January 23 is Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses affected by severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred March 26 through April 13, 2009 that January 23 is the filing deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Tattnall, Tift, Seminole, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth in Georgia; contiguous counties of Henry and Houston in Alabama; and contiguous counties of Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Nassau in Florida.

Loans are available up to $2 million for eligible entities that suffered substantial economic injury from the disaster. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The interest rate on these loans is 4 percent, with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan based on the financial circumstances of the borrower. Eligibility for the program is based on the size and type of business, and its financial resources.

To obtain a loan application, interested business owners should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business disaster loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may visit the SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline for economic injury applications is January 23, 2010.
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November 26 is Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in Georgia that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available to small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations economically impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on February 20, 2009.

“Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the November 26 deadline,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes in the following counties are eligible to apply: Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas in Georgia and Jefferson and Leon in Florida.

Loans are available up to $2 million for businesses that suffered substantial economic injury from the disaster. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The interest rate on these loans is 4 percent, with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan based on the financial circumstances of each borrower. The SBA determines eligibility for the program based on the size and type of business and its financial resources.

To obtain a loan application, interested business owners should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., EDT or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business disaster loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may visit the SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline for economic injury applications is November 26, 2009.

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President Declares Major Disaster For Georgia

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) yesterday announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the State of Georgia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds beginning on March 26, 2009, and continuing.

Acting FEMA Administrator Nancy Ward said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Obama. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Coffee, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Pierce, Tift, Ware, Wheeler, and Worth counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds in the counties of Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Early, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Toombs, and Ware.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Terry L. Quarles has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Quarles said that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

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SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Georgia Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Tornadoes

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Georgia residents and businesses affected by severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on February 20, 2009 can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Acting Administrator Darryl Hairston announced today.

Acting Administrator Hairston made the loans available in response to a letter from Governor Sonny Perdue on February 23, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Thomas County and the adjacent counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady and Mitchell in Georgia, and Jefferson and Leon counties in Florida.

“The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Georgia with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes with federal disaster loans,” said Hairston. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center in Atlanta. SBA’s customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about the SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications.

The Center will be located in the following community and will open as indicated:

Thomas County
Emergency Services Center
1202 Remington Avenue
Thomasville, Georgia 31792

Opening:
Tuesday, March 3

Open weekdays:
Tuesday, March 3 through Thursday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Open:
Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Closing:
Thursday, March 12, at the close of business

Terri Denison, SBA’s Georgia District Director, added, “Low-interest Federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes whose property was damaged or destroyed by the severe storms and tornadoes.”

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. The SBA also provides mitigation funds to disaster victims based on 20 percent of the verified physical damage. These funds are designed to help borrowers pay for protective measures to minimize damages of the same kind in the future.

For small businesses, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 2.187% percent for homeowners and renters, and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Individuals and businesses unable to visit the Center in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned to the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX. 76155.

Victims may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 27, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is November 26, 2009.

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Increase Your Chances of Surviving Tornadoes

The first week in February is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. The coming months are often the ones with the highest rate of tornadoes in the state.

Many tornado deaths happen at night while victims sleep. These deaths show the importance of being warned when asleep.

The fastest way to hear about severe weather is with a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, pronounced “Noah”) weather radio. NOAA weather radios sound an alarm when severe weather approaches and broadcast details about it.

A NOAA weather radio placed in your bedroom will awaken you if needed.

NOAA radios are sold at electronic stores and even some grocery stores. Choose one with “SAME” technology, which allows you to program it to sound the warning only for severe weather in your area.

Local radio and TV stations can notify you of severe weather, too. Make sure that you are listening to a local station. A station in a neighboring county may not broadcast warnings for your location.

The Weather Channel monitors severe weather, but only if a local cable company provides it. Satellite subscribers don’t get local warnings.

The major drawback of relying on local radio, TV or cable is that you must be awake and paying attention. A NOAA radio doesn’t depend on you being awake or even paying attention. When the National Weather Service broadcasts a warning, it will sound the alarm.

Don’t depend on outdoor warning sirens, which are intended to warn people working or playing outside.

If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, seek shelter quickly. Go to a shelter in a well-constructed building on the lowest possible floor in an interior room away from windows.

The basement is generally the safest place. Stay away from windows and doors and protect yourself from blowing objects.

If you don’t have a basement, a small interior room on the first floor is your next choice. An interior bathroom often meets these requirements. The plumbing reinforces the bathroom. Another possibility is an interior closet.

In a business, school or church, the same rules apply. Everyone should seek shelter in an interior room away from windows on the lowest level. In many large buildings, interior hallways and restrooms are the best choice.

Avoid large rooms such as gyms, auditoriums, libraries, cafeterias or sanctuaries. They generally don’t have the structural support to keep from collapsing in a direct hit.

Mobile homes aren’t safe during severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. Even if it’s tied down, it’s not structurally sound enough to withstand severe winds. The general safety rule for mobile homes is to evacuate to a storm shelter or a sturdy building.

When working outdoors or in a car, keep up-to-date about changing weather conditions. This means listening to a local radio station or having a portable NOAA weather radio.

Don’t get under a highway underpass. The myth that this is a good shelter has grown thanks to a video showing a reporter doing this during a tornado. That reporter was very lucky.

If you’re caught outdoors or in a car with a tornado approaching, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If one isn’t available, lie down in a ditch or a low spot where cars or trees won’t be blown on top of you. Don’t stay in your car. A tornado can pick up your car and blow it around like a toy.

