FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Chuweah Creek Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Chuweah Creek Fire burning in Washington.

In coordination with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the State of Washington submitted a request to FEMA for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration for the Chuweah Creek Fire on Monday, July 12, 2021.  FEMA Region 10 Acting Regional Administrator Vincent Maykovich determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the State’s request on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6:27 p.m. PT, making it the second FMAG declared to help fight Washington wildfires in 2021.

At the time of the State’s request, the fire was threatening homes in and around the community of Nespelem.  The fire was also threatening roads, tribal government buildings, a tribal prison, parks and recreation facilities, farms, utilities, the local watershed, streams and fish spawning sites, as well as locations of cultural significance. These homes and facilities are on tribal land and are under tribal jurisdiction. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the State’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

With this FMAG authorization, an additional $778,778 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area. 

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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, 07/14/2021 - 20:04

FEMA Awards Santa Rosa County $2.83 Million to Improve Stormwater Drainage System

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $2,830,737 to help Santa Rosa County improve the drainage basin of the Metron Estates Subdivision in Pace, Florida during a storm.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the county after Hurricane Irma in 2017. The grant covers improvements to the local stormwater conveyance system including expansion of two existing stormwater ponds, construction of a new stormwater pond and the installation of a stormwater pump station and pipeline to recover rainfall that flows over paved surfaces. 

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.

barbara.murien… Wed, 07/14/2021 - 12:15

Fort Pierre Facing Probation from the National Flood Insurance Program

DENVER – Fort Pierre, S.D. will be placed on probationary status by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on Oct. 14, 2021, due to deficiencies and violations with the city’s floodplain management program unless the city can either remediate all outstanding violations or prepare a compliance plan approved by FEMA.

Fort Pierre is an NFIP-participating community with 103 flood insurance policies in force with a total coverage of more than $28.2 million as of July 9, 2021.

When a community joins the NFIP, it voluntarily adopts local floodplain management regulations to meet NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria. Placement on probation is a formal notice to the community that the local floodplain management program is not compliant with the criteria of the NFIP and is the first step in the process to suspend the community’s eligibility to participate in the NFIP.

Unless the City either remediates the violations or completes a compliance plan approved by FEMA, the probation period will begin on Oct. 14, 2021, and be in effect for one year.

Violations include:

• Buildings constructed in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) with their floor elevation below the Base Flood Elevation.
• Insufficient number or types of flood vents for structures within the SFHA.
• Encroachment within a regulatory floodway.

While FEMA has worked with Fort Pierre to gain compliance, the city has failed to submit the requested documentation to demonstrate compliance with the NFIP. Accordingly, FEMA is prepared to place Fort Pierre on probation with the NFIP.

During the probationary period, flood insurance coverage will remain available within Fort Pierre. However, a $50 surcharge will be added to the premium of each new and renewed flood insurance policy sold within the community for at least one year from the effective date of probation. Each flood insurance policyholder in unincorporated Fort Pierre will receive a notice about the impending probation and the $50 surcharge.

Failure to correct identified deficiencies and to improve the floodplain management program within Fort Pierre during the probationary period can lead to suspension from the NFIP. Flood insurance from the NFIP is no longer available for purchase for communities on suspension. If a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance would not be available. This includes the acquisition, construction, or repair of insurable structures within the SFHA as well as federal assistance to individuals and households for housing and personal property.

FEMA will continue to provide technical assistance and guidance to the city to resolve program deficiencies and correct the violations to help ensure that Fort Pierre residents and property owners continue to have flood insurance coverage available.

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 07/13/2021 - 19:09

Less than Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky homeowners, renters and business owners who had property damage or loss caused by the severe storms from Feb. 27 to March 14 may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Less than two weeks remain to apply until the July 23 registration deadline.

If you live in one of the 31 counties included in the Kentucky federal disaster declaration for Individual Assistance, you can apply, update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362; or
• Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. Multilingual operators are available during those hours (press 2 for Spanish).
• Those who use a Relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA can contact you. Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

The counties designated for Individual Assistance are Anderson, Breathitt, Boyd, Clark, Clay, Estill, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greenup, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Warren and Woodford.

