Comprehensive Recovery Update for South Fork and Salt Fires: FEMA Assistance, Safety Guidelines, and Fraud Prevention
In the wake of the devastating South Fork and Salt Fires and subsequent flooding, the Village of Ruidoso continues its recovery efforts with vital support from FEMA. This latest update outlines the significant progress made, including the approval of over $2.4 million in federal assistance for affected homeowners and renters. As our community works together to rebuild, it is crucial for residents to stay informed about safety precautions, available resources, and the steps necessary to apply for further assistance.
July 15, 2024, DR-4795/Recovery Update 21
Key Messages
FEMA has approved more than $2.4 million for homeowners and renters in New Mexico with damages from the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding.
So far, 2,221 New Mexicans have applied for federal disaster assistance. But we know there are more people who need help, and we want to find them. To help, please forward FEMA application information to those who might need assistance and encourage those you know who had damages to apply.
New Mexico residents anxious to get back into their homes after the South Fork and Salt Fires and floods should be aware of potential hazards.
Before entering your house, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other exterior damage. Also, turn the main electrical power and water systems off until you or a professional can ensure they are safe, and NEVER turn the power on or off or use an electrical tool or appliance while standing in water.
For more on these and other safety and cleaning tips, visit: Guidelines for Cleaning Safely After a Disaster | Natural Disasters | CDC.
FEMA Eligibility/Determination Letter
After applying for assistance, New Mexico residents will receive a determination letter from FEMA by mail or email. Upon receipt of a determination letter, residents who disagree with the initial decision or the amount of assistance approved, can appeal FEMA’s decision.
It may only be a matter of submitting additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue processing the application. Examples of missing documentation may include: proof of insurance coverage; settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider; Proof of identity; proof of occupancy; proof of ownership; or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster
Residents can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA may need.
Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Ruidoso and at the Mescalero Apache School
Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration and state, local, nonprofit and other community organizations are meeting with visitors at two Disaster Recovery Centers. New Mexicans can also gather information on resources such as SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment, insurance claim assistance, Disaster Case Management, vital records, mental health support and child care assistance.
No appointment is needed at the Horton Complex DRC (237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM 88345) or the Mescalero Apache School (249 White Mountain Dr.). Days and hours at all centers are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Use the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator to find the center closest to you.
U.S. Citizenship and FEMA Eligibility
FEMA is committed to helping all eligible New Mexicans recover from the fires and flooding. This includes U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and qualified non-citizens. If you do not meet the status of either U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen, your household may still apply for assistance if:
Another adult member of your household meets the eligibility criteria and certifies their citizenship status during the registration process, OR if you are the parent or guardian of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified non-citizen who applies for assistance on behalf of the child, if the child lives in the same household. The parent or legal guardian must register as the co-applicant, and the minor child must be under age 18 at the time the disaster occurred, beginning June 17 and continuing. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members.
All individuals, regardless of citizenship status, who have been impacted by this presidentially declared disaster are eligible for short-term, non-cash, in-kind emergency disaster relief programs. These include search and rescue, medical care, shelter, food and water.
New Mexico Residents Should Be Aware of Post-Disaster Fraud and Scams
FEMA and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NMDHSEM) are reminding residents to be aware of post-disaster fraud and scams. Attempts to scam residents can be made over the phone, by mail or email, through the Internet, or in person. Remain alert, as con artists are creative and resourceful. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it should be questioned.
Inspectors will call or text applicants to arrange to meet at the home. They will leave a message and/or text the phone number listed on the FEMA application. Calls to applicants may come from an unfamiliar phone number, and it is important that an applicant respond so their application can be processed.
All FEMA representatives have official identification. They carry photo identification and will show it to the applicant. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed, Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free.
FEMA does not license or certify contractors. FEMA recommends using a local contractor, someone who is known in the community. Do your research to find out if a potential contractor is licensed to work in New Mexico. Contact the New Mexico State Licensing Board for Contractors at rld.nm.gov/about-us/public-information-hub/online-services or call them at 505-670-4662. FEMA does not pay contractors directly. FEMA will reimburse homeowners for eligible expenses.
You Can Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance Before You Return Home
It may be weeks before you can return to your property to assess the damage, but you don’t have to wait to return home or hear from your insurance company to apply for FEMA assistance. If you are applying for FEMA assistance and are staying with friends, family, or at a shelter due to mandatory evacuations, You will have an opportunity to specify that the extent of your home damage is unknown when applying for disaster assistance. You can update the status of your home when it’s safe to return.
When you apply for assistance, have your contact information available, including a current phone number where FEMA can call you, your Social Security number, and banking information if you choose direct deposit. We will need to know your address at the time of the disaster and where you are staying now. If known, provide a general list of damage and losses. If you are insured, you will also need to provide the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
Previous FEMA Help Doesn’t Affect Eligibility
For residents in Lincoln County, previous FEMA assistance from the 2022 wildfires, flooding, and mudflows will not affect your eligibility for the new disaster declaration that began June 17.
Returning Home and Resources
Heed the guidance of local officials before returning home. Stay out of the impacted areas and do not make plans to return until emergency management officials have announced reentry plans and given an all-clear. It will take time for sufficient services to be restored before residents can return. Residents can stay updated on the latest developments and make informed decisions to protect their homes and families at nm.gov/wildfire-updates/
Disaster Survivor Assistance
Recovering from wildfires is difficult and overwhelming. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are meeting New Mexico residents where they are to help them apply for FEMA assistance and to assist them on their own road to recovery. These crews are easily recognizable by their official photo identification (ID). If you meet people offering assistance, first ask to see their ID before giving them your personal information. They may have FEMA clothing, but that can be easily imitated.
Four Ways to Apply to FEMA
New Mexico residents can apply to FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance -YouTube.
Residents can also apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. Use the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator to find the centers closest to you. No appointment is needed.
Major Disaster Declaration (June 20, 2024)
On June 20, 2024, the president granted a major disaster declaration for New Mexico, triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from the wildfires that occurred on June 17, 2024, and continuing. Lincoln and Otero counties, including the Mescalero Apache Tribe, are designated for Individual Assistance.
Two additional New Mexico counties – Rio Arriba and San Juan join Lincoln and Otero counties, as well as the Mescalero Apache Reservation as eligible counties for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) to recover from the June disaster.
Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, and San Juan counties, as well as the Mescalero Apache Reservation, are eligible for Public Assistance for permanent work (Categories C-G) and debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal funding.
All areas in the State of New Mexico are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4795. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.
FEMA Products
Find News Releases and Facts at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4795/news-media.
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