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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Iowa to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on Dec. 15, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Appanoose, Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cass, Cherokee, Davis, Emmet, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Howard, Humboldt, Mills, Mitchell, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Sac, Van Buren, Webster, Worth and Wright counties.

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 02/23/2022 - 22:21

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Nebraska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on Dec. 15, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Adams, Buffalo, Burt, Cass, Cuming, Fillmore, Gage, Hamilton, Harlan, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Platte, Polk, Richardson, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Thayer, Washington and Webster counties.

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 02/23/2022 - 22:21

FEMA Expands its Reinsurance Program, Transfers $450 Million in Flood Risk to Capital Markets

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues engaging reinsurance markets to help strengthen the National Flood Insurance Program's financial framework and promote private sector participation in flood-risk management.

For a fifth time, on Feb. 22, FEMA entered into a three-year reinsurance agreement with Hannover Re (Ireland) Designated Activity Company. In turn, Hannover transferred $450 million of the program’s financial flood risk to qualified investors of capital markets by sponsoring catastrophe bonds.

As part of the agreement, FEMA will pay $61.23 million in premiums for the first year of reinsurance coverage. Additionally, the agreement will cover the following losses for any single flood event:

• 2.5% of losses between $6 and $7 billion.
• 5% of losses between $7 and $9 billion.
• 32.5% of losses between $9 and $10 billion.

“The growing intensity and frequency of weather patterns brought on by climate change is essential to FEMA’s ongoing commitment to use reinsurance as an integral tool to help strengthen the financial framework of the NFIP,” said David Maurstad, senior executive of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. “Accessing reinsurance from the capital and traditional markets spreads risk and in turn helps to stabilize and supplement the NFIP’s claims paying capacity in the event of catastrophic flooding. Using all facets of the risk-transfer market also makes FEMA good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

This placement builds on FEMA’s transfer of the program’s flood risk to capital markets investors since 2018. Each placement is a three-year term:

• $575 million in February 2021.
• $400 million in February 2020.
• $300 million in April 2019.

Combined with the other outstanding bonds (FloodSmart 2019-1, FloodSmart 2020-1 and FloodSmart 2021-1) and the January 2022 traditional reinsurance placement, FEMA has transferred $2.664 billion of the NFIP’s flood risk to the private sector ahead of the 2022 hurricane season. The FloodSmart 2018-1 reinsurance coverage terminated without a covered event occurring prior to the expiration of the third and last annual risk period ending July 31, 2021. The FloodSmart 2019-1 with $300 million in coverage will expire in March 2022.

Congress authorized FEMA to secure reinsurance through the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 . 

Visit FEMA.gov for more information about the reinsurance programs for the National Flood Insurance Program.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 02/23/2022 - 19:05

Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice at Home Depot and Walmart

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As residents repair and rebuild after the Dec. 10-11 severe storms and tornadoes, FEMA has teamed with The Home Depot and Walmart stores to provide free information and tips on how to make homes damaged by natural disasters stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be available in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown and Benton to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to help prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Most information is aimed at do-it-yourselfers and general contractor work.

The specialists are available through March 15 at all three locations.

Hours are Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Beginning the week Feb. 28, they will be off on Wednesdays.

 

Home Depot Home Depot Walmart 2233 Gary Farms Blvd. 1510 Ring Road 310 W 5th Street Bowling Green, KY 42104 Elizabethtown, KY 42701 Benton, KY 42025

 

For more information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

 

sandra.habib Wed, 02/23/2022 - 17:50

FEMA Awards Grant from New Resilience Program to Commonwealth of Kentucky

ATLANTA – FEMA is awarding Kentucky Emergency Management a $570,000 grant through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) pre-disaster mitigation program for Fiscal Year 2020.

“This award for Kentucky will help to identify high-impact infrastructure and community-based projects that address the commonwealth’s unique risks,” said FEMA Region 4 Administrator Gracia Szczech. “The BRIC program represents a generational shift for FEMA with an increased investment in pre-disaster mitigation. Together with our state and local partners, we will build more resilient communities that can better withstand the impacts from weather events and other disasters.”

