BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Chehalem Mountain Bald Peak Fire burning in Washington and Yamhill counties in Oregon. 

FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, and on Thursday he approved the state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). 

The Chehalem Mountain Bald Peak Fire started on Tuesday, burning 1,500 acres of federal, state, private, and tribal land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 250 homes in and around the community of Buckheaven, as well as threatening two major access roads and Walker Reservoir in the area. Level Three evacuations were issued for approximately 450 people.  

As of now, the approved FMAG total for Oregon is 15. 

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. 

In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $629,681 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (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. 

FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard. 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Three years after Hurricane Irma made landfall, Florida communities are rebuilding with the support of $5.8 billion in federal grants, loans and flood insurance payments.

“Our federal partners have been critical to Florida’s recovery from hurricanes,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Rebuilding after Hurricane Irma would not have been nearly as successful without support from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Flood Insurance Program. I look forward to our continued partnership as we remain committed to rebuilding resilient communities for all Floridians.”

As of Sept. 4, 2020, individuals and households received $1.02 billion in grants from FEMA. The U.S. Small Business Administration provided $1.4 billion in low-interest loans to businesses, homeowners and renters. The National Flood Insurance Program paid $979 million in claims to policyholders.

“When I came to the division, cities and counties were struggling without the critical reimbursements they needed to recover from Hurricane Irma,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz. “Since January 2019, we have paid out the most hurricane recovery funding in 20 months in the division’s history, including nearly $1.5 billion for Hurricane Irma recovery and $257 million for citrus growers impacted by this storm. On the three-year anniversary of this devastating storm, we remain committed to working with FEMA to make sure Florida recovers stronger than ever before.”

Rebuilding public facilities and infrastructure is a long-term effort. To date, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program has awarded $2.06 billion in grants to the State of Florida to reimburse local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency response and permanent repairs.

For instance, Palm Beach County received a grant for $20 million to combat erosion and help restore Juno Beach, which was damaged in the storm. The project involved placing 1.5 million cubic yards of sand on the 2.45-mile beach, helping to mitigate damage from future storms.

The City of Miami received a grant for $17.5 million to restore Dinner Key Marina, which has 582 boat slips and moorings for 225 vessels. Rebuilding this structure include replacing piers, decks, mooring facilities, sea walls, the electrical and fire protection systems and other components.

Seawalls in the City of Punta Gorda were damaged or destroyed as a result of waves and storm surge. The city received a grant of $25 million to replace 10,116 panels along 60,689 feet of seawall.

“We are committed to supporting the State of Florida as it recovers from Hurricane Irma,” said James Coleman, manager of the FEMA recovery operation for Florida.

In rebuilding, many projects include mitigation to reduce damage from future disasters. FEMA has provided $91.8 million for these efforts. In addition, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has awarded $208 million to the state for other projects designed to reduce damage from future storms, including hardening the Wiregrass Sports Complex in Pasco County, South Broward Hospital in Broward County and Memorial Hospital Flagler in Miami-Dade County.

FEMA also supplemented the State of Florida with the following grant programs: $10.3 million for Disaster Unemployment Assistance; $21.7 million for Disaster Case Management; $421,569 for the Crisis Counseling Immediate Services Program and $1 million for the Crisis Counseling Regular Services Program.

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Oregon to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by wildfires beginning on Sept. 8, 2020, 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, 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 emergency.  Emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding. This assistance is for Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Tillamook, and Washington counties.

Dolph A. Diemont has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.  

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved the United States Virgin Islands for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow the U.S. Virgin Islands to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to implement a system to make this funding available to U.S. Virgin Islands residents.

On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.

FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional territories and states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana residents displaced from their homes by Hurricane Laura may find FEMA rental assistance to be an important way to move their recovery forward.

FEMA rental assistance is a temporary grant to survivors to pay for somewhere to live while they work on permanent housing plans such as repairing or rebuilding their home.

Options include renting an apartment, home or travel trailer that can keep survivors near their jobs, schools, homes and places of worship. Survivors can find places by searching online or in their local newspaper.

