FEMA: We Offer Aid, Information for Sandy Victims
As residents remain anxious in the aftermath of Sandy, the agency says it is offering tips and information about mitigation.
FEMA's Chris Herman discusses mitigation with Jacquelin Capestro and her daughter Missy.
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Navigating her way through the piles of paperwork, through meetings with contractors and the near never-ending stream of advice coming at her from every direction is a new experience for Jacqueline Capestro. Then again, so was watching ocean water surge down the street and into her home.
For the 22 years she’s lived there, Capestro had never once seen her Bradley Beach home flood. When she returned following Hurricane Sandy to assess the damage she found her floorboards buckled, the furniture destroyed, and a flood line on the wall three feet from the floor.
After initial shock slowly shifted to resolve, Capestro was left without an answer to one very important question: What now?
In Capestro’s case, and in the case of many New Jersey’s residents severely impacted by Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been the go-to resource for not only aid in getting back on her feet, but information and advice for everything after the initial.
Part of FEMA’s responsibility in its disaster response is mitigation. While immediate needs like personal safety and security are rightfully attended to before all other concerns, dedicated crews of FEMA personnel are dispatched to disaster areas to offer advice and provide information on everything that comes after finding your home underwater.
“It’s a lot of work to navigate through the process and you’re finding a lot of people who don’t know what resources are available to them,” FEMA responder Chris Herman said, standing next to a folding table covered from edge to edge with pamphlets and signup sheets.
Through the months of FEMA’s occupation of the Jersey Shore, information booths like the one manned by Herman and his partner Sharon Lavant recently at the Home Depot in West Long Branch have been set up to assist victims of Sandy in finding the correct information they need.
A number of residents have complained about FEMA, the agency's lack of quickness in providing assistance and the confusion some have had about the application process. The complaints are not new; even after the agency underwent a number of reforms following criticism for the way FEMA handled Hurricane Katrina, the agency remains a target for many victimized by natural disasters.
With pressure being applied by municipalities to get debris removed from homes, contractors who want to start working as soon as they can, and families who just want to get back to normal, Herman said there's a need to slow down and take your time.
One of the first things residents need to do is find out where the money they need to rebuild is coming from. Still, he said, more than a month after Hurricane Sandy hit, some residents are still mired with their insurance companies, trying to find out if they coverage they have covers what just happened.
Residents need to pressure their insurance companies to commit to an answer, he said. If your plan includes insurance in case of flooding, get it in writing. If it doesn’t, get it in writing. The only way FEMA can begin to consider your application for assistance is if they know it’s not coming from somewhere else, too.
Resident impacted by Sandy have until Dec. 29 to apply for emergency aid. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov to apply online or call 1-800-621-3362 to apply over the phone.
In Capestro’s case, living in an area that had never previously flooded meant she never considered carrying flood insurance. Her letter of denial from her insurance carrier led her to getting $31,900 in aid from FEMA, the maximum amount the federal agency can offer.
When it comes to rebuilding, Herman said residents should ensure that every contractor, electrician, and plumber they use is certified. Though unlicensed handymen may promise the same work for less, the certifications carried by licensed professionals ensures that you don’t run into any issues when either FEMA or your insurance company come looking or receipts.
Being thorough in picking a contractor might seem like it’s making an arduous process even more difficult, especially for displaced residents like Capestro and her daughter Missy, but it’s the best way to ensure that you’re going about your home restoration in the right way.
"It’s been a slow process meeting contractors and getting estimates,” Missy Capestro said. “Part of you feels like you’re stuck in that movie “The Money Pit.” But we were lucky. Some days you forget that, but you need to remember. You have moments where you get stuck in that woe-is-me phase, but you’ve got to look at the bigger picture and see what you still have.”
When residents take stock of their flood-damaged homes, it’s critical they assess where the water damage occurred and promptly remove it. Reports have come from officials in many storm-ravaged areas that homes have been abandoned following Sandy, with property owners unable or unwilling to return and begin the difficult process of restoration. It’s a problem, Herman said, for one simple reason: mold.
It’s not enough to tear out the drywall and insulation and rip up the carpet, either, Herman said. Walls need to be tested with a water meter before they’re closed up to ensure that they’re not a breeding ground for mold.
“Mold is probably the biggest hazard after a flood,” he said. “Each spore is a tiny seed waiting to grow.
“I’m always careful not to scare people. Everyone has heard about that killer mold, but that’s one in millions. Mold isn’t something to be feared but it needs to be gotten rid of.”
People react differently to mold, he said, but unexplained headaches, watery eyes, and coughing are some signs that there’s a significant mold population in your home. Even a musty smell is an indication that something’s lurking behind your walls.
Luckily, though Herman is reluctant to use the word considering Sandy’s impact, much of the flooding along the Jersey Shore was from salt water. It’s also been cold recently, though Tuesday and Wednesday featured some unseasonably warm weather. It’s more difficult for mold to grow in those conditions, though it’s still a threat.
