FEMA Awards Pinellas Park $1.36 Million for Emergency Generator and Wind Protection

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,362,920 for the City of Pinellas Park to provide emergency backup power for the Barbara S. Ponce Public Library and protection from wind at 16 of its public facilities during future storms.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the city after Hurricane Irma in 2017. The grant will help pay for the installation of an emergency generator at the Barbara S. Ponce Public Library to ensure continuity of operations for post-disaster recovery. The installation of shutters and impact-resistant windows at all 16 facilities will provide wind protection for all openings such as vents and exhaust fans. The roof and exterior walls of the buildings will also be strengthened.

The HMGP is an important source of federal disaster assistance. Program funding may become available after the president declares a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings and critical infrastructure. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Irma disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

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

Nadine.Jones Tue, 08/10/2021 - 15:21

FEMA, FCC Conducting System Tests of Public Alert and Warning Infrastructures

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will test the nation’s public alert and warning systems at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday. FEMA regularly tests the public alert and warning systems to assess the operational readiness of the supporting infrastructure. The tests also help identify any needed technological and administrative improvements to the systems.

This week’s testing will be the sixth test of the nationwide public alert and warning systems and has been planned since June 2020. The purpose of the test is to assess the effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to receive and convey a national message via radio and television and of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) infrastructure to deliver a test message to mobile phones.

The EAS national test is very similar to regular monthly tests typically originated by state authorities. During the test, radios and televisions across the country may interrupt normal programming to play the EAS test message. The message may be delivered in English or Spanish. The EAS test message is approximately one minute long and the audio will say:

“This is a test of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. No action is required.”    

The visual message, which will only be displayed on televisions, may vary depending on the station. The message will include, at a minimum, the originator, event, location, valid time period of the message and the time the message was transmitted. For example, the text may read: “A Primary Entry Point system has issued a National Periodic Test for all of the United States beginning at 2:20 PM and ending at 2:50 PM on AUG 11, 2021 (station ID).”

The test message sent to the WEA infrastructure will only be received by specially configured phones and will read:

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

Only phones that have been opted in specifically to receive system test messages will display the test message, which will be in either English or Spanish, depending on the device’s language settings. Most mobile phones will not display the test message. In contrast, consumers will automatically receive real emergency alerts on compatible phones (even if they do not receive the test message).  Instructions for how to opt-in to receive the test message on mobile devices can be found here.

Through this test, FEMA and the FCC are partnering with various agencies and other stakeholder groups to assess information about the performance of the opt-in WEA test. This includes emergency managers and other stakeholders from the National Weather Service, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Texas, City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department, New York City Emergency Management, Mendocino County Office of Emergency Services in California, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, and the Utah Department of Public Safety. In addition, the FCC will gather information about EAS and WEA test performance directly from communications providers.

Information collected from this test will be used to improve EAS and WEA capabilities and testing procedures in the future.

More information about WEA and EAS can be found at Integrated Public Alert & Warning System | FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 08/09/2021 - 21:06

FEMA Provides $3.9 Million for North Dakota Mitigation Project

DENVER – FEMA has awarded $3.9 million to the State of North Dakota for a hazard mitigation project on the campus of the University of Mary in Bismarck. The project is designed to protect South Administrative Building and surrounding area against a potential landslide. This area is along a bluff threatened by erosion from the Missouri River.

As part of the project, regrading of the slope will serve to divert water into valleys to control flow to the river. A retaining wall will also be constructed to hold back land around the building.

Funding was provided through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which is designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program.

The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

The program has a maximum 75 percent federal cost share, with the remaining costs the responsibility of the state and the applicant.

Additional information about FEMA’s mitigation grant programs can be found at www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation.

anthony.mayne Mon, 08/09/2021 - 20:56

FEMA Announces Application Period for $1.16B Building Resilient Infrastructure, Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today it published funding notices for two hazard mitigation grant programs for $1.16 billion to combat climate change and protect underserved communities against disaster hazards. 

The Flood Mitigation Assistance and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) provides funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation activities to strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness.

