FEMA Provides $3.3 Million to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division announced today that $3,355,416 in federal funding has been made available to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 27, 2020.

This funding will reimburse MDHHS for costs to provide dedicated COVID-19 vaccine scheduling support services through contracts with Google and Michigan 2-1-1.  

“FEMA is committed to augmenting COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Michigan,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding helped ensure the state could provide support services to help individuals access COVID-19 vaccination appointments and ultimately protect themselves from the virus.” 

“We appreciate our partnership with FEMA as we continue efforts to combat COVID-19,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “This funding will support the state’s goal of vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders aged 16 and older.”

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 debris removal, disaster cleanup and 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.

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

troy.christensen Thu, 04/29/2021 - 16:54

FEMA Provides $1.6 Million to Milwaukee County

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $1,621,377 in federal funding has been made available to Milwaukee County for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration on April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Milwaukee County for costs to manage and reduce immediate threats to public health and safety related to the pandemic. Their efforts included disinfection of public facilities, communications of safety information to the public, and support for law enforcement and security. Milwaukee County also distributed personal protective equipment and provided emergency sheltering for populations at high risk of COVID-19 infection.

“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 funding has allowed the County to continue their mission of providing critical emergency response services to Milwaukee area residents, while slowing the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.”

“We are thankful to FEMA for their ongoing and collaborative support in the fight against COVID-19 in Milwaukee and throughout our great state. This funding will go a long way toward recovery efforts in Milwaukee, as we continue to drive equity throughout this vaccination process,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Administrator, Wisconsin Emergency Management.

FEMA provides 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 Thu, 04/29/2021 - 16:52

Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program Receives grant for More Than $1.9 Million

REGION 1 – FEMA recently awarded a $1,972,612 grant to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) for the state’s Emergency Feeding Program.

The grant covers 100% of the costs of the state’s “Vermont Everyone Eats” program, which provides nutritious meals to high-risk populations impacted by COVID-19 throughout Vermont. The program is administered by the Westminster-based Southeastern Vermont Community Action.

This project was funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program which reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include states, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

“We are pleased to provide funds to ACCD to help accomplish the mission of feeding Vermonters who are struggling as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations throughout New England. “We will continue to work closely with ACCD and the State of Vermont as our shared efforts to respond to this pandemic continues.”

FEMA obligated more than $318.6 million related to the pandemic in Vermont, as of April 22.

Additional information about FEMA’s PA Program is 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

adrien.urbani Thu, 04/29/2021 - 14:08

FEMA Awards Nearly $7 Million To Rebuild Recycling Centers and Municipal Landfills

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico— In order to repair damage caused by Hurricane María at several landfills and recycling centers around the island, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved nearly $7 million.

“We’ll continue to collaborate with the government of Puerto Rico and municipal governments for the development of their recovery projects. This award consists of over $5 million for twelve landfills and the remainder for seven municipal recycling centers,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

Of these funds, $100,700 is earmarked for repairs to the Juana Díaz landfill. In addition to serving over 50,000 residents, the landfill also serves several neighboring municipalities, businesses and industries in the southern area of Puerto Rico. According to the municipality, this facility receives between 300 to 400 tons of non-hazardous waste daily, roughly five percent of all municipal solid waste generated daily in Puerto Rico.

“It is very important to keep this landfill operational, so that it can protect the sanitary conditions of those communities where waste is collected on a daily basis. The municipality continues to work with FEMA on this and other projects, to protect both our citizens’ health and the environment,” said the mayor of Juana Díaz, Ramón A. Hernández Torres.

The award also includes over $56,000 for the Loíza Municipal Recycling Center. Every month this facility processes between 50,000 and 64,000 pounds of recyclable materials, including textiles, plastic, refrigerators, scrap metal, motor oil, cooking oil and cardboard.

According to the mayor of Loíza, Julia Nazario, the repairs to be completed at the recycling center’s administrative areas will help these return to their pre-hurricane capacity. “The optimal operation of this municipal recycling unit will directly benefit the health and quality of life of our citizens,” added the mayor.

In addition, $17,000 was approved for repairs at the Orocovis municipal recycling center. This facility, which has remained in operation after the hurricane, processes around 800,000 pounds of recyclable material per year, such as cardboard, newspaper and plastic, among others.

