President Joseph R. Biden Approves Emergency Declaration for Oklahoma

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts in areas affected by a severe winter storm beginning Feb. 8, 2021 and continuing.

The president’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts, which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures for mass care and sheltering and direct federal assistance will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Adam D. Burpee has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected area. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mashana.davis Thu, 02/18/2021 - 16:16

FEMA approves $1.6 million for Northstar Church Hurricane Michael recovery expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $1,628,578 for the State of Florida to reimburse Northstar Church for permanent repairs after Hurricane Michael.

The funds will reimburse the church for the cost of repairs to the sanctuary, including replacing hurricane-damaged roofing, as well as replacing fencing and children’s playground equipment.

This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, 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… Thu, 02/18/2021 - 15:32

FEMA Allocates $45 Million for Police Facilities

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – The recent award of $1.3 million by FEMA to the Puerto Rico Police seeks to address damages caused by Hurricane María to various police facilities throughout the island. This obligation brings to $45 million in FEMA funds earmarked for repairing stations, replacing essential police equipment and video system equipment on roads.

According to the federal agency, part of the recently obligated funds is for the acquisition of computers, maintenance and repair equipment for patrol cars and other essential items for some 47 police stations.

“Public safety is one of the main pillars of the country that preserves freedom, order and peace in our communities. Our efforts in advancing recovery are essential to carry out this important social function,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

Similarly, the multi-million-dollar allocation also includes more than $660,000 to repair the interior of the San Juan police headquarters. The improvements include the replacement of wood ceiling panels, cubicles and security systems in the facility. In addition, an allocation of nearly $62,000 to repair the structure and physical plant supports the permanent work approved for the Police Bureau's command center, which has some 22,000 employees, over half of whom are active police officers.

In addition, over $123,000 will be used to replace around 63 closed-circuit security cameras along Baldorioty de Castro Ave. This equipment is indispensable to assist police officers in their investigative efforts. 

“Our police officers need and deserve to have adequate places to work. It is equally important that they have the tools to help them fulfill their mission of saving lives and protecting property. We appreciate FEMA's work in awarding these obligations that will help support public safety in Puerto Rico,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary-designate Alexis Torres Ríos.

Funds were also earmarked to rehabilitate facilities at the Rescue Unit and Air Unit of the Isla Grande Airport and the Intelligence Section of the Special Weapons and Tactics Division (SWAT), both belonging to the Joint Forces of Rapid Action division, known as FURA. These obligations of approximately $30,000 and $7,000, respectively, will enable them to acquire electronic equipment and furniture that was destroyed by the hurricane.

Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, emphasized that “the Puerto Rico Police is the first front of protection for our people in times of social crisis and natural disasters. Our team at COR3 will provide the necessary assistance to guarantee the development of the projects under this new obligation.”

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

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 02/18/2021 - 13:21

FEMA Awards Oregon’s Benton County $3.1 Million for Vaccination Center

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated an initial $3,116,229 in federal funding to Benton County, Oregon, in support of a COVID-19 vaccination center in Corvallis.

These funds can cover emergency activities including labor, contract services, security, refrigeration, supplies, equipment, and facilities to support the vaccination effort. FEMA provides this funding at 100 percent federal cost share.

Benton County authorities estimate that this vaccination center may administer more than 30,000 vaccines during an operational period of 90 days.

FEMA has streamlined the Public Assistance Grant Program application and reimbursement process for the COVID-19 response to get funds to applicants faster. Expedited reimbursements help state, local, and tribal officials respond quickly to address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.  

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit this vaccine support page for more information.

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

hannah.weinstein Wed, 02/17/2021 - 21:33

President Joseph R. Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alaska

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alaska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides during the period of Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2020.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in the Chatham Regional Educational Attendance Area, Haines Borough, City and Borough of Juneau, Petersburg Borough and the Municipality of Skagway Borough. 

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

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

mashana.davis Wed, 02/17/2021 - 21:17

FEMA Supports Vaccine Distribution Amid Winter Weather Response

WASHINGTON – Even as FEMA continues supporting vaccination distribution efforts, the agency maintains its mission readiness in supporting a variety of disasters, including recent snowstorms. A major winter storm continues spreading from the Southern Plains into the Northeast, covering large areas with snow, sleet and freezing rain. Significant travel disruptions and power outages are occurring as winter weather extends from south Texas into Maine.

