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. 

###

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.

###

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.

###

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

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

Flood Insurance is a Valuable Resource in Washington

LACEY, Wash. – Your house has never flooded. You have a homeowner's insurance policy. You're thinking, "I'm covered."

Maybe not.

Many Washington residents may believe they don't need to buy flood insurance because they don't live in a high-risk flood zone. But flooding can happen anywhere, often to the surprise of residents who thought they were covered for disaster. When flooding happens, the damage is not covered by most homeowners' insurance policies. One inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 of damage in a home.

Flooding in Washington is not uncommon. Yet less than 3%, or 5,345, of structures in Clallam, Skagit, and Whatcom counties are covered by flood-insurance policies issued by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). After recent flooding, 378 policyholders filed flood claims with a total payout of $16.1 million as of Feb. 7. Floods can affect all flood zones, even those where there is not a requirement to purchase flood protection.

Currently, in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties 4,083 residents live in designated high-risk flood zones, while 1,262 residents do not. It doesn’t matter whether the flood insurance policyholders of the NFIP in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties live in designated high-risk, low-risk or moderate-risk flood zones, floods can occur in any zone. Claims have been received in all flood zones. In all, the National Flood Insurance program has 30,443 policyholders across Washington state with total coverage exceeding $8 billion.

Property owners can protect themselves from financial losses by having a flood insurance policy through the NFIP. Flood insurance coverage is available regardless of federal disaster declarations. Insurance for contents is also available to renters. There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don't wait to obtain a policy. The spring flooding season looms.

In Washington, 296 communities participate in the NFIP, and 32 communities do not. Residents can purchase a flood insurance policy if their community participates in the NFIP, no matter their flood risk.

Coverage is available for residential and commercial buildings and the contents therein:

• Up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for single-to-four family residential structures.
• Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for five-or-more family residential structures.
• Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for businesses.

How to buy:

• Contact your insurance company or agent. In addition to the NFIP, flood insurance is also available from some private insurance providers. Please visit floodsmart.gov for valuable resources and information pertaining to floods and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• For an agent referral, call 800-427-4661 or visit fema.gov/flood-insurance.

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

###

bree-constance… Tue, 02/15/2022 - 01:02

One Month Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One month after a Major Disaster Declaration was signed for middle and west Tennessee following severe storms and tornadoes last December, more than $4.4 million in federal funds has been provided to residents to assist in their recovery. Survivors who still need to apply for FEMA assistance have until March 15, 2022, to do so.

Residents in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, Weakley, and Wilson counties dealing with storm-related loss and damages may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which can cover expenses like temporary housing (such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs), repair or replacement of a homeowner’s primary residence and other uninsured or under-insured disaster-related expenses, such as the replacement of personal property, moving and storage fees, childcare, medical, dental and funeral expenses.

As of Feb. 14, FEMA has approved more than $810,000 in Individual Assistance grants for homeowners and renters. That includes more than $657,000 for housing assistance and more than $153,000 for other disaster-related needs assistance.

FEMA’s federal partner, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has also approved more than $3.6 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the severe weather.

Over the past month, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have gone door-to-door in the 12 declared counties, interacting with 2,061 individuals to help them apply for assistance and to provide referrals to other resources.

“FEMA stands with the people of middle and west Tennessee who were affected by this terrible line of tornadoes and severe storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Myra Shird. “We can’t make things the way they were before, but we may be able to help with your recovery.”

Applying for FEMA assistance is free and easy. To start your claim:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA app, which can be easily downloaded to a smartphone.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual services are available.

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.

FEMA continues to support state and local leaders in Cheatham, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner, and Weakley counties to provide Public Assistance funding for storm-related emergency response and the restoration of infrastructure, damaged public facilities and certain private nonprofits, like houses of worship. To learn more, go online to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency “Active Disasters” page, and click on FEMA-4637.

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 Mon, 02/14/2022 - 18:24

One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

CLANTON, Ala. – Residents in Jefferson or Shelby County who were affected by the severe storms and flooding from Oct. 6-7, 2021, have one week left to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA is Monday, Feb. 21. Residents should apply even if they have insurance or have already made damage-related repairs to their home. While FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, eligible homeowners and renters may still be able to receive assistance from FEMA for losses not covered by insurance to help pay for basic home repairs, temporary rental assistance, and other needs. Don’t delay, apply today!

How to Apply for Assistance:

You can still apply for assistance, update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Calling 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. Multilingual operators are available during those hours. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service;
• Downloading the FEMA mobile app to your smartphone.

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.