And whatever you do to dry your house out, don’t turn on the heat. Mold loves warm temperatures. If you’ve got a dehumidifier, use that. Turning the air conditioning on would help. A fan will due in a pinch as well, but, unless it’s necessary to have on, homeowners should keep the heat off as they’re drying out their houses.
Ultimately, Herman said those impacted by Sandy need to look out for their own peace of mind. Through the early stages of this restoration process, FEMA will be there to help, he said.
“The goal is to get people back to safe, sanity, and security,” he said. “Until you’re there, FEMA’s not done. But it takes patience and persistence.”
TruthAboutMold
10:47 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Mold can cause serious health problems. For accurate information about the health effects of mold, go to http://truthaboutmold.info and check out the Global Indoor Health Network at http://globalindoorhealthnetwork.com. Be sure to read GIHN's position statement that discusses the diagnosis and treatment of illness caused by mold.
Cheri
11:37 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
What about if the flooded home is not your 'primary residence' and you did not have flood insurance. Are you just out of luck?
barbara
6:21 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
i am in the same boat, but did have flood ins but not for contents. my son rents my toms river home and fema said i could not get any help, but he would be given $ for his furniture, etc. he filed and went there and they tell him he has to take a loan. WTF? meanwhile, he and girlfriend homeless, my "secondary" home is destroyed. sucks. why should he have to take a loan?
cynthia
12:33 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Okay so I'm confused, no flood insurance denial from insurance company aid From FEMA what does that mean a loan in the amount of $31,000?
barbara
8:36 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
we were not denied flood ins, still waiting to hear from them and get their "proposal" damage was so bad, they did give us an immediate advance, however, the flood ins does not cover contents of home. so my son, who rents the home filed with FEMA to try to replace some of his furniture, and they denied him. Said he would have to take a loan. not asking for a million dolllars, just enough to get a living room set and bedroom furniture. but they say he has to take a loan, not right.
barbara
11:09 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
no, i did receive flood ins money in a timely manner, however, FEMA won't give us anything cause my secondary home. My son who rents my home applied for aide and was denied, they said he had to take out a small business loan. he was approved for $23,000. don't need that much. just dont understand why FEMA wont just give him about $5,000 to cover his losses. he works hard and does not need a loan on his back. so where is all this aide money going to? we sure not seeing it, and believe me, our home is destroyed! stinks
shorefriend
1:21 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I am not an expert but from what I have learned;
FEMA is for primary homes only.
Business impacted are not covered by FEMA but rather the Small Business Administration will provide low intrest loans for up to $2m
If you have flood insurance it usually will only cover from the 1st floor or what your insurance deemed flood zone area of your home which means that if you lost contents in your garage, storage, fencing, outdoor structures, those are NOT covered by flood insurance. Now whether or not FEMA picks up the balance of uncoverd itmes from flood I am still waiting to hear.
If you home is in a mandatory flood insurance and you chose not to purchase it, even if you did not have a mortgage, you are NOT covered by FEMA.
I know a lot of people that do not have mortgages and did not have Flood insurance they lived in an area that has never experienced flooding at least of this magnitude
If your home was not in a mandatory flood insurance zone and you did not have flood insurance FEMA will help.
Correct me if anyone out there has more accurate information than I, it would be nice to share facts in a simple plain english format.
jim
2:01 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
it is my understanding that any $$ you get from FEMA for a primary or secondary home without flood insurance is a loan,you will need to pay it back ! If you have flood insurance,the $$ you get are yours once you and your insurance reps reach a settlement. FEMA does not grant $$ to unisnsured homes,only loans.
barbara
6:24 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
my in laws did not have flood ins, their home ins wont pay a time. they did get a letter from fema saying they qualified for a grant, but they would have to purchase flood insurance. was not clear. waiting for an answer. waiting, waiting, waiting.....
Martin
9:17 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wrong, Jim. FEMA makes grants to eligible primary homeowners. FEMA also has loan programs.
Kathy
2:49 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
You can recieve up to 31,000 in a grant if you do not have flood insurance. afterbthat you have to apply for a FEMA loan through the SBA and you can get up to 200000 @1% The grant is not a loan
shorefriend
2:54 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I am personaly involved with several that are going through FEMA and Flood Insurance negotians now, I will post facts as I get them.
I would be interested to know if these are grants, or loans?
I agree, if you chose to not purchase flood insurance you took on that risk and now will have to pay.
I did hear that if you had flood insurance FEMA gets paid back first, you get to keep balance if any.