An Emergency Declaration was approved for Texas on Feb. 14, providing emergency protective measures for mass care and sheltering and direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. This assistance is for all 254 counties in Texas. FEMA continues to coordinate with impacted states to facilitate any requests for federal assistance.

Families and individuals should take disaster and emergency preparedness seriously.

• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Stay  off the road during and after a winter storm.
• Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, have a carbon monoxide alarm in place and only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows.
• Be prepared for a power outage. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, have a carbon monoxide alarm in place and only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows.
• Visit  Ready.gov today and make a plan for what you and your family can do to stay safe during a disaster.

FEMA has provided more than $3.39 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

FEMA has deployed 1,344 staff across the nation to support vaccination centers with federal personnel and technical assistance. A National Incident Management Assistance Team has deployed to Albany, New York, to support the state’s vaccination program. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas activated the DHS Surge Capacity Force (SCF) on Feb. 5 for vaccination support operations. The SCF is composed of federal employees from other DHS components and augments FEMA’s incident management workforce.

Ensuring Equitable Vaccine Access

FEMA is committed to ensuring every person who wants a vaccine can get one.

FEMA and the CDC are working with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to identify vaccine center locations that ensure vulnerable and under-served populations have access to vaccines.   FEMA civil rights advisors and disability integration specialists in each of FEMAs regions to advise state, local, tribal and territorial governments and other partners. Additional disability integration advisors and civil rights advisors are deploying to support these efforts.   

FEMA established a Civil Rights Advisory Group to proactively consider and promptly resolve civil rights concerns and help ensure equity in the allocation of scarce resources including future vaccine allocation.  This group evaluates policies, practices, strategies and plans to ensure equity is at the forefront of all FEMA vaccination efforts across the country.

A Civil Rights Checklist was developed by FEMA to assist state, tribal and territorial partners in understanding and fulfilling their obligations to provide access to vaccine-related programs, activities and services in a nondiscriminatory manner. Additionally, FEMA updated its website with a section titled “Ensuring Equitable Vaccine Access” to define FEMA’s commitment to equity and describe the Civil Rights Advisory Group.

Community Vaccination Center Pilot Partnerships

The centers FEMA is piloting in locations such as California, New York and Texas are selected based on data analysis, including the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index and other Census data as well as input from our state and local partners. Analyzing data allows us to pinpoint specific communities that need additional support to ensure equitable access to vaccines.

Vaccines for these centers are provided to the states above and beyond the regular allocations. The additional vaccines are made possible through increases in production and availability.  We are working to do the most good, for the most vulnerable populations, with no impact to the current allocations of vaccines to the states.

These pilots will establish a model for FEMA and its federal partners to scale up as vaccine supplies increase in the months ahead.

FEMA and Other Federal Agencies Are Supporting Vaccination Centers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is supporting future planning for community vaccination centers using their subject matter experts, alongside FEMA and state assessments teams, to assess potential new site locations and provide contracting capability to establish new sites.

USACE is also coordinating with FEMA and the CDC to design walk-up, drive-through, and mobile vaccination centers. Vaccination center size and location are decided by state, local, tribal and territorial governments.  The intent of these designs is the use of existing infrastructure when available.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III approved 1,110 active duty troops to support five vaccination centers. FEMA will be partnering with the Department of Defense for additional resources at vaccination centers throughout the country. The U.S. National Guard Bureau is providing 1,198 vaccinators to vaccination centers.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 02/17/2021 - 19:52

FEMA Awards Over $151M to Pennsylvania in support of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 3 has obligated more than $151 million to Pennsylvania to aid vaccine distribution to combat COVID-19.

As of Feb. 16, 2021, FEMA has obligated $3.22 billion to our partners across the country. This funding is for critical supplies and staffing that can help protect and save lives.

Items that are funded can include:

• Supplies and commodities needed to safely store and administer the vaccine.
• Transportation support and reasonable, necessary security for refrigerated trucks.
• Staffing for medical and support staff.
• Communication materials that keep the public informed.
• Training personnel on vaccine distribution and administration.

“This federal support will help us mobilize our plans to quickly and equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Pennsylvanians,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Having the needed funds to efficiently implement those plans in collaboration with our federal, state and county partners is critical to combatting the ongoing pandemic.”