Three projects are included in the award for FY20.

• $320,000 federal share to update the Commonwealth’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.  
• $213,000 federal share to assist the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Office of Energy Policy to identify future mitigation projects geared toward energy.  
• $37,500 federal share for the City of Elizabethtown to conduct a study on expanding an existing detention basin at Elizabethtown High School. This could improve stormwater drainage and mitigate flooding in the low lying Henon Lane area.   

FEMA will pay 75% of the eligible project costs. The remaining 25% will be provided by the state or local community. 

For the BRIC program’s second year, FY 21, a total of $1.16 billion in mitigation funding is being made available. The increased funding will help to meet the ongoing demand for hazard mitigation across the nation and will enhance FEMA’s efforts to deliver benefits to historically underserved communities. Applications for FY 21 are currently undergoing review. To learn more about the BRIC grant program, visit www.fema.gov/bric. 

neily.chapman Wed, 02/23/2022 - 13:29

Group Flood Insurance: How It Works

LACEY, Wash.– People living in a flood-prone area, specifically a Special Flood Hazard Area or floodway, who are receiving assistance from FEMA for a flood-damaged structure or its contents, must have and maintain flood insurance for the life of the structure to receive most types of future federal disaster assistance.

You may receive Group Flood Insurance coverage if you:

• Suffered property damage from the Nov. 5 – Dec. 2 declared disaster; 
• Are approved for FEMA disaster assistance; and
• You were denied a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Disaster-assistance applicants receive a minimum amount of building and/or contents coverage for a three-year policy period. A maximum coverage of $71,000 is currently provided. The premium will be part of your FEMA disaster assistance grant. You can upgrade your coverage—up to $250,000—by purchasing an individual flood insurance policy. If you choose to purchase an individual policy, your Group Flood Insurance will be canceled.

Renters will also receive Group Flood Insurance if they intend to return to their rental property. However, they must first notify FEMA of their intent to return by submitting a written statement or calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. A renter policy is not transferable to subsequent renters at the same address and does not travel with the renter to any new address.

The Flood Insurance Administration sends each eligible FEMA assistance recipient a Certificate of Flood Insurance as proof of flood-insurance coverage. Before the 36-month term concludes, those affected must buy individual flood insurance coverage or they will not be eligible for most types of federal assistance in a future flood event.

Approximately 60 days before the expiration of the three-year GFIP term, a third and final notice will be sent to certificate holders as a reminder to buy standard flood insurance. The notice also will advise recipients of the amount of coverage they must maintain to avoid risking their eligibility for future flood disaster assistance.

For more information regarding the Group Flood Insurance program or flood insurance in general, call 800-638-6620 (Option #2) or go online to floodsmart.gov.

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bree-constance… Tue, 02/22/2022 - 18:15

Spend Your FEMA Money Wisely

LACEY, Wash. – As eligible disaster survivors start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, FEMA urges you to spend those awards wisely.

FEMA will send you a notification letter informing you of the types of assistance you are eligible to receive, and the amounts of assistance FEMA is providing for each eligible need. These may include:

• Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems).
• Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily.
• Repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle.
• Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster.
• Repair or replacement of occupational specialized tools.
• Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies).
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster and other disaster-related expenses.

You may spend your FEMA award in ways that help you make your home safe, sanitary, and fit to live in. Remember to document how you used disaster funds and keep all receipts for at least three years for verification of how you spent the money.

Disaster awards are not for regular living expenses, such as utilities, food, travel, entertainment or any discretionary expenses not directly related to the disaster.

Homeowners and renters in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Quileute Tribe and all tribes in the designated areas can apply for FEMA assistance online at diasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app.

Several Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in designated areas to help with applications and recovery information. To find the nearest center, go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or call 800-621- 3362.

Disaster survivors have until March 7 to apply for FEMA assistance.

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

For more information about Washington flood and mudslide recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion10.

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bree-constance… Fri, 02/18/2022 - 22:16

Mayfield Recovery Center to Close Wednesday for One Day Only

FRANKFORT, Ky – The Graves County Disaster Recovery Center in Mayfield will be closed for one day next week due to prior scheduled activities at the facility.

