FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center Opens in Placer County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) will open in Placer County for survivors whose uninsured and underinsured primary residence was damaged or destroyed by the River Fire. Two locations will be available for three days from Thursday, Sept. 9 to Saturday, Sept. 11. The MRIC will be staffed by FEMA personnel to assist with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

Thursday, Sept. 9, OES Finance Administration Building, 2986 Richardson Dr., Auburn, CA 95603 │ 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 10, Sierra Vista Community Center, 55 School St., Colfax, CA 95713 │ 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 11, Sierra Vista Community Center, 55 School St., Colfax, CA 95713 │ 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. The easiest way to register 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. Multi-lingual operators are available.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following on-hand before contacting FEMA: their Social Security number, address of the damaged primary residence, a description of the damage, information about their insurance coverage, current contact number and address where they can receive mail, and bank account and routing numbers for the direct deposit of funds.

The MRICs will be accessible for individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs, with on-site communication accessibility tools including amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.

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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 Wed, 09/08/2021 - 23:53

A “no” can become a “yes” with a successful FEMA appeal

NASHVILE, Tenn.— The record-breaking rainfall came on so fast and furious Aug. 21, deadly flash flooding was unavoidable for many. People in Dickson, Hickman, Houston, and Humphreys counties are now looking for answers. FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides eligible survivors with financial assistance and direct services.  Hundreds of middle Tennessee residents have already filed an application. Some, however, may receive a letter stating their claim is ineligible for payment. If you receive that letter, you may be able to change the outcome. Many times, it’s a simple fix. An application is often denied because additional information is needed.

Here are some tips to consider when appealing a FEMA ineligible determination.

Tip 1: Know your deadline.

You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal. Circle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront. Once FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.

Tip 2: Understand why FEMA deemed your claim ineligible before writing the appeal.

You may not agree with it but analyze why FEMA determined your application was ineligible. It could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal. Read FEMA’s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.

Tip 3: Include evidence to support your appeal.

It’s important to write a letter explaining why you disagree with FEMA’s decision, but you should also include documentation that supports what’s outlined in your appeal letter. This will help FEMA fight fraud and it can also strengthen your response.

Examples of documents to include with an appeal letter:

• Copy of flood insurance declaration page, if applicable.
• For proof of occupancy, FEMA accepts an employer statement, lease, utility bill (electric, water/sewer, etc.), bank or credit card statement, phone bill, cable/satellite bill, driver’s license, state-issued identification card, motor vehicle registrations, letters from local schools (public or private), documents from federal or state benefit providers, social service organizations (such as community assistance programs and non-profits), or court documents. All bills and/or statements must be dated within 3 months of the disaster.
• To prove ownership, include your mortgage or insurance documents, mortgage payment booklet, tax receipts or a deed. If your documents were lost or destroyed, contact financial, insurance and/or government agencies in your area to see if you can get a replacement. The following website also offers guidance on replacing lost documents: http://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents. FEMA will also accept a written document in which you declare yourself the owner of property. The letter does not need to be notarized, but it must match the information on your FEMA application.
• Survivors living in mobile homes or travel trailers can also include a signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner or a self-declaration as a last resort to prove the damaged home or rental was their primary residence.
• For homes that have been passed down over the generations without any traditional ownership verification, you may include a public official’s letter or receipts for major repairs or improvements to verify ownership.

Tip 4: Include your application number on every page of the documents you submit.

Tip 5: Can’t write the appeal yourself? Authorize someone to write it for you.

• • If you are the applicant and are unable to write an appeal letter yourself, ask someone to write it for you. Consider asking a family member, friend or a lawyer. Just be sure to provide FEMA with a signed statement saying the writer is authorized to act on your behalf.
• You can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) to find out more about this. Multilingual operators are available, and lines are open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

Tip 6: Don’t forget to sign your appeal letter. And when you’re ready, there are three ways to submit your appeal:

• • Fax it to 800-827-8112
  • Send it by mail to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
  • Upload documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.

