FEMA and NASA Partner to Host 6th Annual Alliance for Climate Action Series in October

WASHINGTON -- This week kicks off the first event in the annual Alliances for Climate Action virtual series with key speakers including FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy. This year’s annual event will be co-hosted by FEMA and NASA and will feature leaders from the public, private, non-governmental and academic sectors who will discuss how they’re tackling the growing threat of climate change.

The devastating impacts of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, droughts, extreme heat and other events severely impact communities and the economy across the country. The expected increase in duration, intensity and severity of such disasters will result in increased suffering and rising disaster costs.

“Climate change will continue to present this nation with incredibly complex challenges we can’t afford to ignore,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Facilitating climate-focused and wholistic discussions between government and community partners will only continue to advance our progress toward becoming a stronger and more resilient nation.”

The Alliances for Climate Action virtual series is part of the 6th Annual Partnership Forum hosted by FEMA’s Resilient Nation Partnership Network and NASA. Discussions will occur every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear about various perspectives about climate action, engage with industry peers and identify opportunities for collaboration.  Registration for the event is open to all. To learn more about the event and register for any session, visit fema.gov. 

The series will cover the following topics each week:

• Oct. 6 – Our Future Vision: Day One will include leadership from FEMA, NASA and climate leaders laying the foundation for what they envision as the future of climate action.
• Oct. 13 – When Climate Moves Communities: The focus for Day Two will be on climate migration and managed/strategic retreat.
• Oct. 20 – Stories That Inspire Action: Day Three brings together the diverse perspectives from tribal, faith-based, environmental justice, art, youth advocacy and journalism leaders to show that everyone can find their place as the whole community works collectively to address climate change.
• Oct. 27 – Financing Climate Action: To wrap up the forum, Day Four discussions will revolve around financing climate resilient infrastructure and financing equitable climate actions.

​Featured Speakers include:

• FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell
• NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
• White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy
• Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker
• Madison, Wis., Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway
• Dr. Battinto Batts Jr., Dean, Walter Conkrite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University
• Dr. Pablo Mendez Lazaro, Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Puerto Rico, Graduate School of Public Health
• Monica Sanders, Managing Director, Georgetown University Environmental Justice Program
• Rt. Rev. Cathleen Chittendom Bascom, D.Min – Tenth Bishop, The Episcopal Dioceses of Kansas  
• Elizabeth Lien, Senior Director, International Climate Finance, Climate Hub, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Colette Pichon Battle, Esq., Executive Director, Gulf Coast Center for Law and Policy 
• James Rattling Leaf – Research Associate at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder
• Andrew Wishnia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation

About the Resilient Nation Partnership Network

The Resilient Nation Partnership Network is a diverse network of voices united in their commitment to help communities act and become more resilient toward natural disasters and climate-related events. What started as a handful of like-minded individuals has flourished to over 600 organizations represented. Its mission is to inform, educate and motivate communities to protect themselves from the loss of life, property and prosperity as a result of natural hazards.

The Network is driven by three central priorities which influence our work, partnerships, programming and strategic goals.

• Promoting natural hazard mitigation and climate adaptation actions.
• Advancing equitable resilience initiatives.
• Expanding capacity through partnerships.

Throughout the year, the Network hosts a variety of events to convene the whole community and engage in productive dialogues around timely and meaningful topics on resilience, mitigation, climate, adaptation and more.

Learn more about how you or your organization can get involved by visiting FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 10/04/2021 - 20:09

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Hampshire to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from July 29-30, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the state and eligible 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 storm and flooding in Cheshire and Sullivan counties.

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

William Roy 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.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 10/04/2021 - 19:59

Four Additional Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance in North Carolina Four Additional Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance in North Carolina

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. – Local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Ashe, Graham, Jackson and Mitchell counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance grants for recovery from Tropical Storm Fred.

On Oct. 1, the major disaster declaration was amended to add four more counties affected by flood damage after Tropical Storm Fred.  Previously Avery, Buncombe. Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancy and Watauga counties were approved for Public Assistance on Sept. 8. 

