Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Making Several Stops in Levy County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Levy County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by Hurricane Idalia. The center schedule is:

• Chiefland City Hall, 214 East Park Avenue in Chiefland
  • Tuesday, 10/24, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, 10/25 and Thursday, 10/26, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Yankeetown Town Hall, 6241 Harmony Lane in Yankeetown
  • Friday, 10/27, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10/28 and Sunday, 10/29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More stops will be announced as they are confirmed.

Currently open sites:

• Citrus County: Coastal Region Library, 8619 W Crystal St., Crystal River, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Wed, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurs-Fri, closed Sat-Sun. (closes permanently 5 p.m. Oct. 27)
• Columbia County: 180 E Duval St. Lake City, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Dixie County: Dixie County Public Library, 16328 SE US-19, Cross City, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday 
• Gilchrist County: Gilchrist County Fire Station #4, 6980 SW 70th Ave, Trenton, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 17 to Oct.21
• Hamilton County: 1153 NW US Hwy 41, Jasper, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Hernando County: Hernando Public Library Branch, 9220 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday. 
• Jefferson County: Jefferson County Library, 375 S Water St., Monticello, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday, (closes permanently 6 p.m. Nov. 03)
• Lafayette County: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Cir., Mayo, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
• Madison County: Career Source North Florida, 705 E Base St., Madison, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Pasco County: Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., Hudson, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, (closes permanently 6 p.m. Oct. 28)
• Suwannee County: Memorial Field, 617 Ontario Ave SW, Live Oak, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Taylor County: Steinhatchee Community Center, 1013 S. Riverside Dr., Steinhatchee, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents are welcome to visit any open DRC, you don’t have to reside in that county.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

It is not necessary to visit a center. Survivors can apply by calling 800-621-3362, going online at disasterassistance.gov, or using the FEMA mobile app. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Deadline to apply is November 29, 2023.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. 

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

barbara.murien… Mon, 10/23/2023 - 19:36

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Collin County, Texas

DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review in Collin County, Texas. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around Oct. 23, 2023. 

Appeals and comments may be submitted through Jan. 21, 2024, for:

• The cities of Dallas and Plano

Comments only may be submitted through Jan. 21, 2024, for:

• The cities of Carrolton and Richardson; and the unincorporated areas of Collin County

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect. 

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. 
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv 
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

Follow us at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and at linkedin.com/showcase/fema-region-6/ and like us at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Mon, 10/23/2023 - 15:40

Barre Disaster Recovery Center to Close Temporarily

The Barre Disaster Recovery Center will close temporarily at 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 25. It will reopen at 9 a.m. Monday, October 30.

The center is regularly open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday) at:

Alumni Hall Building
Third Floor
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Vermonters can visit the center to get in-person help applying for disaster assistance. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to help upload documents, answer questions and guide you through the appeals process.

The deadline to apply for assistance is October 31, 2023.

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 10/23/2023 - 13:46

Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance from FEMA

ATLANTA – Georgia homeowners and renters who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from Hurricane Idalia in Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties, have two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA is Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

Survivors may apply at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) which are dedicated, accessible and established locations where specialists from FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program help applicants face to face. Highly trained specialists assist survivors through the recovery process, explaining the types of assistance available from FEMA, such as housing and other needs assistance.

The DRC locations are:

Brooks County Agriculture Building
400 E. Courtland Ave.
Quitman, GA 31643

Cook County Extension Services  
206 E. Ninth St. 
Adel, GA 31620 

Lowndes County Civic Center 
2108 E. Hill Ave. 
Valdosta, GA 31601 

All DRCs are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.

This is what you will need when you apply:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number. 
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit. 
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you are unable to locate important documentation, FEMA will help you identify other ways to verify this information.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

FEMA’s IA program is designed to help disaster survivors with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while survivors look for a long-term or permanent housing solution. It is not designed to make survivors whole and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA IA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance. 

FEMA provides funds paid directly to eligible individuals and households. Financial Housing Assistance may include rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair assistance, and replacement assistance. 

Applying for help is free

If you are unable to apply in person, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Mon, 10/23/2023 - 12:15

Recovery Centers Opening in Harvey and Maywood

CHICAGO - Two Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open to the public Monday, October 23, 2023. The centers, jointly run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Illinois, will be staffed by federal and state officials ready to assist survivors in their recovery from the June 29-July 2 storms and flooding.