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 Mon, 02/14/2022 - 16:51

Two Months Later, Recovery from Tornadoes Well Underway

FRANKFORT, Ky. – After five tornadoes struck central and western Kentucky Dec. 10-11, what remained was a landscape of damaged homes and businesses, jack-knifed trees stripped of their leaves and shredded debris from whatever got in the way of the sometimes 190-mph twisters. Two months later, the recovery is well underway.

For example, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District has completed the first pass of debris removal in Graves County and the City of Mayfield, one of the worst hit areas. They have cleared more than 280,000 cubic yards of debris. With support from all levels of government and community organizations, a promising future is visible beyond the wreckage.

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $49.1 million in federal assistance for eligible homeowners and renters who are uninsured or underinsured. That number includes:

• $9 million in FEMA housing assistance,
• $3.5 million in assistance under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program, and
• $36.6 million in home and business loans were approved by the SBA, whose disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses and certain nonprofits.  

• FEMA plans to begin providing travel trailers or other forms of temporary housing assistance to eligible applicants in the hardest hit counties: Caldwell, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg and Warren.

• For these six counties, FEMA also approved an increase in the rental assistance rate for eligible residents in need of temporary housing. With the increase, survivors who are approved for FEMA temporary housing assistance may be able to rent units at 25% above fair market rents established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Typically, the HUD fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit in Warren County is $845, but with the 25% increase in rental assistance, a survivor can rent a two-bedroom unit for up to $1,056.

• FEMA opened 18 disaster recovery centers in 14 counties, where residents could meet with FEMA staff and other federal and Commonwealth agencies and receive information in alternate formats such as Braille, large print, audio and electronic versions. Multilingual interpretation was made available in dozens of languages. The recovery centers have tallied more than 5,500 visits. After two months, four of the busiest centers remain open.

• Disaster survivor assistance teams have knocked on more than 11,000 doors in the affected neighborhoods and visited nearly 2,000 community spaces and business locations, helping people apply and providing information on federal programs.

• FEMA’s hazard mitigation specialists are visiting home-improvement stores in the affected areas to share do-it-yourself construction tips and techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.

• FEMA’s Public Assistance program has also geared up, preparing to help with the cost of everything from debris removal to repairing and rebuilding damaged public infrastructure. The federal disaster declaration designated Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor, Todd and Warren counties for all Public Assistance categories and additional counties for various services such as reimbursement of debris removal expenses.  
  • Under Public Assistance, a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses government and certain nonprofit applicants not less than 75% of eligible costs for clean-up and recovery, with the Commonwealth covering the remaining 25%. For Kentucky, President Biden authorized 100% federal reimbursement for a 30-day period for eligible emergency work.

For the latest 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 Mon, 02/14/2022 - 14:17

FEMA Extends Deadline to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky homeowners and renters who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Dec. 10-11, 2021 storms and tornadoes have another month to apply for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA has extended the application deadline to Monday, March 14 for survivors in Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties. Those who have already applied to FEMA for Dec. 10-11 tornado damage need not apply again.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the tornadoes can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for other languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA the number for that service. On your smart phone, open the FEMA App and select “Talk to FEMA in person.”

You may also visit a FEMA disaster recovery center to apply. Find the nearest recovery center by visiting www.fema.gov/drc or calling the FEMA Helpline.

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

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot duplicate other sources of assistance.

For the latest 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 Sat, 02/12/2022 - 16:32

Whatcom Disaster Recovery Centers Adjust Hours

LACEY, Wash. – The FEMA/state Disaster Recovery Centers in Everson, Ferndale and Sumas are changing hours as of Feb. 11.

The Everson center, located in the parking lot, 1208 E. Main St., Everson, WA 98247, will operate:

Monday:               10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday:               11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesday:         10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday:              10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday:                    10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday:               10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday:                  12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The Ferndale center, located at the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale, WA 98248, will operate:

Monday:               10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday:               11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesday:         10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Thursday:             10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday:                   10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday:              10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday:                 Closed

The Sumas center, located at the Sumas A.C. Church, 125 W. Front St., Sumas, WA 98295, will operate:

Monday:              10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday:              2 p.m.  -  7 p.m. 

Wednesday:        10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday:            10 a.m. -  6 p.m.

Friday:                  10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday:             10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday:                2 p.m. -   6 p.m.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Washington state agencies are available to help residents of Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, the Quileute Tribe and all tribes in the designated areas apply for federal assistance and receive information about help available for homeowners, renters and business owners.

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for assistance. Residents in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA mobile app. 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 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.