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure.  Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

The deadline to apply for FEMA Public Assistance in Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancey or Watauga Counties is Oct. 7, 2021. The deadline for Ashe, Graham, Jackson or Mitchell counties is Oct. 31, 2021. For more information, contact North Carolina Emergency Management, email public.assistance@ncdps.gov or visit NC DPS: Public Assistance.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

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

brianasummer.fenton Mon, 10/04/2021 - 19:22

FEMA and WBZ NewsRadio Boston to Unveil New Emergency Broadcast Studio

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to Include Live Demonstration of the Upgraded Facility, Highlighting Broadcast Radio’s Critical Role in Nation’s Emergency Alert and Warning System 

BOSTON -- FEMA and iHeartMedia Boston, will host the unveiling of an all-hazards upgrade to the “Primary Entry Point” facility at WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Boston on Friday, October 15, 2021. The modernization to the emergency studio increases iHeartMedia’s WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Boston’s resiliency to continue broadcasting under all conditions, including natural disasters and acts of terrorism. This facility is one of 77 across the country that serve as a National Public Warning System Primary Entry Point (PEP) station, participating with FEMA to provide emergency alert and warning information to the public before, during and after incidents and disasters.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030 is the 13th station in the country to work with FEMA to complete the all-hazards upgrade, which includes increased sheltering capabilities, expanded broadcast capacity, and sustainable power generation for all types of hazardous events.

WHAT:           

News conference at 11 a.m. ET.  Ribbon cutting, official remarks, Q&A, a tour of the facility, and live demonstration at the WBZ PEP station emergency studio

WHO:

Speakers include:

• Antwane Johnson, Director, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, FEMA
• James (Nick) Russo, Federal Coordinating Officer, FEMA
• Manny Centeno, IPAWS Program Manager, FEMA
• U.S. Senator Edward Markey
• State Senator Patrick O’Connor
• State Representative Joan Meschino
• Hull Board of Selectmen Chairwoman, Jennifer Constable
• Alan Chartrand, Boston Market President, iHeartMedia
• Jeff Littlejohn, Executive VP Engineering & Systems Integration, iHeartMedia
• Dan Rea, On-air host, WBZ NewsRadio 1030

WHEN:           

Friday, October 15, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET (rain or shine)

WHERE:        

WBZ Transmitter and PEP Site, 45 Newport Road, Hull, MA 02045

adrien.urbani Mon, 10/04/2021 - 18:51

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State-by-State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.158 billion to more than 176,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

“Applications” in the below chart reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State/Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