You should have the following information available to register:

• Address of the damaged primary dwelling where damage occurred;
• Current mailing address, telephone number and Social Security number;
• Your insurance information;
• Total household annual income;
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit; and
• A description of disaster damage and losses.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit https://kyem.ky.gov

and www.fema.gov/disaster/4595. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Tue, 07/13/2021 - 15:38

Submit Flood Insurance Proof of Loss Form Within 60 Days of Loss

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you have purchased flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and filed a claim for flood damages, be sure to submit your Proof of Loss form within 60 days after the date of loss.

Take the time to fill out the form and collect supporting documents:

• You will need to provide supporting documents with the form, like your building damage estimate and a personal-property loss inventory list…and don’t forget to sign it.
• Your adjuster will give you a detailed loss estimate. Please review to see if they forgot something or perhaps got something wrong.
• Your adjuster may provide you with a Proof of Loss form and help you fill it out. You can submit this form, or you can fill out a Proof of Loss form on your own. If you find some items were missed on the form afterward, you can submit a supplemental claim later.

Remember, even if you do not agree with the adjuster’s loss estimate, it’s important that you submit the Proof of Loss form within 60 days.

For more information, contact your insurance agent, visit FloodSmart.gov or call NFIP at 877-336-2627.

To speak with a Community Education and Outreach (CEO) Specialist about ways to reduce your flood risk, call

1-833-FEMA-4US (833-336-2487) or send an email to FEMA-LAmit@fema.dhs.gov.

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.

stuart.lewis Tue, 07/13/2021 - 14:47

West Virginia: Queda menos de una semana para solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Con tan solo una semana antes del fin del período de solicitud para la asistencia federal por desastre, se exhorta a los residentes de West Virginia que sufrieron pérdidas o daños por las tormentas severas e inundaciones que ocurrieron entre el 27 de febrero y el 4 a repasar los varios tipos de subvenciones y préstamos que están disponibles.

Los sobrevivientes pueden solicitar si viven en los condados de Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo o Wayne y sufrieron daños a causa de las tormentas del invierno pasado.

El programa de Asistencia Individual de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) podría ofrecer asistencia económica para sus necesidades por desastre, tales como el cuidado de niños, atención médica o dental y subvenciones para vivienda dañada o inhabitable. Los sobrevivientes no deben esperar que las subvenciones de FEMA restauren las viviendas dañadas por la tormenta a sus condiciones de antes del desastre. Las subvenciones ayudan a hacer que la vivienda sea segura, sanitaria y funcional.

"Ya que queda menos de una semana para solicitar, yo animo encarecidamente a las personas en los condados afectados a que soliciten la ayuda por desastre antes de que se termine el período de solicitud el día 19," dijo Jeff Jones, Oficial de Coordinación Federal de FEMA. "Además, si conocen a alguien que podría haber sufrido daños por esta inundación, cuida a su vecino y hágale saber que ayuda está disponible."

FEMA considerará las solicitudes si los residentes afectados no tienen seguro o tienen insuficiente cobertura para satisfacer las necesidades serias por el desastre. La asistencia podría incluir alquiler y subvenciones para reparaciones esenciales a la vivienda y pérdidas de propiedad personal, incluyendo los pozos privados, los puentes y las calderas.

Cómo inscribirse:

• Llame al 800-621-FEMA (3362) o, para TTY, al 800-462-7585
• Por Internet en DisasterAssistance.gov/es
• Descargue la aplicación de FEMA

Llame a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Hay operadores multilingües disponibles. Las líneas están abiertas todos los días de 7 a.m. a 10 p.m. Las personas que usan un servicio de retransmisión, tal como un videoteléfono, InnoCaption o CapTel, deben facilitar su número telefónico específico asignado para ese servicio a FEMA.

Además, para las personas que desean solicitar asistencia de FEMA, así como las personas que tienen preguntas sobre solicitudes existentes, se han programado los siguientes eventos de inscripción para esta semana en los condados de Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo y Wayne:

5. de inscripción de Asistencia Individual

8.  

14.  

Departamento de bomberos voluntarios de Sissonville - Estación Johnson

martes 13 de julio

9 a.m. - mediodía

383 Call Road, Sissonville

Departamento de bomberos voluntarios de Tornado

martes 13 de julio

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7826 Coal River Road, St Albans

Alcaldía de Palacios

martes 13 de julio

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

103 First Street, Clendenin

Academia de bomberos de Tri-State

miércoles 14 de julio

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4200 Ohio River Road, Huntington

Departamento de bomberos voluntarios de Delbarton

jueves 15 de julio

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

County Highway 65/12, Delbarton

Centro comunitario de Dunlow

viernes 16 de julio

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road, Dunlow

Los residentes de los cuatro condados también tienen la opción de solicitar préstamos por desastre de la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés).