“It is extremely significant for us to receive this obligation, not only for the municipality’s well-being, but for Puerto Rico and the entire world since we are talking about recycling. We combined the funds received from FEMA with funding received from the insurance company, and among the improvements, we acquired machinery to accelerate the process,” said the mayor of Orocovis, Jesús E. Colón Berlingeri.

For his part, Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience of Puerto Rico (COR3), said that developing these projects will allow building resilient infrastructure that will be in place in the event of a future natural disaster. “In COR3 we recognize the importance of these works, which contribute positively in one way or another to the protection of the environment and the health of the Puerto Rican people. Our team is committed to providing the necessary assistance in matters related to these projects,” Laboy Rivera added.

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.

 

manuel.deleon Thu, 04/29/2021 - 12:16

FEMA Awards $7.9 Million in Grants for Anchorage School District

BOTHELL, Wash. –The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded three Public Assistance grants totaling $7,903,431 to Alaska’s Anchorage School District. These funds cover restoration of Dimond High School and Gruening Middle School following damages due to the 2018 Alaska Earthquake as well as reimbursements for emergency protective measures taken across the Anchorage School District.

The earthquake caused extensive damage to Dimond High School and Gruening Middle School. Both schools were temporarily closed until emergency repairs could be made. Dimond High School sustained damage to the main building’s thermal seal glass windows, ceiling system support/grids, heating pipes, cracks in veneer, cracks in the sheet rock, drywall, flooring, and the cold-formed steel diagonal bracing. The school also sustained damage to the gymnasium, playground, and track field. Gruening Middle School sustained damage to its interior and exterior building, a maintenance access road, and to equipment. Two Public Assistance grants totaling $4.3 million are intended to restore Gruening Middle School ($2,240,995) and Dimond High ($2,029,053) back to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function.

Reimbursements for emergency protective measures account for the remaining $3.6 million of this $7.9 million award. Examples of emergency protective measures taken across the Anchorage School District include implementing barriers, fencing, and signage for damaged facilities; shoring and bracing structurally-compromised buildings; installing temporary slope stabilization for two school buildings; and renting equipment and substitute facilities that allowed education to continue while the school buildings were temporarily closed.

FEMA provides this $7.9 million in federal funding through the Public Assistance program, which reimburses communities for actions taken for response and recovery from a disaster. Public Assistance funding can cover emergency assistance to save lives, protect property, and restore community infrastructure affected by a major disasters or emergencies.   

Public Assistance funds are awarded directly to Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Alaska to make makes disbursements to state agencies, local, and tribal jurisdictions that incurred costs. This funding is provided at 75 percent federal share.  To learn more about the Public Assistance program, visit  fema.gov/assistance/public. 

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

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

hannah.weinstein Wed, 04/28/2021 - 22:46

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for New Jersey

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storm and snowstorm from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2021.

Federal funding is available to state and 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 winter storm and snowstorm in Cape May, Morris, Ocean, Sussex and Warren counties.

In addition, federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow removal for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Morris, Sussex and Warren counties.

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

Claude Hyacinthe has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

zella.campbell Wed, 04/28/2021 - 21:20

FEMA Hosts Roundtable with Local Community Organizations on COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

Dr. Cameron Webb speaks at the Norfolk Community Vaccination Center - YouTube

Norfolk, Virginia — FEMA hosted a Community Leadership Roundtable to support ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts at the Military Circle Mall on April 20. Together with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Health and a number of local organizations, the goal of the meeting was to ensure the communities’ needs were met.

The event was held at Norfolk State University, and the panel included Dr. Cameron Webb from the White House COVID-19 Task Force. Among the topics discussed were community-specific hesitation to receive the vaccine, equitable access to the vaccines and ways in which interagency partners can assist in helping getting residents vaccinated.

“We need to ensure those who are most affected by COVID are the ones receiving the vaccine. By working together in summits like this, we are making sure we focus on leveraging resources at the local level,” said Dr. Cameron Webb.

Currently, all Hampton Roads residents over the age of 16 can get their free Pfizer vaccine at the Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall. Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.

Walk-ins are welcome at the center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The center will remain closed on Sunday, April 25. First doses of the vaccine will continue on Monday, April 26 through Saturday, May 1. Second doses are currently being administered at the site and will continue through May 22.

Walk-ins are welcome at the center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. First doses of the vaccine will continue through Saturday, May 1. Second doses are currently being administered at the site and will continue through May 22.