Funds can be used for security deposits, rent and the cost of essential utilities such as electricity, gas and water. They may not be used for to pay for cable or Internet.

Survivors who live in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Union, Vermilion, Vernon or Winn parish, follow these steps if your home is uninhabitable and you need a place to stay:

• Survivors need to file a claim with their insurance company. They should check with their homeowners or renters insurance agent about additional living expenses, or ALE, coverage as part of their policy that may assist in relocating to a temporary residence.
• Survivors should also register for FEMA assistance. If they have insurance, they should submit their settlement documents for review before FEMA can determine their eligibility status. If their policy does not include ALE, or if they exhaust this coverage and their home remains uninhabitable, they may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA. They may register by either going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362.
• A FEMA inspector will contact applicants by phone to ask questions about the type and extent of damage. It may be necessary for FEMA to perform a remote inspection if an applicant reported they cannot or may not be able to safely live in their home. It is important for FEMA to be able to contact applicants.  Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

Survivors should keep receipts for three years to show how they spent FEMA grants. If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, survivors may have to repay FEMA and could lose eligibility for further federal assistance to help them with their Hurricane Laura recovery.

Remote Home Inspections and COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, home inspections may be conducted remotely by phone. Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage comparable to traditional, in-person inspections. They expedite the delivery of recovery assistance to survivors based on their eligibility.

Survivors who had minimal damage and can live in their home will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection after registering with FEMA. Survivors who find significant disaster-caused damage after registering can request an inspection.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

BATON ROUGE, La.  –  It usually takes two steps for survivors of Hurricane Laura to access the greatest possible amount of federal help. 

Step one: Use one of several ways to apply for FEMA assistance.

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA mobile app.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Multilingual operators are available.

Survivors in the following parishes may be eligible for federal help: Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Union, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn.

FEMA assistance cannot make survivors whole, but it may help move their recovery forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make homes safe, sanitary and functional. It may also help with a temporary place to stay while you build your own recovery plan.

Step two: Apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a federal low-interest disaster loan. SBA disaster loans are the primary source of federal assistance for repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other compensation.

Businesses are also encouraged to apply.

If referred to SBA by FEMA, homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply. If SBA declines the application, homeowners and renters may be eligible for grants from FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program to replace certain household items, repair or replace a damaged vehicle and pay for moving and storage costs.

SBA disaster loans:

• Up to $2 million for property damage loan to businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations
• Up to $2 million for working capital loan to small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations for disaster caused working capital needs even if they had no property damage
• $2 million maximum business loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs
• Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence
• Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles

SBA has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center that is open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT. You can contact an SBA customer service representative via email at FOCWAssistance@sba.govor by phone at 800-659-2955. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage and will provide one-on-one assistance in completing applications for these loans.

• Apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• For questions about SBA disaster loans call 800-659-2955 or email the SBA at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
• To apply by mail completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

These services are only available for the Louisiana disaster declaration as a result of Hurricane Laura that occurred Aug. 22-27, 2020, and not for COVID-19 related assistance.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Clackamas County Complex Fire burning in Clackamas County, Oregon. 

FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, and on Thursday he approved the state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). 

The Clackamas County Complex Fire started on Monday, burning an unknown number of acres. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening homes in and around Clackamas County, including the cities of Molalla, Scotts Mills, Unions Mills, Colton, Redland and Logan. Evacuation notices have been issued for Clackamas County spanning to the Multnomah County border and the Portland Metropolitan Area. This fire complex consists of the North Cascade Complex Fire, the Unger Road Fire, the Whilhoit Road Fire, the Macksburg Road Fire, Dowty Road Fire, Blue Box Fire, Timothy Lake Fire, Old Cedar Fire, McGee Creek Fire, Lowe Creek Fire, Quarry Fire, Sisi Creek Fire, Hood Meadows Fire, La Dee Fire, and the Pot Creek Fire. 

The number of FMAGs approved for the state of Oregon now totals 14, most of them approved this week. 

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. 

In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $629,681 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (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. 

FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard. 

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Pike Road Fire in Tillamook County and the Slater Fire in Josephine County, Oregon. 

FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fires threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, and on Thursday he approved the state of Oregon’s requests for federal Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG). 

The Pike Road Fire started on Tuesday, burning in excess of 220 acres of state and private land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening over 1,355 homes in and around the communities of Bay City, Hobsonville and Idaville. Immediate threats are to Bay City, as well as the local water supply and watersheds in the surrounding hills. 

The Slater Fire started in California and crossed into Oregon on Wednesday, burning over 135,000 acres of federal and private land. At the time of the request, the fire threatening homes in and around the communities of Cave Junction, O’Brien and Kerby. The fire also threatened the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, timber and national forest lands.  

The number of FMAGs approved for the state of Oregon now totals 13, most of them approved this week. 

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. 

In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $1,259,362 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (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. 

FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard. 

SALT LAKE CITY – With fires raging across the West, it’s important for Utah homeowners to be aware that defensible space is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect a house from wildfire.  You can even do most of the work yourself.

A defensible space is an area around a home or other building in which plants, debris and other items that can easily catch fire have been treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of fire to and from a structure.

Information about local vegetation, weather and topography is used to determine the Fire Severity Zone of the area where you live. This information helps determine the most effective design to protect your space.

Wild grass, brush and timber can easily catch fire, burning with great intensity and producing embers that can become wind-driven hazards. Yard plants can catch fire just as easily. Maintaining defensible space requires routine maintenance of vegetation like pruning and removing dead branches and leaves.

Be sure to assess both the horizontal and vertical aspects of vegetation when designing the defensible space. Wildfires can move horizontally from shrub to shrub and tree to tree. They can also travel vertically from the ground up into the treetops, resulting in a catastrophic crown fire.

For more information on how to create a defensible space around your home visit Ready.gov/wildfires.

Contact a mitigation specialist for more information about making your home and family safer before, during and after a wildfire or other natural disaster at FEMA-r8-HMhelp@fema.dhs.gov or bereadyutah@utah.gov for more information about making your home and family safer before, during and after an earthquake.

DES MOINES, Iowa – It has been one month since the August 10 derecho impacted Iowa. Since then more than $7.1 million in federal assistance has been approved for Iowans.

FEMA has approved more than $3.1 million in Individual Assistance grants for more than 900 households. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $4 million in disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and small businesses. 

Survivors in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties have until October 19 to register for disaster assistance.

Applicants may register in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.

A Disaster Recovery Center opened in Linn County on September 2 to give survivors options to submit documents for their disaster assistance application. The DRC is located at:

Veterans Memorial Stadium Parking Lot

950 Rockford Rd. SW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Hours are: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Saturday

Closed on Sunday

(Enter the parking lot from the corner of Veterans Memorial Drive and Kurt Warner Way.)

SBA provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to uninsured or underinsured businesses, homeowners and renters. SBA has also established a virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete an electronic loan application.

The Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open Mondays – Sundays, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information visit FOCWAssistance@sba.gov, or call (800) 659-2955.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 18 Iowa counties as primary natural disaster areas, enabling producers who suffered losses because of the derecho to be eligible for emergency loans.

The counties eligible for emergency loans are Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama.

The USDA natural disaster designations allow the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or the refinancing of certain debts.

The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is May 3, 2021. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. Click here for more information.

BATON ROUGE, La.  – A drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center will open in Sulphur on Saturday, Sept. 12 to help Hurricane Laura survivors.

A new feature of centers is an easy and COVID-safe way for Hurricane Laura survivors to have documents scanned into their case file.

The drive-thru center operates under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors are safe. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. Survivors remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive documents through the window and return them.

No appointments are necessary. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

The drive-thru center is located at:

Sulphur City Library

1160 Cypress St.

Sulphur, LA 70663

Additional centers are open in Louisiana. Survivors may visit any open center. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator or download the FEMA app.

Survivors do not need to visit a drive-thru center to apply or update their application. To ask individual questions or submit information:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
• Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA app.