Tip 7: Expect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4609. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Wed, 09/08/2021 - 21:40

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Declaration for North Carolina

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of North Carolina to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred, from Aug. 16-18, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing and speech impaired. 

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis under FEMA’s Public Assistance program for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged in areas affected by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred in Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties.

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

John F. Boyle has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Wed, 09/08/2021 - 21:09

FEMA Launches 20th Anniversary 9/11 Multi-Media Webpage

WASHINGTON -- To honor the commitment and service of staff who responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, FEMA launched a multi-media webpage to highlight the roles they played in the nation’s response and recovery.

The page contains videos, blogs and quotes from both former and current staff as they tell their story of how they responded to those events

 

Graphic

 

“The impacts from that event reached far beyond a single day,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “As we reflect on this event 20 years later, I hope that you will take the time to hear the personal stories from members of our FEMA community. I am proud to present their stories for everyone to see.”

The page is in both English and Spanish, and videos feature Spanish closed captioning. The page contains 28 stories ranging from those who worked search and rescue operations to people who helped call family members immediately after the attacks. A historical timeline of FEMA’s response to the events of that day and how it changed the agency is also included.

zella.campbell Wed, 09/08/2021 - 19:22

FEMA Awards Miami-Dade County $8.34 Million for Hurricane Irma Expenses

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $8,346,330 for the State of Florida to help Miami-Dade County defray the cost of repairs after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the county for the repair and replacement of more than 16,000 streetlights, traffic signs and signals throughout the county.

The program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with subrecipients such as local and county governments.

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

Nadine.Jones Wed, 09/08/2021 - 19:16

FEMA Recognizes 2021 National Preparedness Month Congressional Co-Chairs

WASHINGTON -- September is National Preparedness Month, a yearly observance to remind everyone how important it is for individuals, families and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time.

FEMA is honored to announce this year’s Congressional co-chairs. We welcome their collaboration on this mission and appreciate their commitment to promoting preparedness across the nation and in their districts. With their support, we can build a nation more resilient to future disasters. 

The following co-chairs have embodied the spirit of this year’s National Preparedness Month theme, “Prepare to Protect” and will highlight within their districts how preparing for a disaster is protecting everyone you love:

U.S. Senate

• Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, Chair, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
• Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, Ranking Member, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

U.S. House of Representatives

• Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, Chair, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
• Rep. Sam Graves of Missouri, Ranking Member, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
• Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada, Chair, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
• Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, Ranking Member, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
• Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security.
• Rep. John Katko of New York, Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security.
• Rep. Val Demings of Florida, Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida, Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery.
• Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard of California, Chair, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
• Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York, Chairwoman, House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
• Rep. Salud Carbajal of California, Chair, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, and member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
• Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón of Puerto Rico, Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management and member of the Congressional Hispanic Conference.

For a quote from each co-chair, visit: 2021 National Preparedness Month Congressional Co-Chairs | Ready.gov.

Ready.gov/September has information and resources online, including social media content in multiple languages, for public use. Help spread the word of how to be prepared for disasters and emergencies before they happen. For more information, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov.

amy.ashbridge Wed, 09/08/2021 - 18:24

Partnerships Pave Path to Strengthen Recovery from Irma and Maria

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- The U.S. Virgin Islands is charting a course to strengthen its infrastructure four years after Irma and Maria tore through the territory. Hurricane recovery projects are taking shape to make facilities used every day by Virgin Islanders more resilient through support of $3.27 billion from FEMA.

FEMA’s partnerships with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery and the Office of the Governor will ensure recovery projects support the whole community with an emphasis on hardening the infrastructure to decrease damage from future storms.

The $3.27 billion obligated for 1,417 projects through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program includes $1.7 billion for emergency protective measures, $1.25 billion for permanent work and $309 million for state management costs. Emergency work includes debris removal and emergency power restoration, permanent work comprises repairs and replacements to damaged facilities, and state management costs help Public Assistance applicants manage projects.

“We will continue to leverage our resources to support the U.S. Virgin Islands with its vision of strengthening the infrastructure across the territory for a recovery from the 2017 hurricanes that benefits all Virgin Islanders. Our partnerships with the Office of Disaster Recovery, VITEMA, and the Office of the Governor will pave a path toward making critical facilities and housing communities fit to withstand the rigors of future storms,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen Hodge.