Préstamos por desastre en cantidades de hasta $200,000 están disponibles para los propietarios de vivienda para reparar y remplazar propiedad inmueble dañada o destruida durante la tormenta. Los propietarios de vivienda e inquilinos son elegibles para recibir hasta $40,000 en préstamos para reparar o remplazar propiedad personal dañada por la tormenta o la inundación. Los negocios pueden obtener préstamos de hasta $2 millones para cualquier combinación de daños a la propiedad o capital operacional.

La fecha límite de SBA para presentar las solicitudes por daños a la propiedad es el 19 de julio de 2021. Para los negocios, la fecha límite para presentar las solicitudes de capital operacional es el 22 de febrero de 2022.

Para más información acerca de los préstamos de SBA, llame al Centro de Servicio al Cliente de SBA para Asistencia en Desastres al 800-659-2955, escriba por correo electrónico a FOCE-Help@sba.gov o visite https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/es. Los usuarios de TTY deben llamar al 800-877-8339. 

Para más información sobre la recuperación del desastre en West Virginia, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4605. Aprenda más sobre la Asistencia por Desastre en www.disasterassistance.gov/es. Para una guía al proceso de solicitud de Asistencia por Desastre, visite www.fema.gov/es/assistance/individual/program#apply.

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres. La jurisdicción de la Región 3 de FEMA incluye: Delaware, el Distrito de Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia y West Virginia.

 Síganos en Twitter en twitter.com/femaregion3  y en LinkedIn e

amanda.hancher Tue, 07/13/2021 - 14:09

FEMA Awards $2.3 Million to St. Cloud for Ravine Stabilization Project

CHICAGO – Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released an initial $2,363,580 to the city of St. Cloud, Minnesota, for a ravine stabilization project. The project involves installation of a new storm sewer to reroute the current sewer built in the 1920s. The rerouting will establish a new water outlet to the Mississippi River and prevent excessive stormwater runoff from flowing to the ravine. This mitigation measure will significantly reduce erosion in the area and allow the original storm pipe to provide a habitable environment for bats to hibernate there.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding for communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce disaster losses,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This project will help restore the area’s natural infrastructure and reduce the damage that flooding could cause the community in the future.”

“This project will help prevent erosion and the damage it can cause, especially during heavy rain events,” HSEM Director Joe Kelly said. “We are grateful for these federal grants, which have helped communities across Minnesota reduce the risk of loss of life and property due to natural hazards.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures following a disaster declaration. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $3,151,440 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds will be provided by the city of St. Cloud. FEMA will also provide an initial $78,786 in management costs for project implementation.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Tue, 07/13/2021 - 14:07

West Virginia: Less than a week left to apply for FEMA disaster assistance

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With only one week left before the July 19 application period ends for federal disaster assistance, West Virginia residents who had losses or damage from the Feb. 27-March 4 severe storms and flooding are encouraged to review the many types of grants and loans that are available.

Survivors may apply if they live in Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo or Wayne counties and had damage from last winter’s storms.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program may provide financial assistance for disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical or dental care and grants for damaged or uninhabitable housing. Survivors should not expect that FEMA grants will restore your storm-damaged home to pre-disaster condition. Grants help make the dwelling safe, sanitary and functional.

“With less than a week remaining to apply, I absolutely urge all those in the affected counties to apply for disaster aid before the application period ends on the 19th,” said Jeff Jones, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer. “In addition, if you know someone who may have had damage from this flood, take care of you neighbor and let them know help is out there.”

FEMA will consider applications if affected residents have no insurance or insufficient coverage to meet serious disaster-related needs. Assistance may include rent and grants for essential home repairs and personal property losses, including private wells, bridges and furnaces.

Here is how to register:

• Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By downloading the FEMA app

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

In addition, for those wanting to apply for FEMA assistance as well as those who may have questions about existing applications, there are registration events scheduled this week in Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo and Wayne counties:

56. Assistance Registration Event

1.  

51.  

Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department – Johnson Station

Tuesday July 13

9 a.m. - noon

383 Call Road, Sissonville

Tornado Volunteer Fire Department

Tuesday July 13

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7826 Coal River Road, St Albans

Clendenin City Hall

Tuesday July 13

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

103 First Street, Clendenin

Tri-State Fire Academy

Wednesday July 14

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4200 Ohio River Road, Huntington

Delbarton Volunteer Fire Department

Thursday July 15

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

County Highway 65/12, Delbarton

Dunlow Community Center

Friday July 16

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1475 Left Fork Dunlow Bypass Road, Dunlow

Residents of the four counties also have the option to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a disaster loan.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair and replace real estate that was damaged or destroyed in the storm. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 in loans to repair or replace storm- or flood-damaged personal property. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital.

The SBA filing deadline to return applications for property damage is also July 19, 2021. The deadline for businesses to return working capital applications is Feb. 22, 2022.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email FOCE-Help@sba.gov or visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. TTY users can call 800-877-8339. 

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4605. Learn more about Disaster Assistance at  www.disasterassistance.gov. For guidance about the Disaster Assistance application process, visit www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program#apply.

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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 Tue, 07/13/2021 - 14:07

FEMA Assigns Over $2.6 Million for the Patillas Dam

About 100,000 residents of the southeast area will benefit from the permanent repairs

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — FEMA has allocated over $2.6 million for the first phase of a project that aims to strengthen the Patillas Dam in case of a seismic event. The total cost of the project is estimated to reach $558 million, financed mostly with FEMA funds.

This initial allocation will be for the design and engineering analysis of the project and is funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is designed to help communities rebuild in a way that reduces future losses associated with natural events. During this phase, an engineering analysis will be performed, including a review of existing and previous studies. Likewise, soil samples will be analyzed and information on the topography of the area will be collected.

“The recovery from Hurricane Maria provides us with an opportunity to strengthen the island's critical facilities beyond what they were before the disaster. This project marks an unprecedented investment for the island with the goal of providing these communities with a reliable dam,” said FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero.

Likewise, the second stage of the project will consist of permitting to ensure that the project complies with all legal and environmental standards, as well as construction work. For this, a detailed scope of work and milestone timeline, among other elements necessary for construction to begin, must first be submitted. Similarly, a geotechnical report, design drawings and a detailed plan for the operation and maintenance of the facility will be required for the second phase to begin.

The dam, built over a century ago, is part of the assets of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and the construction of an embankment over the original base of the dam is planned.

For his part, Efran Paredes Maisonet, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, said that this preliminary allocation allows the Irrigation, Dams and Reservoirs Division of the Generation Directorate to work with FEMA and COR3 in order to proceed with the required studies, plans and geological and topographical analyses. "The objective is to mitigate the elements of structural vulnerability and give resilience to the dam built in 1913, to reestablish the operational levels of the reservoir, and in turn the necessary resources for power generation, agricultural irrigation and water supply for over 100,000 people in the southeastern part of the island," Paredes Maisonet said.

To date, FEMA has approved more than $87.7 million under its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

“The implementation of this important project will provide resiliency to the Patillas Dam, strengthen the economic development of the agricultural sector and stabilize water service, among other benefits for the citizens of the southeastern region of Puerto Rico. This funding obligation is the result of the teamwork of our Hazard Mitigation program group, along with FEMA and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. At COR3, we are committed to continue assisting in the necessary steps to achieve the development of all phases of this project. In the meantime, we continue to attend to hundreds of proposals from subrecipients in order to get FEMA to approve and obligate them on or before October 31. For these purposes, our island has an allocation of $4 billion, the largest in the United States, and we must make good use of this money through risk mitigation works, which will help us prevent major disasters in the future,” said Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, please visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow our social media pages at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 07/13/2021 - 11:14

FEMA COVID-19 funeral assistance tops $600 million

WASHINGTON – FEMA has provided over $606 million to more than 91,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Nearly 2,500 dedicated personnel continue to work with applicants to manually review every application and determine eligibility each week. 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 process for assistance.