U.S. Small Business Administration Hurricane Laura Disaster Loans

For businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations up to $2 million for property damage – for small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, most private nonprofits up to $2 million for disaster working capital needs even if they had no property damage ($2 million maximum business loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs).

For homeowners up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance - for questions and assistance completing application call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.   

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

PONCE, Puerto Rico – Residents affected by the earthquakes have the right to appeal FEMA’s decision on federal assistance. This not only includes decisions about what assistance you are eligible to receive but also the amount or type of assistance provided by FEMA.

Applicants who do not agree with FEMA’s decision are entitled to submit an appeal in writing detailing why they disagree. You have 60 days from the date on FEMA’s letter to file an appeal.

The earthquakes began Dec. 28, and several strong aftershocks since then may have caused additional damage to homes and property. Residents of these 33 municipalities may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: Adjuntas, Aguada, Añasco, Arecibo, Barceloneta, Cabo Rojo, Ciales, Coamo, Corozal, Guánica, Guayanilla, Hormigueros, Jayuya, Juana Díaz, Lajas, Lares, Las Marías, Maricao, Mayagüez, Moca, Morovis, Naranjito, Orocovis, Peñuelas, Ponce, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San Germán, San Sebastián, Santa Isabel, Utuado, Villalba and Yauco.

Some of the reasons for ineligibility may easily be resolved. One of the most common reasons is you did not submit all the required documents to support your claims. For example, you may have forgotten to include proof of residency or occupancy, proof of ownership of the damaged property, proof of identification or an insurance settlement letter.

If an applicant’s disaster-damaged property is determined to be a rental unit or second home, the application may be deemed ineligible for assistance. An applicant may be determined ineligible if someone else in the household already received assistance. An applicant could also be ineligible if an inspection report shows the home was safe to occupy and had insufficient damage to qualify. Assistance can also be affected if FEMA is unable to contact the applicant.

Many of these issues can be easily resolved by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Appeals can be submitted in different ways:

• Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

• Fax: 800-827-8112
• Online: From your account at DisasterAssistance.gov

Applicants who do not receive a response within two weeks of filing their appeal should call the FEMA Helpline.

Applicants may appeal as many times as needed after they receive a FEMA determination letter. To file another appeal, you will need to send new supporting documents or new evidence that substantiates the claim.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4473 and Facebook: www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Riverside Fire in Clackamas County, the South Obenchain Fire in Jackson County, and the Archie Creek Fire in Douglas County, Oregon. 

FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O'Hare determined that the fires threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, and on Wednesday he approved the state of Oregon's requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG).

The Riverside Fire started on Tuesday, burning over 100,000 acres of federal and private land. At the time of the request, the fire threatened an unknown number of homes in and around the communities of Colton, Elwood, Dodge, Faraday, Damascus, Beavercreek and Escatada. The fire also threatened transmission lines, private forest lands, industrial areas, fish bearing streams, along with unknown number of residences and business in the area. Almost all of Clackamas County is under Level Three evacuation notices. 

The South Obenchain Fire started on Tuesday, burning over 8,000 acres of private land. At the time of the request, the fire threatened 1,291 households in and around the communities of Eagle Point, White City, Butte Falls, Shady Cove, and the surrounding Rouge Valley. A reported nine structures had been destroyed. The fire also threatened Interstate 5 and Highway 140 and local watersheds in the area. 

The Archie Creek Fire started on Tuesday, burning in excess of 5,700 acres of federal and private land. At the time of the request, the fire threatened up to 300 homes in and around the communities of Gide, Idleyld Park, and Steamboat. The fire also threatened transmission lines in the area. More than 2,500 people are under Level Two and Three evacuation notices, and up to 300 homes are under Level Three evacuation notices with another over 500 homes under a Level Two notice.  

The total number of FMAGs approved for Oregon during this fire season is 11.  

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. 

In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $1,889,043 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (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. 

FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard. 

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Michigan State Police/Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) announced today that $34.2 million has been made available in federal disaster aid to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for critical emergency medical care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant funding is part of the recovery efforts for the federal disaster declaration of March 27, 2020. MDHHS provided temporary and enhanced medical facilities for emergency medical care, purchased and distributed medical supplies and equipment, and disseminated information to the public to eliminate the immediate threat to life, public health and safety during the period of January 20, 2020 and ongoing.    