Harvey location:

Thornton Township High School

T107 Building

15001 Broadway Avenue

Harvey, IL 60426 

Open: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Maywood location:

Lightford Recreation Center

809 Madison St.

Maywood, IL 60153

Open: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Illinois state agencies will be available to help homeowners, renters and business owners of Cook County apply for federal assistance and receive information about help available to them. Survivors may upload documents, learn how to make their property more disaster resistant and have their questions answered in person.

Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille, large print, etc.) or a language interpreter may call 800-621-3362 to request assistance in advance or ask the center staff for assistance. 

Recovery Centers aren’t the only way to get help from FEMA. The FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, is staffed by multilingual operators ready to assist survivors with registrations and any other questions they have. Survivors can also DisasterAssistance.gov or the FEMA App on their phones. 

For additional information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. The deadline to register with FEMA is October 30, 2023.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). 

alexander.alba Fri, 10/20/2023 - 23:24

Disaster Recovery Center in Jefferson County Closing

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The disaster recovery center in Jefferson County at Jefferson County Library, 375 S Water St. in Monticello will be closing permanently at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3.

The schedule until closing is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available. The deadline to apply for assistance is Nov. 29.

There are several centers still open in the area impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Residents are welcome to visit any open center, you don’t have to reside in that county. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or you can text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362. 

It is not necessary to visit a center. Survivors can apply or get other assistance by calling 800-621-3362, going online at disasterassistance.gov, or using the FEMA mobile app. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

barbara.murien… Fri, 10/20/2023 - 19:44

Claims Office pays more than $100 Million to Claimants Affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

Santa Fe, NM - The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office has paid $101.11 million for claimant losses as of Thursday, October 19, 2023. Some of the most frequently requested losses that have been processed by the Claims Office include losses related to damaged homes and related infrastructure. These losses involve rebuilding access roads to homes, critical infrastructure like wells and septic systems, and funds to compensate for losses to outbuildings. The Claims Office has also distributed significant compensation for protective measures and future regrowth losses. Compensation for these losses includes purchasing flood insurance policies, removing debris/ obstructions and funds for reseeding.

The third most frequently compensated group of losses are losses experienced during the evacuation period. This category includes compensation for mileage to evacuate, food expenses, hotel stays, and food losses experienced due to evacuation and/or power outages.

Working with our federal, tribal, state and local government partners we are also addressing more complex losses related to acequias, debris removal, reforestation and rebuilding community infrastructure. Regardless of the type of loss being addressed, the Claims Office is focused on providing maximum compensation within the legal bounds of the Final Regulations. The Claims Office encourages all those who were impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding to submit a Notice of Loss. 

Notice of Loss forms can be found at fema.gov/notice-loss-form.pdf. Completed Notice of Loss forms can be submitted via email at fema-hermits-peak@fema.dhs.gov, or by mail to:

FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office 

P.O. Box 1329

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Claims Office locations are listed below and are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mora Claims Office
Mora County Courthouse 
1 Courthouse Drive 
Mora, NM 87732

1. Las Vegas Claims Office 
2. 216 Mills Avenue 
3. Las Vegas, NM 87701 
4. (In Mills Plaza)

1. Santa Fe Claims Office
   1711 Llano Street, Suite E
2. Santa Fe, NM 87505
3. (Next to Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe)

For more information about the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act and the Claims Office, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. 

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The mission of the Claims Office is to compensate claimants through a simple, fast and fair claims process.

 

candace.herring Fri, 10/20/2023 - 19:29

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

LAKE MARY, Fla– Survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA after Hurricane Idalia will receive a letter from FEMA explaining the status of your application.

If the applicant is found eligible for assistance, the letter will explain the amount of assistance FEMA provided and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. 

If the applicant is found ineligible, read the letter carefully because it will explain the reason for denial and what may be needed to submit with an appeal letter.

The FEMA application is a process, and we want to make sure survivors receive all the assistance they are eligible for.

Survivors may only need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue processing the application. Examples of missing documentation or required actions may include:

• Insurance Settlement or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy 
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster.
• Completing your SBA Loan Application

Questions about your letter can be answered by calling the disaster assistance help line at 800-621-3362.

Survivors who disagree with the decision of ineligibility, or with the amount or purpose of assistance approved can appeal FEMA’s determination. The appeal process is explained in the letter. 