People interested in preregistering for their vaccine can do so online at norfolk.gov/covid19vaccine or they may call 1-877-829-4682.

Additionally, FEMA-supported community vaccination centers are open this week throughout the Hampton Roads community at the following locations:

• First Baptist Church South Hill, Chesapeake, VA (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Now open till May 1st.
• Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, VA (12:00 p.m-7:00 p.m.) Now open till April 30th
• Shiloh Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Opening on April 29, 2021

All clinics welcome walk-ins and will be administering free first doses of Pfizer.

For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.

 

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amanda.hancher Wed, 04/28/2021 - 21:01

FEMA approves additional $7 million for Bay Medical Center Hurricane Michael expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved a grant of $7,019,830 for the state of Florida to reimburse the former Bay Medical Center for repairs after Hurricane Michael in 2018.

The grant reimburses the hospital for the cost of repairs to the South Tower of Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, including repairs to the ceiling, flooring, walls and storage cabinets. Bay Medical Center was acquired by Ascension and Sacred Heart Health System in March 2019.

This brings FEMA's total grants for the center's Hurricane Michael-related expenses to $39.5 million.

These grants are 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… Wed, 04/28/2021 - 20:56

More than $1.7 Million Awarded to Rhode Island Department of Health to Continue its Fight Against COVID-19

Region 1 - The Rhode Island Department of Health recently received a $1,799,507 grant from FEMA for supplies and services used by medical facilities around the state.  The grant covered costs incurred from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020.

State efforts funded through this grant include travel costs for COVID-19 inspector enforcement, supplies for the Office of the State Medical Examiner, ventilator supplies, contracted personnel support, and alternate hospital sites.

Specific provisions included supplies of PPE for the mortuary-staffed medical examiner’s office; medical labor for staging and relocating hospitalized COVID-positive elderly patients to their Specialty Nursing Homes; and providing temporary alternate hospital sites for expanded medical facilities statewide.

“Federal funding provided to the Department of Health has allowed the State of Rhode Island the ability to provide for the care and needs of critically ill elderly patients,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford.  “It also provided the means to access alternate hospital sites for use throughout the pandemic.”

To-date, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program obligated more than $190 million for 245 projects related to the pandemic in Rhode Island.  Additional information about the program is 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

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/28/2021 - 19:21

Rhode Island Receives an Additional $3.4 Million for its COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – FEMA has awarded an additional $3.4 million in Public Assistance Program funding for the State of Rhode Island’s COVID-19 response. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 30, 2020. The agency has provided more than $460.8 million for Rhode Island’s COVID-19 response, as of April 22, 2021

Recently, the Rhode Island Executive Military Staff was awarded a $3,490,947 PA Program grant for the cost of deploying active-duty Rhode Island National Guard (RING) troops during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded at 100%, the grant covers the cost of the mission assignment from March 14 to April 14, 2020. The major disaster declaration started on Jan. 20, 2020 and is continuing.

“The RING’s work during the response and recovery from the pandemic continues to be a vital role against COVID-19,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We continue to work alongside the State and RING in our joint effort to combat this virus.”

Specifically, this grant was approved for RING troops who served on teams at various sites statewide performing pandemic-associated duties. They included assembling components for testing kits; distributing test kits; packing personal protective equipment; training staff how to use PPE correctly; staffing call centers; scheduling tests; providing Spanish public communications in the Central Falls and Pawtucket areas; directing traffic at testing sites; collecting patients’ test samples; notifying patients about test results; and helping create and operate alternate hospital sites.

More information about the PA Program is at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/28/2021 - 19:07

Boston Public Health Commission Awarded $1.2 Million for COVID-19 Testing At Five Local Health Centers

REGION 1 – FEMA recently obligated $1,210,103 to reimburse the Boston Public Health Commission for the cost of COVID-19 community-based testing sites at five local health centers between May 13 and Aug. 31, 2020.

The grant, which was provided at 100% federal cost share, reimburses the Boston Public Health Commission for costs it incurred for the creation, operation and management of the testing sites during the COVID-19 emergency response.

"Testing is vital to the coronavirus-pandemic response, and these health centers helped save the lives of many in the Boston area,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “The centers continue to serve an important role in underserved communities throughout the area and with those disproportionately affected by COVID-19.”