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding has helped ensure the availability of critical medical services and equipment in Michigan to help combat this virus.”

“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is a key component to our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “This funding will help ensure MDHHS continues to provide critical services to keep our residents safe.”

The Public Assistance Program funding will be administered by MSP/EMHSD.  FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The federal share of the FEMA grant is $34,218,229.92 with the remaining amount paid by MDHHS. 

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 debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters in Morehouse and Union parishes may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Laura.

To be eligible for federal disaster aid, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Laura from Aug. 22 to Aug. 27.

Sixteen parishes were previously included in the federal declaration to help homeowners and renters. They are Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn parishes.

Survivors should file a claim at the same time as they apply to FEMA. Save yourself time, if you have insurance, you must file a claim.

If you have phone or Internet access, you may register by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app

• Calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Do not wait to begin your cleanup and repairs. Take photos of all damage and save all receipts.

Remember, FEMA assistance alone cannot make survivors whole. FEMA’s disaster assistance programs are designed to help with grants for basic repairs to make survivors’ homes safe, sanitary and secure and to provide a temporary place to live while survivors develop their recovery plans.

FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, disaster survivors without insurance or who are underinsured may still receive help after insurance claims have been settled.

Low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to homeowners for their primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Applicants may apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.  Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

SBA has established a Virtual Business Recovery Center and a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to provide assistance to business owners and to help homeowners and renters. Email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955. Lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Emergency services, like fire, police and EMS, are the fabric of a safe community. FEMA has obligated $16.8 million in funding to the territory for repairs and upgrades to public facilities, including those that enable first responders to execute their duties. Ensuring these facilities are operational and maintain continuity of services is vital for emergency response.

"During hurricanes Irma and Maria the territory’s first responders worked around the clock to provide care, compassion, and safety to their communities,” said William Vogel, Federal Coordinating Officer for the recovery. “FEMA will continue to be there to support the first responders and ensure they have the tools to do their jobs. Their commitment to working on the front lines every day is heroic.”

Through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, various emergency services facilities across the territory are being wind retrofitted, allowing the buildings to withstand hurricane winds speeds and in accordance with the territory’s recently adopted 2018 building codes. These measures will lessen the risks posed by hurricane winds, including wind load, flying debris and wind-driven rain to reduce future structural damage or failure.

• Herbert L. Canegata (Richmond) Fire Station on St. Croix was awarded $664,316 in funding to renovate all three buildings in accordance to the 2018 International Building Code.

• Charles A. “Tappy” Seales (Grove Place) Fire Station on St. Croix was awarded $4.9 million in funding to retrofit and upgrade of the building, including safe room construction, enabling the facility to continue to function as a coordination point during emergency response operations.

• Emile Henderson Fire Station on St. Croix was awarded $601,000 in funding to retrofit the building and add a safe room. The improved fire station will enable fire service operations during and immediately after a disaster event.

• Emile C. Berry Fire Station on St. Thomas was awarded $162,000 in funding to retrofit five of the station’s building. Hurricane roof straps will be installed, along with hurricane shutters, wind-rated storm and garage bay doors. Additional hardening of rooftop equipment, roof vents, skylights, electrical/mechanical and other equipment will be completed.

• Fortuna/Bordeaux Fire Station on St. Thomas was awarded $4.9 million in funding to retrofit the fire station by removing the modular buildings and upgrading the station’s structure and functionality to ensure continuity of operations during an emergency. The retrofit will include safe room construction and the installation of a back-up generator.

• Leander Jurgen Police Command on St. John was awarded $296,000 in funding to retrofit the building, mitigating the risks posed by hurricane winds, including wind load, flying debris and wind-driven rain to reduce future structural damage or failure, as well as risks to first responder life safety and critical facility functionality. As the only police station on St John ensuring continuity of operations during an emergency is critical to public safety.

