Several bands of severe thunderstorms moved through West Virginia in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 23, 2016. These storms brought high winds and torrential downpours, overwhelming numerous rivers and streams and triggering flash flooding while also downing trees and causing power outages.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin initially declared a State of Emergency for Greenbrier and Nicholas counties on June 23. Later that day, Gov. Tomblin expanded that proclamation to include 42 additional counties. On Wednesday, June 29, Gov. Tomblin ended the State of Emergency for all but a dozen of these counties. The State of Emergency will continue until 5 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2016, unless extended by subsequent proclamation, for: ClayFayetteGreenbrierJacksonKanawhaLincolnMonroeNicholasPocahontasRoaneSummersWebster Gov. Tomblin requested Federal Disaster Declarations for 12 counties, and all have been granted: ClayFayetteGreenbrierKanawhaMonroeNicholasPocahontasRoaneSummersWebsterLincoln
Jackson
An initial assessment by state emergency officials estimates that throughout the affected areas, 1,500 homes have been destroyed another 4,000 homes have suffered damage while around 125 businesses have been destroyed. Officials now await the results of the ongoing comprehensive assessments by FEMA.
FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Assistance:
The federal declarations allow individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas to apply for various forms of assistance.
Assistance available from FEMA includes:• Individual Assistance (IA)• Public Assistance (PA), allowing for emergency protective measures (Category B) including direct federal assistance.
FEMA has posted detailed information about its available assistance: http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2016/06/25/federal-aid-programs-state-west-virginia
SBA Physical Property Damage Loans allow businesses and private nonprofit organizations to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. This assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
The deadline to file applications for Physical Property Damage Loans is Aug. 24, 2016.
The deadline to submit Economic Injury Disaster Loans applications is March 27, 2017.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for FEMA or SBA assistance by registering:• In person at a Disaster Recover Center; DRCs are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to provide one-on-one, face-to-face help.:
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has directed all state agencies that can assist affected residents and businesses to staff the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) established in partnership with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Participation by state agencies will greatly enhance their effectiveness. Participating agencies and the topics of assistance will include:
o Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR): Aid with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; vital statistics records (birth certificates, etc.).
o Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): driver’s licenses, vehicle titles.
o Tax Department: individual and business forms and documents.
o Insurance Commissioner: claims and related questions.
o West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (WVVOAD): volunteer efforts, private bridges.
o West Virginia University College of Law: law student volunteers will offer help on the completion of FEMA and state agency forms, and providing advice on how to obtain legal services.
The West Virginia National Guard and representatives from Gov. Tomblin’s office will also help staff the DRCs. This participation is slated to begin Tuesday, July 5.
FEMA Disaster Assistance and Application
• Online at www.disasterassistance.gov ;• By calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). o Applicants with a speech or hearing disability and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585; o Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362. o The toll-free numbers will operate daily from 7am-10pm (local time).Additional information about SBA assistance is available from the SBA Customer Service Center:• 800-659-2955; o 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing ;• disastercustomerservice@sba.govFor information on FEMA’s role in West Virginia’s disaster recovery:http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4273www.twitter.com/FEMAwww.facebook.com/FEMAwww.fema.gov/blogWhen applying, FEMA will ask for the following information:• Address of the damaged home or apartment• Address where you can get mail• Telephone number where FEMA can reach you or leave a message• Names of people living in your household• Description of your disaster damages;• Insurance information• Social Security Number• If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide FEMA agent your bank account type, account number and routing number• When you apply, you will be given a FEMA application number. Write down your application number and save it for future reference. You will need the application number whenever you contact FEMA.
Fraud
Here are some tips to remember to safeguard against fraud:• Ask to see ID badges. All FEMA representatives will have a laminated photo ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter, please contact local law enforcement.• Safeguard personal information. Be cautious when giving personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone. FEMA will only request an applicant’s bank account numbers during the initial registration process. However FEMA inspectors will require verification of identity.• Beware of people going door-to-door. People knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be con artists, especially if they ask for personal information or solicit money.
Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help to fill out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages, but do not involve themselves in any aspect of the repair nor recommend any contractor.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in your community providing information and assisting people in registering with FEMA or updating their files. The teams coordinate their activities with local emergency managers and make local law enforcement agencies aware of their presence. The teams always consist of at least two people, and may include employees of WV DHSEM as well as FEMA.