Please find below state-specific information:

State/Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

ALABAMA

5,343

$14,959,099

2,153

ALASKA

115

$175,695

29

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$0

0

ARIZONA

4,020

$8,056,001

1,540

ARKANSAS

2,258

$6,339,945

987

CALIFORNIA

25,339

$55,810,625

8,502

COLORADO

1,792

$3,242,587

567

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

2,933

$8,860,613

1,250

DELAWARE

745

$1,448,233

223

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

468

$1,013,505

149

FLORIDA

13,497

$26,183,554

4,562

GEORGIA

8,911

$23,518,729

3,385

GUAM

12

$29,436

Less than 10

HAWAII

229

$425,819

67

IDAHO

479

$964,769

171

ILLINOIS

10,087

$27,666,625

3,994

INDIANA

4,177

$11,422,202

1,618

IOWA

2,139

$6,910,892

941

KANSAS

1,967

$5,472,277

815

KENTUCKY

3,168

$10,046,623

1,401

LOUISIANA

4,385

$10,386,478

1,500

MAINE

307

$506,465

94

MARYLAND

4,746

$11,247,534

1,647

MASSACHUSETTS

4,876

$13,763,986

1,938

MICHIGAN

8,116

$20,343,570

3,356

MINNESOTA

2,305

$8,253,217

1,173

MISSISSIPPI

3,849

$9,942,050

1,455

MISSOURI

4,109

$12,516,073

1,949

MONTANA

415

$550,718

111

NEBRASKA

1,013

$2,727,320

373

NEVADA

2,022

$3,798,179

684

NEW HAMPSHIRE

577

$1,226,552

205

NEW JERSEY

10,219

$25,355,840

3,606

NEW MEXICO

1,312

$1,911,585

364

NEW YORK

22,117

$53,346,999

7,555

NORTH CAROLINA

7,017

$19,298,442

2,900

NORTH DAKOTA

584

$1,862,045

243

OHIO

8,224

$23,697,091

3,645

OKLAHOMA

3,304

$10,096,584

1,539

OREGON

698

$1,259,348

239

PENNSYLVANIA

10,961

$32,580,801

4,967

PUERTO RICO

1,004

$719,899

213

RHODE ISLAND

1,006

$2,646,590

372

SOUTH CAROLINA

4,886

$16,058,044

2,293

SOUTH DAKOTA

627

$1,992,174

266

TENNESSEE

5,823

$15,721,451

2,239

TEXAS

21,444

$58,392,722

8,821

UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

22

$47,885

Less than 10

UTAH

891

$2,476,468

357

VERMONT

121

$321,583

52

VIRGINIA

5,200

$13,506,349

2,008

WASHINGTON

1,535

$2,618,268

465

WEST VIRGINIA

1,232

$2,904,566

424

WISCONSIN

3,845

$11,684,892

1,738

WYOMING

212

$546,678

96

* 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, 07/12/2021 - 22:48

Bay County Approved for $2.4 Million in Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $2,404,834 to the state of Florida to reimburse Bay County for the costs to repair and replace roadways damaged during Hurricane Michael debris removal operations due to heavy equipment usage.

During debris removal operations, Bay County’s County Line Road and part of Steelfield Road were damaged by heavy truck traffic, including alligator cracks, potholes and edge damage. Funds will reimburse the county for the removal and replacement back to pre-disaster design, function and capacity.

• County Line Road: Remove and replace 1.96 miles long by 20 feet wide of open-graded asphalt mix, limerock base and graded aggregate sub-base and an additional 1.58 miles long by 20 feet wide of limerock/dirt.
• Steelfield Road (from SR-79 to Landfill): Remove and replace 4.04 miles long by 24 feet wide of asphalt surface.

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.

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

barbara.murien… Mon, 07/12/2021 - 19:49

First Baptist Church, Panama City Approved for $1.8 Million in Hurricane Michael Emergency Protective Measures

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $1,876,750 to the state of Florida to reimburse First Baptist Church, Panama City for the costs of emergency protective measures taken following Hurricane Michael in 2018.

The funds will reimburse First Baptist Church for labor, materials and equipment which addressed the immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public in eight of the church's primary buildings to include mold remediation for high temperatures and water intrusion, tarping over roofs, boarding up windows, water removal and the use of dehumidifiers, fans, air conditioning units and multiple generator sets.

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.

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

barbara.murien… Mon, 07/12/2021 - 18:42

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Bootleg Fire in Oregon

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Bootleg Fire burning in Klamath County, Oregon.

FEMA Region 10 Acting Regional Administrator Vincent Maykovich determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the State of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 5:22 p.m. PT. This is the second FMAG declared to help fight Oregon wildfires in 2021.

At the time of the State’s request, the fire was threatening homes in and around the communities of Sprague River, Bly, and Beatty. The fire also threatened roads, bridges, utilities, infrastructure, recreation and businesses in the area. Oregon continues to experience extreme heat conditions and has burn bans and red flag warnings in place.

