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Federal Earthquake Assistance Update September 8 is the Final Day to Register
SALT LAKE CITY – Tuesday, September 8 is the deadline for Utah residents to register for federal disaster assistance for damage caused by the Magna Earthquake and aftershocks between March 18 and April 17.
Utahns impacted by the disaster who haven’t registered can still apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages.
If you require a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format of available information such as American Sign Language format, or audio format, please submit your request to: Region8AccommodationRequest@fema.dhs.gov.
Since the July 8 disaster declaration, more than 670 Utahns have registered with FEMA for earthquake assistance. More than $1.3 million in federal disaster assistance has been provided to eligible applicants in Salt Lake and Davis counties, including more than $480,000 in FEMA grant funding.
In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved disaster loans totaling more than $840,000 for businesses and residents. These low-interest loans may be used to repair or replace damaged and destroyed businesses and homes, personal property items and automobiles. Additional SBA applications are in the review process.
Contact a mitigation specialist 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.
For more information on Utah’s recovery from the Magna Quake, visit, www.fema.gov/disaster/4548, or https://earthquakes.utah.gov/magna-quake/.
Brian.Hvinden Thu, 09/03/2020 - 18:15Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Essex County, Virginia
PHILADELPHIA- FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Essex County, Virginia. Community stakeholders are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around September 2, 2020. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.
Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Alwyn W. “Wyn” Davis Jr., Building Official, Essex County, (804) 443-4951, awdavis@essex-virginia.org. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: http://arcg.is/0rLfCH.
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon)
- Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.
Flood Mapping MilestonesJanuary 15, 2019 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data
September 15, 2019 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released
November 7, 2019 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map, and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance
On or Around September 2, 2020 –Appeal Period starts
November 2021* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect
*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process
Follow UsFEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.
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amanda.hancher Thu, 09/03/2020 - 15:57
Lake Charles Document Drop Off Center Opens with Safety Protocols
BATON ROUGE, La. — A drive thru FEMA Documentation Drop-off Center will open in Lake Charles on Friday, Sept. 4. Hurricane Laura survivors will be able to have their documents scanned into their case file and returned to them. Only document scanning will be offered.
The center will operate under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all participants.
Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. You will remain in your car. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive your documents through the window and return them to you.
The center is located at:
Calcasieu Parish School Board
3310 Broad St.
Lake Charles, LA 70615
No appointments are necessary. The hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Survivors do not need to visit a recovery 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 FEMA’s mobile app. For more information go to: www.fema.gov/mobile-app.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
Carmen.Castro Thu, 09/03/2020 - 15:28FEMA Outreach Workers Providing Disaster Assistance Materials at Hotels
BATON ROUGE, La.— FEMA is providing disaster assistance registration materials at more than 40 hotels currently serving as emergency shelters in areas of Louisiana damaged by Hurricane Laura.
Resources in several languages are being delivered by FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams. They provide information to survivors on several easy ways they can register for disaster assistance right from the hotel by:
- Going online to DisasterAssistance.gov
- Using the FEMA app
- Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing- impaired. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.
The DSA hotel outreach effort is a health and safety response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In past disaster responses, DSA has offered door-to-door outreach and registration help to impacted residents and businesses.
Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residence, as well as for other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster. Those who use TTY may call 800-877-8339.
As of Sept. 2, federal disaster assistance is authorized for residents in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn parishes. Additional parishes may be designated for assistance in the coming weeks.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
Carmen.Castro Thu, 09/03/2020 - 15:21
FEMA Provides Additional $5.71 Million for Montana COVID-19 Response
DENVER –FEMA announced $5.71 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Montana. The assistance was made available under the major disaster declaration issued March 31 by President Trump.
The funding is being provided to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for purchases of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical care providers and other supplies, which were distributed statewide through June 13, 2020.
“Making sure medical responders are properly equipped is vital in the battle against COVID-19 and these funds are assisting Montana facilities.” said FEMA Region 8 Administrator Lee dePalo.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing at least a 75 percent funding share for eligible costs. Remaining costs are the responsibility of the state and local applicants for assistance.