These pre-disaster programs fund projects that invest in a more resilient nation, reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs, particularly in disadvantaged communities in the face of more severe floods, wildfires and hurricanes. Setting a blueprint for agencies striving to implement the Justice40 Initiative, the Biden administration took steps to enhance the benefits for disadvantaged communities by ensuring they have more access to these funds.   “It is critical that as we work to address climate change, we are doing so in a way that ensures equity in the delivery of our programs,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “By altering the criteria for the programs, we aim to reach more underserved and at-risk communities, which are often disproportionately impacted by climate change, and provide them with the necessary means to make them more resilient for the next disaster.”

This follows last week’s historic announcement of the post-disaster $3.46 billion in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance for hazard mitigation measures across the 59 major disaster declarations issued due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Nearly $5 billion in new funding opportunities is now available to help communities prepare for extreme weather and climate-related disasters.

The application period for the BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance grants opens on Sept. 30 and the funding notices are available on Grants.gov.

Climate change has driven increased extreme weather frequency while chronic underinvestment in resilience has harmed American infrastructure. These investments will advance environmental justice, reduce community disaster vulnerability, promote individual and community safety and strengthen our ability as a nation to adapt to changing conditions.

Earlier this year, President Biden announced this year’s BRIC grant amount totaling $1 billion. Since the last funding notice, BRIC’s guiding principles have been revised to reduce future losses and promote equity, including prioritizing assistance that benefits disadvantaged communities.

FEMA expanded grant access to disadvantaged communities by refining BRIC’s project selection criteria to enable a significantly higher proportion of benefits for those most in need of investment in climate resiliency. Scoring criteria for the competitive grant program has been adjusted to incentivize mitigation actions that consider climate change and future conditions, populations impacted and economically disadvantaged rural communities. Additionally, FEMA doubled to 20 the number of communities that can receive help with project development.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant amount this year is $160 million. Also aligning principles with the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, FEMA will use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index as a selection factor in its competitive scoring process for Flood Mitigation Assistance grants. This means underserved populations will receive more points for projects that benefit their communities.

Eligible applicants must apply for funding using FEMA Grants Outcomes, the agency’s grants management system. Submit applications in FEMA Grants Outcome Portal no later than 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 28, 2022. Applications received by FEMA after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Interested applicants should contact their hazard mitigation officer for more information. For more information visit FEMA.gov.

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zella.campbell Mon, 08/09/2021 - 18:54

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Tops $968 Million

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $968 million to more than 147,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

“Applications” in the below chart reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State-specific Information on COVID-19-related Funeral Cost Assistance