###

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

The Washington State Military Department’s Emergency Management Division leads and coordinates mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in Washington State to minimize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the people, property, environment and economy

mary.j.edmon Thu, 02/10/2022 - 20:11

Disaster Recovery Center in Sedro-Woolley Will Transition to Disaster Loan Outreach Center

LACEY, Wash. – A Disaster Recovery Center, jointly operated by FEMA and Washington State Military Department’s Emergency Management Division in Sedro-Woolley since Jan. 19, will transition Feb. 11 to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center.

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.

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. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Several other 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.

The Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Old Sedro-Woolley Library, 802 Ball Street in Sedro-Woolley, will cease operation Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open at the same location Feb. 11 at 9 a.m.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Tuesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SBA customer service representatives will continue to answer questions, explain the disaster loan application process, help businesses and individuals apply for a low-interest disaster loan and close their approved disaster loans.

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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.

###

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

The Washington State Military Department’s Emergency Management Division leads and coordinates mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in Washington State to minimize      the impact of disasters and emergencies on the people, property, environment and economy

mary.j.edmon Thu, 02/10/2022 - 18:39

Lincoln County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Risk Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host an online Flood Risk Information Open House for communities in Lincoln County, Minnesota, on February 23, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. CT.  The open house will give residents the chance to review a recently completed preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1-percent-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

The online open house will be staffed with representatives from various local, state and federal agencies who will provide the most current information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the process for floodplain mapping within Lincoln County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting. Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA also intends that they be used as tools to assist planning processes and outreach efforts to quickly respond to and recover from future events. Details for the meeting are as follows:

WHAT:              Lincoln County online Flood Risk Information Open House

WHEN:             Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m.

WHERE:           Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode.                          This requires registering for a free Zoom account or click the following link: https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1615589158.                          Meeting ID: 161 558 9158, Password: 456654  

You may also call into the meeting by using one of the following telephone numbers and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.

 669-254-5252    646-828-7666    551-285-1373  

Property owners, realtors, lenders and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Thu, 02/10/2022 - 17:02

DFA Renews Its Facilities with Million-Dollar Allocation from FEMA

The funds will address repairs in its offices around the island

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved over $1.9 million to the Department of Family Affairs (DFA) for permanent construction work in its central offices in the Barbosa Avenue in Hato Rey and regional offices at 15 municipalities.

Some the most significant work at DFA’s Central Office is the cleaning, decontamination and archiving, as well as the removal and replacement of contents in the agency's Secretariat, for which FEMA obligated over $1.1 million.

“This obligation of funds results in the benefit of thousands of participants that visit the DFA’s facilities to get assistance for the programs offered by the Agency,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

The Department of Family Affairs is the umbrella agency in charge of providing social services programs in Puerto Rico. These include food support through the Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN, by its Spanish acronym) to approximately 870,000 families, administering Head Start, Early Headstart and Childcare funds, assisting low-income families and ensuring the livelihood and well-being of children and the elderly through various other programs.

“These allocations have a positive impact on the reach of the services directed towards accomplishing a better and more effective participation, equity and social justice in the affected regions,” stated the Family Affairs Secretary, Carmen Ana González Magaz.

Likewise, the Arecibo region of the DFA was allocated nearly $235,000 for similar removal and replacement of contents work. Due to the flooding caused by Hurricane María, this office lost almost all its movable property. This obligation includes work at its offices in Barceloneta, Lares, Las Marías, Manatí, Morovis, Quebradillas, Utuado and Florida.

The multi-service facilities in Bayamón, Ponce, Guayama, Humacao, Mayagüez, Carolina and Caguas also underwent movable property replacement work, for which nearly $181,000 was granted. There, citizens can get educational and preventive social services, which helps reduce the risk factors that cause violence in the family in the form of child neglect, abuse and gender-based violence.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $7.5 million to the Department of Family Affairs for 18 projects, to address emergency work caused by Hurricane María and permanent work.

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, 02/10/2022 - 11:03

FEMA Provides $85.6M to Delaware Emergency Management Agency for COVID-19 Response

Philadelphia – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced today that $85,642,325.12 million in federal funding has been made available to DEMA for emergency protective measure costs related to the state’s COVID-19 Pandemic response under the federal disaster declaration of April 5, 2020.

This funding will reimburse DEMA for eligible reimbursable costs related to providing COVID-19 testing and reporting statewide from October 12, 2020, to September 12, 2021. Approximately $3.08 million of the grant covered COVID-19 materials for emergency protective measures and $82.56 million for contract costs that were directly related to and used for COVID-19 patients.

“This grant funding supports Delaware’s response as it rapidly enhanced capabilities to ensure equitable expansion of COVID testing among some the most vulnerable populations,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local governments, as well as eligible private non-profits to cover certain COVID-19 expenses. FEMA continues to assist state, local, tribal and territorial governments in the pandemic fight.”

