When you pause to count your blessings this Thanksgiving, be sure to include the many state, local and federal responders assisting our state’s survivors of Hurricane Matthew.
“I am grateful for the vigorous commitment to helping people in need before, during and after this intense storm,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. “Essential funding is getting to the right places to help with recovery efforts, and more will follow later. I encourage everyone in disaster-declared counties to register with FEMA to determine if they might be eligible for aid.”
To date, about $77.8 million in Individual Assistance funds have been approved to help applicants located in the 49 counties declared eligible for disaster relief. More than 74,000 citizens have registered for grants and low-interest loans. Those not eligible for funding through available programs are being referred for community-based support through local aid organizations.
Funds in Public Assistance categories are provided not only to address immediate needs but also to implement critical improvements to minimize disruptions and reduce the likelihood of significant impacts in future natural disasters. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program serves to help minimize the cost of future disasters by relocating structures out of flood zones or other hazard-prone areas, flood-proofing critical facilities or completing projects that minimize damage from natural hazards.
In Nags Head, Fire Marshal Kevin Zorc credits a generator purchased in 2014 with Hazard Mitigation funds to his agency’s ability to provide uninterrupted services at the height of the storm. The grant made it possible to replace an obsolete generator installed in 1987 with one able to supply enough energy to maintain all essential functions.
“It provided us an increased level of sustainability that we just did not have before,” Zorc said. “We’re just a stone’s throw from the ocean, so we bear the full brunt of hurricane or nor’easters. Our stability is critical to making sure that people are safe and that we can respond to our community.”
Zorc urged colleagues to not be intimidated by the grant application process, which can be complex. “I can speak very highly of the support and assistance of North Carolina Emergency Management. I strongly encourage others to pursue this and see if they are eligible for support on essential products.”
In Windsor, a project resulting from the destruction caused in 1999 by Hurricane Irene is paying dividends on its investment. Ten years after multiple homes in the Bertie County flood zone were acquired and demolished and made into green space, State Hazard Mitigation Officer Chris Crew said an evaluation looked at subsequent storm impacts that would have occurred without such measures. The same properties were struck again in late September 2016 by a heavy rain event, and two weeks later by Hurricane Matthew.
“We found that we had recouped about 78 cents on the dollar for each of those projects the first time they were tested,” Crew said, explaining that the benefit-cost analysis is based on the 100-year life of an acquisition project. “Now, only a tenth of the way through, we’re already at more than $2 return on investment considering the impacts from the September event and Hurricane Matthew.”
In Pamlico County, officials used Hazard Mitigation funds to relocate the Goose Neck fire department, which was inundated in August 2011 following Hurricane Irene. “We had plenty of floods before, but this one destroyed everything in the fire station – even the building,” said County Manager Tim Buck.
Proceeds from the acquisition and demolition of the low-lying facility allowed the county to construct a larger, better-equipped station at the highest spot in the Town of Rowland. No longer worried about flooding or losing power, the facility now is able to serve as a community center when needed.
“We let people come in to shower and share our resources,” Buck said. “Before, it was not a matter of if we’d flood again but when. Now we know we can continue operations even in the worst situation. Because this project was so successful, he added, the county plans to apply for funds to relocate two additional at-risk fire stations.
###
Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Eligible parties can receive help applying for federal disaster assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and obtain updates regarding their application.
To locate the nearest center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, use the ReadyNC and FEMA mobile apps or go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or readync.org.
Registering with FEMA is the first step to federal disaster assistance. Register:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
- Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.
Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc. while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.