Disaster Assistance Available for Small Businesses

Yakima, WASH– Small, non farm businesses in 26 Washington counties are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). “These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the combined effects frosts, freezes, extreme cold, high winds and excessive snow that occurred in the following 15 primary Washington counties from November 10, 2010 through March 25, 2011,” announced Alfred E. Judd, Director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West.

Primary Washington counties: Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Island, King, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Skagit, Snohomish, Walla Walla and Yakima;

Neighboring Washington counties: Adams, Columbia, Ferry, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Lincoln, Pierce, Skamania, Whatcom and Whitman;

“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Judd said.

Small, non farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4% for businesses and 3% for private, nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years, and are available to small businesses and most private, nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Judd said.

By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. Secretary Tom Vilsack declared this disaster at the request of Governor Chris Gregoire.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency (FSA) about the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling SBA toll-free at (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The deadline to apply for these loans is June 13, 2012.

For more information, visit SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. SBA Field Operations Center - West, P.O. Box 419004, Sacramento, CA 95841

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Prepare/ Update Your Emergency Plan This October

OCT. 4, 2011-Yakima, WASH.

    As we approach fall/ winter weather Yakima Valley O.E.M. reminds you that when a major disaster occurs, it is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs. It is important to be prepared to take care of your family. Plan to be on your own for at least three days.

This month start to prepare for any emergency if you have not done so already. You can do it by:

• Designate an out-of-area contact person. Try to select someone that is far enough away to not be affected by the same emergency. Provide this person with the names and contact information of the people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to call this person and tell them where they are. Long distance phone service is often restored sooner than local service.

• Duplicate important documents and keep copies off-site, either in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Documents may include: passport, drivers license, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, marriage license and prescriptions.

• Inventory valuables, in writing and with photographs or video. Keep copies of this information off-site with your other important documents.

• Make a family plan . Involve all key people in planning.

• Check your home for potential safety hazards.

• Put together a disaster kit . Plan to have supplies for yourself and your family for at least 3 days following a disaster.

• When planning, consider the special needs of kids, disabled, seniors, family members that don’t speak English and pets.

Learn more at our website: http://www.yakimacounty.us/oem/checklist.htm