FEMA Help Now Available to Residents of San Mateo County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – San Mateo County has been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding, meaning residents who had damage or losses from the storms that began Dec. 27, 2022, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The declaration allows FEMA to provide direct support to individuals and households in nine counties: Calaveras, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.

Homeowners and renters who had damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance by the March 16, 2023, deadline. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.

If you have insurance, first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for your uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.

There are several ways that you can apply for FEMA assistance under the Individual Assistance program:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an accessible video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
• You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Additionally, nine counties can now request FEMA Public Assistance funding to help communities cover the costs of debris removal, emergency services and repairing infrastructure damaged by the storms. The counties eligible for reimbursement for different categories of work are: Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Tulare, Ventura. Applicants must file a Request for Public Assistance within 30 days of the date their area is designated under the federal declaration.

The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program. It provides funds to assist states, federally recognized tribes, territories, local governments and certain types of private non-profits as they respond to and recover from presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies. The program provides funding for debris removal and emergency assistance to save lives and protect property. It also helps fund permanently restoring community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident.

The federal share of assistance is generally not less than 75% of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent work. For California, however, President Biden authorized 100% federal reimbursement for the total eligible costs for 60 days from the Dec. 27, 2022, start of the storms.

brindisi.chan Sat, 01/28/2023 - 16:16

Six Months and $154.6 Million Later, Eastern Kentucky Recovery Continues

FRANKFORT, Ky – Six months after disastrous floods swept through Eastern Kentucky leaving a path of devastation across 13 counties, FEMA, its federal partners and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) are still hard at work collaborating to help Kentucky communities and survivors jump-start their recovery.

This partnership resulted in FEMA/Commonwealth teams providing door-to-door aid to survivors where they live, the removal of mountains of debris from creeks and public rights of way, and the organization of what is sure to be the fastest property acquisition program in FEMA history.

As of Jan. 22, more than $154.6 million has been approved in FEMA grants and low interest disaster loans to help survivors begin to recover from the floods.

• FEMA Individuals and Households Program: More than $96.9 Million
  • Housing Assistance: More than $83.7 million
  • Other Needs Assistance: More than $13.1 million
• U.S. Small Business Administration: More than $57.7 million

In addition, Public Assistance (PA) funding to assist communities by reimbursing costs for repair has topped more than $3 million.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has closed 461 claims totaling more than $24.6 million in payments. For those insured with the NFIP, insurance payments can help restore a home to its pre-disaster condition, provide for lost personal property and speed up the recovery process.

