Hardin County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO -- Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Flood Map Information Open House on Nov. 9, 2022, for communities in Hardin County, Ohio. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county, and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

At the virtual open house, representatives from various local, state, and federal agencies will provide the most current information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the process for floodplain mapping within Hardin County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting. Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA also intends that they be used as tools to assist planning processes and outreach efforts to quickly respond to and recover from future events. Details for Hardin County meeting are as follows:

WHAT:              Hardin County—Flood Map Information Open House meeting for the public

WHEN:             Nov. 9, 2022, 5–7 p.m. ET

WHERE:           Jacob Parrot Safety and Security Center, Russell Ludwig Conference Center 1025 S. Main St., Kenton, OH  43326

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-R5-NFIPOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

nicole.wilson Mon, 10/17/2022 - 16:55

FEMA, Federal Agencies Coordinating to Help Hurricane Ian Survivors Jumpstart Their Recovery FEMA Provides More Than $446 Million in Grants; Disaster Recovery Center Locations Increase to 15 

WASHINGTON -- FEMA, along with the National Flood Insurance Program, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and more than 4,000 federal responders are working to jumpstart Floridians’ recovery from Hurricane Ian. To date, FEMA has provided more than $446 million in grants to households.

How FEMA is Helping Floridians 

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have interacted with 26,500 individuals. Survivors can visit one of 15 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,353 households with 3,445 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 82,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $81 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• As of Oct. 17, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 39,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $82 million to policyholders, including $59 million in advance payments.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof has installed 2,232 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, through Oct. 23. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. 

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 10/17/2022 - 16:09

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in DeSoto County

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in DeSoto 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 and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

New Disaster Recovery Center DESOTO COUNTY

DeSoto Library: 125 N Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, Fl 34266

Center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

Other centers are operating in the following locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week unless otherwise noted.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Tringali Rec Center, 3450 N Access Rd., Englewood, FL  34224

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, FL 34109

HARDEE COUNTY

Wauchula Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Highlands County Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875

LAKE COUNTY

First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor, FL 32102

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, FL 34741

POLK COUNTY

W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy., Bartow, FL 33830

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career La., North Port, FL 34289

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 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 the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

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

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 10/17/2022 - 13:28

Glades, Pasco Eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

TALLAHASSEE – Homeowners and renters in Glades and Pasco counties are now eligible to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance to help with recovery after Hurricane Ian.

In addition, Sumter County was approved for Public Assistance for debris removal and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities. The county was previously approved for emergency protective measures.

To apply for FEMA assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for smartphones or call 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:25

FEMA Approves $420 million to Help Floridians with Hurricane Ian Recovery

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is providing rental assistance, hotel stays, repair assistance, reimbursement for temporary lodging and other forms of support for Floridians affected by Hurricane Ian who can’t live in their homes. As of today, FEMA has provided $420 million in assistance to help survivors jumpstart their recovery.

How FEMA is helping Floridians:

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have interacted with 26,500 individuals.
• Survivors can visit one of 14 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,256 households with 3,233 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 73,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $65.4 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• As of Oct. 16, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 39,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $77 million to policyholders, including $56 million in advance payments.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling 800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof has installed 1,521 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, through Oct. 23. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA's Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide.

mashana.davis Sun, 10/16/2022 - 14:46

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Jayuya and Toa Baja

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Jayuya and Toa Baja. The joint DRCs, a partnership between the municipality, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA, will help Hurricane Fiona survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at both DRCs to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Services are provided in English and Spanish. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

The additional centers are located at:

• Complejo Deportivo Llaneros, Calle José de Diego, Levittown, Toa Baja, PR 00949
• Universidad Ana G. Méndez, 2 Calle Romero Barceló #10, Jayuya, PR 00664 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

All DRCs have Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialists on site to support and provide guidance to visiting survivors.