State/Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

ALABAMA

5,633

$22,965,880

3,335

ALASKA

130

$337,358

60

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

Less than 10

Less than 10

ARIZONA

4,295

$12,589,904

2,459

ARKANSAS

2,483

$9,704,304

1,526

CALIFORNIA

26,557

$94,638,927

14,606

COLORADO

1,946

$6,517,976

1,154

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,080

$13,975,821

2,003

DELAWARE

780

$2,665,589

422

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

496

$1,640,947

243

FLORIDA

14,483

$45,600,764

8,079

GEORGIA

9,415

$38,234,737

5,516

GUAM

13

$42,162

Less than 10

HAWAII

247

$784,510

134

IDAHO

520

$1,503,911

264

ILLINOIS

10,675

$44,348,425

6,482

INDIANA

4,447

$19,264,891

2,748

IOWA

2,229

$9,976,956

1,391

KANSAS

2,089

$8,353,813

1,273

KENTUCKY

3,354

$14,832,365

2,082

LOUISIANA

4,623

$18,183,958

2,658

MAINE

342

$919,059

172

MARYLAND

5,011

$19,612,601

2,923

MASSACHUSETTS

5,128

$22,313,532

3,203

MICHIGAN

8,596

$32,383,634

5,313

MINNESOTA

2,474

$11,325,546

1,633

MISSISSIPPI

4,045

$15,566,348

2,306

MISSOURI

4,498

$17,965,402

2,847

MONTANA

447

$1,028,543

206

NEBRASKA

1,087

$4,904,764

689

NEVADA

2,157

$6,301,355

1,136

NEW HAMPSHIRE

611

$2,172,961

368

NEW JERSEY

10,719

$44,182,083

6,396

NEW MEXICO

1,392

$3,375,853

666

NEW YORK

23,357

$87,769,114

12,696

NORTH CAROLINA

7,487

$30,235,967

4,558

NORTH DAKOTA

613

$2,547,504

341

OHIO

8,684

$36,130,819

5,603

OKLAHOMA

3,509

$14,555,737

2,264

OREGON

763

$2,107,997

399

PENNSYLVANIA

11,567

$47,678,425

7,284

PUERTO RICO

1,070

$1,770,876

503

RHODE ISLAND

1,043

$3,720,904

539

SOUTH CAROLINA

5,156

$22,098,791

3,202

SOUTH DAKOTA

661

$2,764,935

371

TENNESSEE

6,156

$26,430,790

3,829

TEXAS

22,734

$87,838,158

13,478

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

26

$73,916

11

UTAH

958

$4,227,171

603

VERMONT

127

$469,287

77

VIRGINIA

5,503

$22,258,436

3,338

WASHINGTON

1,668

$4,694,337

847

WEST VIRGINIA

1,328

$4,773,549

701

WISCONSIN

4,030

$16,838,693

2,555

WYOMING

234

$797,818

138

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. today.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available.

Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/09/2021 - 16:46

Your FEMA Flood Recovery Checklist

CHICAGO – Michiganders in Washtenaw and Wayne counties who were affected by the June floods and still need help have many resources to support their rebuilding efforts. Review FEMA’s flood recovery checklist to ensure you’ve taken all the steps in your federal assistance process:

1. Register with FEMA before 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 13 if you have unmet needs as a result of the June floods by:

            calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) 7 a.m.- 11 p.m. ET seven days a week

           online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov

download: FEMA App.

2. Apply to the US Small Business Administration (SBA) before their Sept. 13 deadline. Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed during the June floods. To apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the SBA, complete an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
3. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)/Document Drop Off Center (DDC) or nearby hardware store to talk with a FEMA Mitigation specialist. Mitigation specialists can answer questions and offer floodproofing information, home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future floods. FEMA has teamed up with True Value and Menards Hardware stores to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes and businesses stronger and safer. Most of the free publications offered are geared to do-it-yourself work and general contractors. To locate the closest DRC or DDC click: Disaster Recovery Centers.
4. Request continued rental assistance forms: If you remain unable to return to your pre-disaster primary residence due to the June flooding disaster, make sure to apply for FEMA’s Continued Rental Assistance. If you did not receive a form by mail, you may request one by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
5. Verify your home’s heating and septic systems are functioning: When you register, report any damage to your furnace, septic tank or water heater as a result of the disaster. If your home has already been inspected and the damage wasn’t identified, you may send FEMA a dated and signed letter within 60 days of your initial FEMA decision, along with a contractor’s estimate, indicating you are appealing for assistance with these items. Keep in mind: if you need to replace your furnace or septic system, you have the option to appeal for additional grant funding through FEMA.
6. Examine your vehicle for water damage. If your vehicle was damaged or destroyed in the flood, FEMA may provide financial assistance. Assistance is usually limited to one uninsured vehicle per household. For questions about eligibility requirements, call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).  
7. Know your appeal options. If you disagree with other FEMA decisions, you have the option to submit an appeal letter with additional documentation to have your case reconsidered. The appeal should be submitted within 60 days of the initial FEMA decision and include a letter explaining what you are appealing, be signed and dated, and include supporting documentation, such as a copy of a verifiable contractor’s estimate.

For questions about federal disaster assistance, the FEMA helpline is available to Michigan survivors by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).  For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607     

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

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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

www.fema.gov/disaster/4607

https://twitter.com/femaregion5

troy.christensen Mon, 08/09/2021 - 12:58

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Beginning on August 5, 2021, community partners from the following municipalities are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period (a separate appeal period for the remaining municipalities began on July 8, 2021):

• Borough of Carlisle
• Borough of Mechanicsburg
• Borough of Mt. Holly Springs
• Borough of New Cumberland
• Borough of Newville
• Township of Dickinson
• Township of Middlesex
• Township of Monroe
• Township of North Middleton
• Township of Silver Spring
• Township of South Middleton

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 partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. An earlier appeal period for the proposed map updates was held in Spring of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, FEMA is offering a second appeal period this summer.

Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

To submit an appeal:

Appeals and comments may be submitted by contacting your municipality’s floodplain administrator.  The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

• 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 preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/0jn54u. 

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. 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 and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Cumberland County Flood Mapping Milestones

• June 26, 2019 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• November 6, 2019 — Open house for community members to review the location of their properties on the flood maps with mapping and insurance specialists. 
• Dec. 18, 2021 — Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• July 8, 2021 — Appeal Period starts for first 22 municipalities
• August 5, 2021 — Appeal Period starts for remaining 11 municipalities
• September 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

amanda.hancher Fri, 08/06/2021 - 13:36

More Than $58.5 Million in Federal Assistance Already Approved for Southeast Michiganders

CHICAGO – More than $58.5 million has already been approved in FEMA grants and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans to help residents affected by the June 25-26, 2021 flooding in southeast Michigan.

Here is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of August 4:

• More than 17,240 households have been approved for $51.2 million in FEMA grant funding, including:
  • More than $43.6 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • Nearly $7.59 million approved for other essential disaster-related needs such as expenses related to medical, dental and lost personal possessions.
• More than 26,588 home inspections have been completed.
• Five Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and two Document Drop-off Centers (DDCs) have been opened in the declared areas of Wayne and Washtenaw counties, to provide individuals with in-person help through their application process. Mobile Registration Centers are also popping up, the most recent one at the VA Medical Center in Detroit.
• Mitigation specialists have spoken with more than 500 individuals in two hardware stores providing advice on preventing flood damage and removing mold and mildew.
• National Flood Insurance Program has paid out more than $365,400 in flood insurance
• The SBA has approved $7.3 million in low-interest disaster loans, with more than 243 loan applications approved.

Individuals in Washtenaw and Wayne counties with uninsured or under insured losses from the June 25 -26 storms are encouraged to apply for federal assistance.

There are several ways to start the process:

1. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
2. Using the FEMA App; or
3. Call 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
4. DRCs are open, to find your nearest center visit FEMA’s DRC locator page at https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation (American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, Large print, etc.) may call 800-621-3362 to request assistance in advance or ask the recovery staff at the center for assistance.

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4607. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Sept. 13, 2021.       

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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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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

www.fema.gov/disaster/4607

https://twitter.com/femaregion5

troy.christensen Fri, 08/06/2021 - 01:58

FEMA Provides $3.1 Million to the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $3.1 million in Public Assistance funding for the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics COVID-19 response. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $100.6 million for Utah’s COVID-19 response to date.

The $3.1 million was received by the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics:

• $1.2 million to rent humidifiers and ventilators to support the increased capacity of COVID-19 positive patients. Additionally, the University purchased personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies and equipment, powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), and disinfection supplies. Work in this project was completed from 01/21/2020 through 12/31/2020.

 

• $1.9 million to rent humidifiers and ventilators to support the increased capacity of COVID-19 positive patients. Additionally, the University purchased personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and equipment. Work in this project was completed from 1/1/2021 through 4/30/2021.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021, Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

anthony.mayne Thu, 08/05/2021 - 19:54

FEMA Provides $1.9 Million to Salt Lake County

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $1.9 million in Public Assistance funding for Salt Lake County’s COVID-19 response. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $100.6 million for Utah’s COVID-19 response to date.

The $1.9 million was received by Salt Lake County for disseminating information to the public through mass mail, directional and social distancing signage, bus wraps, and other media platforms. Additionally, county staff organized a communications team to educate the public on vaccination programs.  Work was completed from 3/2/2020 through 12/31/2020.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021, Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

anthony.mayne Thu, 08/05/2021 - 19:47

Biden Administration Commits Historic $3.46 Billion in Hazard Mitigation Funds to Reduce Effects of Climate Change

WASHINGTON – President Biden today approved more than $3.46 billion to increase resilience to the impacts of climate change nationwide. This significant investment will be available for natural hazard mitigation measures across the 59 major disaster declarations issued due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

