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Elder Affairs
Hurricane Assistance for Seniors
Assistance for senior citizens and those with special needs - in the form of counseling and help filing out paperwork - is available for Florida residents affected by hurricanes that impact the state. Friends, neighbors, relatives and community groups can help seniors obtain that assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT).
Some seniors may hesitate to complete an application form for a Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loan, but must do so to keep the door open for other types of assistance. If a loan is not appropriate, applicants can be referred to the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grant program - but only after being declined by SBA. They cannot apply directly to the ONA program.
Therefore, those who do not complete an SBA loan application may be disqualifying themselves for other types of assistance. The applicant is not obligated to take an SBA loan if approved, but if the loan is offered and refused, there is no referral to grant programs.
Older adults may also hesitate to apply for assistance because they are concerned they may be forced to move from their home into a nursing home or travel trailer. Therefore, they choose to stay in familiar surroundings even though their home is damaged. They will not be required to leave their home against their will.
Another occasional misconception is that they must repay assistance awarded in the form of a grant, but FEMA and state grants do not require repayment. Following a disaster, seniors are often separated from their usual community and support groups, which further compounds communication and transportation challenges.
Family, friends and neighbors are encouraged to take a personal interest in the welfare of those with special needs and to offer help and transportation as needed. They can reassure the victim that he or she won't be forced to move and that an assistance grant does not have to be repaid.
The first step in registering for disaster assistance is to call the FEMA toll-free registration number (800) 621-FEMA [(800) 621-3362], or TYY (800) 462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairment. The applicant will receive a registration number, which tracks them through the recovery process. That process is individually handled if they are identified as having special needs according to set criteria.
The next step for an applicant with special needs is to complete and sign an "Authorization to Release Confidential Information," form. FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, staffed by experts, can help applicants complete the release form, which satisfies privacy laws so that eligibility for various kinds of disaster assistance may be determined. Community relations workers and housing inspectors also have the forms, and actively seek out people who need help completing them.
Information provided during these first two steps automatically triggers the third and final stage of individual assistance to seniors with special needs. "FEMA and the State of Florida will work closely with each identified individual to smooth the process of getting the help needed," said State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate. "That help can take the form of loans, grants or help in contacting voluntary agencies such as the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and a multitude of other volunteer and faith-based groups."
Source: FEMA Recovery News
Hurricane Preparedness
The Threat of Asbestos Exposure After a Hurricane
The height of hurricane season can quickly inspire residents within hurricane-prone regions of the United States to prepare for the possibility of a disastrous storm by stocking up on food supplies, water and gasoline resources, as well as materials to reinforce and protect homes. Unfortunately, not many are aware of the eminent threat of asbestos exposure in the wake of a destructive hurricane, and as a result do not know how to prepare or deal with the risk of exposure once a storm has passed.
In an effort to provide the public with valuable information on how to prepare homes and safely deal with the threat of asbestos exposure, the Mesothelioma Cancer Center has created an informative section on their website that specifically addresses asbestos exposure and hurricanes, as well as other natural disasters.
Why Asbestos is a Threat After a Natural Disaster
Throughout most of the twentieth century asbestos was widely used in countless construction materials. Over time, these materials degrade and may become damaged due to a number of forces, such as renovation, remodeling, or unexpected natural disasters.
Asbestos exposure is a major concern because the material is highly toxic and is known to cause a variety of terminal diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, these diseases are almost always diagnosed in late stages of development and are highly resistant to treatment. For example, mesothelioma treatments rarely cure the aggressive cancer since the illness is usually diagnosed in a late stage of development.
To help prevent asbestos exposure, it is important to know what products within the home have the potential to contain this toxic material. The following list includes common construction materials that may contain asbestos:
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Roofing
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Ceiling materials
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Certain types of flooring
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Asbestos siding
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Acoustical plaster
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Insulation
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Pipe covering
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Caulking, spackle, and sealing
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Plumbing
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Asbestos paneling
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Paint
How to Prevent Exposure
Homeowners can personally assess their home for asbestos products, but it can be very difficult to tell if a product does contain asbestos. Considering this, it is wise to hire a licensed professional abatement contractor to inspect the home for potential sources of asbestos contamination. If asbestos materials are found, the contractor can advise the best and most cost-effective method of remediation that will help prevent exposure in the event of a natural disaster. Homeowners who decide not to contact a professional should:
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Be very careful when inspecting the home and be cautious to not disturb any potentially contaminated materials
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Put on comprehensive protective gear, including body-covering clothes, gloves, boots, and HEPA filter masks when working around suspicious materials
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Completely wet down all materials that may contain asbestos (this will help to keep asbestos fibers from becoming airborne, but is not considered a replacement for the safety and security of hiring a professional)
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Be aware that any effort to repair or abate asbestos products should be performed by a licensed professional. Safe asbestos abatement is very complex and it can be very expensive to purchase all the supplies needed to properly avoid exposure.
For more information on hurricane preparedness and how to prevent asbestos exposure in the wake of a hurricane, please visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center’s pages on asbestos and natural disasters.