Brooke
2:57 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
How is FEMA's appeal process. The initial amount that I received isnt even enough to fix my ducts and furnace. I sent in all my estimates and am waiting to hear. Just wondering if anyone has had a successful appeal
debby viecelli
3:36 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I applied and got turned down for medical equipment. I had to write a letter of appeal. They sent me a letter , they will give me 499.99, the total cost for for the equpiment was over 3000.00. I don't know how they caculated how much money they were going to give me, but it doesn't even make a dent. So do not count on Fema.
Vin
3:10 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Vince,
You are told to apply so the other agency can assist you, but FEMA called me asking for a return call to update infomation I submitted on my seconday home. I started the call telling them that same info but spent 55 minutes on phone with two employees who then said "your not eligable because your that home is not your primary". Yes I know, I told both of you that when this call started. So don't expect any great eye opening infomation that you don't already know.
jim
3:34 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
had same experience; I also had 2 reps come to my house and each one gave a different answer to the same question. The confusion seems to be when you have flood insurance and need more $ to cover what flood wont cover,they use the term grant,but as a secondary home it ends up being a low interest loan as Kathy described.
KRaz
8:15 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
As I understand it ... a grant from FEMA you do not have to pay back, but the small print does say you will be required to get flood ins. We never had flood ins because we have never had water in our house ... 49 years!
KC
12:34 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
FEMA does not want to have to pay out two and three times over on the same properties. I expect the rationale is that if a property flooded once (even once in 49 years) then (God forbid) it is in the realm of possibility that it can flood again. People need to make an informed decision when they purchase flood insurance IF they want their contents insured. Many people were unaware of that fact and it is beginning to bite them in the behind. I wasn't aware of this and am grateful to have incurred only minor damage, and am in the process of trying to remediate my policy to cover contents should these storms become a trend. I hope not.
Missing Brick
12:08 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I have flood and homeowners insurance, but am finding that there will still be a six figure discrepancy between what they pay and actual reconstruction costs. I applied to FEMA, but found I was outside the income level they help.
Anyone inside their income level could never afford a house in Brick NJ near the water though...so I don't get it. Who can they help? Maybe seniors who bought in before say the 1980's? To say I should have purchased more insurance is a red herring. I took all policies my broker offered me and payed my premiums on time without ever making a claim before.
If FEMA was worth a thimble full of water in the desert, they would give us free legal help to protect us from the insurance companies. Now I need to find money for a lawyer on top of rebuilding my home...seems I'm gunna need that loan they were offering after all...thanks guys! If I understand correctly, since I made more money I paid more towards FEMA...why now do I not get the benefits I paid for.
It really is hard not to feel anguish at the ineffectiveness of any outside help in such a crisis while one is displaced from their home and going to possibly be paying off the damage for the rest of their lives in the form of what is basically a 2nd mortgage at a just slightly lower rate.
KC
12:36 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I think there are many people who would benefit from legal counsel in your predicament and suggest that maybe you could get a group of people together to question these insurance adjusters. They give the appearance of making it up as they go along.
Missing Brick
12:27 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
BTW, lest people make jabs about those with higher incomes should help themselves...if I got a $30k grant toward my repairs it would certainly help ...because by the end of my repairs, ironically, my repair-adjusted income will be reduced to lower than the level of many who got the grants!
I'm not jealous of those folks, I just think that people who were responsible enough to pay for their homes, pay property taxes and buy insurance should not be ruled out of a program to help in a disaster situation. The idea, I thought, was they would help in picking up the slack that others didn't cover. Why only for some? Or why not put the clamp down on the insurance companies that make up their own rules just to loophole out of paying up the day a disaster finally strikes.
I don't want to be bitter, but at this point I am.
paddler
12:53 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Missing Brick - I couldn't agree with you more! We've never received government assistance of any sort, have flood and home owners insurance, and have paid our property and income taxes for years. This is the first time we've ever asked for help - it took a disaster - and won't receive any. Penalized for being responsible....
Missing Brick
12:54 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
<<They give the appearance of making it up as they go along.>>
Yes, that is my feeling too. Selective Flood gave my neighbor and me exactly opposite answers about the same question.
Hate to say it, but get it together guys! There are tens of thousands at stake...how can it be so complex even the adjusters can not navigate it?
I decided officially today that I need to lawyer up...but what a burden to throw onto the already high heap of expenses and stresses.
Skitch
12:17 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
@ Missing Brick. "Selective Flood" is only a servicing carrier for NFIP. They collect the premiums, write the policy that your agent asks for and pay the claims. What you apparently don't know is that Selective does not handle the claims. The claims are sent out to independent adjusters who are required to be certified by the NFIP for handling. The flood carriers are merely servicing carriers for the NFIP. The claims are paid out by the carriers on the request of the certified NFIP adjuster which handles your claim. Without that authorization to pay from the adjuster their hands are tied. The carrier then turns around after the payment is made and is reimbursed by the NFIP for their payment and the services in handling the claim. The NFIP is run by the federal govt.. Not sure a lawyer will be able to help you at this point in time or not. NFIP apparently moves at their own pace it seems. I had my house inspected approx 9 weeks ago and am still waiting to be paid. The NFIP is broke. If the funds are not there you can't get paid. Hence this is why Christy is lobbying so hard for the $$$$$$. Smarten up people. The insurance carriers have nothing to do with this. It's the NFIP/FEMA. The carriers don't insure for flood. It is clearly stated in homeowner policies that flood is excluded. The homeowner carriers are not going to pay you for something that is specifically excluded under the policy. Why would they?