To find the DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

Additional DRC locations in Puerto Rico are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial, Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725
• Cancha de Baloncesto Reinaldo Lugo, Calle Desengaño, Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680
• Estadio Pedro Montañez, Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7, Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal, Cayey, PR 00736
• Centro Comunal Los Naranjos, Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2, Barrio Cabo Caribe, Vega Baja, PR 00693
• Centro Servicios Múltiples Francisco “Pancho” Robledo, Ave. Padre Severo Ferrer Santa Isabel, PR 00757
• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716
• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes, Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. José Zayas Green, Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794
• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grande PR, 00745
• Centro de Convenciones de Cabo Rojo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, PR-100, Cabo Rojo, 00623
• Centro Comunal Justo Concepción, Carr. 486, Km 2.2, Barrio Zanjas, Camuy, PR 00627
• Cancha Juanito Cabello, Calle Ramón Baldorioty de Castro, PR-173, Cidra, PR 00739
• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 00667
• Centro Bellas Artes Ceferino Caro Ramos, Calle Unión, Rincón, PR 00677
• Biblioteca Municipal de Salinas, Calle Dr. Santos P. Amadeo, Casco Urbano, Salinas, PR 00751
• Casa Alcaldía (1er Piso), Calle Georgetti #35, Barceloneta, PR 00617
• Centro de Recepciones Luis Ángel Ortiz Hernández, Ave. Luis Muñoz Marín, PR-155 Orocovis, PR 00720
• Centro de Usos Múltiples Néstor Vázquez, Terminal de Carros Públicos, 38 Calle Terminal, Patillas, PR 00723
• Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00920
• Estadio Municipal Mario “Ñato” Ramírez, Ave. Blvd Jimmy Negrón Palma Real, Yauco, PR 00698
• Centro Comunal Eugenio Walker, Calle 10, Monte Verde, Barrio San Isidro, Canóvanas, PR, 00729
• Coliseo Municipal Samuel “Sammy” Rodríguez, PR-174, Km 22.8, Barrio Mula, Aguas Buenas, PR 00725
• Coliseo Manuel G. “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, PR-129, Km 2.4, Ave. Industrial, Barrio Hato Abajo, Arecibo, PR 00612
• Centro Comunal Medina, Urb. Medina, Calle #1, B-20, Isabela, PR 00662
• Coliseo Arquelio Torres Ramírez, Atléticos de San German, Ave. Universidad Interamericana, Carr. 102 Km 33.1, San Germán, PR 00683
• Centro Comunal Martorell, Parcelas Martorell Calle #2, Yabucoa, PR 00767
• Terminal de Carros Públicos 33-35, Calle Anexo Baldorioty, Utuado, PR 00641 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Centro de Servicios Integrados Núm. 4 (La Antigua Escuela), Calle Rafael Janer, Maricao, PR 00606 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento (CDT), PR-198 Km 22.6 Int., Zona Industrial, Las Piedras, PR 00771
• Centro Comunal de Toa Alta Heights, Calle 19, Toa Alta, PR 00953

You may also register for assistance with FEMA or check status of your case through your smart phone, home computer or by phone.

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

frances.acevedo-pico Sun, 10/16/2022 - 12:25

FEMA Expands Individual Assistance to Additional Florida Counties; 26 Now Eligible

WASHINGTON -- Glades and Pasco counties are now eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance after Hurricane Ian, bringing to 26 the number of counties eligible. As of Oct. 15, more than $387.4 million in assistance has been approved for Florida.

How FEMA is helping Floridians

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for individual assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have interacted with 26,000 individuals.
• Survivors can visit one of 14 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 centers), Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,081 households with 2,754 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 65,500 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $52.6 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• As of Oct. 15, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 38,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $65 million to policyholders, including $47 million in advance payments.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of if it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling 800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof has installed 907 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane now have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, through Oct. 23. Policyholders whose policy renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. 

mashana.davis Sat, 10/15/2022 - 19:00

FEMA Needs Your Contact Information

TALLAHASSEE - Florida survivors who applied for FEMA disaster assistance after Hurricane Ian are asked to provide current contact information to ensure the application review process stays on track.