“FEMA has acted quickly to get crucial funding to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as we work together to contain the spread of the virus and protect the public,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3. “Safe and equitable vaccine distribution is at the forefront of all FEMA efforts across the country, and FEMA will work side by side with all our state and local partners until this mission is complete.”

Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program, which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain private non-profit organizations. COVID-19 Vaccines and support kits are provided to state and local governments through a separate federal program.

For information on Pennsylvania’s vaccination response, phases and future vaccine phases go to https://www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated/.

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

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

gabriel.lugo Wed, 02/17/2021 - 19:04

Photos of Federally Supported Community Vaccination Center Opening

WASHINGTON—Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton attended the opening of the first Community Vaccination Center in California yesterday—at California State University in Los Angeles, as another pilot Community Vaccination Center also opened yesterday in Oakland, California. Both centers are focusing on vaccinating underserved and historically marginalized communities and are designed to administer up to 6,000 vaccines a day. FEMA is providing resources as well as operational and federal staffing support.

"We've taken the idea of these [centers] from the drawing board to implementation in a matter of weeks, and this is the first of many [centers] we want to establish in partnership with state, tribes, territories, and local governments,” said Fenton. "On a pilot basis, FEMA is providing support to open new, large vaccination [centers] that are substantially staffed and supported by the federal government, with support from our state partners."

So far, FEMA has announced additional pilot centers in Texas and New York to open in the coming weeks.

FEMA has now obligated more than $3.39 billion to states, tribes, territories and Washington, D.C., for community vaccination centers. As the number of states with obligations increases, we will work alongside other federal agencies to provide federal support for critical staffing, supplies and other shortfalls that can help get more people vaccinated.

Leaders Tour California Vaccination Center

LOS ANGELES -- Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton (center, right) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (center, left), tour the Cal State University Community Vaccination Center with other state and local community leaders.

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

FEMA Supports California Vaccination Center

LOS ANGELES -- FEMA provides support to the Los Angeles Community Vaccination Center at Cal State University.

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

Los Angeles Community Vaccination Center

LOS ANGELES -- The federally supported Cal State University Community Vaccination Center is now actively administering vaccinations. The vaccination center is equipped to administer up to 6,000 vaccinations per day.

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

Federal and State Partners Discuss the New Vaccination Center Opening

LOS ANGELES --  Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton (right), speaks with California Governor Gavin Newsom at the new Cal State University Los Angeles Community Vaccination Center.

FEMA photo by  Alexis Hall

mashana.davis Wed, 02/17/2021 - 18:09

FEMA Team Deploys to Michigan to Support State's Vaccine Distribution Program

CHICAGO – A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) team has deployed to Michigan to assist the state’s efforts in expanding COVID-19 vaccination capacity across the state. The DSA team—consisting of ten FEMA staff with expertise in community outreach—will support state health strike teams across the state starting this week.

“This FEMA team is prepared to fully support Michigan’s vaccine distribution plan,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “These specialists are an important resource to the state’s overall COVID-19 response, helping to ensure everyone in Michigan who wants a vaccine can get one.”

The DSA team's mission will include assisting the state with creating county health profiles to expand vaccine capacity at the local level and staffing state health strike teams to help communities address shortfalls and expand the vaccine program across Michigan.  

“We truly appreciate the support from our federal partners as we continue our efforts to distribute these vaccines across the state of Michigan,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “This will help us to achieve our goal of providing a safe and effective vaccine to everyone who wants one.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, DSA teams were used to build community outreach to educate disaster survivors about the availability of federal disaster assistance and services. DSA teams were virtually deployed to support the mid-Michigan flood disaster last year and these teams also assisted disaster survivors after the 2017 central Michigan flooding.

DSA team members hail from throughout the nation. Like all FEMA personnel, DSA team members can be identified by their official federal photo ID badge. If in doubt, immediately contact your local law enforcement or local emergency number for assistance.

For information on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the state’s plan and eligibility, and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, go to Michigan.gov/covidvaccine. To learn more about FEMA’s vaccine support mission, go to www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Wed, 02/17/2021 - 16:08

FEMA Deploys Response Team to Virginia to Support COVID-19 Vaccinations

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA Region 3 has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team – Advance (IMAT-A) team to support vaccine efforts in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Coordinating with our federal partners the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense, the IMAT-A provides direct support to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This includes Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as they coordinate the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort. Working on-site and virtually with VDEM the IMAT-A brings planning, operations and logistical support to the Commonwealth.