Public Assistance funding obligated toward key areas includes:

• $1.35 billion for energy, $836 million for housing and $119 million for transportation.

Projects to repair facilities damaged in the 2017 hurricanes include hazard mitigation measures for a focus on breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction. Projects developed through collaboration between FEMA and the territory include $424 million obligated for 159 Hazard Mitigation Proposals funded under Public Assistance.

Hazard Mitigation Proposals applied to Public Assistance projects include making damaged roofs, doors, and windows of housing communities more resistant against wind-driven rains and applying repairs to roads near waterways to make them less susceptible to flooding and erosion. These measures will directly reduce the potential of future, similar disaster damages to the eligible facility.

The 2017 storms have provided the U.S. Virgin Islands an opportunity to prioritize projects to reduce the loss of life and property from future disasters and focus on development of a territorial hazard mitigation plan. FEMA continues to collaborate with VITEMA on these endeavors, which have led to $99.1 million obligated through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The $99.1 million includes $84.5 million obligated for 80 projects and $14.6 million obligated for state management costs.

Territory-wide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects include:

• The U.S. Virgin Islands Slope Stabilization Analysis Project will identify locations across the territory that need slope stabilization systems. The advance assistance obligated for $2.5 million will allow the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works to stabilize slopes along the territory’s roads, which is in line with the Territorial Hazard Mitigation Plan’s goals.
• The Territory-wide Culvert Analysis Advance Assistance Project will identify culverts across the territory that need to be upsized to handle heavy rains. FEMA has provided $2.3 million for the culvert analysis, which has a total proposed cost of $3.5 million. The balance of $1.1 million is scheduled for obligation later this month.

The Territorial Hazard Mitigation & Resilience Plan is being developed by the University of the Virgin Islands and VITEMA through support of $4.9 million from FEMA. Incorporating resilience into the plan will enable the territory to better think about how critical infrastructure and essential services are operated to ensure communities have access to the services they need.

UVI and VITEMA are integrating the core principles of resilience, reliance on the territory’s economic and natural resources, adaptation to the impacts of climate change and economic/technical capacity building with the plan. The plan will be accessible online and allow the territory to meet FEMA’s requirement for disaster relief funding.

A host of federal partners are collaborating with FEMA and the U.S. Virgin Islands to advance recovery from the 2017 storms. FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) team supports these efforts though the coordination of approximately $8 billion in federal investments, with a focus on multiagency funded projects to repair and rebuild airports, seaports, roads, power grids, hospitals, public housing, agriculture, historic buildings, and other key infrastructure in the territory.  Coordination workgroups include health, housing, economic recovery, natural and cultural resources, transportation, utilities, and philanthropy coordination.

IRC supports territorial partners with resources for recovery projects through funding requests, federal partner technical assistance, capacity building, and subject matter expert technical assistance. Through coordinated efforts between federal and territorial partners, the IRC enables outcome driven recovery by preventing duplication, leveraging funding and project scoping, sequencing recovery projects, and streamlining permits.

Destruction from Irma and Maria occurred within a matter of hours after both hurricanes made landfall in September 2017. The path to recovery demands diligence and FEMA will continue to deliver its recovery programs with an equitable approach to support capacity building toward completion of projects.

Workers from Custom Builders perform roof repairs in July at Paul M. Pearson Gardens Housing Community on St. Thomas. Numerous roofs at the Virgin Islands Housing Authority community were damaged from the winds and rains of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. FEMA's Public Assistance Program is supporting hurricane repairs at Pearson Gardens. FEMA/Eric Adams

zella.campbell Wed, 09/08/2021 - 16:01

Registration Deadline for FEMA Assistance Extended to Oct. 13

CHICAGO – 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 Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

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

FEMA assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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 Wed, 09/08/2021 - 12:40

FEMA Offers More Flexibility and Assistance to Ensure Equity Across all Communities

NASHVILE, Tenn.— FEMA recently made changes to its policies to ensure disaster assistance is equitably provided to all eligible survivors, including those in historically underserved communities. These changes became effective Aug. 23, the same date a federal declaration was made for Middle Tennessee for the severe storms and flooding that occurred on Aug. 21 in Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys counties.