They will always be wearing FEMA or W.Va. DHSEM shirts and laminated photo IDs. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams never ask for or accept payment for their services.
Other tips:• Always use licensed and bonded contractors and ask for credentials. Use West Virginia contractors if you can. You can verify a West Virginia contractor’s license online at www.wvlabor.com/newwebsite/Pages/contractor_searchNEW.cfm • Never pay for anything in advance of work being done. • FEMA has a Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721.• The W.Va. Attorney General’s Office has a Consumer Protection & Anti-Trust Division
P.O. Box 1789Charleston, WV 25326Toll-Free: 1-800-368-8808Phone: 304-558-8986Fax: 304-558-0184consumer@wvago.gov
Insurance is essential in any recovery process. If you’ve been affected by the disaster, make sure you call your insurance company and file a claim.
The W.Va. Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) is reminding West Virginia banks that loan insurance is available to cover new loans given to businesses affected by recent flooding. Under this coverage, the WVEDA guarantees up to 80 percent of a bank loan, not to exceed $500,000. Bank loans of $50,000 or less to small businesses will also receive expedited processing during the recovery effort.Information about the application process and how to apply for coverage is available at (304) 558-3650 and www.wveda.org.Free disaster legal assistance is now available for West Virginia flood survivors. They can receive counseling on insurance claims, landlord-tenant issues, home-repair contracts, the replacement of legal documents destroyed by the storm and other legal matters. The toll-free hotline for this assistance is (877) 331-4279.
Only damages not covered by insurance can qualify for FEMA disaster assistance. By law FEMA cannot duplicate benefits.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), is available for those out of work because of the disaster, including self-employed workers. DUA applies to those living inside or outside a designated county whose work has been affected.To apply with WorkForce West Virginia, visit www.workforcewv.org. The deadline to apply is July 27, 2016, for Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties and July 29, 2016, for Clay, Fayette, Monroe, Roane, Summers, Pocahontas and Webster counties.
The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plans to open two Business Recovery Centers (BRC) on July 6 to help affected businesses. The BRCs will allow business owners to meet individually with SBA representatives and find out how a low-interest disaster loan can help them recover.
BRC Locations (as of July 6): Greenbrier County: Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corp., 804 Industrial Park, Suite 5, Maxwelton.Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Kanawha County: Charleston Area Alliance, 1116 Smith St., Charleston.Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
West Virginia 211, a free information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, remains a resource for those affected. They can call 2-1-1 for help finding food, childcare, crisis counseling, and many other resources in their local communities.
WV Department of Highways (WVDOH) is posting the latest roster of road closures : http://www.transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/default.aspxW.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR)
The Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has developed county-specific informational fliers detailing assistance and resources in each of the 10 counties initially granted Federal Disaster Declarations: http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/secretary/Pages/Resources-for-Flood-Victims.aspx
WVDHHR has helplines open 24/7 for those flood victims who need behavioral health assistance:
*Behavioral Health Line: 1-844-HELP4WV
*Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
*SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
DHHR offers tips • For cleaning up mold: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.asp• For health precautions to take when doing flood cleanup:
http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/News/Pages/Flood-Clean-Up-Precautions-Reduce-Illness-.aspx
Shelters:The American Red Cross has established a number of shelters and locations providing meals, relief supplies, casework assistance and other resources. Several of these are alongside the DRCs:
Clay Countyo Fixed Feeding Location: Bethel Community Church, 3725 Bomont Rd., Bomonto Relief Supply Distribution Location: Bethel Community Churcho Relief Supply Distribution Location: Clay High School, 1 Panther Dr., Clayo Casework Service Center: Clay Health Center, 1053 Clinic Rd., Ivydale. Hours: 9:30 am - 7 pm.o Casework Service Center: Queen Shoals Full Gospel Church, 5 Queen Rd., Clendenin Hours: 9:30 am - 7 pm.
Fayette Countyo Shelter: Midland Trail High School,26719 Midland Trail, Hicoo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Gauley River Fire Dept., 115 Main St., Gauley Bridgeo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Nuttall Middle School, Rt. 60, Lookout
Greenbrier Countyo Shelter: Ronceverte Fire Dept., 722 Ronceverte Ave., Ronceverteo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Greenbrier Valley Airport, 584 Airport Rd., Lewisburgo Casework Service Center: 200 East Main St., White Sulphur Springs. Hours: 9 am - 5 pm.o Casework Service Center: Magic Mark, 41 John Raine Dr., Rainelle. Hours: 9 am - 5 pm.
Kanawha Countyo Shelter: Capital High School, 1500 Greenbrier St., Charlestono Fixed Feeding Location: Heritage Baptist Church, 40 Kayla Lane, Elkviewo Relief Supply Distribution Location: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 246 S. Pinch Rd., Elkviewo Casework Service Center: Elkview Middle School, 5090 Elk River Rd. North, Elkview. Hours: 9:30 am - 7 pm.
Lincoln Countyo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Mud River Fire Dept., 2865 Bulger Rd, SpurlockvilleNicholas Countyo Shelter: Cherry River Elementary School, 190 Riverside Dr., Richwoodo Fixed Feeding Location: Restoration Church, 1185 Old Mount Nebo Rd., Mt. Neboo Relief Supply Distribution Location:10 White Ave. Richwoodo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Birch River Volunteer Fire Dept., Old Rt. 19, Birch River.o Casework Service Center: Courts Day Reporting Center, 603 Broad St., Summersville. Hours: 1 pm - 6 pm.o Casework Service Center: Richwood Library, 8 White Ave., Richwood. Hours: 1 pm - 6 pm.
Raleigh Countyo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Southwest WV Red Cross, 200 Industrial Dr., Beckley
Roane Countyo Shelter: Geary Elementary, 9538 Clay Rd, Left Hando Fixed Feeding Location: Geary Elementaryo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Geary Elementary
Summers Countyo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Hilldale Site, 868 State Rt 3, HintonWebster Countyo Relief Supply Distribution Location: Camden on Gauley, 5511 Webster Rd., Coweno Relief Supply Distribution Location: Erbacon Volunteer Fire Dept., 4900 Erbacon Rd, Erbacon
Anyone affected can call (855) 224-2490 for assistance, while anyone who would like to help can call (800) RED CROSS, or visit www.redcross.org.
The Red Cross has established an online database for checking on displaced persons: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
The Salvation Army has delivered 4 trailers of food boxes, hygiene kits, and clean up kits to the Multi-agency warehouse for distribution to partner organizations and agencies providing support to those affected by the floods in West Virginia. .
Clay CountyFixed Feeding Location: Clay County High School
Nicholas CountyFixed Feeding Location: Birch River First Department and Church of the Nazarene
Kanawha CountyFixed Feeding Location: Clendenin – DowntownFixed Feeding Location: Clendenin I-76/119 Distribution Center
Clay CountyFixed Feeding Location: Queen Shoals Full Gospel Church
Greenbrier CountyFixed Feeding Location: Rainelle Park CenterRoving Feeding Location: Rainelle to RuportRoving Feeding Location: Big Draft Road, White Sulphur Springs
TSix Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) providers are on the ground in the affected communities providing emotional and spiritual care to meet the disaster-related needs of affected families and individuals and first responders.
Volunteers/Donations• http://www.wvflood.com, a website developed by Volunteer WV and launched Wednesday (6/29) offers resources both for affected residents seeking aid and anyone who wants to help in some way. As its creators explain, WVFlood.com “attempts to connect the dots between those donating and those who need to receive the donations.” The site’s contact is help@wvflood.com.• Those wishing to volunteer or make donations can also go to: https://wvvoad.communityos.org/cms/PetsA Facebook page has been set up to reunite missing pets with their owners: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=petsofwvfloodCleanupInformation about how to salvage flood-damaged papers and photos can be found at
http://www.archives.gov/preservation/conservation/flood-damage.html
Previous Press Releases:
July 4 Morning Release
July 3 Afternoon Release
July 2 Afternoon Release
July 1 Morning Release
June 30 Evening Release
June 30 Morning Release
June 29 Evening Release
June 29 Morning Release
June 28 Evening Release
June 28 Morning Release
June 27 Evening Release
June 27 Morning Release
June 26 Evening Release
June 26 Morning Release
June 24 Evening Release