ALABAMA

7,150

$27,213,021

3,940

ALASKA

180

$465,093

81

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$9,000

Less than 10

ARIZONA

4,958

$15,114,048

2,951

ARKANSAS

3,244

$11,533,089

1,809

CALIFORNIA

29,196

$115,037,772

17,655

COLORADO

2,302

$7,891,431

1,395

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,303

$15,884,915

2,285

DELAWARE

866

$3,303,420

523

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

545

$2,087,946

305

FLORIDA

20,608

$56,273,582

9,907

GEORGIA

11,867

$45,987,959

6,610

GUAM

17

$51,162

Less than 10

HAWAII

320

$927,159

160

IDAHO

681

$2,047,773

356

ILLINOIS

11,868

$51,791,495

7,551

INDIANA

5,127

$22,782,398

3,245

IOWA

2,461

$12,085,273

1,675

KANSAS

2,411

$10,277,335

1,563

KENTUCKY

4,178

$17,661,999

2,467

LOUISIANA

5,740

$22,370,943

3,242

MAINE

399

$1,198,746

220

MARYLAND

5,489

$23,579,665

3,487

MASSACHUSETTS

5,570

$26,001,188

3,727

MICHIGAN

9,463

$37,791,087

6,168

MINNESOTA

2,741

$13,277,351

1,927

MISSISSIPPI

4,897

$18,514,631

2,727

MISSOURI

5,723

$21,802,473

3,455

MONTANA

554

$1,469,268

281

NEBRASKA

1,226

$5,808,338

817

NEVADA

2,624

$7,692,966

1,383

NEW HAMPSHIRE

668

$2,706,088

446

NEW JERSEY

11,595

$51,617,321

7,423

NEW MEXICO

1,589

$4,468,176

871

NEW YORK

25,270

$107,047,412

15,420

NORTH CAROLINA

9,215

$35,786,368

5,361

NORTH DAKOTA

666

$3,488,847

463

OHIO

9,780

$42,238,587

6,506

OKLAHOMA

4,277

$16,806,366

2,608

OREGON

1,020

$2,754,394

522

PENNSYLVANIA

12,624

$56,348,888

8,535

PUERTO RICO

1,370

$2,373,733

651

RHODE ISLAND

1,133

$4,720,070

684

SOUTH CAROLINA

6,382

$25,811,715

3,708

SOUTH DAKOTA

703

$3,593,675

487

TENNESSEE

7,768

$31,508,047

4,555

TEXAS

27,385

$104,725,197

15,956

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

35

$107,994

17

UTAH

1,170

$5,040,455

716

VERMONT

139

$565,055

94

VIRGINIA

6,296

$26,535,421

3,967

WASHINGTON

2,084

$6,219,544

1,119

WEST VIRGINIA

1,581

$6,000,575

878

WISCONSIN

4,433

$19,511,624

2,968

WYOMING

300

$1,059,709

182

 

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EDT today.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 10/04/2021 - 18:36

Spend Your FEMA Grant Wisely

NEW YORK -- As eligible disaster survivors start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, be assured federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free. FEMA’s notification letter will inform you of the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. FEMA urges you to use the funds as stated in your award letter and only for disaster-related expenses.

Here are some helpful tips:

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 grant 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 grants are not for regular living expenses, such as utilities, food, medical or dental bills, travel, entertainment, or any discretionary expenses not directly related to the disaster.

Federal law prohibits duplicating assistance from other sources.

You can apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (711/VRS).  Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, and operators can connect you to a specialist who speaks your language. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

For referrals to agencies that support community-specific need, contact your nearest 211Counts center at https://www.211nys.org/contact-us. In New York City, call 311. For outlying areas, call 211.

For official information on the recovery effort following the hurricane, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/femaregion2 and www.facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Mon, 10/04/2021 - 16:29

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Tehama County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Three Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) will open in Tehama County beginning Oct. 3, operated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The MDRC will offer information on available resources to homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage to their property from the California wildfires.

• R. Wild Horse Ranch, 6700 State Highway 36 W., Platina, CA 96076 │ Sunday, Oct. 3 and Monday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.  
• Highlands Resort, 41515 State Highway 36 E, Mill Creek, CA 96061 │ Tuesday, Oct. 5 and Wednesday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St., Red Bluff, CA 96080 │ Thursday, Oct. 7 and Friday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting the MDRC, the easiest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors may also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number, address of the damaged primary residence, insurance coverage information, current telephone number and mailing address, and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

The MDRC will be accessible for individuals with disabilities, with on-site communication accessibility tools like amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. Additional accommodations can be made upon arrival. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request

Federal agencies that will be present: Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S Small Business Administration.  

To prevent transmission of COVID-19, protective measures will be in effect at the MDRC, including the availability of face masks and hand sanitizer, arrangement of chairs and use of physical barriers to maximize physical distancing between survivors and staff, and visual cues to indicate where to stand.

For more information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4610 and Cal OES’ wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov. The registration deadline is Oct. 25.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD).

FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during and after disasters.

robert.barker Mon, 10/04/2021 - 15:39

FEMA Offers Equal Access to All Disaster Survivors

FEMA and the state of Louisiana are committed to providing disaster assistance to people with disabilities and access and functional needs. Assistance is also available for those who communicate in languages other than English.

Some individuals without a disability may have temporary or long-term conditions where they also need a little extra help but might not think to ask for it. FEMA offers extra assistance to people such as older adults, individuals who have difficulty with English, or those who have problems with transportation or finances. Be sure to answer “yes” to question 24, which asks about functional needs on FEMA’s application to see how we can help.

