York Town News
FEMA, SBA continue to offer support for local residents, businesses
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK BEACH - More than a month has past since the Mother's Day floodwaters subsided, but the work of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration to assist local residents and business owners continues.SBA Public Information Officer Tom Nocera confirmed that, as of June 25, York County residents and businesses had received more than $1 million in SBA Disaster Loans.
"The majority of the approvals - as of the close of business on June 25 - are going to homeowners and renters," Nocera said, noting 47 loans totaling $869,000.00 have been approved.
In York County, he said, four loans for businesses have been approved thus far in the amount of $143,000.00.
"The SBA started disbursing funds last week at the two loan assistance centers, which remain open," he said.
FEMA and SBA are asking residents to file their paperwork promptly so that they can get the help they need.
"Over 900 disaster victims who registered with FEMA have yet to turn in their applications," he said.
Kenneth Clark, coordinating officer for FEMA, urged local residents and business owners with flood-related losses to begin application process immediately by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
And, FEMA has cautioned that misinformation could preclude disaster victims from getting the assistance they need.
There are two easy ways to begin the application process: calling FEMA or visiting the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov where valuable recovery information is also available.
Even those with insurance may be "underinsured" and in need of help, so SBA and FEMA officials are urging residents to take the time to apply for assistance now.
Looking to the future, state and federal emergency are providing tips on preventing or reducing damage from future floods.
"It's safer, cheaper, and ultimately much easier to limit future destruction than to repair it again and again," Clark said. "The rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to limit future damage."
York County Emergency Management Agency Director Bob Bohlmann agreed.
"Although many recommended measures require employing a contractor, some can be accomplished by a competent do-it-yourselfer," he said in an announcement of preventative tips from FEMA. "It is important, however, to talk to your local building officials before you start any work. They can provide information on local standards and building codes."
Those prevention tips include relocating or elevating appliances and electrical systems from flood areas, installing a septic backflow valve, building exterior and interior floodwalls and anchoring your fuel tank.
That last step will be the law in York as of November, with voter approval, as a new ordinance has been proposed by York Beach Fire Chief David Bridges to avoid what he described as the potential catastrophe of floating propane tanks in York Beach during the Mother's Day flood.
Funding for hazard mitigation projects may be available to victims of the recent floods who qualify for SBA low-interest loans.
For more information, visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov or call the National Flood Insurance Program at (888) CALL-FLOOD.