FEMA will now accept a broader range of ownership and occupancy documentation to assist those typically in low-income populations. This change should reduce the administrative burden to those whose homes have been passed down over the generations without any traditional ownership verification, known as the legal term “heirship properties.” For these homeowners, FEMA will now accept a public official’s letter or receipts for major repairs or improvements to verify ownership. Survivors with heirship properties or who are living in mobile homes or travel trailers may self-declare ownership as a last resort.

To confirm occupancy, FEMA will now accept motor vehicle registrations, or letters from local schools (public or private), documents from federal or state benefit providers, social service organizations (such as community assistance programs and non-profits), or court documents. Survivors living in mobile homes or travel trailers can also use a signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner or self-declaration as a last resort.

Also, to encourage real-time feedback to applicants, FEMA has trained staff to verify documentation on site while conducting home inspections. This decreases the burden on survivors to appeal a FEMA decision in writing by verifying documents at the time of inspection.

FEMA is also amending its policy to provide assistance to those who suffered a disaster-related disability and now require special components, such as ramps or grab bars, to make their damaged home safe and functional for them, regardless of whether those components were in the survivor’s home before the disaster.

Financial assistance is also available to repair homes impacted by disaster-caused mold growth.

FEMA also provides interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as Braille, 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: Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media; Qualified American Sign Language interpreters; Qualified multilingual interpreters; and information written in multiple languages.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Tennesseans in the designated counties can also ask questions or apply for FEMA assistance at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption, or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Because of the recent hurricanes and other severe storms, flooding and fires across the country, wait times may be long. Please be patient. Those who would like to speak to someone face-to-face may apply for assistance or get answers to their questions by visiting one of the Multi-Agency Resource Centers in your county. Other ways to apply include:  online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet.

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4609. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Wed, 09/08/2021 - 12:37

Gulf County Approved for Additional $1.2 Million in Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $1,253,002 for the state of Florida to reimburse Gulf County for management costs following Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Funding from FEMA's Public Assistance program will provide reimbursement for indirect management costs, direct administrative costs and other expenses associated with the administration of eligible projects. As a result of Hurricane Michael, Gulf County officials and FEMA have identified a total of 37 projects and are continuing to manage specific ongoing projects.

This additional reimbursement brings FEMA's total grants for the county's Hurricane Michael-related recovery expenses to more than $25.4 million.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) 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 projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

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 Tue, 09/07/2021 - 20:30

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the State of Maryland

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The exercise will occur during the week of September 13, 2021 to assess the ability of the State of Maryland to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

 

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate a government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the State of Maryland.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions.  The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

 

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on September 17, 2021.  The meeting will be conducted in person and in a virtual format via Zoom.   Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC. 

 

The meeting will be held in person at:

Doubletree by Hilton Annapolis

210 Holiday Court

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

 

The meeting may also be accessed via Zoom with the following link:

Join ZoomGov Meeting

https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1619249772

Meeting ID: 161 924 9772

Passcode: 912779

 

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

 

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

 

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

 

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

 

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

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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

 

amanda.hancher Tue, 09/07/2021 - 20:08

Santa Rosa County Approved for $8.3 Million in Hurricane Sally Debris Removal Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $8,327,831 for the State of Florida to reimburse Santa Rosa County for costs associated with county-wide debris removal after Hurricane Sally in September 2020.

Santa Rosa county workers along with contractors removed a total of 433,588 cubic yards of vegetative debris; 163,241 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris; 15,683 hazardous limbs; and 1,344 leaning trees from roads and public property throughout Santa Rosa County. This included private rights of way, which posed a serious threat to public health and safety. Expenses also included the monitoring and field supervisory oversight of collecting, removing and disposing of all debris.   