It’s important to update FEMA about changes to your status, particularly your housing situation. You should update FEMA concerning changes in insurance, your phone number and other contact information as soon as possible and as often as necessary. FEMA may need to contact you. Missing or wrong information could delay the delivery of assistance. When contacting FEMA, keep handy the nine-digit number assigned to you when you first applied.

To update your information, you can call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center near you text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 or visit fema.gov/drc.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

virginia.case2 Sat, 10/15/2022 - 15:18

FEMA Offers Help for Displaced Renters

Were you a renter in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County or St. Charles County and displaced after the July 25-28 flooding? If your apartment complex was damaged and you had to move out, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

If your building was condemned, or you were otherwise forced to relocate as a direct result of the July 25-28 flooding, you may be eligible for assistance, even if your unit did not sustain flood damage. If you have applied with FEMA and were initially denied, you may still be eligible.  

FEMA has set up a special phone number for St. Louis-area survivors who were displaced from their rental units after the flood. The phone number is 816-283-7920 and will be operational starting October 17, 2022, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please leave a message if you call after hours and be sure to have your FEMA registration number on hand when you call. FEMA will return your call within 48 hours.

If you have not applied with FEMA yet, the deadline to apply is November 7,2022. You can apply for assistance with FEMA four ways:

• Calling 800-621-3362
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ranken Technical College, Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave

St. Louis, MO 63113 (Near the corner of Newstead and Page)

Urban League Empowerment Center

9420 W. Florissant Ave

Ferguson, MO 63136

University City Recreation Division, Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd

University City, MO 63130

• Using the FEMA App on your smartphone.

tiana.suber Fri, 10/14/2022 - 22:56

More Than $100 Million in Assistance Approved for Missourians Impacted by July Flooding

More than $101.2 million in federal and state assistance has now been approved for residents of the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County impacted by the July 25-28 flooding.  Nearly 200 federal personnel from around the country remain on the ground in Missouri helping with flood recovery.

As of Oct. 13, 2022:

• FEMA has approved $38.2 million in assistance for individuals and households, including rental assistance for homeowners and renters.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $28.3 million in disaster loans for 879 homeowners, renters and businesses.
• The National Flood Insurance Program has received 602 claims and paid $34.7 million.

“We’re gratified to see that much-needed financial assistance is getting to people in the St. Louis region to help them recover from the historic flooding,” Missouri State Emergency Management Director Jim Remillard said. “Missourians have been granted an extension until November 7, 2022 to apply for assistance. We want everyone to know that FEMA assistance is still available, including for housing repairs and temporary housing needs, and other expenses. This assistance is available to renters as well as homeowners. We urge people in St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County who were directly affected by the July flooding to apply with FEMA, online, by phone or using the FEMA app.”

 “FEMA is just one piece of the disaster recovery process. Working closely with the State of Missouri, local elected officials, non-profit organizations and other federal agencies, we’ve been able to quickly get assistance in the hands of survivors of the July flash flood. This assistance will help jump-start their recovery,” said DuWayne Tewes, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer. “This is just the beginning. We know there is a lot of work to do. So we encourage those who have been affected, but haven’t yet applied for FEMA assistance, to do so before November 7. We want to ensure everyone who is eligible gets registered.” Tewes added.

People affected by the disaster in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County have three ways to apply and stay in touch with FEMA:

• Call: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Go Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center

FEMA continues to operate Disaster Recovery Centers in the affected areas. The recovery centers allow survivors to meet face-to-face with FEMA and SBA. These centers have served more than 5,700 disaster survivors and continue to assist those who need help.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams canvassed disaster-affected areas in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. DSA personnel met face-to face with renters and homeowners to help them apply with FEMA and quickly identify and address immediate and emerging needs. FEMA sent DSA teams door-to-door to meet with hard-to-reach survivors where they live to help keep their recovery process on track. The DSA teams have knocked on more than 30,000 doors and had over 14,500 interactions with survivors.

