Disaster Recovery Centers to open

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management has identified permanent sites for Disaster Recovery Centers on the islands of Rota, Saipan, and Tinian.

Beginning today, Oct. 11, 2018, the following sites will be open to allow homeowners, renters and business owners impacted by Typhoon Mangkhut to register for disaster assistance. These sites will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 6pm and Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm (closed on Sundays):

• Rota: Northern Marianas College Instructional Site (Room A-1)

• Saipan: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library

• Tinian: Northern Marianas College (Room C)

The Tinian Mayor’s Office would like to notify the Tinian community that a lot number is required upon registration. Lot number information may be obtained from the Department of Public Lands and will cost .50 cents per copy.

The best method to register for disaster assistance in the CNMI is by visiting your nearest Disaster Recovery Center to ensure accurate physical addresses are reflected in FEMA’s system.

In addition to provide opportunities to register for disaster assistance, DRCs provide a location for disaster survivors to check the status of their applications, to submit documentation and to speak with representatives from other agencies that assist in disaster recovery, such as the Small Business Administration.
 
SBA information

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
 
What to bring with you

To ensure a faster, more efficient application process, obtain the following information prior to heading to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center:

• Social security number (one per household)

• Address of the damaged home or apartment

• Description of the damage

• Information about insurance coverage

• Telephone number

• Mailing address

• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
 
Follow CNMI on social media

The CNMI Joint Information Center urges the community to follow the following social media platforms to get the latest weather updates and information:

• CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/

• CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNMIGov/

• Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralphdlg.torres/

• CNMI Joint Information Center: https://www.facebook.com/JICNMI/

The CNMI JIC also encourages residents to download HSEM’s readyCNMI app available for free in the Apple iStore or Google PlayStore to receive the latest weather updates and notifications. (HSEM)