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management 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 projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

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 Tue, 09/07/2021 - 16:51

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.088 billion to more than 165,000 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

6,181

$25,459,028

3,679

ALASKA

146

$425,535

75

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$9,000

Less than 10

ARIZONA

4,574

$14,139,668

2,743

ARKANSAS

2,824

$10,858,180

1,702

CALIFORNIA

27,649

$108,227,747

16,590

COLORADO

2,107

$7,341,161

1,301

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,185

$15,098,360

2,170

DELAWARE

818

$2,972,062

469

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

516

$1,881,198

276

FLORIDA

16,721

$51,776,726

9,124

GEORGIA

10,213

$42,979,408

6,185

GUAM

13

$51,162

Less than 10

HAWAII

274

$854,056

144

IDAHO

588

$1,846,670

321

ILLINOIS

11,175

$49,115,532

7,161

INDIANA

4,701

$21,359,122

3,037

IOWA

2,314

$11,108,302

1,547

KANSAS

2,253

$9,612,966

1,463

KENTUCKY

3,626

$16,728,757

2,329

LOUISIANA

5,032

$21,094,837

3,063

MAINE

360

$1,115,274

203

MARYLAND

5,232

$22,046,771

3,265

MASSACHUSETTS

5,336

$24,455,485

3,506

MICHIGAN

8,995

$35,926,084

5,872

MINNESOTA

2,604

$12,487,288

1,803

MISSISSIPPI

4,375

$17,373,347

2,562

MISSOURI

5,081

$20,199,849

3,192

MONTANA

485

$1,284,458

246

NEBRASKA

1,154

$5,453,680

764

NEVADA

2,368

$7,055,432

1,274

NEW HAMPSHIRE

638

$2,483,394

411

NEW JERSEY

11,128

$49,002,682

7,040

NEW MEXICO

1,485

$3,940,992

765

NEW YORK

24,334

$99,647,406

14,339

NORTH CAROLINA

8,065

$33,606,199

5,033

NORTH DAKOTA

639

$2,797,135

374

OHIO

9,073

$39,920,511

6,161

OKLAHOMA

3,809

$15,867,289

2,463

OREGON

841

$2,531,224

477

PENNSYLVANIA

12,014

$53,399,046

8,085

PUERTO RICO

1,191

$2,185,233

600

RHODE ISLAND

1,089

$4,236,552

613

SOUTH CAROLINA

5,563

$24,553,904

3,527

SOUTH DAKOTA

680

$3,109,737

422

TENNESSEE

6,652

$29,927,247

4,327

TEXAS

24,424

$99,863,338

15,221

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

29

$85,194

14

UTAH

1,054

$4,760,734

676

VERMONT

130

$546,315

91

VIRGINIA

5,817

$25,066,226

3,739

WASHINGTON

1,824

$5,753,699

1,038

WEST VIRGINIA

1,415

$5,369,036

790

WISCONSIN

4,183

$18,496,138

2,814

WYOMING

267

$982,138

170

 

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 6, 2021.

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 Tue, 09/07/2021 - 16:19

FEMA Approves $9 Million in Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved grants totaling $9,066,552 to reimburse recovery expenses in Florida for Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the following reimbursements:

• Bay District Schools: $3,813,785 to replace both the RLY Transportation Building 2, a 18,768-square-foot maintenance building, and Building 3, a 4,264-square-foot paint shop. This reimbursement brings FEMA’s total grants to the school district to $110.6 million.

• Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort, Inc.: $4,126,485 for repairs to the main campus building, cafeteria and school trailer, the Starting Over Straight adolescent residential facility and five additional campus buildings.

• Jackson Hospital: $1,126,281 for repairs to 10 of the hospital’s facilities, and repairs or replacement of contents and equipment damaged during Hurricane Michael.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management 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 projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

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 Tue, 09/07/2021 - 13:24

Hurricane Ida Survivors May be Eligible for Generator and Chainsaw Reimbursement

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana survivors who purchased or rented a generator and/or chainsaw as a result of Hurricane Ida may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

FEMA cannot reimburse equipment paid for by another source, such as homeowner’s, flood or other types of insurance. Duplicate payments or reimbursements for assistance provided by insurance or any other source are prohibited by law.