For an accessible video on the FEMA eligibility letter go to, FEMA Accessible: Understanding Your Letter - YouTube.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

barbara.murien… Fri, 10/20/2023 - 19:28

Disaster Legal Services Available to Maui Survivors

HONOLULU – Unexpected legal issues may arise after a disaster that can leave individuals and families devastated. If you are facing legal issues resulting from the August wildfires on Maui, you can get legal advice.

Disaster Legal Services are now available to low-income, elderly and other vulnerable residents who were affected by the high winds and wildfires and are unable to afford their own lawyer.

You may call the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi’s toll-free lines at 808-536-4302 or 800-499-4302. Lines are open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

Hotline callers can receive help with legal issues including:

• FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration and other public assistance financial benefits including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and disaster unemployment
• insurance claims
• home repair contracts and property insurance claims
• price-gouging, scams or identity theft
• mortgage-foreclosure and home-ownership issues 
• landlord/tenant problems
• replacement of wills and other vital documents destroyed in the fires
• disability-related access to federal, state and local disaster programs.

Hotline partners cannot help in all cases, including cases where a settlement could include legal fees or an award. Free legal advice may be accessed online at https://hawaii.freelegalanswers.org/.

The Disaster Legal Services program is a service provided in partnership with FEMA, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org and fema.gov/disaster/4724. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema.

scott.reuter Fri, 10/20/2023 - 02:58

FEMA is Still Hiring for the Illinois Disaster Recovery Team

CHICAGO - Are you interested in helping your neighbors and community recover from the June 29-July 2 storms and floods that devastated Cook County? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an immediate need to employ Cook County residents to work from the offices in Springfield and Morton Grove, IL as temporary local hires to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. Local hire employees are local residents who are part of the disaster recovery team aiding in the recovery of the community and their fellow citizens. 

For its offices in Morton Grove, FEMA is looking to hire one Accountable Property specialist, two Information Technology specialists, one External Affairs Program Liaison specialist and one External Affairs Creative specialist. For its Springfield offices, FEMA needs two IT specialists and one Accountable Property specialist. Visit the links for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation:

Information Technology Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/754587500Deadline: 10/22/2023Accountable Property Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/754741300 Deadline: 10/23/2023External Affairs Program Liaison Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/755029100Deadline: 10/24/2023External Affairs Creative Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/755026200Deadline: 10/23/2023

The announcements will close at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the noted deadline dates OR at 11:59 pm EST on the day the application limit is received, whichever comes first. 

Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined hiring process. A local hire’s term of employment is up to 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments.

FEMA is an equal opportunity employer. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.

1. Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after Dec. 31, 1959.
• Review job announcements for additional conditions of employment.

To see other FEMA career postings, visit fema.gov/careers.

For additional information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance is October 30, 2023.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).

alexander.alba Thu, 10/19/2023 - 23:56

FEMA Assistance Tops $304 Million for Cook County

CHICAGO – Federal assistance to Cook County residents affected by the June 29 – July 2 severe storms and flooding has topped $304 million. This amount includes FEMA grants of more than $235 million in Individual and Households grants for rental assistance, repair and replacement funding, and other needs grants that help replace personal property and provide storage and childcare payments. Complementing the FEMA grants is more than $69 million in Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and businesses.

Here is a snapshot of the FEMA disaster assistance as of October 19:

• More than $235.3 million was approved for financial and direct services to eligible survivors who had uninsured or under-insured necessary needs and expenses triggered by the disaster. Of that amount, $200.9 million was for housing assistance. This includes:
  • Funds for temporary housing, such as rental assistance or hotel costs for survivors who cannot live in their homes because of too much damage caused by the summer flooding; 
  • Funds for repair of an owner-occupied home that will make the home safe, secure and habitable;
  • Funds to assist with moving and storage of household goods or needed personal property;
  • Financial assistance to assist homeowners in cleaning and sanitizing minimally damaged homes;
• The remaining funds were disbursed as: 
  • Medical or dental costs attributable to the disaster.
  • Assistance for child care, limited to eight weeks. 

As of Oct.18, the U.S. Small Business Administration had awarded $64.8 million in low interest disaster loans to homeowners whose homes suffered more extensive and costly damage than could be covered by a FEMA grant. SBA also awarded more than $4.2 million in disaster loans to help businesses get back on their feet.

Survivors should receive the help for which they are eligible. If you have not yet contacted FEMA, be sure to apply for assistance by Oct. 30:

1. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
2. Use the FEMA mobile app. 
3. Call the disaster assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 
4. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The centers serve as one-stop shops for survivors who need one-on-one help. Survivors can visit any center for assistance. To find center locations and current hours, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. 
    

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). 

alexander.alba Thu, 10/19/2023 - 23:36

One Week Left to Request FEMA Public Assistance

HONOLULU – Nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, that had losses caused by the Maui County wildfires and high winds have one week – until Wednesday, Oct. 25 – to submit a Request for Public Assistance from FEMA. 

Not only physical damage is covered under FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Nonprofit organizations in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties may also submit a Request for Public Assistance to be reimbursed for eligible costs associated with protection of infrastructure.

The Public Assistance program provides grants to government agencies as well as private nonprofits for debris removal, emergency protective services and community infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the Aug. 8 wildfires and high winds. 

For private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, the application process depends on whether a private nonprofit is classified as offering critical services or non-critical, essential social services.

Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as health-care facilities and utilities, can apply directly to FEMA for funding. Some private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, that are classified as providing non-critical, essential social services must first apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Nonprofits do not have to wait for a decision from SBA in order to apply to FEMA.

Houses of worship and other nonprofits are encouraged to submit a Request for Public Assistance under FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program. The deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 25. For more information, contact Public Assistance Lead Brian Fisher of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency at Brian.J.Fisher@hawaii.gov. You may also call him at 808-518-7985.

If a house of worship or other nonprofit offering non-critical, essential social services is turned down for an SBA loan, or if the loan amount does not cover the cost of all repairs, FEMA may be able to help. FEMA may provide funds to pay for what SBA or insurance did not cover. 

Examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools providing primary or secondary education; or institutions of higher education. Examples of non-critical essential services include educational enrichment activities, supervised care and daycare services, residential services for people with disabilities, assisted living and low-income housing, homeless shelters and rehabilitation service, and community and performing arts centers.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and https://www.sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema.

scott.reuter Thu, 10/19/2023 - 21:41

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Hilary from Aug. 19 - 21, 2023.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the Tribal government and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Hilary.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Andrew F. Grant has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/19/2023 - 15:16

Ludlow Disaster Recovery Center to Close October 21

The Ludlow Disaster Recovery Center will close permanently at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 21.

The center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at this location:

Ludlow Community Center
37 Main St.
Ludlow, VT 05149

Vermonters can visit a center to get in-person help applying for disaster assistance. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to help upload documents, answer questions and guide you through the appeals process.

When the center closes, FEMA will still be here to help. Visit us at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.

The deadline to apply for assistance is October 31.

One other center will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (closed Sundays):

Alumni Hall Building
Third Floor
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 10/19/2023 - 14:37

Federal Disaster Assistance to Georgia Tops $10 Million

ATLANTA – Six weeks after President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration following the Aug. 30 landfall of Hurricane Idalia, a total of more than $10.167 million in federal assistance has been approved for supporting the recovery of Georgia survivors.  

Here are the numbers:

To date, more than $2.807 million in FEMA Housing Assistance has been approved for eligible homeowners and renters in Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties. The funding will help pay for hurricane-related damage, including home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing. 

Another FEMA program called Other Needs Assistance has approved more than $471,800 to help cover the cost of storm-related personal property replacement, moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, medical and dental expenses.  

In addition, FEMA’s federal partner in disaster assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), has approved 152 long-term, low-interest disaster home loans, nine business disaster loans, and three economic injury loans (EIDL) for business working capital, totaling more than $6.888 million.

The state of Georgia and FEMA operate Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) which provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. To find the closet one, visit fema.gov/drc. Homeowners and renters can visit any center for assistance. To date, DRCs have been visited by 2,057 survivors.

How to Apply to FEMA

You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw. 

The last day to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. 

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Thu, 10/19/2023 - 13:50

Disaster Recovery Center in Manatee County Closing

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The disaster recovery center in Manatee County at the Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E in Palmetto will be closing permanently at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available. The deadline to apply for assistance is Nov. 29.

There are several centers still open in the area impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Residents are welcome to visit any open center, you don’t have to reside in that county. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or you can text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362. 

It is not necessary to visit a center. Survivors can apply or get other assistance by calling 800-621-3362, going online at disasterassistance.gov, or using the FEMA mobile app. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

barbara.murien… Thu, 10/19/2023 - 13:16

Here’s What FEMA Can Do for Georgia Hurricane Survivors

ATLANTA — It has been nearly six weeks since President Biden authorized federal assistance for Georgia survivors of Hurricane Idalia. During that time, FEMA has approved about $3.5 million in Individual Assistance grants to help hurricane-impacted residents in Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Glynn, and Lowndes counties through their recovery.
 

These FEMA grants include Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance, through FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP), and are helping eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the Aug. 30 hurricane. The assistance is meant to return your home to a safe, sanitary, and functional residence.
 

FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the benefits provided by other sources, such as insurance, and cannot pay for all hurricane-caused losses. Individuals should apply to FEMA to determine whether they are eligible for assistance.
 

Apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.Housing Assistance
 

FEMA’s Housing Assistance (HA) provides funds paid directly to eligible individuals and households and may include the following types of assistance:

• Rental Assistance to rent alternate housing while an applicant is displaced from a disaster-damaged primary residence. Rental Assistance may be used to rent a house, apartment, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, or other dwelling.
• Lodging Expense Reimbursement for hotels, motels, or other short-term lodging while an applicant is displaced from a disaster-damaged primary residence.
• Home Repair Assistance to help repair an owner-occupied disaster-damaged primary residence, utilities, and residential structure to a safe and sanitary living or functional condition.
• Replacement Assistance to help homeowners replace an owner-occupied primary residence when it is destroyed by the disaster.
• Hazard Mitigation Under IHP: Homeowners who are eligible for IHP assistance may receive additional funds from FEMA for specific hazard mitigation measures. Applicants will be informed if they qualify for this assistance, which is limited and will only be provided for components that were damaged by the disaster and were functional prior to the disaster. The eligible mitigation measures include:
  • Roof Repair to withstand higher winds and help prevent water leakage.
  • Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage.
  • Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid future flood damage.
     

Other Needs Assistance
 

FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provides survivors with financial assistance for disaster-caused necessary expenses and serious needs. Some types of assistance in this category may be provided only if you are not referred to, or do not qualify for a disaster loan from, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
 

The SBA provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to help eligible applicants with transportation losses, as well as repair/replacement funds for real and personal property damage caused by the disaster.
 

SBA Dependent Types of Other Needs Assistance
 

Only applicants who do not qualify for a loan from the SBA, or who were approved for a partial loan, but the amount of the loan was insufficient to meet the applicant’s disaster necessary expenses or serious needs, may be eligible for the following types of assistance:
 

• Personal Property Assistance to repair or replace essential household items including, but not limited to, furnishings and appliances; specialized tools and protective clothing required by an employer; and assistance for specific accessibility items defined within the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Transportation Assistance to repair or replace an eligible vehicle damaged by a disaster and other transportation-related costs.
• Group Flood Insurance Policy is issued to qualified applicants by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Direct Program. For a modest premium, survivors receive a minimum amount of building and/or contents coverage for a 3-year policy period.
   

Non-SBA Dependent Types of Other Needs Assistance
 

FEMA assistance available regardless of the applicant’s SBA disaster loan status may include:
 

• Funeral Assistance is available for expenses related to a death or disinterment attributed directly or indirectly to a declared disaster.
• Medical and Dental Assistance to assist with medical or dental expenses caused by a disaster, which may include injury, illness, loss of prescribed medication and equipment, insurance co-payments, or loss/injury to a service animal.
• Childcare Assistance in the form of a one-time payment, covering up to eight cumulative weeks of childcare expenses, for a household’s increased financial burden to care for children aged 13 and under, and/or children up to age 21 with a disability, who need assistance with activities with daily living as defined by federal law.
• Moving and Storage Assistance to relocate and store personal essential household goods from the damaged primary residence to prevent further disaster damage, such as ongoing repairs, and returning the property to the applicant’s primary residence.
• Miscellaneous or Other Items Assistance to reimburse for eligible items purchased or rented after a disaster to assist with an applicant’s disaster recovery, such as gaining access to the property or a chainsaw or dehumidifier for cleaning a home.
• Note: FEMA cannot reimburse you for food lost due to a power failure. However, voluntary organizations in your community may be able to help.
   

For more information about the program, visit www.fema.gov/assistance/individual.
 

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:33

Berwyn and Riverdale Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Permanently

CHICAGO - Saturday, October 21, 2023 will be the last day of operation for the Disaster Recovery Centers in Berwyn and Riverdale. The centers were opened to assist Cook County residents who suffered losses during the June 29 – July 2 storms and flooding. 

The center located at the Berwyn Grove Avenue Parking Garage, 3310 Grove Ave. is open 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closing permanently Saturday at 5 p.m. The second one in the Riverdale Park District, 14401 S. Stewart Ave., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 am to 12 noon Saturday, closing permanently at 12 noon Saturday.  

There are other recovery centers open across the greater Cook County area ready to help disaster survivors. Go to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Locator to find the one closest to you or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

Recovery Centers aren’t the only way to get help from FEMA. The FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, is staffed by multilingual operators ready to assist survivors with registrations and any other questions they have. Survivors can also use Home | disasterassistance.gov or the FEMA App on their phones.

For additional information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. The deadline to register with FEMA is October 30, 2023.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).

alexander.alba Wed, 10/18/2023 - 23:21

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Suwannee County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Disaster Recovery Center in Suwannee County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by Hurricane Idalia.

Suwannee County: Memorial Field, 617 Ontario Ave SW in Live Oak. 

The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon-Sat, closed Sundays.

Currently open sites:

• Citrus County:  Crystal River Library, 8619 W Crystal St., Crystal River. 9am-7pm Mon-Wed, 9am-5pm Thurs-Fri, Closed Sat-Sun (closes permanently 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27.)
• Columbia County: 180 E Duval St. Lake City, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Dixie County: Dixie County Public Library, 16328 SE US-19, Cross City, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Gilchrist County: Gilchrist County Fire Station #4, 6980 SW 70th Ave in Trenton. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 21.
• Hamilton County: 1153 NW US Hwy 41, Jasper, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Hernando County: Hernando Public Library Branch, 9220 Spring Hill Dr. Spring Hill, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday. 
• Jefferson County: Jefferson County Library, 375 S Water St., Monticello, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Lafayette County: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Cir., Mayo, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
• Madison County: Career Source North Florida, 705 E Base St., Madison, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
• Manatee County: Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E, Palmetto, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday (closes permanently 6 p.m. Oct. 20)
• Pasco County: Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., Hudson, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, (closes permanently 7 p.m. Oct. 28)
• Taylor County: Steinhatchee Community Center, 1013 S. Riverside Dr., Steinhatchee, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents are welcome to visit any open DRC, you don’t have to reside in that county.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, people can apply by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app  or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply with FEMA is Nov. 29, 2023.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. 

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

barbara.murien… Wed, 10/18/2023 - 20:36

Temporary Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Gilchrist County

The State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Disaster Recovery Center in County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by Hurricane Idalia.

Another temporary recovery center is open in Gilchrist County.

Gilchrist County: Gilchrist County Fire Station #4, 6980 SW 70th Ave in Trenton. 

The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 21.

Currently open sites:

• Citrus County:  Crystal River Library, 8619 W Crystal St., Crystal River. 9am-7pm Mon-Wed, 9am-5pm Thurs-Fri, Closed Sat-Sun (closes permanently 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27.)
• Columbia County: 180 E Duval St. Lake City, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Dixie County: Dixie County Public Library, 16328 SE US-19, Cross City, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Hamilton County: 1153 NW US Hwy 41, Jasper, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Hernando County: Hernando Public Library Branch, 9220 Spring Hill Dr. Spring Hill, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday. 
• Jefferson County: Jefferson County Library, 375 S Water St., Monticello, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
• Lafayette County: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Cir., Mayo, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
• Madison County: Career Source North Florida, 705 E Base St., Madison, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
• Manatee County: Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E, Palmetto, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday (closes permanently 6 p.m. Oct. 20)
• Pasco County: Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., Hudson, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, (closes permanently 7 p.m. Oct. 28)
• Taylor County: Steinhatchee Community Center, 1013 S. Riverside Dr., Steinhatchee, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents are welcome to visit any open DRC, you don’t have to reside in that county.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, people can apply by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply with FEMA is Nov. 29, 2023.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. 

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

barbara.murien… Tue, 10/17/2023 - 15:47