Regular operating hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.

• Graves County recovery center will close early at 4 p.m. CST Feb. 22. It will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 23, and will reopen at noon CST Thursday, Feb. 24.
  • It is located at Graves County Public Library, 601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY 42066

Two other recovery centers are open:

• Hopkins County recovery center is located at the Hopkins County Community Center, 108 W. Keigan St., Dawson Springs, KY 42408
• Warren County recovery center is located at the former Sears location at Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104.

All recovery centers are closed Sundays and will also be closed for Presidents’ Day. Regular operating hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Monday to Saturday. The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is March 14, 2022.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

sandra.habib Fri, 02/18/2022 - 21:50

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Kansas to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on Dec. 15, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Barton, Brown, Clay, Cloud, Doniphan, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Ford, Geary, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kearny, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Meade, Mitchell, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Ness, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Republic, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Scott, Sheridan, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Trego, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wichita and Wyandotte counties.

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 02/18/2022 - 19:21

Disaster Recovery Progress in Jefferson and Shelby Counties

CLANTON, Ala. – It’s been nearly two months since President Biden issued a federal disaster declaration for Jefferson and Shelby Counties following the severe storms and flooding that occurred Oct. 6-7, 2021. In that time, local, state, and federal partners have been working to ensure disaster survivors receive the assistance they need. So far, more than $14.1M in federal funds have been approved for disaster survivors in Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Residents in these counties can still apply for assistance with FEMA through Monday, Feb. 21 by calling 800-621-3362 or going online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Individual Assistance in Jefferson and Shelby Counties:

349 homeowners and renters have been approved for $1,721,554 in federal grants through FEMA’s Individual and Households Program. This includes:

• $1,596,677 in Housing Assistance grants for home repair, home replacement, and/or rental assistance.
• $124,877 in Other Needs Assistance grants to replace essential household items and for other critical disaster-related costs.
• 118 homeowners and renters have been approved for rental assistance.
• 750 home inspections issued; 727 completed.

National Flood Insurance Program:

• NFIP has paid $9,256,275 to policyholders who filed claims in Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

U.S. Small Business Administration:

• 61 applicants have been approved for $3,195,300 in low-interest loans through the SBA disaster loan program. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and private non-profits should apply for physical property and personal property loans at: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ through Feb. 21.

For more information about Alabama disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4632. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

neily.chapman Fri, 02/18/2022 - 18:07

Apply for FEMA Continued Rental Assistance in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – If you are receiving FEMA rental assistance following last December’s tornadoes and still can’t return to your storm-damaged primary residence in middle or west Tennessee, you may be eligible for additional support. You just need to demonstrate your storm-related financial need and show FEMA you are developing a long-term or permanent housing plan.

Many tornado survivors in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, Weakley, and Wilson counties received an initial FEMA rental assistance grant after a Major Disaster Declaration was signed earlier this year. FEMA typically mails an “Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance” to the applicant’s address on file.

If you did not receive the application, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to request one. You may also download the form online at FEMA Form FF-104-FY-21-115.pdf

Here’s what you need to send FEMA:

• A signed and completed Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance
• A signed and dated copy of your current lease
• Receipts showing your initial FEMA rental assistance grant was used for housing
• Your current and pre-disaster household income
• Any household financial obligations you may have

If you have any questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

You can submit your paperwork by creating an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov, and then upload the documents to your portal. You may also fax your information to 1-800-827-8112, or mail the forms to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-8055.

The approved rental amount will be based on fair market rates for your area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Extensions on rental assistance may be granted for three-month periods, for up to 18 months from the date of the Major Disaster Declaration, which was signed January 14, 2022. It is also important to update your FEMA application if your contact information or housing status should change.

To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. 

• If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others:
  • Update the "Current Phone" field using the relay service phone number
  • Add "Relay Service" to the Note box; provide FEMA with your number.