Fixed and mobile site testing was conducted at Codman Square Health Center, Dorchester House (DotHouse Health), East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center and the Whittier Street Health Center.  Costs for testing at individual testing locations varied depending on the location and number of testing-related services performed.

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process with eligible applicants.

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met before funding is disbursed.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/28/2021 - 18:55

Norfolk Residents Have Until May 1 to Get First Dose of Pfizer Vaccine at FEMA-Supported Vaccination Center

Norfolk, Virginia — Hampton Roads residents have until May 1 to get their first free Pfizer vaccine at the FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center in Military Circle Mall. Second doses are currently being administered at the center through May 22.

The vaccination center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome and those interested in getting their vaccine must bring a valid ID or any document that provides proof of name. Visit www.norfolk.gov/COVID-Vaccine-Information for additional information.

All Hampton Roads residents over the age of 16 are eligible to receive their free vaccine at the Military Circle Mall location. Individuals who are 16 or 17 will need to have a parent or guardian with them at the vaccination site in order to receive the vaccine.

In addition to the Community Vaccination Center at Military Circle Mall, FEMA is supporting additional clinics in Newport News and Chesapeake this week. All clinics are offering the Pfizer vaccine and walk-ins are welcome. For more information:  FEMA is Supporting Several COVID-19 Vaccination Sites for Hampton Road Residents | FEMA.gov

Reasonable accommodations for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.

For information on all available clinics visit https://vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-829-4682.

For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.

 

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amanda.hancher Wed, 04/28/2021 - 15:35

More Than $1.6 Million Provided to Connecticut’s Middlesex Hospital for Pandemic-Related Emergency Actions

REGION 1 – FEMA and the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security announced today $1,610,356 in federal funding has been awarded to Middlesex Hospital in Middletown for the State of Connecticut’s emergency response to COVID-19.

The funding, part of FEMA Public Assistance grant program, reimbursed Middlesex Hospital, part of Middlesex Health, for costs to provide a mobile field hospital and two trailers for COVID-19 patient testing, conducted in front of its Emergency Department, and converting the hospital’s operating room into a COVID-19 surgical room.

The grant included reimbursement for other medical services including the cost of training staff, purchasing and distributing medical supplies, equipment, personal protective equipment, sanitizing products, creating a new inventory storage space for medical supply items related to COVID-19, and disseminating public information.

FEMA is providing a 100% federal cost share of eligible expenses for this project, which covers the period from Jan. 20 to July 31, 2020.

“Since the start of the pandemic, Middlesex Hospital has been an important partner in Connecticut’s battle against COVID-19,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “This funding supports the state’s mission to save lives, prevent illness and continue down the road to recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program in New England is for states, localities, Tribes, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations. More information about the program is available at:  https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

As of April 22, FEMA has obligated a total of $474.7 million in federal support related to the pandemic in Connecticut.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/28/2021 - 14:04

Kentucky Survivors Affected by Severe Storms Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

ATLANTA – Kentucky homeowners and renters affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred from February 27 to March 14, 2021, and who live in counties that have recently been designated for Individual Assistance, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The designated counties are: Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin and Powell. Additional counties may be designated at a later date if requested by the Commonwealth and warranted by the results of further assessments.

If you have homeowners or renter’s insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for FEMA assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to register online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption, or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

You can also register via smartphone or tablet by downloading the FEMA app from our website or through your mobile provider’s application store.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted;
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
• Your Social Security number, if available;
• A general list of damage and losses; and
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the event.

For the latest information on Kentucky severe storms, visit Kentucky Severe Storms (DR-4595-KY) | FEMA.gov. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion4.  

neily.chapman Tue, 04/27/2021 - 20:38

FEMA Awards Palm Beach County $1.25 Million for Hurricane Irma Costs

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,257,342 for the State of Florida to help Palm Beach County defray the cost associated with Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the county for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm.

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

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

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

barbara.murien… Tue, 04/27/2021 - 18:38

Eight Counties Can Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance from the March Tornadoes

CLANTON, Ala. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from the March 25-26, 2021 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes in in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph and Shelby counties should apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the tornado.

Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph and Shelby counties were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the major disaster declaration signed by President Biden on April 26, 2021, for damage and losses from the March tornadoes.

If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately, before applying for federal assistance. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. 

You can register for FEMA disaster assistance online by visiting  DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT.