Survivors interested in generator and/or chainsaw reimbursement from FEMA must first apply for assistance. They may do so by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. Lines are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362.

Applicants who purchase or rent a generator and/or chainsaw between Aug. 26, 2021 and Sept. 25, 2021, may be eligible to receive financial assistance for reimbursement if:

• The applicant meets the general eligibility requirements for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
• The home is the applicant’s primary residence and is located in a parish designated for the Individuals and Households Program. The parishes are: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.
• The generator was purchased or rented due to a disruption in electrical utility service caused by Hurricane Ida.
• Proof-of-purchase or rental receipts for the items are submitted by the applicant.

Price Limits

FEMA may reimburse applicants up to $800 for generators and up to $250 for chainsaws. ​​​​​​​

Generator Safety

Survivors should never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

 

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/.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 09/06/2021 - 22:49

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Nebraska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds from July 9-10, 2021.

Federal funding also is available to 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 severe storms and straight-line winds in Box Butte, Cass, Clay, Douglas, Fillmore, Grant, Hall, Hamilton, Madison, Sarpy, Saunders, Sheridan, Washington and York counties.

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

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

amy.ashbridge Mon, 09/06/2021 - 21:55

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New York to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida from Sept. 1-3, 2021.        

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond and Westchester counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Federal funding is also available to the state, tribal 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 remnants of Hurricane Ida in the Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond and Westchester counties. Emergency protective measures, including any direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

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

Lai Sun Yee 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.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

zella.campbell Mon, 09/06/2021 - 15:07

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida from Sept.1-3 Sept. 3, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic and Somerset counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to the state 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 remnants of Ida in Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic and Somerset counties. Emergency protective measures, including any direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

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

Patrick Cornbill has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing and speech impaired.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 09/06/2021 - 13:06

FEMA Continues Ida Response and Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON -- A week after Ida’s landfall in Louisiana, FEMA has given more than $165 million in grants to Louisiana survivors to help them begin their recovery. FEMA also received more than 13,500 National Flood Insurance Program claims from the affected states for processing.

People can help survivors and communities impacted by Hurricane Ida by donating to or volunteering with the voluntary or charitable organization of their choice, many of which are already in areas impacted by Ida and supporting survivors. Learn how to best help those in need.

