ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The city of Rogers gives an update June 14 on multiple aspects of its tornado recovery efforts including FEMA assistance, small business loans, and scam protection.
The city says FEMA representatives have started making door-to-door visits and will continue through the weekend to provide information to residents and help them begin an application if they would like.
The representatives will work in pairs and have clearly marked uniforms and lanyards. They will not enter areas marked “no trespassing,” “do not enter,” or if the area is gated or if dogs are loose. They will begin on the southeast side of Roges and work north and west.
FEMA assistance
Residents can go to two locations for FEMA assistance.
The first is the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers at the NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Parking is available in the parking garage which is accessible off Water Tower Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
The second is at Rogers City Hall Council Chambers. The city says to park in the northeast lot and enter through the city council doors.
The city asks residents to take photos of their damaged homes and belongings and make a list of damaged or lost items. Those with insurance must file a claim with their insurance companies to save time.
The city says residents will need to provide FEMA with their identification, an insurance determination letter, and proof of occupancy or ownership.
Small business loans
According to the city, The U.S. Small Business Administration offers disaster loans to residents. Loans are available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations and homeowners.
More information and applications can be found here.
The city explains the different kinds of loans available:
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: For businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans: For small businesses and private nonprofits to help meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.
- Home Disaster Loans: For homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
Rebuilding scams
The city says to beware of unlicensed contractors and has a list of tips to protect its residents from post-storm rebuilding scams:
- Verify contractors have valid contractor licenses
- Never pay any money upfront
- Do not make the final payment until the job is done to satisfaction
- Obtain multiple estimates
- Check references
- Require a written contract that lists all work to be done and the price for the work
- Beware of high-pressure sales tactics
- Report unlicensed or unscrupulous work to the Contractors Licensing Board at 501-372-4661
Debris collection
The city says curbside storm debris pickup for residential property has begun. There are also places available to drop off debris instead. More information on debris collection can be found here and here.