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA_ and @FEMARegion7

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Fri, 10/14/2022 - 22:52

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in St. Johns County

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in St. Johns 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 and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

New Disaster Recovery Centers ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 N Center Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092

 

Center is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

 

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

Other centers are operating in the following locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week unless otherwise noted.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Tringali Rec Center, 3450 N Access Rd., Englewood, FL  34224

Hours: Saturday, October 15 - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. then, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples, 34109

HARDEE COUNTY

Wauchula Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Highlands County Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875

LAKE COUNTY

First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor FL 32102

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741

POLK COUNTY

W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy, Bartow, FL 33830

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32117

 

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 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 the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

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

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/14/2022 - 21:19

Disaster Recovery Center in Ferguson to Close Next Week

A Disaster Recovery Center in St. Louis County will close for the day Tuesday, October 18 and reopen Wednesday, October 19 at 8 a.m. The center will permanently close Friday, October 21 at 5 p.m.

Urban League Empowerment Center

9420 W. Florissant Ave.

Ferguson, MO 63136

Two Disaster Recovery Centers remain open to assist survivors directly affected by the July 25-28 flooding and severe storms: 

Ranken Technical College

Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

(Near the corner of Newstead and Page)

University City Recreation Division

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd.

University City, MO 63130

Recovery center hours are:

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

At the recovery centers, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are providing information on available services, explaining assistance programs and helping survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

• The FEMA application deadline is November 7.
• Apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).
• If you need help applying, FEMA can assist you at a Disaster Recovery Center.
• No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome.
• People directly affected by flooding in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County may visit any recovery center for one-on-one help.                                            

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7.

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Fri, 10/14/2022 - 21:17

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Las Piedras and Toa Alta

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Las Piedras and Toa Alta. The joint DRCs, a partnership between the municipality, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA, will help Hurricane Fiona survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at the DRC to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Services are provided in English and Spanish. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

The additional centers are located at:                                                                                                                                   

• Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento (CDT), PR-198 Km 22.6 Int., Zona Industrial, Las Piedras, PR 00771

• Centro Comunal de Toa Alta Heights, Calle 19, Toa Alta, PR 00953

All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

All DRCs have Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialists on site to support and provide guidance to visiting survivors.

To find the DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

Additional DRC locations in Puerto Rico are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial, Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725

• Cancha de Baloncesto Reinaldo Lugo, Calle Desengaño, Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680

• Estadio Pedro Montañez, Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7, Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal, Cayey, PR 00736

• Centro Comunal Los Naranjos, Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2, Barrio Cabo Caribe, Vega Baja, PR 00693

• Centro Servicios Múltiples Francisco “Pancho” Robledo, Ave. Padre Severo Ferrer Santa Isabel, PR 00757

• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716

• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes, Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. José Zayas Green, Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794

• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grande PR, 00745

• Centro de Convenciones de Cabo Rojo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, PR-100, Cabo Rojo, 00623

• Centro Comunal Justo Concepción, Carr. 486, Km 2.2, Barrio Zanjas, Camuy, PR 00627

• Cancha Juanito Cabello, Calle Ramón Baldorioty de Castro, PR-173, Cidra, PR 00739

• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669

• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 00667

• Centro Bellas Artes Ceferino Caro Ramos, Calle Unión, Rincón, PR 00677

• Biblioteca Municipal de Salinas, Calle Dr. Santos P. Amadeo, Casco Urbano, Salinas, PR 00751

• Casa Alcaldía (1er Piso), Calle Georgetti #35, Barceloneta, PR 00617

• Centro de Recepciones Luis Ángel Ortiz Hernández, Ave. Luis Muñoz Marín, PR-155 Orocovis, PR 00720