To date, FEMA has provided more than $5.82 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Montana. These reimbursements can play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response. Additional support has come in the form of mission assignments, where FEMA directs another federal agency to perform work to address needs identified by the state.
Brian.Hvinden Thu, 09/03/2020 - 14:41FEMA Awards City of Lakeland More Than $3.2 Million for Hurricane Irma Repairs
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $3,208,752 for the State of Florida to help the City of Lakeland defray the costs of repairs to the city’s electric power system after Hurricane Irma.
FEMA Public Assistance funds will reimburse the city’s utility department, Lakeland Electric, for costs incurred in permanently restoring electric service after the September 2017 storm. These include costs of labor, equipment, materials and contracts for Lakeland Electric and mutual aid through the Florida Municipal Electric Association.
The Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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 the subrecipients like local and county governments.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 09/03/2020 - 14:19FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Montana's Snider/Rice Complex Fire
DENVER – This morning, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Snider/Rice Fire burning in Rosebud, Custer, and Powder River Counties, Montana.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Snider/Rice Fire was threatening 1,052 homes and structures in and around Ashland, Montana. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 3,156 people. The fire is also threatening 10+ buildings, infrastructure, utilities, and equipment in the area. The fire started on September 2, 2020, and has burned in excess of 48,000 acres of state and private land.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants 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.
With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.
Brian.Hvinden Thu, 09/03/2020 - 12:14Storm Survivors May Be Eligible for Lodging Reimbursement
DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowans who have registered with FEMA may be eligible for reimbursement if they paid out-of-pocket expenses for temporary lodging because their primary residences had sustained damage from the August 10 storm.
Temporary lodging includes hotels, motels, or other short-term lodging while an applicant is displaced from his or her primary residence.
Lodging expenses may be eligible for reimbursement if an applicant:
- Registers with FEMA.
- Passes identity verification.
- Verifies occupancy in a primary residence within a designated county.
- Verifies that the primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible.
- Incurs disaster-related temporary lodging expenses.
- Does not have insurance that would cover lodging.
- Did not receive lodging assistance during the same timeframe.
Reimbursement funds are available for eligible applicants under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Survivors who are approved for lodging reimbursement must submit hotel/motel receipts that show a zero balance to FEMA to receive payment. Reimbursement will not cover incidental costs such as phone calls, laundry, internet, food, movies or pet care.
The 11 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance are: Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama.
Applicants may register in the following ways:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
- 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.
Registration Deadline Extended for FEMA, SBA Disaster Assistance
The extension agreed upon by the state and FEMA is for survivors living in the disaster-designated individual assistance counties of Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, Midland and Saginaw.
Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Residents who lost access to water through their private well—if the well was physically damaged, collapsed and/or is no longer producing potable water as a direct result of the disaster—could also be considered for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App. By phone, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week.
SBA helps businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.
SBA also has extended its deadline to apply for a low-interest disaster loan to Sept. 30. To apply for a 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/.
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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
troy.christensen Thu, 09/03/2020 - 10:52FEMA AUTHORIZES FUNDS TO FIGHT MONTANA’S BOBCAT FIRE
DENVER – This evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Bobcat Fire burning in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties, Montana.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Bobcat Fire was threatening 500 – 700 residences and businesses along with the Bull Mountain Coal Mine. The fire was also threatening infrastructure, utility transmission lines, cell phone towers, coal loading facilities and major roadways and bridges in and out of the area. Voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 2,100 people. The fire started today and has burned in excess of 20,000 acres of state, federal and private land.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants 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.
With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.
Brian.Hvinden Thu, 09/03/2020 - 00:36FEMA AUTHORIZES FUNDS TO FIGHT MONTANA’S HUFF FIRE
DENVER – This evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Huff Fire burning in Garfield County, Montana.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Huff Fire was threatening more than 926 structures which included the following facilities: seven emergency services, 28 commercial, two health and medical, and one government building. A school and hospital were evacuated. Voluntary evacuations were taking place for approximately 500 people. Infrastructure, utilities, and major roadways were also being threatened. The fire started today and has burned in excess of 30,000 acres of state and federal land.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants 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.
