Source:  PRESS RELEASE, 4/29/11

This week, Gov. Bev Perdue visited a disaster recovery center to remind state residents affected by April 16’s deadly storms to take steps to get help.

During her visit to the recovery center at the Chavis Park Community Center, Gov. Perdue thanked federal and state workers for their efforts and reminded all North Carolinians affected by the storms that federal, state and local resources are available to help the recovery process.

“There is help available, and North Carolinians affected by the storm should not wait to ask for it,” Gov. Perdue said. “These are the times when we come together and help each other.”

Disaster recovery can seem like a confusing process but following some simple steps will help ensure that all those affected by the storms get the critical help they need.

Register with FEMA
Anyone living in the eighteen disaster-declared counties who has had any type of damage from the storm should register with FEMA. You may qualify for assistance even if you have insurance. Register by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA Helpline hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice. If you have a smartphone, you can register at m.fema.gov.

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Representatives from the North Carolina Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies are available to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid. Recovery specialists also help disaster survivors get in touch with other programs that may be able to help.

Bertie County - Colerain Community Building, 106 W. Academy St., Colerain
Bladen County - Powell-Melvin Agricultural Center, 450 Smith Circle, Elizabethtown
Cumberland County – Dept. of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
Harnett County - East Pointe Village Shopping Center, 1165 E.Cumberland St., Dunn
Johnston County - The Herald Building, 125 S. 4th St., Smithfield
Lee County - McSwain Agricultural Center, 2420 Tramway Rd., Sanford
Wake County - Chavis Heights Community Center, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh
Wilson County – Vester Toyata Builiding, 900-C Highway 301 N., Wilson

Other centers will open soon in counties designated for assistance.
FEMA will assign an inspector to assess damages to your home. The inspector will make an appointment to meet with you. At the appointment, you will need to provide a photo ID and verify your name, address, and the FEMA registration number you received when you registered. There is no charge for the inspection.

Get help for your small business
Business Link North Carolina, a network of statewide, state-funded business resource providers, is offering referral services for businesses looking for assistance in the wake of the storm. Small business owners can call 1-800-228-8443 and Business Link NC can help find the right resource.

Additionally, the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), a leading resource for growing and developing businesses, will provide free assistance to:
• assess the financial impact on your business
• assist with loss minimization
• deal with creditors
• prepare SBA disaster loan applications
• reconstruct financial statements and recapture records

Protect your property
Call your insurance company and file claims promptly. Document any damage as thoroughly as possible, including taking photographs. Don’t forget to provide FEMA with documentation from your insurance company about your claim. You can contact the NC Department of Insurance Helpline at 800 546 5664 for assistance.

Don’t wait for a visit from FEMA inspectors to clean up storm-damaged property. Clean up carefully. For tips on cleanup, visit www.disasterassistance.gov. Also, local building departments may require permits and further inspections.

Protect yourself
Keep all receipts and document expenditures. Disaster assistance must be spent according to the guidelines outlined in FEMA’s letter to you. You may be asked to prove how disaster assistance was spent to meet disaster-related needs, so keep all bills and receipts for three years.

Watch out for scams. FEMA inspections are free and inspectors always have photo identification. They will never ask for money or your social security number. Use only licensed contractors and ask for proof of insurance.

If you have any concerns, contact the Attorney General’s office at 1-977-NO-SCAM.
Stay in touch. FEMA needs to be able to contact you, so updating your contact information is important.