Additionally, FEMA is providing funding through our Public Assistance program for an existing site in Arlington County with a capacity of 1,000 vaccines per day. This funding will support Arlington County in procuring personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies required for storing, handling, distributing/transporting, and administering COVID-19 vaccines, emergency medical care needs that may arise in the administration of the vaccine, facility support costs for leasing space including utilities, maintenance, and security, as well as additional staff as necessary for the safe and effective vaccination efforts. Working together, Loudoun County was able to lease a facility for the safe administration and storage of vaccines, with a target rate of 3,000 vaccinations per day.

“FEMA is working collaboratively with the Commonwealth to provide funding opportunities that will allow the state to execute the vaccination mission,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3.

“This cooperative effort has led to more than 890,000 people in Virginia being administered the vaccine and over $3 million being obligated to the Commonwealth in support of vaccination efforts,” added Barlow.

This mission is federally supported, state managed and locally executed.

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

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

amanda.hancher Tue, 02/16/2021 - 21:35

FEMA Supports Vaccine Distribution Amid Winter Weather Response

WASHINGTON—Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton is attending the opening of the first Community Vaccination Center in California today—at California State University in Los Angeles. The center is focusing on vaccinating underserved and historically marginalized communities. Another pilot Community Vaccination Center is also opening today in Oakland, California. Both centers are designed to administer up to 6,000 vaccines a day. FEMA is providing resources, operational and federal staffing support.

FEMA has now obligated more than $3.38 billion to states, tribes and territories, and Washington, D.C., for community vaccination centers. As the number of states with obligations increases, we will work alongside other federal agencies to provide federal support for critical staffing, supplies and other shortfalls that can help get more people vaccinated.

Even as we continue working on vaccination distribution support efforts, FEMA maintains its mission readiness in supporting a variety of disasters, including recent snowstorms. A major winter storm is spreading from the Southern Plains into the Northeast through Tuesday, with a large area of snow, sleet and freezing rain expected. Significant travel disruptions are expected, and power outages are occurring as winter weather extends from south Texas into Maine.

• Families and individuals should take disaster and emergency preparedness seriously.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms, and stay off the road during and after a winter storm.
• Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, have a carbon monoxide alarm in place and only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows.
• Visit Ready.gov today and make a plan for what you and your family can do to stay safe during a disaster.

An Emergency Declaration was approved for Texas on Feb. 14, which provides emergency protective measures for mass care and sheltering and direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. This assistance is for all 254 counties in Texas.

Last week, FEMA, and the state of Texas announced the launch of a pilot project to establish community vaccination centers in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. FEMA will provide resources, operational support and federal staffing support to establish these new centers, which are expected to be open to eligible members of the public beginning Feb. 24.

FEMA and Other Federal Agencies are Supporting Vaccination Centers

FEMA is seeking bids to contract medical personnel to help staff both federally supported and community vaccination centers around the country. The contracts will be awarded through the federal acquisition process and are expected to be completed by mid-March. FEMA has also finalized a contract for 30 mobile vaccination units.

As of Feb. 15, FEMA has deployed 1,279 staff across the nation to support vaccination centers with federal personnel and technical assistance.

FEMA published a Community Vaccination Centers Playbook that establishes guidance for providing federal support to state, tribal and territorial Community Vaccination Centers. Information includes interagency coordination, resource support, facility setup and other requirements.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is supporting future planning for community vaccination centers using their subject matter experts, alongside FEMA and state assessments teams, to assess potential new site locations and provide contract capability for establishment. USACE is also coordinating with FEMA and the CDC to design walk-up, drive-through and mobile vaccination centers. Vaccination center size and location are decided by state, local, tribal and territorial governments.

The U.S. National Guard Bureau is providing 1,201 vaccinators to 385 vaccination centers in 43 states and territories. Additionally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III approved 1,110 active duty troops to support five vaccination centers. FEMA will be partnering with the Department of Defense for additional resources at vaccination centers throughout the country.

Ensuring Equitable Vaccine Access

FEMA is committed to ensuring every person who wants a vaccine can get one. Our agency and the CDC are working with state, local, tribal and territorial governments on the critical need to identify vaccine center locations that ensure vulnerable and under-served populations have access to vaccines.