Remember to protect your body, especially your head and neck, from flying debris. Use pillows, blankets, coats or whatever you can find.

Another common tornado myth is to open the windows to equalize the pressure inside and outside the building. Once taught as correct, recent research has shown that it’s the wind not the pressure that destroys buildings. Closed windows help a building withstand wind.

By David E. Stooksbury
University of Georgia

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December 22 Is Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for economic injury as a result of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred March 14-16, 2008. The deadline to file applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) is December 22, 2008.

Small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives that suffered substantial economic injury in the following counties are eligible to apply to the SBA: Bartow, Burke, Carroll, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Emanuel, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Glascock, Gordon, Gwinnett, Haralson, Henry, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, McDuffie, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Walker, Warren and Washington counties in the State of Georgia; and Cherokee and Cleburne counties in the State of Alabama; and Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell counties in the State of South Carolina.

Economic injury disaster loans are available up to $1.5 million for small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives to meet ongoing operating expenses. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The interest rate on these loans is 4 percent with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan based on the financial circumstances of each borrower. Eligibility for the program is based on the size and type of business and its financial resources.

To obtain a loan application, interested business owners should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) or by emailing our customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. EST. Business disaster loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Disaster victims may visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline to return applications for economic injury is December 22, 2008.

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Mom Would Be So Proud

Mom Would Be So Proud
Georgia DOT Crews Come Through During The Storm

Early on Mother’s Day, the storms blew in, knocking out power, downing trees and spreading debris across several counties. As Ken Robinson sat at home that Sunday morning; he knew the call would come. As a public servant Robinson left his family to head out into the destruction left behind from the tornados that ripped apart portions of Central Georgia. Robinson stated, “Once I knew that my family was safe, I headed towards Macon and began contacting employees to come in and begin clean-up efforts.”

He was not alone. On that Sunday afternoon more than 100 dedicated Georgia Department of Transportation employees headed out for the unknown. Their efforts began in the early afternoon hours when area foremen began directing them to the hardest hit areas. As fast as machinery was loaded, employees made their way to the damaged roadways. The first calls coming in stated that Interstates 16 and 75 were impassable; State Routes 19 and 18 had trees down across them. Chain saws buzzing and tractors rumbling to life, the crews, utilizing dump trucks, loaders, track-hoes, flatbed trailers and bucket trucks went to work clearing these areas by pushing the downed trees into the medians.

In the tornados’ aftermath, street signs and traffic signals dangled from precarious perches of bent and twisted steel. More than 650 signs, including 6 large interstate signs, were damaged and had to be replaced. Crews from Georgia DOT Traffic Operations replaced 15 traffic signals and assisted the City of Macon at an additional 10 intersections.

As the days became weeks, Georgia DOT averaged 138 employees daily working to clear over 700 dump truck and trailer loads full of debris clocking approximately 17,000 hours to clear the roads and make them safe for the traveling public. Thomas Howell, Georgia DOT District Engineer, said “I would like to commend the efforts of these men and women for leaving their families to help the residents of Bibb and Twiggs counties. They exemplified the true meaning of public service.”

Governor Perdue Asks President Bush for Major Disaster Declaration

Today Governor Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration to assist residents and local governments in Cherokee County with emergency response measures and aid for losses resulting from the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

“This is the third tornado event this spring that has disrupted the lives of our citizens and devastated one of our communities,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I am hopeful that our federal partners will recognize the extent of this damage and will render the appropriate assistance to help the residents of Cherokee County recover in the aftermath of this severe weather.”

The disaster declaration is requested as the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) continues to work with local officials to assess and recover from the damages caused by the storms. GEMA officials estimate initial governmental response and clean up efforts will exceed $2.9 million.

The request is for Public Assistance to pay for the cost of emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings. This request also includes Individual Assistance for affected households. Approximately 1,300 homes were impacted statewide. The residents of 1,000 of those homes will need help with repair or replacement costs.

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 rated tornado struck Cherokee County with a path reported to be five miles long and three-fourths to one mile wide. The tornado was a part of a line of storms that marched south through much of north and central Georgia during the evening. At least thirty-five counties reported large hail and wind damage.

For additional information on storm damage and assistance, visit www.gema.ga.gov.

Georgia Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration for 14 Counties Damaged By Mother’s Day Tornadoes

Governor Sonny Perdue announced that President George W. Bush approved a Federal Disaster Declaration today for the 14 counties that Governor Perdue requested aid for following the tornadoes and severe thunderstorms that hit Georgia on May 11-12.

“I am grateful to President Bush and FEMA Director Paulison for their quick action in offering assistance,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “This Federal Disaster Declaration will broaden our capability to recover from these devastating storms.”

This means that individual assistance is now available to disaster victims in 10 counties: Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, and Twiggs.
The President has also designated that Bibb, Carroll, Crawford, Emanuel, Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, Treutlen, Twiggs and Wilkinson counties will all be able to receive federal funds to help offset 75 percent the cost of the initial emergency response, debris removal and restoration of damaged public facilities.

For the counties receiving individual assistance, aid can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Governor Perdue made the request May 16 for a federal declaration after touring the areas and reviewing preliminary damage assessment figures.

Residents and business owners in Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, and Twiggs counties who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.fema.gov/ or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more emergency information and updates, visit http://www.gema.ga.gov/.

Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Georgia

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Georgia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes during the period of May 11-12, 2008.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, and Twiggs.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and tornadoes in the counties of Bibb, Carroll, Crawford, Emanuel, Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, Treutlen, Twiggs, and Wilkinson.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Jeffery L. Bryant as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.