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the State’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

With this FMAG authorization, an additional $584,083 will be available to Oregon through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area. 

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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 Mon, 07/12/2021 - 18:22

FEMA Issues Public Notice for 5 Counties Added to Severe Winter Storms Disaster Declaration

PEARL, Miss. – A public notice is now available that addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants in five additional counties in Mississippi for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by the Feb. 11-19 severe winter storms.

The five counties added July 7 to the major disaster declaration are: Clay, Holmes, Quitman, Webster and Wilkinson. The additions bring to 36 the number of counties along with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians designated as eligible to apply for FEMA’s Public Assistance program.

The notice is now posted on FEMA’s Mississippi disaster declaration website at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4598-ms-public-notice-002 and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website at https://www.msema.org/news/.

On May 4, the president signed disaster declaration FEMA-4598-DR. The following areas were designated as eligible to apply for FEMA’s Public Assistance program: Adams, Attala, Choctaw, Claiborne, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, Grenada, Hinds, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Kemper, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Tallahatchie, Walthall, Warren, Winston and Yazoo counties, and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The five counties designated in July have until Aug. 6, 2021, to apply for Public Assistance categories A, B, C, D, E, F and G. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will be available statewide. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

The public notice describes proposed activities that may affect historic properties and activities and critical actions that may affect wetlands and floodplains.

For routine activities, this will be the only public notice provided. Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region IV - EHP, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Atlanta, GA 3034. They may also email FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Please include in the subject line of the email: "DR-4598-MS EHAD." Comments should be sent in writing at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.

FEMA is required by law to share this public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities through its Public Assistance program and its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

felicia.jordan Fri, 07/09/2021 - 22:01

7 Florida Counties Added to Tropical Storm Elsa Emergency Declaration

ATLANTA - An additional seven Florida counties are designated for federal emergency aid to supplement state, local and tribal response efforts for areas affected by Tropical Storm Elsa beginning on July 4 and continuing.

Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and Union counties have been added to the emergency declaration approved by the President on July 4, 2021. 

Under the emergency declaration, FEMA is authorized to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency and, to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. 

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the storm. Emergency protective measures limited to direct Federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

The complete list of counties included in the emergency declaration: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Duval, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lake, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla.

felicia.jordan Fri, 07/09/2021 - 21:49

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Cumberland County, PA

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

• Borough of Camp Hill
• Borough of Lemoyne
• Borough of Newburg
• Borough of Shippensburg
• Borough of Shiremanstown
• Borough of Wormleysburg
• Township of Cooke
• Township of East Pennsboro
• Township of Hampden
• Township of Hopewell
• Township of Lower Allen
• Township of Lower Frankford
• Township of Lower Mifflin
• Township of North Newton
• Township of Penn
• Township of Shippensburg
• Township of South Newton
• Township of Southampton
• Township of Upper Allen
• Township of Upper Frankford
• Township of Upper Mifflin
• Township of West Pennsboro

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 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.

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.
• On or Around July 8, 2021 –Appeal Period starts.
• 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.

amanda.hancher Fri, 07/09/2021 - 20:34

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Fairfax City, VA

 

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the City of Fairfax, Virginia. The community is 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 members can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on July 8, 2021. Residents, business owners and other community members are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Those who are interested may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is 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 the City’s floodplain administrator at: FloodplainRevision@fairfaxva.gov, or (717) 512-0632 . 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/1D8rvb. 

 

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.

City of Fairfax Flood Mapping Milestones

• April 6, 2020 — Second Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• Sept. 25, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• Oct. 27, 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 8, 2021 –Appeal Period starts.
• 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.

amanda.hancher Fri, 07/09/2021 - 20:30

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Baltimore County, MD

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Baltimore County, Maryland. 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 8, 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: Terry W. Curtis, Jr., Engineer III, Baltimore County, tcurtis@baltimorecountymd.gov, (410) 887-3117. 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/Wvai90.

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.

Baltimore County Flood Mapping Milestones

• Nov. 22, 2019 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• Aug. 12, 2020— Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• Sept. 23, 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 8, 2021–Appeal Period starts.
• 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.

amanda.hancher Fri, 07/09/2021 - 20:16

FEMA Awards Miami-Dade County $5.6 Million for Hurricane Irma Expenses

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $5,606,248 for the State of Florida to help Miami-Dade County defray the cost of emergency response after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the county for emergency measures taken to protect life and property, including evacuations, maintaining power, security, shelter, traffic control, staffing the emergency operations center and debris removal from public roads, property and rights-of-way.