The Commonwealth and FEMA Hard at Work

• Soon after the disaster was declared, Disaster Survivor Assistance teams visited more than 24,000 homes and individuals to offer guidance on the recovery process, assist with applications for federal assistance, and to help those who already applied to complete and submit required paperwork. Special teams comprised of FEMA, commonwealth and local representatives were also on the ground to meet survivors where they lived and help them apply for disaster assistance.
• FEMA and the Commonwealth opened eight Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to meet with disaster survivors face-to-face and assist them in accessing federal and Commonwealth programs to help in their recovery.  Throughout the recovery, more than 17,000 visits to the DRCs were facilitated. As these centers closed, the Commonwealth transitioned many of them into Multi-Agency Resource Centers as a means of continuing to provide face-to-face assistance to Kentuckians.
• On Sept. 22, Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order to establish the Council for Community Recovery and Resiliency (CCRR). The CCRR was established as an advisory and resource body attached to the KYEM and made up of members whose agencies provide financial and technical assistance to local community recovery and resiliency planning teams across the Commonwealth. This council, in combination with the local recovery teams, establishes a National Disaster Recovery Framework mirror structure at the Commonwealth and local level to better facilitate the flow of resources and support to communities.
• The Commonwealth has continued to provide temporary shelter for affected families through its Commonwealth Sheltering Program.
  • To date, this program has assisted 391 Kentucky families. A total of 1,027 people have been sheltered in hotels and travel trailers. Additionally, 360 people have been provided shelter through the Commonwealth’s partnership with Kentucky state parks.
  • Currently, 235 survivor families are being sheltered in 240 travel trailers.
  • 25 people continue to shelter in state parks. Kentucky State Parks employees continue to work with local and state emergency management to actively transition affected families into long-term housing solutions.
  • Participants in this program may also be eligible for FEMA Direct Temporary Housing. Federal collaboration with the Commonwealth assures that all housing options for displaced survivors will be utilized.
• While it can typically take many months for FEMA Direct Temporary Housing to be activated and put in place KYEM — in close collaboration with FEMA Direct Housing and Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) — was able to assemble a temporary housing mission in a little over one month. The first family was licensed in by early September. Direct Temporary Housing is the last option for housing.  It is available in six counties (Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher Perry and Pike) that the Commonwealth identified as having a lack of rental resources. 
  • Currently there are 81 households in temporary housing units in 5 counties.
  • To date, 9 families have moved out of Direct Temporary Housing and located permanent housing.
• Sometimes the best way to avoid future flood damage is to rebuild outside of the floodplain. This can be achieved through property acquisition. Acquisition programs often take years to implement, but not in Kentucky. The first contract to acquire a flood-prone property was signed on Jan. 11. The speed at which Kentucky and FEMA were able to put this program in place was due to the Commonwealth’s willingness to work fast and think “outside the box.”
  • FEMA’s IRC and Mitigation continue to coordinate closely with eligible counties to identify resources to assist with their property acquisition programs.
  • The property acquisition program is FEMA funded and state managed. To date, FEMA has awarded five projects at a total cost of more than $5.8 million for the state to acquire 27 properties.
• FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA) provides funds to the Commonwealth, which in turn provides reimbursement to the local governments, counties and certain types of private nonprofit applicants to help them pay for damaged infrastructure such as roads and schools and to defray the costs of response activities. Twenty Eastern Kentucky counties are eligible for PA.
  • To date, more than 200 requests for Public Assistance have been filed, resulting in approximately 5,000 site inspections across Eastern Kentucky. The purpose of a site inspection is to validate disaster-related damage and determine what steps will need to be taken to restore a facility to its pre-disaster condition.
  • PA is a cost-sharing program. FEMA reimburses applicants no less than 75 percent of their eligible costs, with the remainder covered by a non-federal source.
  • FEMA authorized a 100 percent federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures —including direct federal assistance — for a continuous 30-day period of the Commonwealth’s choosing within the first 120 days of the Eastern Kentucky floods.
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) engineers have assessed nearly 1,100 county and state-owned bridges and identified 100 in need of replacement. To date, 29 bridges have been replaced, 14 have been repaired and 42 temporary crossings have been completed.
• One of the biggest successes in Kentucky has been debris removal. KYTC has removed more than 480,000 tons of storm debris from roadsides and waterways while also clearing 606 miles of creeks and streams of storm and vegetative debris.
• In Kentucky, Voluntary Agency Liaisons are helping establish long-term recovery groups to provide a wide range of assistance to disaster survivors, the Commonwealth and local partners. Long-term recovery groups typically include federal partners, community members, voluntary agencies and grassroots organizations that work in close coordination to address community needs, distribute resources and help restore vital support systems. To date seven Long-Term Recovery Groups have been organized in seven counties: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Perry, Letcher and Pike.

The Basics of Federal Assistance

On July 29, 2022, President Biden declared a major disaster declaration for Eastern Kentucky which included 13 counties for assistance to individuals and households, and 20 counties for assistance to communities and certain private nonprofits to aid in their recovery.

Assistance to individuals and households may include financial awards to help pay for temporary housing, replacement of personal property, and medical, dental and other short-term needs to support their recovery. FEMA assistance is designed to meet a survivor’s basic needs. It will not fully compensate someone for the loss of their home and personal property.  Additionally, FEMA cannot duplicate assistance from other sources such as insurance. Through our partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, disaster loans can also provide a critical source of funding to help survivors get their homes back to pre-disaster condition.

Through its Public Assistance program, FEMA provides for communities by reimbursing the cost of repairing infrastructure such as roads and bridges, emergency response and cleaning up the voluminous amounts of debris.  To date the Commonwealth has picked up almost half a million tons of debris from the roads and waterways. The cost of this work will be fully or partially reimbursed through the PA program.

FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons support the significant contributions of voluntary, faith-based, and community stakeholders active in disaster by building relationships – and coordinating efforts – with and across partner organizations and government agencies. Voluntary agencies pick up where federal assistance ends, providing help with the unmet needs of disaster survivors and communities.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is designed to provide funding to strengthen structures and infrastructure during rebuilding, which can prevent or lessen potential damage from future natural disasters.  Funds are available throughout the Commonwealth, with projects prioritized by the KYEM through its enhanced mitigation plan. 

As communities look to the future, the Interagency Recovery Coordination group coordinates activities from several federal agencies, local universities and philanthropic organizations. This support helps access other funding sources and technical support to help fill in the gaps not covered by FEMA funding, utilizing the “whole community” recovery model to help communities recover from disasters.

For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 and follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4. Visit the Governor’s website at governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-response.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 01/27/2023 - 20:37

FEMA Temporarily Reduces Rent for Ida Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – In support of the state of Louisiana’s request to waive rent for Hurricane Ida survivors living in temporary housing units (THUs), FEMA has authorized a waiver reducing rent to the policy minimum of $50 per month through May 31, 2023. Normal rent policy will apply to THU occupants starting June 2023.

On Jan. 21, FEMA began sending letters to survivors notifying them of the waiver.

FEMA is committed to providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ida survivors as they continue the long-term work of recovery. Since Ida made landfall, FEMA has housed more than 3,800 families in mobile homes, travel trailers and other ready-to-occupy housing.

Media questions can be directed to the FEMA Louisiana News Desk:

• (225) 389-2408
• FEMA-NewsDesk-Louisiana-Disasters@fema.dhs.gov

kirsten.chambers Fri, 01/27/2023 - 18:01

Greene, Sumter and Tallapoosa Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

CLANTON, Ala – Greene, Sumter and Tallapoosa counties are now eligible for FEMA assistance after the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in Alabama.

Individuals and households in Greene, Sumter and Tallapoosa counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs.

These counties join Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, and Hale counties, which were previously approved for Individual Assistance.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

 

felicia.jordan Fri, 01/27/2023 - 04:06

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Coosa County

CLANTON, AL – FEMA and the state of Alabama are opening a disaster recovery center in Coosa County to assist tornado survivors. The center will open at 1 p.m. local time, Jan. 27, and will provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan.12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, state and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance.

WHERE:

Coosa County

Rockford Baptist Church

9575 US Hwy. 231

Rockford, AL 35136

 

HOURS for the recovery center in Coosa County:

Open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time

The Coosa County center is open in addition to the following three recovery centers:

Autauga County

Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Center 

118 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.

Prattville, AL 36066

 

Dallas County

Parking lot of Crosspoint Christian Church

1710 W. Dallas Ave.

Selma, AL 36701

 

Elmore County

Elmore County Court House

100 E. Commerce St.

Wetumpka, AL 36092

 

HOURS for the recovery centers in Autauga, Dallas and Elmore counties:

Open Monday to Sunday, seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time daily.

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

Survivors may also apply for assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app for smartphones or calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Thu, 01/26/2023 - 22:30

Butts County Disaster Recovery Center to Open

ATLANTA – A FEMA disaster recovery center will open Friday, Jan.27 in Butts County to provide one-on-one assistance to people directly affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight line winds and tornadoes.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

The disaster recovery center location is:  

Daughtry Park/Recreation Center

576 Earnest Biles Dr.

Jackson, GA 30233  

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT – 7 days a week.

People directly affected by the severe storms may visit the recovery center, apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

For needs directly related to the Jan.12 weather systems, FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:

• Rental Assistance if you need to relocate because of storm-related damage
• Personal Property that was damaged or destroyed by these weather events
• Lodging Reimbursement if you had to stay in a hotel temporarily
• Basic Home Repairs for homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by these weather events
• Other Serious Needs caused by the recent storms.

In addition to the assistance listed, please note the following:

• Only one application per household
• FEMA does not pay for lost or spoiled food

By law, FEMA is not allowed to duplicate insurance payments or assistance provided by other sources.

As a result of registering with FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a disaster home loan.

Submitting the low-interest loan application is an important step in the recovery process. There is no obligation to take the loan, if offered. Residents who are not approved may be referred for additional grant consideration.  

Additional disaster recovery centers are expected to be announced soon.  

For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4685. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/FEMAregion4.

felicia.jordan Thu, 01/26/2023 - 21:48

Filing a Late Application for Federal Assistance

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The deadline to apply for federal assistance has passed for homeowners and renters in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties who had damage to their property after Hurricane Ian. In rare cases, you may be eligible to submit a late application to FEMA.

ELIGIBILITY FOR LATE APPLICATION 

FEMA accepts late applications if extraordinary circumstances kept you from applying before the Jan. 23 deadline. Interested residents in one of the impacted counties who have not applied and can send the following documents can still apply:

• A signed letter of explanation; AND
• Supporting documentation clearly confirms why you could not apply during the application period. These include:
  • Record of hospitalization, illness, or disability of the applicant or an immediate family member;
  • Death of an immediate family member;
  • Proof of personal or business travel that kept the applicant out of the area for the full application period; OR,
  • Evidence of unique disaster-specific circumstances

LATE APPLICATION PROCESS

You have 60 days from Jan. 23, 2023, the FEMA application deadline, to complete a late application. There are several ways you can submit a late application for FEMA disaster assistance:

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA mobile app to apply
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to apply
• If you use a relay service, such as a video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other services, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

MAIL, FAX OR UPLOAD YOUR LATE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

You must submit suitable documentation to support and justify the reason for the delay within 60 days from the date the late application was due. Be sure to sign and date your documents. Include your nine-digit FEMA application number and the disaster number (DR-4677-SC) on all supporting documents.

• Mail to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055; OR,
• Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

Upload documents: An easy way to provide additional information is to set up an online account and upload documents there. To set up or upload documents, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, click “Check Your Application and Log In,” and follow the directions. Be sure to sign and date your appeal. Include your nine-digit FEMA application number, the disaster number (DR-4677-SC) and documents to support your appeal.

NON-FEDERAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Local non-profit and private organizations may be able to offer additional assistance if you’re ineligible for federal assistance or if you didn’t receive enough assistance to cover your disaster-related expenses. The United Way Association of South Carolina helps connect survivors to resources that will help with the recovery process.

You can call 2-1-1 if you need help with

• Childcare
• Employment
• Food
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Insurance
• Transportation, and
• Other basic needs

For the latest information on South Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4677. You may also follow twitter.com/SCEMD; facebook.com/SCEMD/; @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 01/26/2023 - 20:25

Deadline Extended to Submit Responses to FEMA's Request for Information - Multifamily Lease and Repair

LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA will extend the deadline for property owners to submit responses to FEMA’s Request for Information regarding the Multifamily Lease and Repair program.

Responses and comments are due as soon as possible but no later than 5:00 PM EST, Feb. 9, 2023, via email to the point of contact listed below.

Marvin Jennings, email: FEMA-DR4673FL-MLR@fema.dhs.gov. Phone calls will not be accepted or returned. Please include the following in the subject line of the email: RFI# 70FBR423I00000003 Response: MLR - DR-4673-FL.

FEMA is seeking multi-family rental properties (two or more units) in the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia, or multi-family rental properties that were impacted by DR-4673-FL located in counties within thirty (30) to up to sixty (60) minutes commuting distance of the affected areas in the State of Florida.

FEMA is seeking owners of rental properties (apartment complexes primarily) that could be potentially repaired to local, state, and federal codes/standards and offered as temporary housing for FEMA applicants in a timely manner, for up to 18-months from the date of declaration, unless extended. The site must be repairable within a four-month period and cannot be located in a floodway. Within this program, there is no rental cost for the eligible applicant.

For more information visit: SAM.gov

For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Thu, 01/26/2023 - 19:35

Nearly $422 Million from FEMA to Renovate Public Housing Complexes

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved about $422 million to restore and renovate 37 residential properties belonging to the Public Housing Administration (PHA) due to damage caused by Hurricane María. These works will benefit over 5,400 families throughout the island.

As part of the agency’s commitment to help Puerto Rico by mitigating future damage from other disasters, the funds include nearly $165.3 million for these measures that seek to strengthen the facilities.

“Funds obligated for these projects will have a direct effect on the families living in these complexes. This is not only about removing asbestos or repairing walls and ceilings to prevent water filtration in these homes; this is also about repairing basketball courts so that children and youths can enjoy themselves. This translates into a sustainable recovery for these communities,” explained the Deputy Federal Coordinator for Disaster Recovery, Andrés García.

The housing complexes are located in 20 municipalities: Aibonito, Aguadilla, Bayamón, Caguas, Camuy, Carolina, Cataño, Cidra, Fajardo, Guaynabo, Isabela, Mayagüez, Naguabo, Patillas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Río Grande, Salinas, San Juan and Trujillo Alto. 

Part of the renovations for these housing facilities include cleaning the area and removing asbestos, in an effort to have healthy living spaces. Electrical boxes and exterior lighting will also be replaced to provide common areas that are safe for the entire community. The budget also considers repairs for basketball courts, such as painting the floor and replacing the bird netting, drainage and lighting.

Public Housing Administrator Alejandro Salgado Colón highlighted the impact of these allocations for the short- and long-term reconstruction of communities and Puerto Rico.

“At the Public Housing Administration, we are committed to improving and transforming the infrastructure in the communities of our Island, focused on ensuring that each public housing family has a safe and resilient home to face any present and future atmospheric phenomenon. Hand in hand with FEMA, we are working to guarantee that these budget allocations reached for more than 40 projects run smoothly and in compliance with current regulations, so that damage mitigation and repair work can materialize as soon as possible for the benefit of Puerto Rico,” said Salgado Colón.

One of the housing facilities with recent allocations includes the Nemesio R. Canales public housing complex in San Juan, where over 900 families live. Nemesio R. Canales was assigned over $49 million to repair its 65-building structure, which includes the administration building and a basketball court. The mitigation measures for this complex are estimated at nearly $14.2 million and will focus on the roof, to prevent damage from wind and rain filtration.

To the south and to benefit nearly 500 families, the Arístides Chavier public housing complex in Ponce also stands out for the renovations to its administrative building and 49 residential buildings. Of the $22.5 million the facilities have available for renovation, over $10 million are earmarked for mitigation measures to improve the drainage and roof sealing systems. 

The funds to renovate these facilities are part of the agency’s recovery budget under FEMA’s Accelerated Award Strategy, known as FAASt. To date, over $446.3 million have been approved for 48 subprojects.

FEMA has allocated nearly $29.2 billion in Public Assistance program funds to more than 10,400 projects that will contribute to rebuilding Puerto Rico so it can become more resilient to future disasters.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recovery.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 01/26/2023 - 16:09

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Maricopa County and Buckeye, Gila Bend and Goodyear

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Maricopa County and the cities of Buckeye and Goodyear and the town of Gila Bend. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Lower Gila River, Agua Fria River, Centennial Wash and nearby tributaries. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Jan. 26, 2023 to Apr. 26, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Maricopa County and the cities of Buckeye and Goodyear and the town of Gila Bend worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Maricopa County at (602) 506-6762 or lisa.blyler@maricopa.gov. Other community information is available for the cities of Buckeye at (623) 349-6217 or szipprich@buckeyeaz.gov, Goodyear at (623) 882-3004 or stephen.scinto@goodyearaz.gov, and the town of Gila Bend at (928) 683-2255 or kvalenzuela@gilabendaz.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Thu, 01/26/2023 - 15:24

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Colusa County, Colusa and Williams

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Colusa County and the cities of Colusa and Williams. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Sacramento River, Stone Corral Creek near Maxwell, Salt Creek at Williams, and two reaches of Elk Creek. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Jan. 25, 2023 to Apr. 26, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Colusa County and the cities of Colusa and Williams worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Colusa County at (530) 458-0466 or Colusacountydpw@countyofcolusa.com. Other community information is available for the city of Colusa at (530) 458-4740 or citymanager@cityofcolusa.com, and Williams at (530) 235-3279 or kramsaur@cityofwilliams.org.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Thu, 01/26/2023 - 15:20

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Autauga, Dallas and Elmore Counties

CLANTON, Ala. – FEMA and the state of Alabama are opening disaster recovery centers in Autauga, Dallas and Elmore counties to assist tornado survivors. The centers open at 1 p.m. Central Time, Jan. 26 and will provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan.12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance.

WHERE:

Autauga County

Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Center 

118 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.

Prattville, AL 36066

 

Dallas County

Parking lot of Crosspoint Christian Church

1710 W. Dallas Ave.

Selma, AL 36701

 

Elmore County

Elmore County Court House

100 E. Commerce St.

Wetumpka, AL 36092

 

HOURS: Open Monday-Sunday, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT daily

 

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

Survivors may also apply for assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app for smartphones or calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Wed, 01/25/2023 - 22:31

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Process Public Comments Posted – What’s Next?

SANTA FE, NM – More than 300 comments about the interim rule were submitted online and at six public meetings during the 60-day public comment period which closed on Jan. 13. Your input is being used to shape the final regulations, but many activities remain underway to keep the claims process moving, and keep you informed along the way.

“I want to thank everyone who provided comments at the public meetings and online, including our Tribal Nations and state partners,” said Angela Gladwell, Director of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office. “We are using your ideas and concerns to shape the final regulations and program implementation as we get ready to open offices.”

What to Expect Next

We are working to build out the Claims Office team and offices. Our team met with more than a hundred potential candidates at three hiring fairs and reviewed resumes submitted by email. The Office is working to review candidate qualifications and match skilled candidates with positions with the intent to fill as many positions with qualified New Mexicans from the impacted areas as possible. Hiring will be conducted in phases.

The Office expects to begin on boarding full-time, dedicated staff in February. Local claims offices in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe are expected to open within the next two months. We will also announce schedules for mobile offices.

There are things you can do as we make final preparations to open the claims offices. The first step is filing a Notice of Loss form. Submitting this form means you would like to begin the claims process and that you are choosing to seek compensation for losses from the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire through the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.

You can also gather and prepare any paperwork related to your damaged property or claim for losses from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

If you haven’t filled out a Notice of Loss form yet, visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak#form for a link to download or print the form. For instructions on how to file, including where to submit your form by email or by mail, visit fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema.gov_hermits-peak-calf-canyon-fire_how-to-submit-notice-of-loss-form_20221114.pdf.

If you have already submitted a Notice of Loss: As our Claims offices begin to open, we will soon follow up with you to ensure the Notice of Loss is complete, and then we will formally acknowledge receipt of your form. Once the Office reviews your form, confirms it is complete and acknowledges it, the Claims Office will have 180 days to make a determination on the amount of payment to compensate you for your losses.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides compensation for those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. Compensation may cover eligible losses, including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. For more information, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 01/25/2023 - 22:08

Calaveras County Added to Major Disaster Declaration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Calaveras County has been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding, meaning residents who had damage or losses from the storms that began Dec. 27, 2022, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The federal disaster declaration now allows FEMA to provide direct support to individuals and households in eight counties under the Individual Assistance program: Calaveras, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties who had damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.

To apply for FEMA assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, got to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Thursday, March 16.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 01/25/2023 - 21:29

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Spalding County

ATLANTA – A FEMA disaster recovery center will open Wednesday, Jan.25 in Spalding County to provide one-on-one assistance to people directly affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight line winds and tornadoes.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

The disaster recovery center location is:

Spalding County Senior Center 855 Memorial Dr. Griffin, GA 30223

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  EDT – 7 days a week.

People directly affected by the severe storms may visit the recovery center or apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.

For needs directly related to the Jan.12 weather systems, FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:

• Rental Assistance if you need to relocate because of storm-related damage
• Personal Property that was damaged or destroyed by these weather events
• Lodging Reimbursement if you had to stay in a hotel temporarily
• Basic Home Repairs for homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by these weather events
• Other Serious Needs caused by the recent storms, winds and tornadoes

In addition to the assistance listed, please note the following:

• Only one application per household
• FEMA does not pay for lost or spoiled food

By law, FEMA is not allowed to duplicate insurance payments or assistance provided by other sources.

Additional disaster recovery centers are expected to be announced soon.

For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4685. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/FEMAregion4.

felicia.jordan Tue, 01/24/2023 - 21:34

FEMA Gives Free Rebuilding Advice in Municipalities Across the Island

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit Walmart in Cayey, Home Depot in Mayagüez, and National Lumber hardware stores in Salinas to talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to make homes stronger and safer during the rebuilding process.

FEMA mitigation specialists will share tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, such as high winds and water. They will also provide information on topics such as selecting contractors, understanding flood insurance coverage and emergency preparedness. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following locations from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 31 – Feb. 4. Puerto Rican Sign Language (PRSL) interpreters will also be available.

Walmart

Walmart Cayey

Plaza Cayey 102

8000 Ave. Jesus T. Piñero

Cayey, PR 00736

PRSL available: Jan. 30/Feb. 3

 

Home Depot

Home Depot Mayagüez

Western Plaza

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 149.5

Mayagüez, PR 00682

PRSL available: Jan. 31/Feb. 2

 

National Lumber

National Lumber Salinas

Monserrate Mall

Carr. Núm. 1, Km 1.8

Calle Luis Muñoz Rivera

Salinas, PR 00751

PRSL available: Jan. 30/Feb. 1

 

kimberly.keblish Tue, 01/24/2023 - 17:46

FEMA Individual Assistance Appeal Deadline Approaching March 10, 2023 for Hurricane Ida Survivors in Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA — The period of FEMA disaster assistance for Hurricane Ida survivors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will close on March 10, 2023. Under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, disaster assistance, including Continued Temporary Housing Assistance for rent and Home Repair Assistance, is limited to 18 months following the date of the Presidential disaster declaration. The Hurricane Ida disaster in Pennsylvania (DR-4618-PA) was declared on September 10, 2021. Therefore, if you applied for FEMA Individual Assistance following Hurricane Ida, your opportunity to receive additional assistance, if eligible, or to appeal the denial of assistance, ends on March 10, 2023. Be sure to submit all final requests, required documentation, and/or appeal letters before then.

Appealing FEMA’s Eligibility Determination

If you applied for assistance and don’t agree with FEMA’s decision or have new information relevant to your application, you can generally appeal.

FEMA sends letters of determination to applicants who provide incomplete information. Maybe you didn’t show proof of identity, verification of homeownership, or documentation that you lived in your home before Hurricane Ida. By submitting this information, FEMA can reconsider your case.

While most FEMA decisions may be appealed, applicants cannot appeal. These awards are one-time payments for survivors who meet eligibility requirements.

Include Evidence to Support Your Appeal

To appeal a decision, you must understand why FEMA considered the application ineligible or is holding off on a decision. Carefully read your FEMA letter, because it specifies why you are ineligible and recommends actions that may change the decision. Often, the reason is simply a missing document or information. For example, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other sources, including insurance. However, if your policy doesn’t cover all your essential needs, or your company denied your claim, you may submit your insurance settlement or denial letter for FEMA to review. 

45 Days Are Remaining to Send FEMA Your Appeal

One of the most important parts of the appeal process is sending it in on time. Survivors must appeal initial eligibility determinations within 60 days of the date on their eligibility notification letter. Your last chance to submit an appeal for Individual Assistance for Hurricane Ida is March 10, 2023. Keep in mind that after FEMA receives your appeal, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more information.

In your letter to FEMA, explain the decision you're appealing and the supporting information you've included to support your claim. Sign and date the letter. Don't forget to include your nine-digit FEMA application number, the disaster number for Hurricane Ida (DR-4618-PA) and any additional documentation to support your appeal.

You can send your appeal by any of these ways:

• Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 
• Fax: 1-800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
• Online: upload the documents to your FEMA online account. To set up an account or to upload documents, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Your Application and Log In” and follow the directions.

Requesting assistance with your application or case

If you were impacted by Hurricane Ida and you still have unmet needs like home repair, rental assistance, furnishings, transportation, or help navigating your FEMA application in York, Bucks, or Montgomery Counties, please call 833-461-8432. For Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia, Bedford, or Northampton Counties, please call 267-888-7471. You will be connected to a case manager who can help you navigate the process, specific to your individual needs.

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If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.  

FEMA’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.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

amanda.hancher Tue, 01/24/2023 - 16:54

Knott County Board of Education Approved for More Than $1.6 Million to Reimburse Disaster Response Activities

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved more than $1.6 million in federal funding to reimburse the Knott County Board of Education for its response to the July 26, 2022, Eastern Kentucky floods.

FEMA approved $1,620,104 for emergency cleaning and mold and flood remediation conducted throughout the Knott County School District between Aug. 2 and Aug. 23, 2022. During this time, the board utilized contractors to perform those services at Knott County Central High School, Hindman Elementary and ATC Vocational School.

This project was funded at a 100% federal cost share, meaning FEMA reimburses 100% of eligible costs.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the Commonwealth. It is the Commonwealth’s responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipients receive these awards. Following the Commonwealth's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will reimburse the sub-recipients.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including eligible houses of worship.

For more information on Kentucky’s recovery from the floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4(@femaregion4)/Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 01/24/2023 - 15:58

FEMA Helps 67,000 Florida Households with Hurricane Ian Housing Needs

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has awarded grants to 63,000 households affected by Hurricane Ian for rental assistance or basic repairs of their storm-damaged home, and to date more than 4,000 households have participated in temporary hotel stays paid for by FEMA. This assistance is part of $5.2 billion in total federal support provided to Florida following this disaster through FEMA grants to households, disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration and claims payments from the National Flood Insurance Program.

FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing mission has also placed 118 families in travel trailers or manufactured housing units, with another 220 units being prepared for occupancy and site inspections underway for more units.

Additionally, more than 119,000 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in 26 counties, and Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have visited more than 354,000 homes in counties designated for Individual Assistance after Hurricane Ian, as FEMA continues to meet people where they are and helps them with their recovery. Currently, 18 DRCs are operating for Hurricane Ian.

By the Numbers

Support for Hurricane Ian Survivors:

• $5.2 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments
  • $917 million in FEMA Individual Assistance approved for 373,350 households
  • $1.54 billion in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans approved
  • 45,800 National Flood Insurance Program claims filed; $2.29 billion paid
  • $504 million in FEMA Public Assistance approved for emergency response costs
• 1,260 households (3,062 members) checked into hotel rooms under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance for households
• 20,119 Blue Roofs installed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (mission completed)

Support for Hurricane Nicole Survivors:

• $19.8 million in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments
  • $3.2 million approved for FEMA Individual Assistance to support 1,113 households
  • $3.4 million approved in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans
  • 1,400 National Flood Insurance claims filed for Hurricane Nicole; $13.2 million paid

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 01/23/2023 - 19:46

Application Period Opens for FEMA's Youth Preparedness Council

CHICAGO – FEMA announced today young leaders across the nation can now apply to become a part of the 2023 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).    YPC members are students in grades 8 through 11 who are selected to support disaster preparedness and make a difference in their communities. The YPC is an opportunity for young people to engage with FEMA and provide their perspectives, feedback and opinions related to preparedness, grow their leadership skills and support the resilience of their communities.

YPC members are chosen based on their passion for preparedness and helping others, their involvement in their community and their aptitude for working in a team and as a leader.

Students from Region 5—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin—who apply for the National Youth Preparedness Council, will also be considered for a place on the Region 5 Youth Preparedness Council (Region 5 YPC). The Region 5 YPC is an additional service and leadership opportunity for high school students living in these states.

“FEMA is committed to involving America’s youth in building a culture of preparedness across the nation,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Young people can bring innovation and energy to emergency management, working with us to protect our communities against increasing and complex disaster risks now and in the future.”

The online application opened today, January 23, 2023, and students must complete their applications and provide two letters of recommendation by March 6, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. PT to be considered. To access the application materials, read about the current council members and learn more about the Youth Preparedness Council visit https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/youth-preparedness-council.

Individuals can also learn more about the YPC application including application requirements, deadlines, and tips for success by joining the FEMA National YPC Application Information Sessions on January 30, 2023, at 7 p.m. CT or February 28, 2023, at 7 p.m. CT. Register for the free virtual session in January at this link or the February session at this link.

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

troy.christensen Mon, 01/23/2023 - 17:49