With the growing climate change crisis facing the nation, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will provide funding to states, tribes, and territories for mitigation projects to reduce the impacts of climate change. Every state, tribe, and territory that received a major disaster declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive 4% of those disaster costs to invest in mitigation projects that reduce risks from natural disasters. This influx of funding will help communities prioritize mitigation needs for a more resilient future, including underserved communities that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These projects can help address effects of climate change and other unmet mitigation needs, including using funds to promote equitable outcomes in underserved communities

“The Department of Homeland Security is committed to helping build stronger and more resilient communities that are prepared for future disasters,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.  “States, tribes, territories, and localities will now receive the funding needed to treat the climate crisis with the sense of urgency it demands.  Through this funding, communities across the nation will have the critical resources needed to invest in adaptation and resilience, and take meaningful action to combat the effects of climate change.  This funding will also help to ensure the advancement of equity in all communities, especially those that are disproportionately at risk from climate change impacts.”

"Climate change is our country’s biggest crisis. Our communities will continue to suffer from losses caused by extreme weather events unless we invest in mitigation efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change. This new funding is a tangible solution that we can implement today to help prevent against future risk disasters. It will allow us to provide direct aid to states, tribes, and territories to complete mitigation projects, strengthen our infrastructure, identify long term solutions to these hazards and ultimately make a real difference in our communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

Communities across the country have been impacted by the enormous effects of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and other events. The increasing duration, intensity, and severity of such disasters—which are exacerbated by climate change as well as changes in population, land use, and weather patterns—are alarming and devastating, especially for underserved populations.

For eligible mitigation projects, HMGP funding can cover 75% of total project costs and states or communities cover the remaining share. Preparing and mitigating for the impacts of climate change, which is one of the most important threats facing the United States, requires the full collaboration of the Federal Government to support state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.

The FEMA Mitigation Action Portfolio includes examples of innovative mitigation projects that address many types of natural hazards and emphasize the importance of collaboration between governments, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations in order to achieve effective hazard mitigation and disaster resilience.  For example, mitigation projects can:

• Reduce risks associated with climate change, such as wildfires, drought, increased flooding, and coastal erosion, through the use of nature-based features, such as storm water parks, living shorelines, and land conservation.
• Address persistent residential vulnerabilities by mitigating repetitive loss structures affected by flooding.
• Help utilities or other critical facilities adapt to future conditions and reduce risks, through microgrids, seismic and wind retrofits, flood protection, and other infrastructure protection measures. 

This one-time investment represents a 23% increase in the funding made available for declared disasters since the program’s inception. Over the past 30 years, this program has made more than $15 billion available to states, tribes, and territories to make communities more resilient and reduce risks from future disasters.

 

zella.campbell Thu, 08/05/2021 - 19:31

Disagree with FEMA? Know Your Options to Appeal

CHICAGO – Michiganders who disagree with FEMA’s assistance decision have the option to submit an appeal and have their case reconsidered.

After registering for FEMA assistance, applicants will receive a letter explaining FEMA’s eligibility decision and the reason for that decision.  Read your letter carefully because it specifies why you are ineligible and recommends actions that may change the decision.

You may need to provide additional information or documents. For example, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other sources, including insurance. However, if your policy doesn’t cover all your essential needs, you may submit your insurance settlement documents for FEMA to review.

Examples of other missing documents may include proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster. Additionally, if you told FEMA your home was safe to live in when you registered, but your situation has changed, you can contact the FEMA Helpline by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) to have your property inspected and reconsidered for assistance.

Appealing a FEMA Decision

Everyone has the right to appeal a FEMA decision. An appeal must be filed in the form of a signed letter, by the applicant, within 60 days of the date on the decision letter. In the appeal, explain why you disagree with the decision. Include any requested information and supporting documentation. Be sure to include the following:

• Applicant’s full name, current address and phone number
• Address of the applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s signature and the date
• Applicant’s registration number (on every page)
• FEMA disaster declaration number – DR-4607 (on every page)

If the person writing the appeal letter is not the applicant or a member of the applicant’s household, a statement must be included granting the writer authorization to act on your behalf.