Federal Actions to Support Areas Affected by Hurricane Ida

• On Sept. 2, FEMA announced changes to its Individual Assistance program to better support disaster survivors by reducing the barriers to agency programs that aid underserved populations. Changes in this new policy include expanding acceptance of different forms of documentation to prove ownership or occupancy, while also expanding assistance for a disaster-caused disability.
• There are eight FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams deployed to support states affected by Hurricane Ida. Five are in Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Seven AmeriCorps FEMA Corps teams are supporting Louisiana recovery efforts.
• The National Emergency Management Association is helping facilitate additional resources to the Gulf Coast through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Resources from 14 states have been sent to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts.
• Commodities, equipment and personnel are working throughout the affected areas. This includes:
  • Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on the ground in Louisiana providing in-person assistance in New Orleans and other parishes.
  • Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams have completed more than 39,000 structural evaluations in affected areas in Louisiana.
  • More than 278 ambulance crews and 30 air ambulances are deployed and working in Louisiana. Additional ambulances and air ambulances are in Mississippi to support impacted areas.
  • Mobile Emergency Response Support assets, including emergency operations vehicles, are deployed to support communication needs in Louisiana and New Jersey.
• The Defense Logistics Agency has been activated for fuel support and leasing of additional generators. High output generators are in Baton Rouge, La.
• In Louisiana, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has activated its Operation Blue Roof program for parishes approved for individual assistance. Residents can sign up for the program and complete a Right of Entry form at Blueroof.us. Residents can call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information regarding this program.
• USACE Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Teams, contractor support, and the 249th Engineer Battalion’s power generation team are mobilized in Mississippi and Louisiana to conduct power assessments and installations.
• The U.S. Department of Energy authorized the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to conduct an exchange of 300,000 barrels of crude oil between fuel storage companies in Louisiana to alleviate any logistical issues of moving crude oil within areas affected by Hurricane Ida. This action will help ensure the region has access to fuel as quickly as possible as they continue their recovery.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Louisiana’s request to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals and are assisting with program flexibilities needed for mass feeding operations. USDA’s Disaster Household Distribution program was approved and will provide food packages to 800,000 survivors in 19 parishes.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deployed more than 180 medical providers and other staff from the National Disaster Medical System to support the triage and treatment of patients in Louisiana. This includes three teams that will be providing Emergency Department decompression to three hospitals in Thibodaux, Kenner and Raceland. The team in Thibodaux will begin to see patients today. A 250-bed healthcare facility federal medical station at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center began seeing patients this weekend. Patients must be referred to the station.
  • The station is staffed by Disaster Medical Assistance personnel and credentialed medical volunteers identified by the Louisiana Department of Health.
• The Salvation Army mobilized feeding kitchens and emergency response vehicles in Albany, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, and Thibodaux Gonzalez, Kenner, LaPlace, Napoleonville, New Orleans and Raceland, La. These operations can feed up to 60,000 people a day.
• The American Red Cross, with the help of their partners, has provided more than 49,000 meals and snacks for survivors in the Gulf Coast. There are more than 20 Red Cross and community shelters open in affected areas in Louisiana. There are 13 shelters open in New Jersey and three in New York.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced an Emergency Declaration that provides truck drivers flexibility to move critical freight to areas damaged by Ida.
  • Additionally, USDOT activated an Emergency Relief Docket for railroads so they can get temporary safety regulations waivers to help them speed up service to move goods necessary for emergency relief efforts.
• The Federal Communications Commission is working directly with wireless carriers so that those in affected areas can roam on any available network while restoration efforts are underway. Daily reports and tips for communicating during an emergency are available in multiple languages at www.fcc.gov.

Additional Resources for Disaster Survivors

• If you have insurance, start documenting your damage and reporting your loss immediately to your agent. File a claim with your insurance company before applying to FEMA. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but may be able to help where homeowners or flood insurance did not.
• If you have flood insurance, report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Be sure to ask them about advance payments. If you need help finding your insurance agent or carrier, call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 877-336-2627.
  • Policyholders with three-year Group Flood Insurance policies can call the National Flood Insurance Program at 800-638-6620. Select your language and then choose option “2.”
  • If your flood insurance policy just expired, call your agent. You may still be able to renew in full and then file a claim for losses. Several FEMA NFIP policies in Louisiana have expired but are currently within the 30-day renewal window.
• If you are able to safely return to your home, before you discard anything take as many photos and videos as possible of your flood damaged home and personal property including flood water lines on the outside of the structure. For appliances and electronics, take a photograph of the make, model and serial number.
• Learn more about starting your recovery with the National Flood Insurance Program at FEMA.gov.

Visit Hurricane Ida | FEMA.gov for information and resources available for residents in areas that may be affected by Ida. In addition to English, the page is available in French, Haitian Creole, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

mayshaunt.gary Sun, 09/05/2021 - 15:27

Federal Response, Recovery Efforts Continue After Ida

WASHINGTON -- A week after Ida’s landfall in Louisiana, FEMA and federal agencies, along with non-profit organizations, continue supporting state and tribal governments with their ongoing response and recovery efforts in several states from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast that were affected by the storm.

FEMA has provided more than $135 million in grants to Louisiana survivors to help them begin their recovery. FEMA also received more than 8,600 National Flood Insurance Program claims from the affected states for processing.

More than 1,000 FEMA employees are deployed to support Ida response and recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. Additionally, FEMA staff are working throughout the nation to support other ongoing response efforts, including flooding throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast and wildfires in the West.

To help support response efforts in Louisiana, FEMA is working with the state to contract for additional responder lodging resources. These efforts may include using cruise ships or building temporary base camps so that responders can help recovery efforts in the area without taking valuable hotel resources from survivors.