Additionally, the territory was awarded $94,000 in funding to upgrade communications technology including satellite hotspots and transportable repeaters which will allow first responders to quickly extend wide area coverage and set up an on-site dedicated network. This equipment and training will provide reliable voice and data services to maintain continuity of operations during an emergency.

“These projects totaling over $11.5 million in FEMA funding will allow the Territory’s emergency management facilities to be fortified to ensure the continuity of services when disaster strikes and protect those who serve our communities when we are most in need,” said Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien.

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

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LANSING, Mich. –  If you are a disaster survivor in Michigan applying for assistance with FEMA and are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), it’s important to complete the application for a low-interest disaster loan.

Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed during the May 16-22 severe storms and flooding.

Many survivors who register with FEMA are referred to the SBA. If SBA determines you are eligible for a loan, you don’t have to accept it, but you should complete the loan application as soon as possible to keep your options open. If you submit an SBA application and are not approved for a loan you may be considered for additional FEMA grants such as personal property replacement, disaster-caused vehicle repair or moving and storage fees.

Through SBA, homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

In addition, you may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of your physical damage to make your home safer. Eligible work could include building retaining walls, elevating or retrofitting the flood prone structure or relocating utilities to protect against future damage caused by a similar disaster.

SBA can also help businesses and private nonprofit organizations with up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for economic injury disaster loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

To apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan, complete an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. To reach an SBA Customer Service Representative directly call 800-659-2955. Email questions to FOCE-Help@sba.gov.  For more information, visit sba.gov.

To apply for FEMA’s disaster assistance:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) anytime from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.
• Download the FEMA App.

The deadline to register with FEMA and apply to the SBA is Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30, 2020 to be considered for assistance.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs.

If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

English: www.fema.gov/disaster/4547

Spanish: https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4547 

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

FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Approval of the state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was made at 1:40 p.m. PT on Wednesday.

The fire started on Tuesday and had burned approximately 600 homes and more than 3,000 acres of private land at the time of the state’s request. An additional 35,000 homes are threatened in and around the communities of Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, and the city of Medford. The fire also threatened Interstate 5, Highway 99, schools, a fire station, parks, small businesses, transmission and communication lines in the area. Level One, Two, and Three evacuations were issued for the region of the fire, which was zero percent contained at the time of the request.

The total number of FMAGs approved for Oregon during this fire season is eight, including six in just the past two days.

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.

In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $629,681 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (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.

FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard.

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Isaias from July 29-31, 2020.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the municipalities of Aguada, Hormigueros, Mayaguez and Rincon. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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

Alexis Amparo has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Holiday Farm Fire in Lane County, the Powerline fire in Washington County, and the Echo Mountain Complex Fire in Lincoln County, Oregon. 

FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the state of Oregon’s requests for federal Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) for these incidents on Tuesday. 

The Holiday Farm Fire started on Tuesday, burning over 15,000 acres of federal and private land, and at the time of the request the fire threatened more than 200 homes in and around the communities of Blue River, Vida, Leaburg, and Thurston Hill. The fire also threatened a fire station, Highway 126, transmission lines and multiple small businesses in the area. Level One, Two and Three evacuations were issued for approximately 28 miles. 

The Powerline Fire started on Tuesday, burning more than 50 acres of private land, and at the time of the request the fire threatened more than 600 homes in and around the community of Cherry Grove. The fire also threatened a slow water sand filter plant that provides water resources to the larger Hillsboro area, the Stimpson Mill, and Henry Hagg Lake. Level Three evacuations were issued for approximately 600 homes. 

The Echo Mountain Complex Fire started on Tuesday, burning over 1,350 acres of federal and private land, which includes the Kimberling Road Complex Fire, as well as unnamed fires burning in Lincoln County. At the time of the request, the complex threatened more than 250 homes in and around the town of Otis. The fire also threatened homes near Highway 18, Panther Creek, Rose Ledge, and Willis Creek in the area. Level One, Two, and Three evacuations were issued for at least 250 homes. 

With these latest three fire declarations, FEMA has granted the state of Oregon a total of seven FMAGs this fire season. 

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. 

In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $1,889,043 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (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. 

FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard.