You are here
Feed aggregator
FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Illinois
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Illinois for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Illinois to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to implement a system to make this funding available to Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Tue, 09/01/2020 - 21:07FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Wisconsin
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Wisconsin for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Wisconsin to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to implement a system to make this funding available to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Tue, 09/01/2020 - 21:00FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for South Carolina
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved South Carolina for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow South Carolina to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to implement a system to make this funding available to South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 Tue, 09/01/2020 - 20:50FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Fight Washington’s Evans Canyon Fire
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Evans Canyon Fire burning in Yakima County, Washington, approximately eight miles north of the community of Naches.
FEMA Region 10 Deputy Administrator Vincent Maykovich determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 12:55 p.m. PDT on Tuesday.
The fire started on Monday, and at the time of the state’s request, an estimated 5,000-10,000 acres had been burned, and two homes had been damaged. Evacuation orders were in place for approximately 430 homes in the area. Additional active fires in the region have constrained fire resources, with nine uncontrolled and three controlled fires in Washington state.
FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies.
In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $629,681 in mitigation assistance will be available to Washington. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.
FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard.
hannah.weinstein Tue, 09/01/2020 - 19:58FEMA Releases New Policy for COVID-19 Declarations
WASHINGTON --
Today, FEMA released an interim policy to clarify eligible work under the Public Assistance program as part of the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The interim policy “COVID-19 Pandemic: Work Eligible for Public Assistance” is applicable to eligible applicants only and is exclusive to emergency and major disaster declarations for the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy applies to work performed on or after September 15, 2020.
FEMA releases this interim policy as part of the President’s March 13 nationwide emergency declaration and subsequent major disaster declarations for COVID-19. Because of these declarations, state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government entities and certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations are eligible to apply for assistance under the FEMA Public Assistance program.
The interim policy defines the framework, details and requirements for eligibility of work and costs under the Public Assistance Program to ensure consistent and appropriate implementation across all COVID-19 emergency and major disaster declarations. Only work associated with the performance of emergency protective measures specifically listed in this policy is eligible for Public Assistance in COVID-19-declared events.
Under the new policy, FEMA provides assistance for emergency protective measures in response to COVID-19 declared events, to include the following:
- Purchase and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is directly related to the performance of otherwise eligible emergency work, or is provided to healthcare workers, patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, and first responders.
- Funding for stockpiling a supply of eligible PPE is limited to a 60-day supply from date of purchase.
- Funding for storing eligible PPE is limited to what is necessary to store 60-day PPE supply.
- Medical care, in accordance with COVID-19 specific policy – “COVID-19 Pandemic: Medical Care Costs Eligible for Public Assistance, Version 2 (Interim)” policy – being concurrently released or subsequent updates.
- Purchase and distribution of food, in accordance with COVID-19 specific policy or subsequent updates.
- Non-congregate medical sheltering, in accordance with COVID-19 specific policy or subsequent updates.
- Operation of Emergency Operations Centers to direct and coordinate resources and response activities for COVID-19 declarations.
- Communications to disseminate public information regarding health and safety measures and provide warnings about risks and hazards.
- Mass casualty management, including the storage of human remains and mass mortuary services needed to manage mass fatalities caused by COVID-19.
- Assistance for other activities may be eligible when necessary to perform otherwise eligible emergency work listed in the policy; for example, the purchase and distribution of face masks, temperature screening, disinfecting in accordance with CDC guidance, and temporary physical barriers.
FEMA may provide Public Assistance funding to applicants for eligible work under the COVID-19 declarations that may also be eligible for funding under another federal agency’s authorities. Potential Public Assistance applicants may have the flexibility to determine which source of funding to use for their costs, subject to the purpose and eligibility requirements of each of the federal programs and funding sources.
The “COVID-19 Resource Summary Report” is a list of resources provided by the federal government since the start of the response to COVID and is designed to assist with recovery efforts. Partners should directly consult each agency’s program information to verify the applicability of a resource.
zella.campbell Tue, 09/01/2020 - 17:32FEMA Opens a Disaster Recovery Center
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Linn County on Wednesday, September 2, to give survivors from the August 10 severe storm options to submit documents for their disaster assistance application. FEMA has adapted to the realities of responding during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve Iowans while protecting their safety and that of FEMA employees.
The DRC will not operate in a traditional fashion. The center will offer drive-through service. Survivors are asked to stay in their vehicles when visiting.
Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA—they can mail, fax or submit them online at DisasterAssistance.gov as well. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter.
Survivors who have already registered with FEMA and have been asked to provide additional documentation should read their FEMA letter carefully and make sure they have everything they need when they arrive at the DRC.
If you do not understand the letter you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, and ask for assistance.
The FEMA DRC is located at:
The parking lot between Cedar Rapids Kernels Stadium and Kingston Stadium
950 Rockford Rd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(Enter the parking lot from the corner of Veterans Memorial Drive and Kurt Warner Way.)
DRC hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time
Closed Sundays
The DRC will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in observance of Labor Day
The DRC will be open for a limited time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.
All applicants and FEMA personnel will follow current state and local COVID-19 safety requirements. Applicants must wear face masks and will remain in their cars as they hand their documents to FEMA personnel, who will be wearing face masks (or other appropriate face covering) and protective equipment. FEMA staff will take the documents, scan them and return them to the applicants.
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. CT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
If an individual cannot register online or by phone, registration at the DRC will be available.
Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:
- Mail to: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
- Or fax to 800-827-8112.
- Or submit them via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.
Beware of Fraud and Scams
SACRAMENTO, Calif.– When natural disasters occur, it is common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications.
FEMA encourages survivors to be aware of fraud and scams. FEMA also encourages survivors to report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.
Survivors should also be aware that this kind of situation doesn’t happen only at the beginning of the response to the disaster when people might be more vulnerable. It can happen anytime. It is important to know that FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.
Residents in Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties need to identify the common tactics used by these criminals, such as phone calls from people claiming to work for FEMA.
The caller might ask for the survivor’s Social Security number and income or banking information. Giving out this type of information can help an unscrupulous person make a false claim for assistance or commit identity theft.
FEMA encourages survivors and business owners to be vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:
Housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA.
- Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit registration number. A FEMA inspector will never ask for this information. They already have it in their records.
- Don’t give anyone your banking information. FEMA inspectors never require banking or other personal information such as a Social Security number.
Fake offers of local or federal aid.
- Don’t trust someone who asks for money. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.
- Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.
Fraudulent building contractors.
- Use licensed or verified local contractors backed by reliable references.
- To find licensed certified contractors check the Department of Consumer Affairs of California.
- Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs in advance.
- Demand that contractors detail the job to be done with guarantees in writing.
If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
###
bree-constance… Tue, 09/01/2020 - 14:26National Preparedness Month Encourages Preparedness for All Types of Emergencies
PHILADELPHIA – This week marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month (NPM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging communities across the nation to prepare for all types of emergencies and disasters which can occur, often with little notice.
As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and hurricanes in the mid-Atlantic, disasters don’t wait and being prepared makes the difference in how we respond. This year’s theme is "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today." During NPM 2020, take time to prepare for the emergencies you may experience, from the unexpected to the unavoidable.
In addition to the "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today” theme, four weekly themes can help individuals, businesses, communities, and others to prepare for emergencies:
- Week 1: Sept. 1-5 - Make A Plan: Know how to prepare for disasters that include how you will communicate with family and friends during disasters, reviewing insurance papers, and much more.
- Week 2: Sept. 6-12 - Build A Kit: You’ll need items to survive during a disaster that includes supplies you may need at home as well as a go kit of items you may need if you must evacuate quickly to a safer location.
- Week 3: Sept. 13-19 - Prepare for Disasters: Find out the best way to limit the impacts a disaster may have, like having the right insurance coverage or what can you do to your home to make it stronger and more resilient.
- Week 4: Sept. 20-26 - Teach Youth About Preparedness: Take the time now and talk with your children to reassure them. Teach them lessons on preparedness. Make family preparedness a fun annual event.
NPM provides a great opportunity to talk with your family, co-workers and employees, and community at large about preparing for emergencies.
“Preparedness starts with everyone, and National Preparedness Month is a great opportunity to talk about the risks your community faces and how you can prepare for them before a disaster occurs,” said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator, FEMA Region 3. “Save early, make a plan, involve youth, and get involved to help make your communities more resilient. This month, take these steps to help make your family and community stronger before the next disaster strikes.”
Learn more at www.ready.gov/september
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov
amanda.hancher Tue, 09/01/2020 - 11:44FEMA Program Aids Disaster Survivors with Critical Needs
Sacramento, Ca.--Individuals and households who have immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling by the wildfires may be eligible for a special FEMA financial assistance program. Covered by the Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) program are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This includes, but is not limited to, water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items, and fuel for transportation.
CNA is a one-time $500 payment per household. The State of California requested that FEMA authorize CNA for specific geographic areas that are expected to be inaccessible for seven days or longer. To be eligible for CNA Applicants must request it before September 5.
Individuals and households may be eligible for CNA if the following criteria have been met:
- The applicant registers with FEMA;
- The applicant passes identity verification;
- At registration, the applicant states that they have critical needs and requests financial assistance for those needs and expenses;
- Their pre-disaster primary residence is located in Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, or Yolo County.
- The applicant is displaced from their pre-disaster primary residence as a result of the disaster for at least seven days.
FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for North Dakota
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved North Dakota for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow North Dakota to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to implement a system to make this funding available to North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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.
gloria.huang Mon, 08/31/2020 - 21:05Be Safe During a Power Outage
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – When the power goes out, there can be serious impacts on daily activities. While a generator can ease these challenges, it can pose a danger if not used properly. Here are some safety tips:
- Have your generator inspected yearly and replace any worn parts.
- Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes, or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
- Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows so you and your family stay safe from carbon monoxide.
- Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces- including homes, garages, and crawl spaces - even those areas with partial ventilation.
- Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Not everyone has a generator. Keeping the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed will help the refrigerator remain at an acceptable temperature for approximately four hours. A full freezer’s contents should be fine for up to 48 hours. When in doubt, throw it out! Consult your physician regarding medications that require refrigeration.
Elderly people and infants and toddlers are more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. Check on your neighbors and relocate to a cooler area, if possible.
Keep all electronics fully charged. Have extra batteries ready for flashlights and radios. Avoid using candles which can cause house fires.
Some businesses may continue operations but be unable to process credit cards. For this reason, try to keep enough cash in your emergency kit to get you through an extended lapse of power.
For more information on staying safe during a power outage, visit ready.gov/power-outages .
###
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after a disaster.
Follow us on social media at twitter.com/femaregion2 and www.facebook.com/FEMAUSVirginIslands
gina.callaghan Mon, 08/31/2020 - 13:47FEMA Announces Permanent Federal Coordinator for Recovery Operations in Puerto Rico
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Today, FEMA announced that Mr. José G. Baquero Tirado, Esq. will serve as Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, or FDRC, for disaster recovery operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. Baquero will permanently lead disaster recovery coordination and collaboration between the federal interagency and the Government of Puerto Rico, the private sector and voluntary, faith-based and community organizations.
“Our partnership over the last year with mayors, COR3 and the Government of Puerto Rico has paved the way for the island’s long-term recovery. Mr. Baquero’s permanent appointment is another indicator that our mission on the island is on track and that the operation is ready for the road ahead,” said the current Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alex Amparo.
For the past 15 years, Mr. Baquero led the Transportation Security Administration office for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Throughout his career he has also worked as a private attorney, and at the local and federal government level. Mr. Baquero is born and raised in Puerto Rico and is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
For his part, Mr. Baquero added that “it is a privilege to serve my Island in this capacity. I look forward to being part of this historic recovery mission and to carry on with the outstanding work done by Mr. Amparo and the team as our efforts to help rebuild for the benefit of the people of Puerto Rico continue.”
Both Mr. Amparo and Mr. Baquero will work together in the coming weeks to ensure an effective transition of duties.
Mr. Amparo returns to support FEMA’s mission in Washington, D.C. His role on the island was pivotal in leading the disaster recovery efforts for Hurricane María as well as the response missions for the earthquakes, COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storms Isaías and Laura.
To date, over $7.2 billion has been obligated under FEMA’s Public Assistance program for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico.
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 Mon, 08/31/2020 - 13:19
LOUISIANA SURVIVORS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE LAURA CAN APPLY FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
BATON ROUGE, La. – State and federal officials are encouraging Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Laura to register for disaster assistance with FEMA as soon as possible.
Disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon parishes affected by the hurricane from Aug. 22 to Aug. 27.