How to Apply

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors can also apply by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security number, if available
• A general list of damage and losses if you know what they are
• Your insurance policy number and the name of your agent or company

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need an accommodation or assistance due to a disability, ask FEMA at the time of applying or anytime throughout the assistance process. Here’s how:

• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
• FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as large- print, audio, and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help survivors communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs.  Among the aids are:
• Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media
• Qualified American Sign Language interpreters
• Qualified multilingual interpreters
• Information written in multiple languages

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

daniel.green2 Fri, 10/01/2021 - 22:03

Los equipos de FEMA están ahora en otros 2 condados del sureste de Michigan ayudando a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia por desastre

DETROIT. La Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA) está enviando equipos de Asistencia para Sobrevivientes de Desastres (DSA) a los condados de Macomb y Oakland, donde los sobrevivientes de las graves tormentas e inundaciones del 25 y 26 de junio son ahora elegibles para recibir Asistencia Individual.

Estos equipos visitarán los hogares, los negocios y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro de las zonas afectadas para ayudar a los residentes a registrarse para recibir asistencia, identificar y atender las necesidades inmediatas y emergentes, y hacer derivaciones a otras agencias locales, estatales y voluntarias para obtener apoyo adicional.

Al igual que todo el personal de FEMA, los miembros del equipo de la DSA pueden ser identificados por su insignia oficial de identificación federal con fotografía y el logotipo de FEMA en sus camisas o chalecos. Pedirán a los sobrevivientes algunos datos personales necesarios para el registro, entre ellos: Número de Seguro Social, ingresos anuales e información bancaria, así como los nombres de los ocupantes de la propiedad afectada. Los sobrevivientes siempre deben pedir ver una identificación oficial antes de proporcionar cualquier información personal.

Los sobrevivientes también pueden inscribirse:

• Visitando www.disasterassistance.gov o por medio de la aplicación para móviles de FEMA. 
• Llamando al 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Hay operadores multilingües disponibles. Los números gratuitos están disponibles de 7 a. m. a 11 p. m. hora del este, los siete días de la semana.

Para más información sobre la recuperación de Michigan, visite www.fema.gov/disaster/4607.                                        

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estado económico. Se dispondrá de acomodos razonables, incluida la traducción y los intérpretes de lenguaje de signos americana a través del servicio de retransmisión de video, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con un dominio limitado del inglés, con discapacidades y con necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a la línea gratuita de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluidos los usuarios del 711 o servicio de retransmisión por video). Si usted es una persona sorda, con dificultades auditivas o tiene alguna discapacidad del habla y usa el servicio de TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

troy.christensen Fri, 10/01/2021 - 20:14

تم تمديد الموعد النهائي للتسجيل للحصول على مساعدة FEMA حتى 12 نوفمبر

ديترويت - تم تمديد الموعد النهائي للناجين من العواصف والفيضانات الشديدة التي وقعت في الفترة من 25 إلى 26 يونيو للتسجيل في FEMA للحصول على المساعدة الفردية  لحالات الكوارث حتى يوم الجمعة، 12 نوفمبر 2021.

 

ينطبق التمديد على الناجين الذين يعيشون في مقاطعات وايني، واشتناو، ماكومب، و أوكلاند.

 

مساعدات FEMA للأفراد والعائلات قد تشمل أموالًا للمساعدة في الإيجار، إجراء إصلاحات المنزل الأساسية، وخسائر الممتلكات الشخصية المركبات. وقد تكون المساعدة متاحة أيضًا للمصروفات الأخرى الضرورية المرتبطة بالكوارث الخطيرة غير المؤمَّن عليها أو المؤمَّن عليها بشكل غير كاف أو الاحتياجات التي لم تتم تلبيتها.

 

 بإمكان الأفراد التسجيل في FEMA على الموقع DisasterAssistance.gov  أو من خلال تطبيق الهاتف. للاتصال من الهاتف، اتصل على 800-621-3362 (خدمة هاتف نصي (TTY): 7585-462-800). الأرقام المجانية متاحة من 7 صباحًا حتى 11 مساءً، بالتوقيت الشرقي، 7 أيام في الأسبوع.

 

يبقى تقديم المساعدات بشكل شخصي مستمراً في مراكز FEMA في جنوب شرق ميشيغان. يمكن للأفراد زيارة أي مركز مفتوح للحصول على المساعدة التي يحتاجونها ضمن عملية المساعدة الفيدرالية. للعثور على أقرب موقع إليك، يرجى زيارة صفحة محدد مواقع FEMA على الموقع https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

 

لمزيد من المعلومات عن تعافي ميشيغان، يرجى زيارة www.fema.gov/disaster/4607..

 

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مساعدة التعافي من الكوارث متاحة بغض النظر عن العرق أو اللون أو الدين أو الجنسية أو الجنس أو العمر أو الإعاقة أو إتقان اللغة الإنجليزية أو الوضع الاقتصادي. سيتم توفير تسهيلات معقولة تشمل الترجمة ومترجمي لغة الإشارة الأمريكية عبر خدمة ترحيل الفيديو لضمان التواصل الفعال مع المتقدمين ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية والإعاقات والوصول والاحتياجات الوظيفية. إذا تعرضت أنت أو أي شخص تعرفه للتمييز، فاتصل بـ FEMA على الرقم المجاني 3362-621-800 (بما في ذلك 711 أو ترحيل فيديو). إذا كنت أصم أو تعاني من ضعف في السمع أو لديك إعاقة في النطق وتستخدم هاتفًا نصيًا، فاتصل على 7585-462-800.

 

إن مهمة FEMA هي مساعدة الناس قبل وأثناء وبعد الكوارث.

troy.christensen Fri, 10/01/2021 - 20:12

Disaster Assistance Tops $8 Million for Pennsylvania Survivors

HARRISBURG, PA. -- Three weeks after President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, more than $8 million has been approved in Housing Assistance for homeowners and renters affected by the severe damage caused by the Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September.

This assistance comes in the form of federal grants to individuals, and households as part of a joint effort by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.)

More than 17,000 households have applied to FEMA for disaster grants for homeowners and renters. Assistance is currently available to residents in eight counties: Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York.

Disaster assistance for individuals may include grants to help homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and serious disaster-related needs. Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs. Grants do not have to be repaid to the federal government and do not count as taxable income.

In addition to the $8 million approved in FEMA grants, flood insurance policies have paid more than $6.59 million to those who were covered by flood insurance. To date 1,721 claims have been filed.

Everyone in the designated counties is eligible to buy flood insurance, whether they are a business owner, reside in, rent, or own a primary or secondary residence inside or outside a high risk or special flood hazard area. Even condominium complexes can purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance is the best tool for economic recovery after a flood event.

The FEMA HMGP program is a statewide competitive grant program that provides funding to eligible local municipalities, counties, state agencies and non-profit organizations to assist via activities that reduce, or mitigate, future disaster losses in their communities. This grant funding is available after a presidentially declared disaster. In this program, homeowners and businesses cannot apply for a grant; however, a local community may apply for funding on their behalf.

Registering with FEMA is the first step in qualifying for disaster assistance. November 10th is the application deadline for survivors to file an application. FEMA encourages all survivors who sustained disaster-related damage or losses to apply by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3622. TTY users should call 800-462-7585. Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property. To date, a total of 62 loans were approved for a total of $ 2.7 Million.

The Commonwealth and FEMA operate Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in six counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York. An easy-to-use DRC Locator is available online at https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

 

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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

virginia.case2 Fri, 10/01/2021 - 20:07

Three FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Closing, Help is Still Available

TRENTON, N.J. – As survivors move through the recovery process, FEMA remains just a phone call or click away. Three federal Disaster Recovery Centers will be closing at the following locations, dates and times. While these sites will be closing, face-to-face assistance is still available. Survivors can find their nearest DRC online at fema.gov/drc, or text DRC and their current ZIP Code to 43362. Standard message and data rates apply.