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

For more information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms and tornadoes, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4637. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter@FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Fri, 02/18/2022 - 15:40

Disaster Recovery Centers in Houma and Raceland to Close Permanently February 25

BATON ROUGE, La. – The last two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisiana located in Houma and Raceland will close permanently on Friday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. FEMA continues working with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to help survivors and Louisiana communities recover from Hurricane Ida.

The two centers are located at:

LPG Government Complex     

4876 LA-1      

Raceland, LA 70394

East Park Recreation Center (parking lot)      

107 Robert Street       

Houma, LA 70363

FEMA encourages survivors to stay in touch and to notify FEMA of changes in mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and to report insurance settlements or additional damage discovered since home inspections.

You can reach FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov 
• By calling the disaster assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362
• Downloading the FEMA app

kirsten.chambers Fri, 02/18/2022 - 15:32

Monday is the Last Day to Apply for FEMA/SBA Disaster Assistance

CLANTON, Ala. – Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, is the last day for survivors of the Oct. 6-7 severe storms and flooding in Jefferson and Shelby Counties to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

You can still apply to FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA mobile app. The Helpline is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. When you apply, you will need to provide:

• 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.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest disaster loan online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, or call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY), or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

For more information about Alabama disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4632. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

neily.chapman Fri, 02/18/2022 - 14:14

Recovery Centers to Close in Honor of Presidents’ Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. – All Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, in honor of Presidents’ Day.

Regular recovery center hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Operations at the following centers will resume at 8 a.m. CST Tuesday, Feb. 22:

• Graves County, Graves County Public Library, 601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY 42066
• Hopkins County, Community Center, 108 W. Keigan St., Dawson Springs, KY 42408
  • Dawson Springs center will close temporarily from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18.
• Warren County, Former Sears location at Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104

Find locations for open DRCs online at www.fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. On a smart phone, open the FEMA App, click on “Talk to FEMA in person.”

The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is March 14, 2022.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

sandra.habib Thu, 02/17/2022 - 22:33

Disaster Recovery Center in Hamilton Will Close

LACEY, Wash. –The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Hamilton will close Feb. 19. Survivors of the Nov. 5 - Dec. 2, 2021 flooding, straight line winds, severe storms, landslides and mudslides can still apply for FEMA assistance by phone, online or mobile app. 

The DRC at 45770 Main Street, Concrete WA 98237 is still available to assist applicants in the same vicinity in Skagit County. 

Homeowners and renters in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Quileute Tribe and all tribes in the designated areas can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. 

Survivors can also still apply in person at other Disaster Recovery Centers operating in designated areas to help with applications and recovery information. To find the nearest center, go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or call 800-621-3362.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

Disaster survivors have until March 7 to apply for FEMA assistance.

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

For more information about Washington flood and mudslide recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion10. 

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bree-constance… Thu, 02/17/2022 - 20:34

FEMA Obligates over $1.2 Million for Repairs at Isla de Cabras

These funds are in addition to another $75.6 million obligated to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico –To help preserve Puerto Rico's natural resources that were affected by Hurricane María, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated over $1.2 million to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) to repair the Isla de Cabras recreational facility in Toa Baja.

Some of the work to be performed at the park, where the Fortín San Juan de la Cruz is located and is recognized by UNESCO, includes the replacement of the pavement, the aluminum roof and a wooden terrace. In addition, other electrical components such as lighting throughout the facility will be repaired, and painting of the complex will also be completed with these federal funds.

"Open spaces like this one are of great value to Puerto Ricans because they provide a place for leisure and enjoyment for everyone. Likewise, with these funds we are helping to protect areas with access to the important natural resources that our island possesses," said FEMA's Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José G. Baquero.

The Isla de Cabras National Park facilities to be repaired were built between 1990 and 2004 and include greenery and playgrounds, an administrative office, gazebos, a boat ramp and a beach area. The emblematic islet, located at the entrance of San Juan Bay and forming part of the Palo Seco neighborhood, has one of the widest views of the Bay and Old San Juan and encompasses a great historical legacy.

According to Angelina Morales Pérez, Acting Assistant Secretary of the DNER's National Parks Program, this is an area of historical and cultural value for the Department. "It is very important for the DNER to safeguard this natural treasure that we have in Isla de Cabras. It is a natural reserve visited by fishermen, families with their children, tourists and seniors who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and these small natural pools created by nature," she said.