In order to your process application for disaster assistance and avoid denial notifications, survivors can apply by following these steps:
The first step is to contact your insurance company to file your storm-damage insurance claims.
The second step is to register. To do so:
- Call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.
- Go to www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
If you have already applied for FEMA assistance and been denied, additional information might have been needed to fully process your application. You will need to have the following 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 damages and losses; and
- If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.
Disaster assistance may 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.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to homeowners, renters and businesses. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
Federal funding is also available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal in those same parishes. Funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance for Public Assistance, and for hazard mitigation measures in all parishes of the state.
Carmen.Castro Mon, 08/31/2020 - 11:17FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Hawaii
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Hawaii for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Hawaii to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Hawaii Governor David Ige to implement a system to make this funding available to Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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.
gloria.huang Sat, 08/29/2020 - 20:54FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Minnesota
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Minnesota for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Minnesota to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to implement a system to make this funding available to Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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.
gloria.huang Sat, 08/29/2020 - 20:51FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Florida
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Florida for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Florida to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to implement a system to make this funding available to Florida 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 Florida 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.
gloria.huang Sat, 08/29/2020 - 20:45Photos of Hurricane Laura Response
President Donald J. Trump and FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor toured the disaster areas of Louisiana this afternoon to survey damage caused by Hurricane Laura.
President Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Louisiana following the storm.
The Louisiana major disaster declaration is in addition to the emergency declarations President Trump already approved for Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, to cover emergency protective response actions taken by state, local and tribal officials.
FEMA deployed 800 personnel to support the response and recovery, including seven regional Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) and National IMATs deployed to Louisiana and Texas, and four Urban Search and Rescue teams deployed to Louisiana.
Laura caused widespread and extensive wind-related damage; trees and power lines are down, and many homes and businesses are damaged.
Survivors with damages in Louisiana’s Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.
President Trump Tours Hurricane Laura DamageLAKE CHARLES, La. (Aug. 29, 2020) President Donald J. Trump meets with FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf and Louisiana leaders to discuss Hurricane Laura response efforts.
FEMA photo by Lauren Fischer
FEMA Administrator Views Hurricane Laura Damage in Lake CharlesLAKE CHARLES, La. (Aug. 29, 2020) FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor speaks with a Lake Charles resident about the impacts of Hurricane Laura in his community.
FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio
Teams Provide Medical SupportLAKE CHARLES, La. (Aug. 29, 2020) A Disaster Medical Assistance Team sets up tents at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital to provide support in response to Hurricane Laura. These teams are staffed with medical professionals who help respond to medical needs in a disaster area.
FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio
FEMA Leadership View Damage from Hurricane LauraLAKE CHARLES, La. (Aug. 29, 2020) Incident Management Assistance Team Lead MaryAnn Tierney, left, discusses the impact and the response to Hurricane Laura with FEMA Region 6 Regional Administrator Tony Robinson and FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor as they view the damage.
FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio
Indiana TF 1 Searches a Damaged StructuresVERNON, La. (Aug. 28, 2020) An Urban Search and Rescue team member from Indiana Task Force searches a damaged structure in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. Four Urban Search and Rescue teams deployed to Louisiana to assist response efforts.
Photo by Indiana US&R Task Force 1
Companies Provide Communication Support for First RespondersLAKE CHARLES, La. (Aug. 28, 2020) Ohio Task Force 1 is assisting companies working to re-establishing communication systems in the impacted area. Prior to mobile cellular towers arriving in the area, first responders were operating exclusively off satellite communications. The establishment of cell coverage substantially improves communications capability in the field and is an example the whole of America response to disasters.
Photo by Ohio US&R Task Force 1
gloria.huang Sat, 08/29/2020 - 18:02President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Louisiana
WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Laura from Aug. 22 to Aug. 27, 2020.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes. 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 to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal (Category A) in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance for Public Assistance, and for hazard mitigation measures in all parishes of the state.
John E. Long has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
gloria.huang Fri, 08/28/2020 - 23:31FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Wyoming
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Wyoming for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Wyoming to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon to implement a system to make this funding available to Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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.
gloria.huang Fri, 08/28/2020 - 21:38FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Oregon
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Oregon for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Oregon to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to implement a system to make this funding available to Oregon 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 Oregon 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.
gloria.huang Fri, 08/28/2020 - 21:32Pages