DRCs in Gloucester and Mercer counties will close at 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2:

Gloucester County

• Mullica Hill Library
  • 389 Wolfert Station Road, Mullica Hills, N.J. 08062
  • Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
• Mercer County: Hollowbrook Community Center
  • 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Trenton, N.J. 08638
  • Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The DRC in Morris County will close at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6:

Morris County

• Morris Plains Community Center
  • 51 Jim Fear Dr., Morris Plains 07950
  • Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30; Closed Friday–Sunday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday Oct. 4–Wednesday Oct. 6.

Help is Still Available

Disaster survivors can still access disaster information and assistance the following ways: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; by calling 800-621-3362; (TTY:800-462-7585); or download the FEMA app available for smart phones. Disaster survivors who are deaf, have a speech or hearing disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 24 hours per day, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 4, 2021.

amir.nijem Fri, 10/01/2021 - 18:32

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Montana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Richard Spring Fire from Aug. 8-20, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible 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 Richard Spring Fire in Rosebud County and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

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

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

 

 

amy.ashbridge Fri, 10/01/2021 - 13:50

FEMA Approves $1.5 Million Grant for Florida Division of Emergency Management

PENSACOLA, Fla. – FEMA has approved an additional grant reimbursement of $1,599,280 for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for emergency protective measures it provided in response to Hurricane Sally.

Funding from FEMA's Public Assistance program will reimburse FDEM for using its Emergency Operations Center for collaboration with mutual-aid partners in search and rescue, medical care and transportation, emergency pumping of flooded areas and aerial imaging and reconnaissance.

This reimbursement brings the total of FEMA grants for the Division's Hurricane Sally expenses to more than $15.6 million.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The State of Florida works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for those projects to the state for distribution after final approval.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

Kimberly.Kipp Fri, 10/01/2021 - 13:19

FEMA Teams now in 2 Additional Southeast Michigan Counties Helping Survivors Apply for Disaster Assistance

DETROIT - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams to Macomb and Oakland counties where survivors of the June 25-26 severe storms and flooding are now eligible for Individual Assistance.

These teams will be visiting homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations in impacted areas to help residents register for assistance, identify and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support.

Like all FEMA personnel, DSA team members can be identified by their official federal photo ID badge and the FEMA logo on their shirts/vests. They will ask survivors for some personal information needed for registration, including: Social Security number, annual income and bank information, as well as names of occupants of the impacted property. Survivors should always ask to see official identification before providing any personal information.

Survivors can also register by:

• Visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or using the FEMA mobile app.  
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week.

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4607.                                      

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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

troy.christensen Fri, 10/01/2021 - 00:37

Registration Deadline for FEMA Assistance Now Extended to Nov. 12

DETROIT – The deadline for survivors of the June 25 –26 severe storms and flooding to register with FEMA for individual disaster assistance has been extended to Friday, November 12, 2021.

 

The extension applies to survivors living in Wayne, Washtenaw, Macomb and Oakland counties.

 

FEMA assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and vehicle losses. Assistance may also be available for other serious disaster-related uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses or unmet needs.

 

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the mobile app. By phone, call  800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week.

 

In-person assistance remains available at FEMA centers in southeast Michigan. Individuals can visit any open center to get the help they need with the federal assistance process. To find the location closest to you, visit FEMA’s DRC locator page at https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

 

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4607.

 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

 

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

troy.christensen Fri, 10/01/2021 - 00:36

FEMA/State Supports Ida Survivors with Temporary Sheltering and Housing Solutions on their Unique Paths to Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana are working hard together to ensure that survivors of Hurricane Ida living in hard-hit parishes have safe places to stay temporarily while they take steps to recover.  

To help address the shortage of sheltering and housing options in Southeast Louisiana, the state is establishing some temporary solutions, including a non-congregate sheltering program using recreational vehicles, such as travel trailers. Non-congregate shelters are locations where an individual or family can live safely with some level of privacy. This program will focus on the most heavily impacted parishes, providing some immediate sheltering assistance until FEMA’s Direct Housing program is fully underway.

A call center will be opening early next week for residents who are interested in the state-run sheltering option. Survivors will be able to find the call center number on GetAGamePlan.org once it is established. Public notification will also be made once the call center is open.

FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance for 10 of the most impacted parishes: Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne. This program makes available several additional short-term housing solutions to Louisiana survivors. However, options under this program may take months to complete as there is often some level of site and floodplain assessment, utility installation and construction, among other things, before they are available. This is why the state’s more immediate temporary sheltering program is such a critical bridge to recovery.

The Direct Housing program is comprised of three primary options:

• Temporary Housing Units such as a travel trailer or manufactured home;
• Direct Lease, which is leasing existing ready-for-occupancy housing; and
• Multi-Family Lease and Repair, where FEMA enters into a lease agreement with the owner of multi-family rental properties (i.e., two or more units) and makes repairs in order to provide temporary housing for applicants.

Direct temporary housing is not an immediate solution for a survivor's interim and longer-term housing needs because it takes significant time to implement. Additionally, not everyone impacted by Ida will be eligible for direct housing. Therefore, it is important that partners at all levels – local, state, other federal, nonprofit and private sector – work together to fill any gaps.

Survivors who have applied with FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Housing. If a survivor has not yet applied with FEMA, they can do so by going to DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

While non-congregate sheltering and Direct Housing solutions are made available to survivors most in need, there are things affected Louisianans can do to ensure they have a safe place to stay. Survivors should create their own sheltering and housing plan. Knowing their recovery goals enables survivors to take steps in the right direction to get there.

FEMA financial help remains the primary means of helping survivors. This aid may include rental assistance, which is money for eligible survivors to temporarily rent another place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel or motel room, or travel trailer while repairs are being made to their primary residences. Many people may also be referred to one of our partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Survivors eligible for FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program should continue to take advantage of that assistance until another solution becomes available.

If survivors need immediate housing, they can text LAShelter to 898211 or dial 2-1-1 to locate a shelter. All shelters in the state use COVID-19 safety measures and are supplied with COVID kits. There, survivors will be safe and have access to counselors who can support them with their next steps.

Importantly, survivors need to stay in touch with FEMA as their plans and contact information change. When phone numbers or mailing addresses change, FEMA can’t reach you. So, after you apply for disaster assistance, you need to let FEMA know each time your information changes. Individuals and households may be eligible for different programs as they move forward with their recovery.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

Carmen.Castro Thu, 09/30/2021 - 21:47

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Hampshire to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from July 17-19, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in Cheshire County.

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

Robert Fogel 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.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 09/30/2021 - 21:39

FEMA Opens Application Period for $1.16 Billion in Hazard Mitigation Grants Fiscal Year Change Streamlines Application Process for Certain Mitigation Projects

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced two hazard mitigation funding notices today for more than $1 billion, along with streamlined application guidance.

The application period is open for FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance Fiscal Year 2021 grant programs. 

The agency announced the Notices of Funding Opportunity for these two grant programs in early August to combat climate change and protect underserved communities against disaster hazards.  In its second year, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., increased funding to $1 billion for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant and $160 million is available for Flood Mitigation Assistance.

The application period closes on Jan. 28, 2022.

FEMA also released guidance for states, local communities, tribal and territorial governments to streamline the application process for hospital generators, acquisitions and elevation projects.

FEMA understands that the effort necessary to demonstrate cost-effectiveness for projects can increase the burden on subapplicants, particularly those with limited access to resources.

Streamlining the application process shows FEMA’s commitment to deliver its hazard mitigation programs with equity and supports building capacity and capability in underserved and at-risk communities.

Summary of the Guidance

The guidance establishes pre-calculated benefit values to reduce the time and resources needed to complete and review cost-effectiveness for hospital generators, acquisitions, and elevation projects. In addition, it aims to increase the availability of mitigation opportunities to help communities increase resilience against future disasters. 

Hospital Generators

The memorandum “Pre-Calculated Benefits for Certain Hospital Generators to Demonstrate Cost-Effectiveness” applies to Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant program application periods that are open today, and applies only to generator projects in hospitals with emergency departments.