Appeal letters and supporting documentation can be uploaded quickly to your account on DisasterAssistance.gov or faxed to 800-827-8112. Please ensure all faxes include the cover sheet provided with your FEMA decision letter. Your appeal may also be submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center or Document Drop-off Center where staff are also available to assist you with ensuring all necessary documents are included. Individuals can find their nearest recovery or document drop-off center by visiting https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator. Appeals can also be mailed to:

FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4607. FEMA assistance is currently available to residents in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Sept. 13, 2021.

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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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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

www.fema.gov/disaster/4607  https://twitter.com/femaregion5

troy.christensen Thu, 08/05/2021 - 15:40

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the River Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the River Fire burning in Placer County.

On Aug. 4, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the River Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 2,200 homes in and around Colfax. The fire also threatened high voltage power lines, several schools, a United States Postal Service facility, and community center. Mandatory evacuations were in place for around 4,300, with 1,000 voluntary evacuations.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 4, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Thu, 08/05/2021 - 14:23

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helps Ease Financial Stress for Families

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming and unforeseen grief to many families. To that end, FEMA is helping to ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the coronavirus disease.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

Those who had funeral expenses due to the coronavirus can apply for FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available.

After the initial call, FEMA will send the applicant a Request for Information (RFI) which outlines all the documentation needed to process the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application. For further information, applicants can also visit the frequently asked questions section in FEMA’s website at Funeral Assistance FAQ | FEMA.gov .

To date, FEMA has received 17 applications for funeral expenses due to COVID-19 and has disbursed $44,066 for this assistance in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FEMA will continue to partner with the government of the Virgin Islands and together we will ensure the equitable delivery of programs as it remains a top priority.

gina.callaghan Wed, 08/04/2021 - 17:51

Application Deadline Passes but FEMA is Still Here to Help

The deadline for registering with FEMA has passed, but that does not mean FEMA is leaving. FEMA continues working with the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) to help survivors and communities recover.

If you have registered for assistance, FEMA encourages you to keep in touch to track your case. You should also notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and to report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.

Here’s how to reach FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.  
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.  
• Download the FEMA Mobile App.

The application deadline for a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan also has passed. For information, call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@SBA.gov, or visit SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-877-8339.

As of Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021:

• More than $10 million had been approved for 6,414 households.  
• More than $17.6 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners had been approved.  
• More than 3,300 National Flood Insurance Program claims had been submitted.  
• An estimated $198 million had been paid on approved NFIP claims.

For the latest information on the May 17-21 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4606. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

tiana.suber Wed, 08/04/2021 - 17:23

FEMA Awards ODOT More Than $34 Million for Debris Removal in Wildfire Affected Counties

Salem, Ore. – FEMA has approved $34,488,250 for the State of Oregon to defray the costs of debris removal throughout Douglas, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln and Marion counties from 2020’s devastating wildfires under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA).

FEMA funds will reimburse the Oregon Department of Transportation for the collection, removal and disposal of debris from destroyed structures throughout Douglas, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln and Marion counties following the September 2020 wildfires.

• Douglas County $2,036,091 in PA funds were obligated for contractors to gather and haul away an estimated 8,339 tons of mixed debris from approximately 65 private residential properties.
• Jackson County $10,274,429 in PA funds were obligated for contractors to gather and haul away an estimated 42,079 tons of mixed debris from approximately 328 private residential properties.
• Lane County $6,734,763 in PA funds were obligated for contractors to gather and haul away an estimated 27,582 tons of mixed debris from approximately 215 private residential properties.
• Lincoln County $3,508,341 in PA funds were obligated for contractors to gather and haul away an estimated 19,961 tons of mixed debris from approximately 112 private residential properties.
• Marion County $11,934,626 in PA funds were obligated for contractors to gather and haul away an estimated 48,878 tons of mixed debris from approximately 381 private residential properties.

Debris removed from these properties included: miscellaneous metals (excluding vehicles); burned debris and ash; contaminated soil; and vegetative debris (hazardous trees) that were determined to pose a threat to public health and safety from private property for disposal.