FEMA established a Civil Rights Advisory Group to proactively consider and promptly resolve civil rights concerns and help ensure equity in the allocation of scarce resources including future vaccine allocation. This group evaluates policies, practices, strategies and plans to ensure equity is at the forefront of all FEMA vaccination efforts across the country.

FEMA has civil rights advisors and disability integration specialists in each of FEMAs regions to advise state, local, tribal and territorial governments and other partners. Additional disability integration advisors and civil rights advisors are deploying to support these efforts. The agency is also analyzing community demographics and coordinating translation and interpretation services.

Vaccine Guidance

FEMA is working with the Ad Council to encourage hesitant or underrepresented people to get vaccinated. This research-driven public education campaign provides federal, non-profit and medical stakeholders with insights and communications strategies to tailor communications to reach diverse audiences.

The CDC Vaccine Task Force and Data Analysis & Visualization Task Force launched the CDC COVID Data Tracker Vaccinations Trends page. This page includes the overall trends of vaccinations over time in the US and for the Federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. Additionally, the CDC Vaccine Task Force is rolling out vaccine confidence consultations for interested jurisdictions. To request this service, interested jurisdictions can send an email to confidenceconsults@cdc.gov. CDC also has online tips for building vaccine confidence, and a Strategy to Reinforce Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccine resource.

The CDC is hosting a virtual National Forum on COVID-19 Vaccines for representatives from state, local tribal and territorial leaders, healthcare practitioners and community, education, media and private sector leaders who are part of the vaccination efforts.

mashana.davis Tue, 02/16/2021 - 19:31

FEMA and Delaware Officials Opening COVID-19 Vaccination Center in Dover

PHILADELPHIA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health and Human Services (HHS), Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and Dover International  Speedway (DIS) have partnered to open a COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru site for six days beginning Saturday, February 20, 2021.

FEMA will provide resources and federal staffing support, as well as, operational support at this site.  

“FEMA is grateful for the outpouring of support and hard work from our partners in Delaware and we are excited about the innovative ways we are working together to safely vaccinate Delaware residents,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3. This vaccination site, the first of its kind in Region 3, plays a critical role in protecting Delawareans against a virus that is relentless and ever evolving – time is of the essence.  

Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global emergency, FEMA sought early on to ensure existing partnerships with private sector and others, help facilitate this vaccine mission.        

“Dover International Speedway is proud to host this vaccination site and is grateful to all the agencies that came together so quickly to make this possible for our community,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover International Speedway’s president. “Our central location and ability to host thousands of people and vehicles with efficiency has made the Speedway, as well as our dedicated staff, a critical ally for health officials and charities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. From hosting monthly food donation events and offering tests to first-responders to this vaccination site, we will continue to help our community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic however possible.”

The State of Delaware requested federal assistance to establish a vaccination site that would be able to provide the second-dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to up to 3,000 Delawareans a day for six days. 

These second-dose appointments will only be available for those who received a first-dose from the Division of Public Health at one of the following events:

• Dover Division of Motor Vehicles on January 16th through January 18th
• Salesianum School in Wilmington on January 18th
• Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles on January 22nd through 24th
• Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles on January 23rd and January 24th

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be provided to those that have received their first dose at these locations. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with DEMA, FEMA and the Dover International Speedway to provide second doses to those DPH vaccinated at our large DMV events in January,” said Delaware Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.  “Organizing a multi-day event like this takes a significant amount of resources and we appreciate the work of not only our staff, but all involved to ensure that these Delawareans are able to be fully vaccinated.”

The second-dose appointments for the FEMA vaccination clinic will open on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at de.gov/fema. Appointments will be made with a simplified scheduling system created by Division of Public Health and not through the CDC VAMS system that some first dose recipients may have used to make appointments for the Georgetown and Delaware City events in January. Those without internet access may call DPH at 1-833-643-1715 but should not call until after 11 a.m. Wednesday as no appointments will be available until then. Wait time may be lengthy based on call volume and online registration is urged.

To make an appointment for the Dover Speedway clinic, an individual will have to indicate the location and date of the DPH first dose event they attended from the list above. Individuals will have an option to create an appointment for someone else after they create their own and will be able to have a single email tied to multiple appointments. Everyone who arrives to be vaccinated must have an appointment.

Vaccinations will occur between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day, scheduled in 15-minute increments. Initially, DPH will schedule appointments for the first 5 days (Feb. 20-24) and will open the sixth day as needed. 

