60 Days into Recovery, Federal Aid Nears $205 Million

CHICAGO – In the two months since President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Washtenaw and Wayne counties following the June 25-26 tornadoes, severe storms and flooding, the federal government has approved nearly $205 million to help Michiganders with disaster-related needs.

“FEMA and our federal and state partners are committed to the recovery in southeast Michigan,” said Scott Burgess, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Michigan disaster recovery operation. “We will remain on the ground until the job is finished. We’ve been on it, and we’re staying on it,” he said.

Here’s a breakdown, by the numbers, for the first 60 days of recovery:

• More than $122.3 million in Individual Assistance (IA) program grants awarded to nearly 42,000 homeowners and renters in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:

• Nearly $99 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
• More than $23.3 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees and medical and dental expenses.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 2,813 long-term, low-interest disaster loans for a running total of $82.6 million for Michigan homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury from the June 25-26 storms and flooding.
• In addition, nearly $1.1 million in claims have been paid to homeowners insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA mitigation experts have counseled more than 7,600 individuals on flood mitigation and insurance through FEMA’s outreach activities at local hardware store events and Disaster Recovery Centers.
• The state of Michigan and FEMA have staffed and operated five Disaster Recovery Centers plus three FEMA Document Drop-off Centers, which provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. The centers have tallied nearly 19,500 visits by survivors.
• FEMA has sent Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams to storm-impacted neighborhoods in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. These teams visit homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations 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.
  • To date, DSA personnel have visited more than 24,000 homes and about 380 businesses; they have interacted with nearly 9,300 survivors and have registered more than 1,430 households for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

The last day survivors in Washtenaw and Wayne counties can register with FEMA for federal assistance is Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. For even 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 Tue, 09/14/2021 - 15:12

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Louisiana

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Nicholas, beginning on Sept. 12, 2021 and continuing. 

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts, which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title 5 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. This assistance is for all 64 Louisiana parishes. 

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support under the Public Assistance program at 75 % federal funding.

John E. Long has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas.  

amy.ashbridge Tue, 09/14/2021 - 14:10

Disaster Assistance Available to Qualified Pennsylvanians; FEMA Deploys DSA Teams to Six PA Counties

PHILADELPHIA –FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Pennsylvania to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe wind and flooding due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida from August 31 - September 5, 2021. Individual Assistance (IA), to individuals and households for emergency work and the repair or replacement of homes damaged by Ida’s remnants throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania is available to qualified residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York Counties.

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-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing and speech impaired. Operators can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

“Assistance from FEMA can help individuals and households affected by a disaster take care of necessary expenses and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance,” said MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3’s Regional Administrator. “FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Teams are currently deployed to communities throughout those counties to provide additional assistance in accessing and applying for disaster assistance. Working closely with local government officials as well as community and faith-based organizations, these teams are raising awareness about the availability of FEMA’s Individual Assistance support.”

FEMA DSA can help with:

• Submitting applications for federal assistance.
• Check the status of an application already in the system or make minor changes to applications.
• Provide civil rights and disability integration information to ensure equal access to FEMA programs.

“DSA Teams are here to lend additional, hands-on and personal help,” added Tierney. “Too many disaster survivors face barriers in accessing assistance programs and resources to support their recovery. FEMA helps people during their worst days, and that starts with recognizing the disproportionate effects disasters have on marginalized and underserved communities. Through our DSA Teams, FEMA helps meet disaster survivors where they are, in the communities most impacted, and in support of individuals who may need the most assistance in recovering.”

Residents should be aware that FEMA DSA staff will be wearing FEMA attire and will have appropriate federal identification. Individuals who have submitted damage reports with their municipality or county through online assessment tools, will still need to begin a new case and file information with FEMA.

Additionally, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance, for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term life and property from natural hazards, is available on a cost-sharing basis, to all areas in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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

FEMA’s disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

 

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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, 09/14/2021 - 13:35

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Chester

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), jointly operated by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will open in Chester on Tuesday, Sept.  13. The DRC will offer information on available resources to homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage to their property from the Dixie Fire.

The Chester DRC will be located at:

Almanor Recreation Center, 101 Meadowbrook Loop, Chester, CA 96020

Open 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., seven days a week

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting the DRC, 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. Multi-lingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service.

The DRC will be accessible for individuals with disabilities and have 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.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged primary residence
• Description of the damage
• Information about insurance coverage
• A current contact telephone number and address where they can receive mail
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

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, 2021.

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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 Tue, 09/14/2021 - 00:01

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Arizona to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from July 22-24, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Apache, Coconino and Navajo counties.

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

Benigno Bern Ruiz 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.

zella.campbell Mon, 09/13/2021 - 23:30

Hurricane Ida Survivors: Take Precautions Ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA wants to remind Louisiana residents and survivors of Hurricane Ida to take precautions ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm may bring heavy rains and flash flooding, in addition to strong wind gusts and storm surge. Keep in mind that storm track, size, intensity and direction can change. Areas far from the storm’s center can experience effects such as flooding, intense rainfall and heavy winds.

Stay alert to weather warnings, monitor your local news for updates and listen to your local officials. Please be safe and watch for emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications on evacuations.

Visit getagameplan.org, Ready.gov or Listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe. Download the free FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

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, 09/13/2021 - 20:29

Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Disaster Workers Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Disaster Workers

ATLANTA – Survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud, scams or identity theft. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

Survivors should keep the following information in mind while FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials are on the ground.

• Don’t trust anyone who asks for money. Federal and local disaster workers do not ask for or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

• Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for a large cash deposit or other payments in full.

 

• Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. The person might ask for your Social Security number and income or banking information. FEMA representatives will have a laminated badge and your FEMA application number.