You will need to have the following available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted;

• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;

• Your Social Security number, if available;

• A general list of damages and losses; and

• If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY) to determine what federal, state, local, or voluntary agency assistance may be available to you.

If you can return to your home and it is safe, has working power, water and sewer or septic service, visit DisasterAssistance.gov to determine if state, voluntary and local organizations in your community can address any unmet needs.

“The people of Alabama are resilient,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Brian Hastings. “We witnessed the immense damage caused by these tornadoes, and the incredible work accomplished by the local community to respond & recover. This federal assistance is another tool to assist eligible survivors and communities in their long term recovery process.”

Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while you build your recovery plan. Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

“We’re working closely with Alabama EMA and voluntary agencies to connect survivors with the resources they need to start their recovery,” said Allan Jarvis, FEMA’s chief coordinating official in Alabama.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and that do not duplicate benefits from other agencies or organizations.

If referred, applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov or by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

For referrals to Alabama’s health and human service agencies as well as community organizations, dial 211, text 888-421-1266, or chat with referral specialists via www.211connectsalabama.org.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit ema.alabama.gov, AlabamaEMA Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4596 and www.facebook.com/fema.

ron.roth Tue, 04/27/2021 - 17:03

Two Weeks Remain for Homeowners, Renters and Businesses to Apply for Disaster Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you are a Louisiana homeowner, renter or business owner who sustained property damage or loss caused by severe winter storms in February, you have two weeks left to register and apply for federal disaster assistance.

Residents who were temporarily forced from their homes because of utility failures should also register with FEMA. Reimbursement for hotel or other temporary rental expenses may be possible

The deadline to register for assistance from FEMA and to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is Monday, May 10.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but eligible homeowners and renters may be able to receive a grant from FEMA for losses not covered by insurance to help pay for basic home repairs, temporary rental assistance and other needs such as replacing personal property.

Individuals and businesses in parishes included in the Louisiana federal disaster declaration for the winter storms may still register for assistance or update contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Going online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Calling the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY) anytime from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362.

For the latest information on  the Winter Storms, visit Louisiana Severe Winter Storms (DR-4590-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Tue, 04/27/2021 - 14:06

Deanne Criswell Takes Oath as FEMA's 12th Administrator

WASHINGTON -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas swore in Deanne Criswell as FEMA’s 12th Administrator, the first woman confirmed to serve in this role.

Administrator Criswell took the oath this evening after receiving unanimous support from the Senate. As Administrator, she is tasked with reducing the loss of life and property, protecting the nation from all hazards and leading the nation through a comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation.

She joins FEMA at a critical juncture as the agency continues to coordinate COVID-19 vaccination efforts, support the Department in its humanitarian efforts at the southern border and prepare for future disasters like the upcoming hurricane season.

“Deanne’s career is one of commitment and service to our nation,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “That commitment now rises to the next level of leading the dedicated people of FEMA as they continue working to meet unprecedented challenges. I have full confidence in her ability to lead FEMA with compassion, fairness, integrity and respect as she works to fulfill the agency’s ever-important mission: helping people before, during and after disasters. It is my honor to welcome Administrator Criswell to the Department of Homeland Security.”

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in emergency management, including serving as the Commissioner for New York City Emergency Management, as a member of the Colorado Air National Guard and deployed to numerous disaster assignments with FEMA, she also worked as a local firefighter and managed the Aurora, Colorado, office of emergency management.

“I believe the best way to balance the competing demands is to make risk reduction investments to build more resilient communities and infrastructure, including against the threat of climate change,” Criswell said during her confirmation hearing. “As an emergency manager, I have always focused on keeping families and communities safe. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help the people of this country.”

zella.campbell Tue, 04/27/2021 - 12:56

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Philadelphia – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the North Anna Power Station. The exercise will occur during the week of May 4, 2021 to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone and the 50-mile Ingestion Pathway Zone within the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions.  The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 9:00 a.m. on May 7, 2021.  Due to the Public Health Emergency the meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom.   Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA. 

Access to the public meeting is provided below:

https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1618697623

Meeting ID: 161 869 7623

Passcode: 059737

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

Janice P. Barlow

Acting Regional Administrtor

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

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

gabriel.lugo Mon, 04/26/2021 - 21:26

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alabama

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from March 25-26, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph and Shelby counties. 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 statewide.

Allan Jarvis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 04/26/2021 - 20:47