Visitors can access the vaccination site via Dover International Speedway’s Leipsic Road entrance.  To reduce waiting, those with appointments will be urged not to show up more than an hour early. Just in case, those arriving at the site need to ensure:

• You enter the Speedway grounds via 1000 Leipsic Road, not the main entrance from Route 13.
• Your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
• You have personal identification (a driver’s licenses or photo ID).  
• Proof of first COVID-19 vaccination (vaccination card).
• Confirmation of your appointment.
• Snacks to enjoy while waiting in line.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Director A.J. Schall said, “We are lucky to be able to leverage partnerships to provide the needed second doses next week.  The surge flexibility that FEMA offers allows other partners to continue with first doses and advanced planning. This event would not be possible without Dover International Speedway, Kent County EMS, St. Francis Hospital EMS, Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT), law enforcement, and FEMA.  Partnerships and flexibility will get us through this pandemic.”

“We’re committed to vaccinating as many Delawareans as possible, as quickly and equitably as possible,” said Delaware Governor John C. Carney.  “This will help us deliver critical second doses of a life-saving vaccine to thousands of Delawareans.  Thank you to FEMA, Dover International Speedway, and all of our partners in this important effort.”   

FEMA will have socially distanced staff on site to ensure prompt service is available to all and that proper COVID-19 protocol is adhered to.  

“FEMA remains committed to helping Americans during this time and we will continue to work with our partners to stop the spread of this disease,” said Region 3 Acting Administrator Barlow.

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

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, 02/16/2021 - 18:38

Brown County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Coastal Flood Map Open House

CHICAGO – On Feb. 22 and 24, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host two sessions of a Virtual Coastal Flood Map Open House for the Lake Michigan shoreline communities in Brown County, Wisconsin. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

This FIS report and FIRM provide information on the base flood (also known as the 1-percent-annual-chance event) and the shoreline areas that are subject to significant flood hazards. They also offer information that public officials will use when managing development in the floodplain.

At the virtual open houses, representatives from various local, state, and federal agencies will be available to provide the most current information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the process used to map Brown County’s floodplains. The newly prepared maps can be reviewed. Once these maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance rates and for local floodplain management ordinances adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA also encourages public officials to use the effective maps as tools to assist planning processes and outreach efforts and to prepare the community to quickly respond to and recover from future events. Details for the Brown County meetings are as follow:

WHAT:             Brown County, Wisconsin – Virtual Coastal Flood Map Open House meeting

WHEN:            February 22 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT

                        Meeting ID: 952 3987 3338, Password: FEMA21

                        February 24 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT

                        Meeting ID: 952 3987 3338, Password: FEMA21

                        Note: the same information will be provided at both sessions

WHERE:           https://zoom.us/join

In the United States, 98 percent of counties have experienced a flooding event. Property owners, real estate agents, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about coastal flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

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

troy.christensen Tue, 02/16/2021 - 16:02

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Assistance in Mississippi

BILOXI, Miss. – The deadline for Mississippi residents with uninsured losses from Hurricane Zeta to register with FEMA for disaster financial assistance is March 1, 2021.

Survivors in George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties can register with FEMA in several ways:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Using the FEMA App for smartphones
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. Telephone lines are open 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time seven days a week. 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.

The filing deadline to return U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) applications for physical property damage is also March 1, 2021. The deadline to return SBA economic injury applications is Oct. 1, 2021.

For an American Sign Language video on how to register with FEMA, go online to https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=qAU8-g75Q18.

For more information about Hurricane Zeta recovery in Mississippi, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4576 or the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency webpage at https://www.msema.org/zeta/.

 

felicia.jordan Tue, 02/16/2021 - 14:25

Guam Receives $1.1M to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted Guam $1.1 million to open a vaccination site to support the distribution and administration of vaccines territory-wide.

Funds will reimburse expenses for medical and support staff; personal protective equipment; facility costs and supplies required to store, handle, transport and administer vaccines; and efforts to share public information regarding vaccinations.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the initial $1.1 million of the $2.3 million expedited project. Additional funding will be reimbursed upon submission of documentation supporting further expenditures.

Public Assistance provides grants to government organizations and certain private nonprofit organizations following a presidential disaster declaration to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

FEMA continues working with its partners ─ including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies ─ along with state, tribal and territorial authorities, private sector partners and others to assist, augment and expedite vaccinations in the United States.