Sal
1:27 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Unpopular but Honest point of view: _____Are we all hypocrites??? On one hand we all scream the Federal Government has to spend less and tax us less___and now on the other hand we are all screaming for Federal Government assistance, handouts and free no strings attached tens of billions of dollars of free federal government money. Yes indeed___facing reality is difficult. But, What happened to those words "Accept Personal responsibility" that everyone was screaming a while back? So think about it?? What do you really want MORE or LESS federal spending___opps wait a minute now I get it__what you want is More federal spending and help for YOU and Less federal spending and help for someone else.
Tim O C
8:07 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Yes Sal republicons are hypocrites
Dont forget Gov Chrisco
He backed Mittens who said Fema was immoral and that the states should pay
Also all republicons who belong to a union are hypocrites
Ann Powers
8:53 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
No. What people are saying is that if a federal program exists and has helped others, it should help New Jerseyans (and others) who have suffered from Sandy, perhaps the costliest storm ever.
FEMA should not be involved in legal counsel. That's an individual concern.
I sure hope FEMA has a way of weeding out cheaters. Too many people are claiming their homes as primary residences because they didn't get flood insurance on their second homes.
Michael reina
7:12 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Sal i think you probably summed it up best......
Johnny Appleseed
7:49 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
All areas that were flooded should be cleared and turned into flood plains. All people displaced should be moved to detroit there is plenty of empty housing there.
Ann Powers
8:54 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Idiot.
shorefriend
8:33 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
The money being granted to eligible howowners is intended to offset the costs not completely make them go away, if you think that FEMA is going to pay 100% to bring you back you are sorely mistaken, like it or not, you are going to pay up front or take out loans, you do have some personally responsibility in all of this.
If you are one of the lucky ones to get free money you should be grateful, don;t forget where this money comes from, Taxpayers!!
Ask your self is it fare to bail people out over and over again? They should be required to get flood insurance if they take the money.
Martin
9:12 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
They ARE required to get flood insurance if they take FEMA money.
shorefriend
12:16 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Martin, thanks for the information, this is a good forum to share facts
Mike Simpson
12:46 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
When property owners receive financial assistance from the
Federal Government following a Presidentially declared disaster,
they may be required to purchase flood insurance coverage. This
requirement is mandated under the National Flood Insurance
Reform Act (NFIRA) of 1994. It is imposed when a building has
been damaged and is located in an area that is at high risk of
flooding. These high-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard
Areas (SFHAs). http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3323
greg signore
8:59 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Should all flood and mold inspectors be required to carry a water meter to investigate claims? Had one done recently by nj mfg and was just visual .
Joe Campione
8:44 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
To brick and others.. I can empathize with all of you. I live in oceanport and had over 3 feet of water in my home. Unlike many others I am a general contractor .. Been doing this for over 49 years locally in the area. If your finding your rebuil costs coming in more than your insurance is allocating please give me a call and I will help you get a better price to rebuild. I have seen price gouging and outrageous pices given to homeowners. I'm an honest guy that is licensed to do the work. My family and I were affected in the same way. Have a look at my work at www.campionebuilders.com or Facebook.com/campionebuilders ( you will see me standing at my house with the water line at my head). I Anythjng I am happy to meet you at your house and give you free advice and let you know a true cost! All the best joe Campione 732 890 2257
Frank Matusik
9:59 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Nice of you to offer your services Joe. Hearing crazy numbers for cleaning out a home. One of our neighbors in a 1200 square foot home was handed a bill for $13k to remove belongings, tear out sheet rock and insullation then spray for mold. Crazy. Can you ballpark the price per square foot to rebuild a 900 sq. ft.bungalo? Thanks
barbara
11:18 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
crazy people out there, my husband is stubborn and doing most of the work on his own with help of family members. one person i know was charged $8,000 for spraying for mold. outrageous.
SOL
11:46 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Yes for those that are asking second homes second cars are NOT covered & your out of luck. meaning if you are working hard & paying a lot of tax that supports the FEMA program YOU will not be getting help from them.
we are in the same situation. meanwhile my husband that repairs just about everything has been donating his time & skills to man many people Not wanting or expecting anything in return... If he was a money hungry jerk like alot( NOT ALL) of these sub contractors he could have easy replaced his car he lost. ( no help from Fema because we have another car) Karma will get them.