How to get help from FEMA, other agencies

If you suffered loss or damage from Typhoon Mawar, you should document your losses with photographs, and make copies of recovery-related receipts.

Don't wait for a visit from insurance agents or government inspectors to start making repairs, particularly if you have wet bedding, carpet or furniture that should be disposed of before mold becomes a problem.

If you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, file a claim with your company as soon as possible.

If you don't have insurance, or you have losses that aren't covered by insurance, you can file for federal disaster assistance. Assistance may include money for home repair, temporary lodging or other disaster-related expenses.

As of Wednesday morning, FEMA received more than 2,700 registrations connected to the typhoon.

In addition to FEMA, other types of help available include:

SBA loans

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Guam businesses and residents affected by the typhoon.

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. The U.S. Small Business Association 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, including personal vehicles.

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Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.5 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first register at DisasterAssistance.gov. 

Red Cross emergency supplies

People who have been displaced or lost their homes in the typhoon can receive emergency supplies such as tarps, flashlights, coolers and cleaning kits from the American Red Cross. Call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to connect with the organization.

Those wishing to volunteer can visit the American Red Cross Relief site at the main office at the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa.

To donate, visit redcross.org or text the word TYPHOON to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Counseling and support

The National Disaster Distress Helpline remains activated and anyone who has been affected by Typhoon Mawar can call 800-985-5990 for immediate counseling and support.

Do not donate to shelters

The Guam Department of Education schools that were used for Emergency Shelters from Typhoon Mawar are not accepting donations on-site, according to the Joint Information Center. 

For information on how to donate, check in with your village mayor’s office first, to see what the needs are. All pertinent information must be provided beforehand: who the donation is from, what the donation is, and who it is for.