• Centro de Usos Múltiples Néstor Vázquez, Terminal de Carros Públicos, 38 Calle Terminal, Patillas, PR 00723

• Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00920

• Estadio Municipal Mario “Ñato” Ramírez, Ave. Blvd Jimmy Negrón Palma Real, Yauco, PR 00698

• Centro Comunal Eugenio Walker, Calle 10, Monte Verde, Barrio San Isidro, Canóvanas, PR, 00729

• Coliseo Municipal Samuel “Sammy” Rodríguez, PR-174, Km 22.8, Barrio Mula, Aguas Buenas, PR 00725

• Coliseo Manuel G. “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, PR-129, Km 2.4, Ave. Industrial, Barrio Hato Abajo, Arecibo, PR 00612

• Centro Comunal Medina, Urb. Medina, Calle #3, B-20, Isabela, PR 00662

• Coliseo Arquelio Torres Ramírez, Atléticos de San German, Ave. Universidad Interamericana, Carr. 102 Km 33.1, San Germán, PR 00683

• Centro Comunal Martorell, Parcelas Martorell Calle #2, Yabucoa, PR 00767

• Terminal de Carros Públicos 33-35, Calle Anexo Baldorioty, Utuado, PR 00641 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Servicios Integrados Núm. 4 (La Antigua Escuela), Calle Rafael Janer, Maricao, PR 00606 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

You may also register for assistance with FEMA or check status of your case through your smart phone, home computer or by phone.

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

kimberly.keblish Fri, 10/14/2022 - 18:40

FEMA Experts Offer Free Advice at Local Stores to Help you Rebuild Safer and Stronger

FEMA is providing free information about how to make your home stronger and safer – whether it was damaged by this summer’s flooding or not.

You can speak directly with FEMA specialists at local home improvement stores.

Do-it-yourselfers and professionals can get answers to questions and discuss:

• Proven methods for preventing damage from future disasters
• Techniques for rebuilding homes
• Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent your home

Locations:

The Home Depot

11215 St Charles Rock Rd

Bridgeton, MO 63044

The Home Depot

1603 S Hanley Rd

Brentwood, MO 63144

The Home Depot

3202 S Kingshighway Blvd

Saint Louis, MO 63139

Dates and Hours:

Monday, October 17, through Saturday, October 22, 8 a.m.--6 p.m.

Monday, October 24, through –Wednesday, October 26, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Thursday, October 27, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7.

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Fri, 10/14/2022 - 17:39

FEMA Operating 13 Disaster Recovery Centers, Provides $357 Million for Survivors

WASHINGTON -- As of today, FEMA has approved more than $357 million in federal disaster assistance to over 191,508 individuals and households to help jumpstart their recoveries.  

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 24 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for individual assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have interacted with 22,000 individuals. Survivors can visit one of 13 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 centers), Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,062 households with 2,716 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 56,500 home inspections for survivors who registered for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $40 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• As of Oct. 14, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 37,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $55 million to policyholders, including $39 million in advance payments.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of if it was successful in preventing flood damage.

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof has installed 409 roofs in Lee and Charlotte counties. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane now have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25 through Oct. 23. Policyholders whose policy renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. 

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/14/2022 - 14:55

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Maricao and Utuado

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Maricao and Utuado. The joint DRCs, a partnership between the municipality, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA, will help Hurricane Fiona survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at the DRC to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Services are provided in English and Spanish. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

The additional centers are located at:

• Terminal de Carros Públicos 33-35, Calle Anexo Baldorioty, Utuado, PR 00641

• Centro de Servicios Integrados Núm. 4 (La Antigua Escuela), Calle Rafael Janer, PR 00606

These two locations are open 7 days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The other 26 FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All DRCs have Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialists on site to support and provide guidance to visiting survivors.