Visit Hurricane Ida | FEMA.gov for information and resources available for residents in areas that may be affected by Ida. The page is available in French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Federal actions to support areas affected by Hurricane Ida

• There are eight FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams deployed to support states affected by Hurricane Ida. Five are in Louisiana, one in Mississippi, one in New Jersey and one in New York. Seven AmeriCorps FEMA Corps teams are supporting Louisiana recovery efforts.
• On Thursday, FEMA announced changes to its Individual Assistance program to better support disaster survivors by reducing the barriers to agency programs that aid underserved populations. Changes in this new policy include expanding acceptance of different forms of documentation to prove ownership or occupancy, while also expanding assistance for a disaster-caused disability.
• The National Emergency Management Association is helping facilitate additional resources to the Gulf Coast through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Resources from 14 states have been sent to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts.
• Commodities, equipment and personnel are working throughout the affected areas. This includes:
  • Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on the ground in Louisiana providing in-person assistance in New Orleans and other parishes.
  • Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams have completed more than 27,000 structural evaluations in affected areas in Louisiana. Three US&R teams are deployed to New Jersey.
  • More than 190 ambulance crews and 30 air ambulances are deployed and working in Louisiana. Additional ambulances and air ambulances are in Mississippi to support impacted areas.
  • Mobile Emergency Response Support assets including Emergency Operations Vehicles are deployed to support communication needs in Louisiana and New Jersey.
• The Defense Logistics Agency has been activated for fuel support and leasing of additional generators. High-output generators are in Baton Rouge, La.
• In Louisiana, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has activated its Operation Blue Roof program for parishes approved for individual assistance. Residents can sign up for the program and complete a Right of Entry form at Blueroof.us. Residents can call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information regarding this program.
• USACE debris management experts are conducting assessments in Louisiana. USACE Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Teams, contractor support and the 249th Engineer Battalion’s power generation team are mobilized in Mississippi and Louisiana to conduct power assessments and installations.
• The U.S. Department of Energy authorized the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to conduct an exchange of 300,000 barrels of crude oil between fuel storage companies in Louisiana to alleviate any logistical issues of moving crude oil within areas affected by Hurricane Ida. This action will help ensure the region has access to fuel as quickly as possible as they continue their recovery.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Louisiana’s request to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals and are assisting with program flexibilities needed for mass feeding operations. USDA’s Emergency Food Assistant Program was approved and will provide food packages to more than 800,000 survivors in 19 parishes.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deployed more than 180 medical providers and other staff from the National Disaster Medical System to support the triage and treatment of patients in Louisiana. This includes three teams that will be providing Emergency Department decompression to three hospitals in Thibodaux, Kenner and Raceland. The team in Thibodaux will begin to see patients today. A 250-bed healthcare facility federal medical station at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center will start seeing patients this weekend. Patients must be referred to the station.
  • The station will be staffed by Disaster Medical Assistance personnel and a cadre of credentialed medical volunteers identified by the Louisiana Department of Health.
• The National Guard Bureau has 15 high-water vehicles in New Jersey to assist in search and rescue.
  • The Salvation Army mobilized feeding kitchens and emergency response vehicles in Albany, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, Thibodaux, Gonzalez, Kenner, LaPlace, Napoleonville, New Orleans and Raceland, La. These operations can feed up to 60,000 people a day.
  • The American Red Cross, with the help of their partners, has provided more than 49,000 meals and snacks for survivors in the Gulf Coast. There are more than 20 Red Cross and community shelters open in affected areas in Louisiana. There are 13 shelters open in New Jersey and three in New York.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced an Emergency Declaration that provides truck drivers flexibility to move critical freight to areas damaged by Ida.
    • Additionally, USDOT activated an Emergency Relief Docket for railroads so they can get temporary safety regulations waivers to help them speed up service to move goods necessary for emergency relief efforts.
  • The Federal Communications Commission is working directly with wireless carriers so that those in affected areas can roam on any network that may be available while restoration efforts are underway. FCC daily reports and tips for communicating during an emergency, are available in multiple languages at www.fcc.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Sat, 09/04/2021 - 18:03