moody area and need help clearing debris from your property.

4.  Gardendale First Baptist Church - contact Terri Shugart at (205) 488-8716

5.  Valleydale Church - contact Lonny Bearden (205) 965-7847

MEDICATIONS:

1.  M-Power Ministries, 4022 Fourth Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama - call (205) 595-5959.  M-Power opened a satellite clinic in the Pratt City community which is open from 8 am to 7 pm to provide tornado victims with medications they lost or can't quickly replace.

2.  The Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill Campus, 901 Overton Road, Birmingham, Alabama can furnish Insulin and other immediately necessary medications - call 516-9667.

INSURANCE:

1.  State Farm - 1-800-732-5246

2.  Alfa - 1-800-964-2532

3.  Allstate - 1-800-255-7828

4.  Farmers - 1-800-435-7764

OTHER:

1.  The Governor's Recovery Response Line - call 1-866-465-2241.

2.  IRS - call (205) 912-5333 if you need guidance about your taxes or about obtaining tax relief for disaster casualty loses.

3.  Social Security Administration - call  (205) 323-7028 if you have lost your Social Security or Medicare cards or if you need help in getting your checks which were delayed by the disaster or if you are applying for benefits.

4.  Veterans Administration - call (205) 731-0550 if you need guidance in obtaining death benefits, pensions, and insurance settlements.

5.  Disaster Unemployment Assistance/Employment Development Department (EDD) - call 866-234-5382.  This service provides weekly benefit payments to those out of work due to a disaster.

6. Small Business Administration (SBA) - call (205) 290-7101.  This agency provides low-interest rate loans for home/personal property losses or damages.

7. Crisis Counseling - short-term intervention counseling is available for emotional and mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster.  These are some places to call:

a.  Bradford Health Services - 1-800-293-7191 / 1-888-577-0012
b.  Wellspring Christian Clinic - 205-977-3003
c.  Relationships, Inc. - 205-991-3683
d.  Lifesource - 205-326-1513
e.  UAB Mental Health Services - 205-934-7008

8.  Pets and Animal services in Jefferson County, Alabama - call 205-397-8534 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm ( do not leave a voicemail).  If you are staying at a Red Cross shelter and have a pet, the Red Cross will contct the Greater Birmingham Humane Society directly to make arrangements.