We remain committed to helping Americans in their time of need and will continue to work with our partners to stop the spread of this disease.

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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 Mon, 02/15/2021 - 17:24

American Samoa Receives $3.4M to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted American Samoa $3.4 million to open two vaccination sites to support the distribution and administration of vaccines territory-wide.

Funds will reimburse expenses for medical and support staff; personal protective equipment; facility costs and supplies required to store, handle, transport and administer vaccines; and efforts to share public information regarding vaccinations.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the initial $3.4 million of the $6.8 million expedited project. Additional funding will be reimbursed upon submission of documentation supporting further expenditures.

Public Assistance provides grants to government organizations and certain private nonprofit organizations following a presidential disaster declaration to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

FEMA continues working with its partners ─ including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies ─ along with state, tribal and territorial authorities, private sector partners and others to assist, augment and expedite vaccinations in the United States.

We remain committed to helping Americans in their time of need and will continue to work with our partners to stop the spread of this disease.

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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 Mon, 02/15/2021 - 17:20

President Joseph R. Biden Approves Emergency Declaration for Texas

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Texas to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe winter storm beginning on Feb. 11, 2021 and continuing.

The president’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts, which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 254 Texas counties.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures for mass care and sheltering and direct federal assistance will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

Jerry S. Thomas has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected area. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 02/15/2021 - 02:02

FEMA Encourages Louisiana Teens to Apply to the National Youth Preparedness Council

BATON ROUGE, La. – Do you know, or are you a teen who has a passion for preparedness? FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division is now accepting Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) applications. Since 2012, FEMA has brought youth from across the nation together. The YPC provides an opportunity to join FEMA in the critical mission of emergency preparedness.

As part of the YPC, members can build leadership skills and represent their schools and communities. The YPC gives young people the chance to meet peers from across the country and work on projects such as preparedness fairs for their communities. A virtual summit in July gives members a chance to meet others and hear from FEMA experts.

Teens serve on the YPC for two years.

The application period began Jan. 18 and ends March 7. The application instructions are on the website Youth Preparedness Council | Ready.gov. Those who apply should express what preparedness means to them and how their skills and background could strengthen FEMA’s work. Applicants can choose to apply through either a written or video responses.

Teens in grades 8 through 11 who are interested in applying can learn more about the process and have their questions answered on a webinar at 8 p.m. Feb. 18. The webinar will walk students through the application process and give applicants a glimpse of what it’s like to be on the council. To participate, you must register for this webinar in advance. 

To learn more about the YPC and its current members, visit https://www.ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council.

Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Sun, 02/14/2021 - 20:58

FEMA Provides $7.9 Million to Indiana for Vaccine Distribution Support

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) announced today that $7,973,169 in federal funding has been made available to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 27, 2020.

This funding is an advance payment to ISDH for eligible reimbursable costs associated with operating more than 200 vaccination sites across the state to rapidly distribute and administer available COVID-19 vaccines.  

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for states in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This expedited grant funding will increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for individuals in Indiana, helping ensure anyone who wants a vaccine can get one.” “This FEMA assistance will allow Indiana to continue its charge to vaccinate all eligible people as quickly as possible,” said Steve Cox, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. “Hoosiers are waiting anxiously to get vaccines and move beyond this pandemic, and this assistance will play an important role in helping us to return to some sort of normalcy.”

FEMA provides funding at a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Fri, 02/12/2021 - 20:47

Hawaii Receives $87M to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted the state of Hawaii $87.4 million to open multiple, state-led community vaccination sites.

Funds will reimburse expenses for medical and support staff; personal protective equipment; facility costs and supplies required to store, handle, transport and administer vaccines; and efforts to share public information regarding vaccinations.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the initial $87.4 million of the $174.8 million expedited project. Additional funding will be reimbursed upon submission of documentation supporting further expenditures.

Public Assistance provides grants to government organizations and certain private nonprofit organizations following a presidential disaster declaration to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

FEMA continues working with its partners ─ including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies ─ along with state, tribal and territorial authorities, private sector partners and others to assist, augment and expedite vaccinations in the United States.

We remain committed to helping Americans in their time of need and will continue to work with our partners to stop the spread of this disease.

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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 Fri, 02/12/2021 - 20:26