PONCE, Puerto Rico – The Government of Puerto Rico, the Central Office for Reconstruction, Recovery and Resiliency (COR3) and FEMA have partnered together to open a Joint Field Office in Ponce. This office will serve as a central point of coordination and decision making close to the earthquake-impacted areas. Federal disaster funds are now available for recovery efforts in 25 municipalities affected by earthquakes from Dec. 28, 2019 to Feb. 4, 2020. On Jan.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved $2,023,745 for the state of Florida to reimburse the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for the cost of emergency protective measures taken after Hurricane Michael.

This grant reimburses the sheriff’s office for response and recovery efforts, such as search and rescue, traffic control and safety patrol following the October 2018 storm.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – To date, FEMA has obligated over $67 million to repair and rebuild parks and other recreational facilities on the island that were damaged by Hurricane María. Representing 161 projects, these funds will help restore the sense of community that is an integral part to the recovery of so many on the island.

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced a federal grant for the City of Fargo that will make $3.7 million available to fund the construction of a levee, floodwall, and road raise, providing permanent flood protection for the City's Waste Water Treatment Plant. The improvements will provide protection above the 500-year floodplain elevation and enable continued service to the cities of Fargo, West Fargo, Oxbow, and other surrounding communities.

DENVER – FEMA has provided a $2,981,770 grant to the City of Colorado Springs. The city will use the funds for a project to minimize flood damage caused by Cottonwood Creek.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has announced a six-month extension of the temporary housing program through Oct. 11, 2020 in Bay, Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf and Jackson counties. The initial 18-month program was available through April 11, 2020.

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico – Individuals who lost their jobs because of the earthquakes and live or work in any of the 25 municipalities FEMA approved for assistance have an extension of time to file for unemployment benefits. Those who were self-employed also have more time to file for unemployment benefits.

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico – As the people of Puerto Rico repair and rebuild their homes, FEMA has teamed with National Lumber to provide free information and tips on how to make homes damaged by earthquakes and hurricanes stronger and safer.

• The U.S.

Myth:     If you cannot get regular unemployment insurance, then you certainly cannot get Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Fact:     If you are out of work as a direct result of the December earthquake and aftershocks, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, even if you are self-employed.

Myth:     You need to find a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The updates will affect floodplain boundaries in 19 municipalities in Northumberland County, including the Cities of Shamokin and Sunbury; the Boroughs of Herndon, Northumberland, Riverside and Snyderton; and the Townships of Coal, Jackson, Jordan, Lower Augusta, Lower Mahanoy, Mt. Carmel, Point, Ralpho, Rockefeller, Rush, Shamokin, Upper Augusta and West Chillisquaqe.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Snyder County, Pennsylvania. The updates will affect floodplain boundaries in seven municipalities, including the Boroughs of Selinsgrove and Shamokin Dam, and the Townships of Monroe, Penn, Chapman, Perry and Union. FEMA is now inviting community stakeholders to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

DENVER – Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Heavy rains have already caused flooding in the Southeast this year.  Last fall saw rivers overflowing in the Dakotas. And the upcoming snowmelt means we could see a wet spring.

FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help people recover after a flood. Flood insurance provide millions of Americans their first line of defense against flooding. But flood insurance policies are only one piece of the NFIP puzzle. They just happen to be a very visible piece.

DENVER – A hidden threat strikes many unprepared Americans each year – flooding.  Unlike fire, wind, and hail, homeowner’s insurance will usually not pay for a flood loss.  An uninsured flood loss can rob your life’s savings.  Flood insurance protects you against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t ruin your bank account along with your home.

DENVER - As winter comes to a close, communities look forward to the coming of spring and a return to the warm outdoors. But, it’s also a time to be aware of the threat of Mother Nature, meaning severe storms and flooding.  Rapid snowmelt or a couple of inches of rainfall can create potential flooding.

FEMA Region VIII Preparedness and Mitigation experts have several recommendations to help you get ready for the disruptions flooding can cause to your family’s lives and your homes.

By Lee dePalo

Whether Punxsutawney Phil’s early spring prediction is correct or not, warmer temperatures will eventually come and melt the blanket of snow winter gave us this year.  Many areas of Region VIII have an above-average snowpack and it seems that nearly every week this winter has included a major snowstorm in our area.

The obligations include funds for road signs, roads, baseball fields and public buildings

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved $4,035,986 for the State of Florida to help Brevard County defray the cost of restoring the South Beach and Mid-Reach Beach dunes to pre-disaster condition following Hurricane Irma. These funds are made available under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved $2,030,406 for the State of Florida to help the City of Jacksonville defray administrative costs associated with Hurricane Irma recovery under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.