To find the DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

Additional DRC locations in Puerto Rico are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial, Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725

• Cancha de Baloncesto Reinaldo Lugo, Calle Desengaño, Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680

• Estadio Pedro Montañez, Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7, Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal, Cayey, PR 00736

• Centro Comunal Los Naranjos, Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2, Barrio Cabo Caribe, Vega Baja, PR 00693

• Centro Servicios Múltiples Francisco “Pancho” Robledo, Ave. Padre Severo Ferrer Santa Isabel, PR 00757

• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716

• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes, Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. José Zayas Green, Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794

• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grande PR, 00745

• Centro de Convenciones de Cabo Rojo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, PR-100, Cabo Rojo, 00623

• Centro Comunal Justo Concepción, Carr. 486, Km 2.2, Barrio Zanjas, Camuy, PR 00627

• Cancha Juanito Cabello, Calle Ramón Baldorioty de Castro, PR-173, Cidra, PR 00739

• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669

• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 00667

• Centro Bellas Artes Ceferino Caro Ramos, Calle Unión, Rincón, PR 00677

• Biblioteca Municipal de Salinas, Calle Dr. Santos P. Amadeo, Casco Urbano, Salinas, PR 00751

• Casa Alcaldía (1er Piso), Calle Georgetti #35, Barceloneta, PR 00617

• Centro de Recepciones Luis Ángel Ortiz Hernández, Ave. Luis Muñoz Marín, PR-155 Orocovis, PR 00720

• Centro de Usos Múltiples Néstor Vázquez, Terminal de Carros Públicos, 38 Calle Terminal, Patillas, PR 00723

• Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00920

• Estadio Municipal Mario “Ñato” Ramírez, Ave. Blvd Jimmy Negrón Palma Real, Yauco, PR 00698

• Centro Comunal Eugenio Walker, Calle 10, Monte Verde, Barrio San Isidro, Canóvanas, PR 00729

• Coliseo Municipal Samuel “Sammy” Rodríguez, PR-174, Km 22.8, Barrio Mula, Aguas Buenas, PR 00725

• Coliseo Manuel G. “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, PR-129, Km 2.4, Ave. Industrial, Barrio Hato Abajo, Arecibo, PR 00612

• Centro Comunal Medina, Urb. Medina, Calle #3, B-20, Isabela, PR 00662

• Coliseo Arquelio Torres Ramírez, Atléticos de San German, Ave. Universidad Interamericana, Carr. 102 Km 33.1, San Germán, PR 00683

• Centro Comunal Martorell, Parcelas Martorell Calle #2, Yabucoa, PR 00767

You may also register for assistance with FEMA or check status of your case through your smart phone, home computer or by phone.

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

kimberly.keblish Fri, 10/14/2022 - 13:46

Two Weeks Left for Kentucky Flood Survivors to Apply with FEMA

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky homeowners and renters who sustained damage to their property from the July floods have two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline is Friday, Oct. 28, to apply for FEMA assistance for survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the July floods can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other federal benefits.

Survivors who sign up with the American Red Cross or other organizations are not automatically eligible for federal disaster assistance. You must apply with FEMA to be considered.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for FEMA assistance in the following ways:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find an open recovery center, visit fema.gov/drc
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as a video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service
• Apply online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app

If you have been asked to complete a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration, please complete it as soon as possible. If SBA does not offer you a low interest loan, you may be eligible for additional FEMA grant assistance to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses, or meet other disaster-related needs.

The deadline for survivors to apply for an SBA disaster loan is Oct. 28.

Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA website at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants can visit a disaster recovery center, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage-related expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

For official information on the Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Fri, 10/14/2022 - 13:45

Priority Service for First Responders, Educators at Disaster Recovery Centers

TALLAHASSEE – First responders and educators – police officers, firemen, medical personnel, teachers and others supporting response to Hurricane Ian – will be given priority service at several Disaster Recovery Centers Oct. 15 and 16.