With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.
Brian.Hvinden Wed, 09/02/2020 - 22:38FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Delaware
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Delaware for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Delaware to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Delaware Governor John Carney to implement a system to make this funding available to Delaware 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 state of Delaware 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 states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
zella.campbell Wed, 09/02/2020 - 20:19Do Your Own Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah residents can do several things to reduce potential earthquake hazards and damage in their homes.
Steps you can take on your own include:
- Strapping down televisions, computers and other expensive or hazardous electronics.
- Securely fastening or moving heavy pictures and mirrors currently located over beds or other furniture.
- Bracing water heaters and making sure that gas models have flexible connections.
- Knowing how and when to shut off utilities.
Some modifications may require a licensed contractor, designer or architect to complete. Among these are:
- Bracing or replacing masonry (brick) chimneys.
- Strengthening garages that have living space above them.
- Upgrading unbraced crawlspace walls and other foundation features.
For a full list of earthquake damage prevention measures and retrofits ─ including a cut-away diagram of where these potential hazards can be found in your home ─ download the FEMA brochure Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt at https://go.usa.gov/xGgUr or download the Utah DEM brochure Putting Down Roots in Earthquake County at https://www.utah.gov/beready/documents/roots_earthquake_low.pdf.
Meanwhile, you can browse a list of Utah-based licensed contractors, engineers and architects at https://secure.utah.gov/datarequest/professionals/index.html or check their licenses at https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html.
Utah residents impacted by the March 18 quake and aftershocks who have not registered with FEMA can still apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages.
If you require a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format of available information such as American Sign Language format, or audio format, please submit your request to: Region8AccommodationRequest@fema.dhs.gov.
Contact a FEMA Mitigation Specialist at FEMA-r8-HMhelp@fema.dhs.gov or a DEM Mitigation Specialist at bereadyutah@utah.gov for more information about making your home and family safer before, during and after an earthquake.
For more information on Utah’s recovery from the Magna Quake, visit, www.fema.gov/disaster/4548, or https://earthquakes.utah.gov/magna-quake/.
Brian.Hvinden Wed, 09/02/2020 - 17:00Seven Additional Louisiana Parishes Designated For Individual Assistance
BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters in Grant, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, and Winn 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, 2020.
Nine parishes were previously included in the federal declaration to help homeowners and renters. They are Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Ouachita, Vermilion and Vernon.
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 (FEMA) 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.
Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
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.
For more information on recovery efforts for Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
Carmen.Castro Wed, 09/02/2020 - 16:59Three Additional Louisiana Parishes Designated For Individual Assistance
BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters in Acadia, Ouachita and Vermilion 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, 2020.
Six parishes were previously included in the federal declaration to help homeowners and renters. They are Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon.
If you have a homeowner’s or flood insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately before applying for disaster assistance.
If you have phone or Internet access, you may register by:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA app
- Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA) 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.
Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
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.
For more information on recovery efforts for Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
Carmen.Castro Wed, 09/02/2020 - 16:53FEMA Documentation Drop-off Centers Closed Labor Day
MIDLAND, Mich. –– The Documentation Drop-off Centers in Midland, Gladwin and Saginaw will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.
The locations of the three Documentation Drop-off Centers are as follows:
- Midland Documentation Drop-off Center:
825 E. Main Street
Midland, MI 48640
- Gladwin Documentation Drop-off Center:
401 S. State Street
Gladwin, MI 48624
- Saginaw Documentation Drop-off Center:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
1035 N. River Road
Saginaw, MI 48609
The Arenac Drop-off Center located at the Arenac Community Center, 583 E. Cedar St. in Standish will close permanently at 7 p.m. today, Sept. 2.
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
troy.christensen Wed, 09/02/2020 - 16:07FEMA and Ad Council Urge Americans to “Make a Plan Today”
To kick-off National Preparedness Month, FEMA reminds Americans that the best time to plan for disasters is now
WASHINGTON – FEMA and the Ad Council have begun National Preparedness Month with new public service announcements informing Americans how they and their families can best prepare for disaster while accounting for the reality of COVID-19.