The program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with subrecipients such as local and county governments.

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

barbara.murien… Fri, 07/09/2021 - 19:45

How to Reduce Damage from Future Storms

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Many Tennesseans are in the process of repairing and rebuilding from damage caused by the severe storms and flooding that took place from March 25-April 3. FEMA mitigation experts encourage all who live in areas prone to high winds and flooding to make some fairly simple changes to their homes to reduce damage from future severe storms.

"It is safer, cheaper, and ultimately much easier to limit future destruction than to repair it afterward," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Myra M. Shird. "And, the rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to strengthen your home to protect people and property.”

Some techniques require licensed building professionals to design and install. Others can be implemented by do-it-yourself methods and don’t require permits. Before undertaking improvements, homeowners are advised to check with their local building officials about their plans.

Protect against flood damage

Contact local emergency management officials to find out what is the hundred-year floodplain in your area and make changes that limit a flood’s ability to damage a home.

• Raise Electrical Boxes, Major Appliances, and HVAC components at least one-foot above the 100-year flood level.
  • Circuit Breaker Boxes - Short circuits in flooded systems pose a significant fire danger. The likelihood of a flooded electrical system can be reduced by raising all electrical components.
  • Appliances - Washers and dryers can be elevated with pressure-treated lumber, or moved to a higher floor; and
  • HVAC - Exterior HVAC equipment should be elevated by a professional contractor.
• Anchor fuel tanks - When floodwaters move an unanchored tank, the supply line may tear. Additionally, filling and ventilation tubes need to be above flood level so that water cannot get inside the tank. Anchor inside and outside tanks with properly sized ground anchors.

For safety's sake, consult local officials and building professionals about the best methods for anchoring fuel tanks.

• Install sewer backflow valves - Flooding can cause sewer lines to back up into houses through drainpipes. Backflow valves are designed to block drainpipes temporarily and prevent flow into the house. Have a licensed plumber or contractor install the valves.  
• Buy Flood Insurance: Understanding your flood risk allows you to make informed decisions about protecting your family and property. Flood damage is not usually covered in homeowner multi-peril insurance policies. The most common way to insure against flood damage to your home and contents is with a separate flood insurance policy. You can learn more about flood insurance coverage and costs at https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.

Reinforce Vulnerable Areas to Minimize Wind Damage

High winds are looking for cracks to penetrate a home, because once high winds get in even through what may seem to be small openings, they can do tremendous damage. Here are tips from FEMA experts on methods to limit high wind’s ability to trespass into a home.

• Strengthen Entry Doors and Windows - Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and glass surfaces. If replacing an entry door, use an approved, impact-tested door and install a dead bolt lock long enough to penetrate the 2X4 framing of the door. Also ensure the strike plate is installed with screws long enough to penetrate the door frame.
• Fortify garage doors – Once wind gets through a garage door it can do tremendous damage to the whole house. A garage door can be reinforced by adding braces across the back of the door and by strengthening the glider wheel tracks. Modifications should usually be made by a garage door expert. Consider purchasing a garage door built to withstand high winds.
• Brace Gable End Walls - Anchor and brace the bottom of the gable end's triangular wall to the ceiling joists or ceiling framing. Strengthen the gable end wall studs and brace the top of the gable end wall by tying it to the rafters or tops of the trusses.
• Keep Outdoor Gear from Becoming Windborne Missiles - Securely anchor all storage sheds and other outbuildings, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors. Bolt outdoor furniture and barbecue grills to decks or patios, attach them to ground anchors with cables or chains. Secure trash cans with cables or chains attached to ground anchors or to wood posts firmly embedded in the ground.
• Trees and Landscaping Tips – It is estimated that three-quarters of the damage done by trees in high winds could be avoided if trees had been properly cared for starting with planting. Plant trees at the correct depth by making sure the roots are at the soil surface. Trees planted too deep could snap off at the stem-girdled point during forceful winds. Avoid wounding trees by banging them with a lawn mower or cutting them with a weed trimmer. Wounds lead to decay, a condition that leads to storm-damaged trees. Prune trees to correct defects such as multiple leaders and weak branch attachments.

For more about strengthening a home, view resources at www.fema.gov, www.ready.gov and the fact sheet, Mitigation for Homeowners (fema.gov).

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4601. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Fri, 07/09/2021 - 18:10