ODOT obtained the authority to remove debris on private property—not including commercial property— by signed right of entry agreements between the county and private property owners.

Funding for this Public Assistance (PA) project is authorized under Sections 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act for Oregon to cover wildfire-related expenses, reimbursing eligible applicants for the cost of debris removal; life-saving emergency protective measures; and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities like buildings, roads and utilities.

FEMA’s PA grant program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop project worksheets and scopes of work. Following approvals by FEMA and OEM, FEMA obligates funding for the project.

FEMA’s PA program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

The federal share for PA projects is not less than 75% of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project (up to 25%) is split with the sub-recipients like local and county governments.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond survivor inquiries. When rebuilding check with your local building official and floodplain administrator for guidance.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

hannah.weinstein Wed, 08/04/2021 - 17:11

Aubrey Dockins Selected for FEMA’s 2021-2022 National Youth Preparedness Council

ATLANTA - FEMA has selected Aubrey Dockins of Jacksonville, Fla., as one of 15 members for the 2020-2021 National Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).

The YPC was created by FEMA in 2012 to bring together diverse young leaders who are interested in disaster preparedness and making a difference in their communities. Members will learn from senior leaders in national preparedness and work with FEMA community preparedness staff, who will offer support and mentorship throughout their two-year term.

Aubrey will be a junior at Duncan U. Fletcher High School next year. She is passionate about helping underserved populations and is studying Spanish and American Sign Language to become more inclusive in her communications. Recently, for her Girl Scout Troop’s Bronze Award service project, Aubrey helped make a local rescued horse ranch more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

During her time on the council, Aubrey plans to work with the non-profit Gianna’s Path of Love organization to create a “sensory room” in special needs shelters in her state to help people with developmental disabilities stay calm and focused. During an evacuation, these shelters serve people who have a medical condition that requires professional oversight, but not hospitalization. 

To learn more about the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council, visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

neily.chapman Wed, 08/04/2021 - 16:56

FEMA Approves Additional $1.2M for Tallahassee Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $1,289,869 for the State of Florida to reimburse the City of Tallahassee for management costs following Hurricane Michael, bringing total reimbursement to date to $23,387,333 million.

The city was reimbursed for costs of tracking, charging and accounting for emergency and permanent work after the storm, including debris removal, city and police emergency protective measures, buildings and equipment to include fire department, utilities, parks and recreational, fleet and metro, municipal, and wastewater treatment facilities.     

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

David.Mace Wed, 08/04/2021 - 15:30

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Arlington County, Virginia

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Arlington County, Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

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 partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on July 22, 2021. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that 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 the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator. For more information on floodplain management in Arlington County, visit https://environment.arlingtonva.us/flood-insurance-rate-maps/ or contact Aileen Winquist at awinquist@arlingtonva.us. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/1LG0C4. 

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. 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 and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Arlington County Flood Mapping Milestones

• April 6, 2020 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• Sept. 18, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• Nov. 9, 2020 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• July 22, 2021 –Appeal Period starts.
• Fall 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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

 

amanda.hancher Wed, 08/04/2021 - 14:05

Learn Disaster Risk Reduction Tips at Hammer Time True Value Hardware

CHICAGO - As southeast Michigan survivors clean and repair damage to their homes caused by the severe storms and flooding that occurred June 25-26, 2021, FEMA has teamed up with Hammer Time True Value Hardware in Detroit to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes and businesses stronger and safer.

The FEMA Hazard Mitigation team will be at:

Hammer Time True Value Hardware

16380 E Warren Avenue

Detroit, MI 48224

From: Aug. 2, 2021 to Aug. 14, 2021

Hours: Mon. through Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET and Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET

Most of the information and the free publications provided are geared to do-it-yourself work and general contractors. Recovery topics covered include clean-up tips, flood insurance, elevating utilities and rebuilding flooded homes.

FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialists are also on hand at Disaster Recovery Centers to answer questions and offer floodproofing information, home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4607. FEMA assistance is currently available to residents in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Sept. 13, 2021.                        

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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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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

www.fema.gov/disaster/4607 https://twitter.com/femaregion5

troy.christensen Wed, 08/04/2021 - 13:05