FEMA’s most recent National Household Survey finds nearly 60% of Americans perceive themselves to be prepared for a disaster emergency, and 10% still see no need to prepare. That’s why the theme of National Preparedness Month 2020 is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” It encourages people from all communities to prepare for the possibility of natural disasters, which could range from wildfires to hurricanes to tornadoes.
“This year, we've seen that preparedness actions save lives," said FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor. "Hurricanes and wildfires aren't waiting for COVID-19 to end, and neither should your preparedness activities. I encourage you to make the most of this time you have with your families and have those discussions about your emergency plans, specifically how they may look different this year in a COVID-19 environment.”
The 2020 campaign encourages parents and caregivers to visit Ready.gov/plan to find tools and tips for making an emergency plan with their family. Ad agency Newfangled Studios created pro bono TV, radio spots, print, digital and out-of-home ads. The TV component of the campaign will feature a family preparing for disasters, to run on broadcast TV.
"This year’s message is grounded in the fact that natural disasters won't wait for the pandemic to pass. However, people are already preoccupied with coronavirus messaging and we did not want to scare or overwhelm them," said Newfangled Studios' Founder & Executive Creative Director, Macaela VanderMost. "Building upon last year's campaign, we re-imagined an animated world that strikes the right balance of playfulness and gravity. It's our hope that this creative work will make a significant impact on the number of families who are prepared for a natural disaster."
“The pandemic has only reinforced that disasters can strike at any time, in any community, and drastically change people’s lives in an instant,” said Ad Council President & CEO Lisa Sherman. “Now more than ever, it is vital that people are prepared so that when an unexpected disaster does strike, they’re ready.”
This round of creative work for the Ready Campaign is the latest in 17 years of educating the American public about disaster and emergency preparedness
Each week of National Preparedness Month, the Ready campaign will emphasize a unique aspect of preparedness:
- September 1—5: Make a Plan
- September 6—12: Build a Kit
- September 13—19: Prepare for Disasters
- September 20—26: Teach Youth about Preparedness
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zella.campbell Wed, 09/02/2020 - 13:18Hurricane Laura Survivors: Previous FEMA Help Doesn't Affect Eligibility
BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Laura survivors in Louisiana should register with FEMA even if they have registered with the agency for previous disasters.
FEMA considers each disaster to be a separate event so survivors affected by multiple storms may receive help more than once.
Survivors in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Ouachita, Vermilion and Vernon parishes may be eligible for FEMA grants to help with their recovery. Help may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.
Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA assistance may also provide temporary help with a place for you and your family to stay while you build your own recovery plan.
It is important to remember that grants are to be used only for certain disaster-related expenses. Survivors should keep receipts for three years to show how they spent FEMA grants.
If you have a homeowner’s or flood insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately before applying for disaster assistance. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin.
If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 to determine if state, voluntary or local organizations are in your community to address your immediate needs.
Don’t be discouraged if you do not have access to telephone or Internet. If you have any questions, contact the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
Carmen.Castro Wed, 09/02/2020 - 12:56Survivors in 10 Additional Counties May Now Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance
DES MOINES, Iowa –Homeowners and renters in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama Counties may now apply for FEMA Individual Assistance for losses resulting from the severe storms on Aug. 10, 2020. Linn County was previously approved for Individual Assistance. Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners can include grants for repairs to make their primary home habitable. Rental assistance is available to pay for temporary housing for homeowners and renters. Lodging expense reimbursement may be available to eligible households who may have stayed in a hotel for a short period of time.
FEMA assistance can also help with other disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items, and medical and dental expenses.
Businesses, homeowners and renters may be eligible for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
First, if you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage you’ve suffered. You don’t have to wait for FEMA to start cleaning up but be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.
If you have losses not covered by insurance, contact FEMA by either going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362.
Applicants will need the following to apply. You can upload all required documents at DisasterAssistance.gov:
- Address of the damaged property
- Description of disaster-caused damage and losses
- Current mailing address
- Current telephone number
- Social Security number of one member of the household
- Insurance information
- Total household annual income
- Bank account routing and account number for direct deposit
- Save your FEMA registration number, also known as FEMA ID number.