Morales Pérez added that the park receives about 60,000 visitors annually, and these funds allow the facility to return to full operating capacity for the benefit of the community. "The collaboration with FEMA has included much dialogue and has been a key piece in the restoration of this and many more facilities at the DNER level," she said.

Of the total of funds, about $79,000 was earmarked for hazard mitigation, so that the facilities will be better prepared for future disasters. Some of the mitigation work includes the installation of rip rap to secure the surrounding embankment and geogrid to reinforce the subsoil. Concrete drains will also be retrofitted to handle excessive water runoff and exterior panels will be installed to protect the windows, among other mitigation measures.

"Thousands of families will soon be able to enjoy recreational facilities in optimal conditions and preserving the great historical value that Isla de Cabras represents. Our team at COR3 will continue to support the DNER throughout the process required to advance the development of this project, which has high visibility for the community and tourists and positively impacts the economic development of the region," said Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience.

COR3 has sole responsibility for ensuring that all reimbursements comply with legal, regulatory, and programmatic requirements established by FEMA. This includes documentation supporting the completion of each project and full compliance with eligibility elements.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, please visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow our social media pages at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 02/17/2022 - 11:36

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Caroline County

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Caroline County, Virginia. Community partners 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 partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. 

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around Feb. 22, 2022. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They 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: Michael A. Finchum, Director of Planning and Community Development, mfinchum@co.caroline.va.us. 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: https://arcg.is/1H8yeD0.

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 FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. 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.

Caroline County Flood Mapping Milestones

• Sept. 17, 2020 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• June 1, 2021 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• July 20, 2021 — 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 Feb. 22, 2022 – Appeal Period starts.
• April 2023* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

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

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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

charles.elison Wed, 02/16/2022 - 17:34

Louisiana Disaster Recovery Centers Will be Open Presidents’ Day

BATON ROUGE, La. – Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Louisiana will be open normal hours of operation on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 21. The DRCs are open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sunday.

They are located at:   LPG Government Complex     

4876 LA-1

Raceland, LA 70394   

East Park Recreation Center (parking lot)      

107 Robert Street       

Houma, LA 70363

All DRC centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees, and volunteers.

rebecca.watson Wed, 02/16/2022 - 15:20

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Declaration for Hawaii

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Hawaii to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding and landslides during the period of Dec. 5-10, 2021.

Federal funding is available to eligible state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms in the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County.

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

Benigno Bern Ruiz has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 02/15/2022 - 22:21

FEMA Administrator Criswell Swears In David Warrington as New Region 2 Administrator

NEW YORK – David Warrington was sworn in today by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell as Regional Administrator for Region 2 at a ceremony at One World Trade Center (1WTC).

President Biden appointed Warrington on January 20 to serve as Regional Administrator for Region 2, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Warrington’s appointment will be critical to the President’s efforts to rebuild communities most impacted by the pandemic, the economic recovery, and climate change. He has almost 20 years of experience in the public sector.

Most recently Mr. Warrington was the Senior Manager of Strategic Preparedness for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he was responsible for developing an all-hazards risk management program to assess complex threats and lead the evaluation of mitigation strategies. Since 2014, Mr. Warrington has led the advancement of next generation technology for the Agency’s chemical, biological, and radiological defense efforts. In 2019, he oversaw the review and comprehensive updates to all the Port Authority’s emergency operations plans.

Throughout his career Mr. Warrington has served in a leadership capacity for all command positions within the Port Authority’s incident command structure including responses to Hurricanes Sandy and Irene, U.S. Airways flight 1549 crash into the Hudson River, and numerous named winter storms. Additionally, he had a lead role in coordinating Agency resources to support Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey, and the 2015 Papal visit to New York City, both designated National Special Security Events. Mr. Warrington received his Bachelor of Arts degree from York College of Pennsylvania with a focus in criminal justice.

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

yuisa.rios Tue, 02/15/2022 - 20:19