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Disaster
Rehabilitation Assistance -
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If your area is declared a major disaster area, one or more Disaster Application Centers (DACs) may open to provide information and take applications for assistance. They usually are located in a school or other public building. While low-interest loans and costsharing programs can be very attractive, be sure you can afford to take on the additional debt. Home and Personal PropertyThe Small Business Administration (SBA) offers medium- and long-term loans for rehabilitation of homes and personal property. Interest rates are relatively low. Loans are also available from other sources. • Small Business Administration (SBA) Personal Property Loans are for the repair and replacement of personal items like clothing, furniture, and cars. • SBA Real Property Loans may help you repair or restore your home. If you are required by local government to make structural improvements or relocate, these costs may be included in a loan. • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. If you are denied an SBA loan, you may be eligible for a FEMA grant. Your community may also apply to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, in order to get money to buy out and relocate homeowners in flood-prone areas, as well as flood-proofing. • USDA Rural Development. Loans or grants may be available through Rural Development to individuals who qualify under the 502 home ownership loan or 504 loan and/or grant program. • Private lenders. You may be eligible for loans from your local bank or credit union. • Historical societies. Check with your local historical society about loan or grant programs for architecturally significant properties. What You’ll Need for Most Grants or Loans• An itemized list of losses with your estimate of the repair or replacement cost of each item. • Copies of your federal income tax returns from the last 3 years. • Copy of your deed, mortgage, or renter’s lease. • Estimates of new flood insurance premiums; copies of your previous insurance policy or insurance settlement. For personal loss:• Proof of monthly income (stubs, statements). • Driver’s license and/or Social Security number. For business or farm loss:• A brief history of the business or farm. • Personal and business financial statements. • Loan repayment schedule; list of bills owed. • Farm Service Agency information on farm crop base and assigned yields. Other AssistanceInsurance, volunteers, and businesses may also help you. If you are fully insured, you may only have to pay the deductible and your insurance policy will pay for professional cleaning and reconstruction. The same is true for flood insurance, which may be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (call NFIP at 1-800-638- 6620 for more information or check the NFIP web site at http://www.fema.gov/nfip). Meet with local emergency government officials about current options and funding sources related to flood proofing or relocation. Private volunteer organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and church groups, usually are on the scene during or after a disaster. These groups help with clothing, groceries, shelter, medical aid, counseling, and, in some cases, cleaning and rebuilding supplies. Services often are free. Your local TV, radio, and newspapers usually publicize ways that businesses are contributing to the recovery process. Some businesses may offer reduced prices, but you should be wary of “flood sales” of flood-damaged items. |
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Adapted by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Specialists,
NC State University, from Disaster Handbook |
A
variety of disaster assistance is available to homeowners, farmers, and
businesses that have suffered property damage. Lending agencies make loans
for home repair, improvement, equipment, and livestock. Federal and state
assistance may be available if your community is declared a disaster area.
Local government and media will tell you about disaster declarations and
where to get information about any programs.