Acquisitions and Elevations

The memorandum, “Cost-Effectiveness Determinations for Acquisitions and Elevations in Special Flood Hazard Areas Using Pre-Calculated Benefits,” is effective today and applies to applications regardless of when the application period opened. The updated pre-calculated benefit values that can be used to determine cost effectiveness of elevations and acquisitions in Special Flood Hazard Areas are:

• Acquisitions: $323,000 per structure.
• Elevations (and mitigation reconstruction): $205,000 per structure.

FEMA allows the pre-calculated benefit values to be applied to new applications for these five Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, Flood Mitigation Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, HMGP Post Fire and Pre-Disaster Mitigation.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 09/30/2021 - 20:18

Cinco cosas que hay que saber: Asistencia federal por desastres en el sureste de Michigan

CHICAGO. La asistencia federal por desastre ya está disponible para las personas de los condados de Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw y Wayne que sufrieron pérdidas relacionadas con el desastre a causa de las graves tormentas e inundaciones del 25 al 26 de junio. Es importante entender los recursos disponibles y cómo acceder a ellos para obtener la ayuda que necesita. 

 

1. Solicite asistencia a FEMA. Aunque FEMA no puede duplicar la asistencia de otras fuentes, puede haber ayuda disponible para los gastos necesarios no asegurados o con seguro insuficiente o para las necesidades no cubiertas. Si ha reportado los daños a las autoridades locales o a una organización comunitaria, no está registrado en FEMA. Tiene que llamar a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, proporciónele a FEMA el número de ese servicio), visite la página web www.DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App.    

 

2. Lea cuidadosamente la carta de FEMA. Los solicitantes recibirán una carta explicando la decisión de FEMA y las acciones que podrían ser necesarias para procesar su solicitud. Por ejemplo, FEMA puede necesitar información o documentos adicionales, como una prueba de residencia, una liquidación del seguro, un comprobante de propiedad de la vivienda dañada o una prueba de que la vivienda dañada era su residencia principal en el momento del desastre. Las opciones para presentar estos documentos también se incluyen en su carta. 

 

3. ¿Tiene preguntas? FEMA puede ayudarle. Si no está seguro de sus opciones de asistencia o tiene preguntas sobre su solicitud, el personal de FEMA está disponible para ayudarle: puede llamar a la línea de ayuda de FEMA o visitar uno de los centros de recuperación de desastres abiertos en el sureste de Michigan para hablar personalmente con un representante de FEMA. Encuentre su centro más cercano en www.fema.gov/DRC.

 

4. ¿No está de acuerdo con FEMA? Tiene opciones. Si no está de acuerdo con la decisión de asistencia de FEMA, tiene la opción de presentar una apelación y hacer que se reconsidere su caso. Su carta de FEMA incluye una explicación sobre los documentos que debe proporcionar y los pasos para presentar la apelación. También puede llamar a la línea de ayuda o visitar un centro de FEMA para obtener ayuda.

 

5. No se pierda otras ayudas que puedan estar disponibles. Después de solicitar la ayuda por desastre, es posible que le remitan a la Agencia de Pequeños Negocios de EE. UU. (SBA). Solicitar un préstamo de la SBA no tiene costo alguno y no hay obligación de aceptarlo, pero puede perderse la mayor fuente de fondos federales para la recuperación de desastres si no lo solicita. Adicionalmente, si no cumple con los requisitos para un préstamo por desastre de la SBA, puede ser remitido a FEMA para obtener otros tipos de asistencia. Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de préstamos de la SBA visite sba.gov/disaster, llame al Centro de Atención al Cliente de la SBA al 800-659-2955 o envíe un correo electrónico a DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. También puede visitar el centro de recuperación más cercano para conversar con un representante de la SBA.

 

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación por desastre en Michigan, visite el sitio web de FEMA www.fema.gov/disaster/4607.

                                                   

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estado económico. Se dispondrá de acomodos razonables, incluida la traducción y los intérpretes de lenguaje de signos americana a través del servicio de retransmisión de video, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con un dominio limitado del inglés, con discapacidades y con necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a la línea gratuita de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluidos los usuarios del 711 o servicio de retransmisión por video). Si usted es una persona sorda, con dificultades auditivas o tiene alguna discapacidad del habla y usa el servicio de TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

troy.christensen Thu, 09/30/2021 - 18:56