The service will be offered on those dates from 9 a.m. to noon at the centers in Charlotte, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties. By showing their official identification, they will not have to wait in line to talk with center staff about their own applications for help. While first responders and teachers will move to the head of the line on those days, other survivors are welcome to visit the centers whenever they can. Here are the locations:

 

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Home Depot, 12621 S McCall Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33981

 

HARDEE COUNTY

Wauchula Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

 

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

 

LEE COUNTY

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

 

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289

 

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for smartphones or call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, 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.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/14/2022 - 13:11

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Highlands and Lake Counties

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened two additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Highlands and Lake Counties.

Centers are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

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.

New Disaster Recovery Centers HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Highlands County Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875

LAKE COUNTY

First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor FL 32102

 

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

Other centers are operating in the following locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week unless otherwise noted.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Home Depot, 12621 S McCall Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33981

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples, 34109

HARDEE COUNTY

Wauchula Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741

POLK COUNTY

W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy, Bartow, FL 33830

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32117

 

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 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 the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to register visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

 

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

 

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

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/14/2022 - 12:35

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Open in Aguas Buenas, Arecibo, Isabela and San Germán

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Aguas Buenas, Arecibo, Isabela and San Germán. The joint DRCs, a partnership between the municipality, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA, will help Hurricane Fiona survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

All 25 FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at the DRC to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Services are provided in English and Spanish. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

The additional centers are located at:

• Coliseo Municipal Samuel “Sammy” Rodríguez, PR-174, Km 22.8, Barrio Mula, Aguas Buenas, PR 00725

• Coliseo Manuel G. “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, PR-129, Km 2.4, Ave. Industrial, Barrio Hato Abajo, Arecibo, PR 00612

• Centro Comunal Medina, Urb. Medina, Calle #3, B-20, Isabela, PR 00662

• Coliseo Arquelio Torres Ramírez, Atléticos de San German, Ave. Universidad Interamericana, Carr. 102 Km 33.1, San Germán, PR 00683

All DRCs have Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialists on site to support and provide guidance to visiting survivors.

To find the DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

Additional DRC locations in Puerto Rico are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial, Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725

• Cancha de Baloncesto Reinaldo Lugo, Calle Desengaño, Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680

• Estadio Pedro Montañez, Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7, Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal, Cayey, PR 00736

• Centro Comunal Los Naranjos, Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2, Barrio Cabo Caribe, Vega Baja, PR 00693

• Centro Servicios Múltiples Francisco “Pancho” Robledo, Ave. Padre Severo Ferrer Santa Isabel, PR 00757

• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716

• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes, Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. José Zayas Green, Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794

• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grande PR, 00745

• Centro de Convenciones de Cabo Rojo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, PR-100, Cabo Rojo, 00623

• Centro Comunal Justo Concepción, Carr. 486, Km 2.2, Barrio Zanjas, Camuy, PR 00627

• Cancha Juanito Cabello, Calle Ramón Baldorioty de Castro, PR-173, Cidra, PR 00739

• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669

• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 00667

• Centro Bellas Artes Ceferino Caro Ramos, Calle Unión, Rincón, PR 00677

• Biblioteca Municipal de Salinas, Calle Dr. Santos P. Amadeo, Casco Urbano, Salinas, PR 00751

• Casa Alcaldía (1er Piso), Calle Georgetti #35, Barceloneta, PR 00617

• Centro de Recepciones Luis Ángel Ortiz Hernández, Ave. Luis Muñoz Marín, PR-155 Orocovis, PR 00720

• Centro de Usos Múltiples Néstor Vázquez, Terminal de Carros Públicos, 38 Calle Terminal, Patillas, PR 00723

• Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00920

• Estadio Municipal Mario “Ñato” Ramírez, Ave. Blvd Jimmy Negrón Palma Real, Yauco, PR 00698

• Centro Comunal Eugenio Walker, Calle 10, Monte Verde, Barrio San Isidro, Canóvanas, PR, 00729

You may also register for assistance with FEMA or check status of your case through your smart phone, home computer or by phone.

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 10/13/2022 - 17:56