This funding reimburses expenses for Delaware’s comprehensive, state-wide COVID-19 testing plan and the establishment of its Urgent Response Testing program. The Urgent Response Testing program is a joint effort between the Delaware Department of Health and DEMA in coordination with county and community partners, to quickly mobilize testing resources in response to an outbreak of COVID-19 in Delaware’s communities.

“From May of 2020, Delaware has worked to have a layered testing approach to keep people safe,” said DEMA Director AJ Schall. “Through the FEMA Public Assistance program, we have been able to address testing demand and have regularly exceeded the testing goal set by the CDC.”

The plan included key considerations such as access, equity, and cost, and is structured to define specific strategies for key populations, including long-term care residents and staff and other congregate settings, vulnerable populations, such as elderly Delawareans and members of low-income and minority communities, and certain front-line essential workers.

In November 2021, President Biden announced that funding to support all eligible COVID-19 work will continue at a 100% federal cost share through April 1, 2022.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021, Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.   

###

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 DEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/DelawareEMA and on Facebook at facebook.com/DelawareEMA

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

charles.elison Wed, 02/09/2022 - 23:57

Donated Labor, Resources Help Reduce Financial Burden of Tornado Recovery

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Volunteers and organizations have been rallying to support Kentucky communities after the Dec. 10-11 tornadoes. Their donations of labor and resources may also count as in-kind contributions and help reduce the Commonwealth’s cost that is owed to the federal government for recovery projects.

After the presidential disaster declaration, many recovery projects came under consideration for federal reimbursement funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The federal cost-sharing program reimburses applicants, including local and state agencies and certain private nonprofits, for not less than 75 percent of eligible costs for disaster-related work such as debris removal or repairs of disaster-damaged infrastructure. State, local and nonprofit applicants are responsible for the remaining 25 percent.

Because of the severity and extent of the early December tornado damage, Kentucky received a break from the federal government.

President Biden authorized 100 percent federal funding for emergency work. However, at this time the full federal coverage is only for 30 days. The Commonwealth can decide which 30-day period they wish to identify to apply for 100 percent funding.

Outside of the 30-day period, the Commonwealth still may be responsible for as much as a 25 percent share for eligible projects.

That’s when donated labor and materials come into play.  

The FEMA Public Assistance program allows eligible applicants to use donated labor and resources to help offset the non-federal share of expenses. For example, if a volunteer performs 40 hours of labor to benefit the recovery, the Commonwealth may apply the dollar-value of that labor to its share of the cost of federal public assistance. The same is true for donated equipment and materials.

Eligible state and local agencies and certain non-profits applying for Public Assistance may provide FEMA with proof of labor and resource contributions. However, they are required to keep careful, verifiable records and follow FEMA’s strict guidelines to get credit. FEMA program delivery managers assigned to Commonwealth agencies and nonprofit organizations can answer questions about this process.

Examples of donated labor and resources that may be eligible for reimbursement include volunteer labor for debris removal, sandbagging, search and rescue operations, shelters and food distribution as well as donated facilities, land, logistical support and equipment. All donated work should follow the Public Assistance program’s eligibility guidelines and must be guided by state/county or local officials.  

Twenty-three Kentucky counties are designated as eligible for at least one category of Public Assistance for the Dec. 10-11 severe storms and tornadoes: Barren, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Meade, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Shelby, Spencer, Taylor, Todd and Warren.

How to Help

• Volunteer or offer other assistance by completing this online form.
• To donate money, visit the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.
• Find a list of trusted organizations at National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

For more information

• Get more details by downloading the FEMA fact sheet: Donated Resources and Public Assistance.
• For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630.
• Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4.

scott.reuter Wed, 02/09/2022 - 21:40

Disaster Recovery Center in Trumann to Close Permanently

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The remaining State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Trumann will close permanently on Sat., Feb. 12. The hours of operation will remain the same until it closes. DRCs in Monette and Newport closed previously.

Survivors who were affected by the December severe storms and tornadoes can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to have their questions about disaster assistance answered. They may also upload any documents needed for their applications at the center.

After the DRC closes, survivors can still view the status of their application online or contact FEMA through the Helpline if they have questions. Survivors may also still apply for assistance if they have not already done so. They can visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The deadline to apply for assistance is Feb. 22, 2022.

Trumann DRC closure date and remaining hours of operation:

Poinsett County

Will close permanently Sat., Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.

Parkview Missionary Baptist Church

104 N. Parkview Dr.

Trumann, AR 72472

Hours of operation until closure: Wed. – Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents of any of the five counties approved for individual assistance, Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi, Poinsett and Woodruff may visit the disaster recovery center in Trumann.

Carmen.Castro Wed, 02/09/2022 - 20:43