- Check your DisasterAssistance.gov account for updates.
Survivors in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 for TTY users. Users of 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week, until further notice. Survivors may register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
thomas.wise Wed, 09/02/2020 - 09:58FEMA Obligates Over $783 Million to Repair Puerto Rico’s Roads, Bridges and Ports
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — For the past three years, FEMA has awarded funds to repair and strengthen Puerto Rico’s transportation infrastructure. Along with the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience of Puerto Rico, or COR3, the Agency has obligated over $783 million to revitalize the island’s vast network of roads, highways, bridges and piers which sustained substantial damage after Hurricane María.
These funds include $428.8 million for the Department of Transportation and Public Works for projects such as installing over 18,000 road signs in 654 state roads across nearly 1,310 miles throughout the island– a benefit to more than 1.2 million people.
“In one year we have managed to approve funding for over a thousand road and bridge projects, which represents an important step forward in the recovery of the Island. Our focus is to continue obligating funds for roads and other areas that affect the daily lives of residents,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alex Amparo.
Also, over $11.2 million was obligated to the Puerto Rico Port Authority and the Ponce Port Authority for work that includes repairs to 12 piers, like repairing the crane system at Puerto de las Américas Rafael Cordero Santiago. This is a key port for emergency management operations and after the hurricanes managed the entry of cargo and supplies needed to re-establish the distribution chain on the Island.
Being an island, these piers serve as the main receiving point to obtain food and construction materials, among other goods. Roughly 306,211 tons of rice and flour were received by these ports last year, and a total of over $500 million in merchandise. In addition, all fuel for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s power generating plants and co generating AES- Puerto Rico plants is received through our ports.
Likewise, roughly 1,249 municipal projects to address damage to roads and bridges have been obligated so far. These encompass many of the hardest hit areas such as Jayuya where over 16,600 residents were left isolated after the storm. For this municipality, over $88.6 million was awarded to undertake 71 permanent work and architectural and engineering design projects throughout various neighborhoods. Work has already been completed in many of these roads, including the Haydee Pacheco and the Manolo Morales Roads in barrio Puerto Plata which benefit 10 and 15 families respectively.
In the southern coast, the municipality of Yauco was assigned more than $4.3 million for architectural and engineering design costs and permanent repairs to several bridges that collapsed during the storm and serve as key access points for more than 376 families. On air at the Agency’s radio show, Dando Palique, the municipality’s Mayor Angel Luis “Luigi” Torres Ortiz expressed that repairing the Rho Eta Delta Bridge, Harry Cintrón Bridge, Fraticelli Bridge, as well as the Palos Blancos Bridge are a high priority as these connect several communities.
Another $1.4 million are earmarked for permanent repairs to the severely damaged PR-105 and Camino Noriega roads in Maricao. The latter is a municipal road in barrio Montoso used by 16 families. Moreover, this is the main route to transport goods out of a local farm that has three employees and produces star fruit, sapote fruit, lychee, rambutan and other fruits.
“This path affects this community as they are practically unreachable. Once the road is repaired, these families will have a direct access to basic services, since it has an exit on Highway 105 and 120. [Also], farmers will have better access to transport their agricultural products,” added Maricao’s mayor, Gilberto Pérez.
For his part, COR3's Executive Director, Ottmar J. Chávez, indicated that "during the past few months, a large number of recovery projects were obligated through uninterrupted work, in spite of the other emergencies that have arisen. These obligations promote the attention to essential and important structures for all the sectors that receive these federal contributions. We remain committed to continuing to work on the projects that remain to be served”.
To date, FEMA has obligated over $7.2 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and Maria, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. Roughly 1,200 local staff are leading the efforts and play a key role in moving recovery forward. Despite unprecedented challenges, our resolve remains undeterred as we continue this banner year of recovery. The Agency is part of the transformation and the revival of the island, a process that is becoming more evident every day and that will benefit the island's residents and its future generations.
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 on Twitter @COR3pr.
frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 09/02/2020 - 07:25Pages