 

• Protect the privacy of your nine-digit FEMA case/application number. Legitimate FEMA housing inspectors will NOT ask for this information.

 

• Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

 

Fraudulent building contractors

• Use licensed or verified local contractors with reliable references.

 

• To find licensed, certified North Carolina contractors, check the state’s licensing board at nclbgc.org/license-search/.

 

• Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs in advance.

 

• Demand that contractors detail the job you expect them to do and ask them to give you a written estimate.

 

Report the Scam. Reporting helps protect others. Based on the type of scam you may see, contact the appropriate agency.

• If you believe you or a loved one are the victim of a scam or identity theft, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department, or contact the North Carolina Department of Justice online at ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/ or toll-free by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM .
• If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at: Email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, Fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005 Washington, DC 20472-3005
• If someone is using your personal information to open new accounts, make a purchase or get a tax refund, report it at IdentityTheft.gov.

 

• You can file a complaint with the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors if you have been scammed or have a dispute with a business regarding a transaction.

 

• Reporting to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker can help others become aware of scams in your local area.

For more information on North Carolina’s disaster recovery, visit www.ncdps.gov/ and www.fema.gov/disaster/4617. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

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

brianasummer.fenton Mon, 09/13/2021 - 20:16

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.089 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

6,380

$25,481,088

3,681

ALASKA

150

$425,535

75

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$9,000

Less than 10

ARIZONA

4,682

$14,224,568

2,756

ARKANSAS

2,914

$10,858,180

1,702

CALIFORNIA

27,948

$108,268,237

16,593

COLORADO

2,148

$7,352,857

1,301

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,211

$15,150,629

2,176

DELAWARE

828

$2,972,062

469

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

522

$1,881,198

276

FLORIDA

17,560

$51,839,867

9,132

GEORGIA

10,524

$43,014,906

6,189

GUAM

14

$51,162

Less than 10

HAWAII

281

$854,056

144

IDAHO

602

$1,848,074

322

ILLINOIS

11,318

$49,139,206

7,165

INDIANA

4,774

$21,377,122

3,039

IOWA

2,343

$11,119,664

1,548

KANSAS

2,289

$9,623,864

1,465

KENTUCKY

3,701

$16,730,137

2,329

LOUISIANA

5,173

$21,138,494

3,069

MAINE

366

$1,115,274

203

MARYLAND

5,281

$22,080,896

3,269

MASSACHUSETTS

5,387

$24,484,735

3,509

MICHIGAN

9,094

$35,935,084

5,873

MINNESOTA

2,625

$12,496,288

1,804

MISSISSIPPI

4,481

$17,388,500

2,564

MISSOURI

5,221

$20,224,789

3,195

MONTANA

497

$1,284,458

246

NEBRASKA

1,176

$5,453,680

764

NEVADA

2,421

$7,057,964

1,275

NEW HAMPSHIRE

641

$2,486,479

412

NEW JERSEY

11,245

$49,062,867

7,049

NEW MEXICO

1,510

$3,957,403

767

NEW YORK

24,508

$99,961,662

14,385

NORTH CAROLINA

8,265

$33,662,408

5,043

NORTH DAKOTA

643

$2,797,135

374

OHIO

9,189

$39,935,037

6,163

OKLAHOMA

3,896

$15,887,386

2,466

OREGON

874

$2,531,224

477

PENNSYLVANIA

12,128

$53,414,515

8,087

PUERTO RICO

1,232

$2,187,025

601

RHODE ISLAND

1,097

$4,252,117

615

SOUTH CAROLINA

5,710

$24,571,831

3,529

SOUTH DAKOTA

683

$3,109,737

422

TENNESSEE

6,847

$29,941,562

4,330

TEXAS

25,000

$99,918,374

15,227

U, S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

29

$85,194

14

UTAH

1,082

$4,760,734

676

VERMONT

132

$546,315

91

VIRGINIA

5,897

$25,120,738

3,747

WASHINGTON

1,878

$5,765,902

1,041

WEST VIRGINIA

1,441

$5,369,036

790

WISCONSIN

4,218

$18,509,117

2,816

WYOMING

271

$982,138

170

 

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, 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 Mon, 09/13/2021 - 18:28

Survivors Beware! Fraud, Scams Flourish After Disasters

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — After a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. Federal and state emergency management officials urge residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity.

When a disaster strikes, unscrupulous people may try to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster-aid workers or even as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications.

Common post-disaster fraud practices include:

Fake offers of state or federal aid: Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) personnel never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in completing applications.

Phony housing inspectors: When a disaster occurs, applicants may be vulnerable to phony housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA to inspect damage. Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge. All FEMA personnel and contractors will have official laminated photo identification. Housing inspectors have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number. Field inspectors may use different types of communication methods to contact applicants. Inspectors may be calling from issued phones or personal cell phones, so applicants may receive calls from different area codes. Inspectors do not request money to complete an inspection. They can use phone calls, text messages, and emails. Inspectors can and will use any contact information the applicant provided in their application.

There may be occasions when a FEMA representative must contact you to verify personal data. You should request a FEMA identification number (or FEMA registration number) from the caller.  If you are unsure of the caller’s identification or you are suspicious of someone who says they’re a housing inspector sent by FEMA, call the FEMA Hotline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Central Time.

Phony government workers: You may be contacted by scam artists posing as disaster workers who are seeking money for services. Federal, state, and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Nor will federal disaster employees promise a disaster grant.

Fraudulent charitable solicitations: A list of reputable charities that are approved by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance is available at Give.Org. Criminals exploit survivors by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.

The Alliance advises, “do not respond to unsolicited emails, watch out for pushy telemarketers and look out for fake charities that sound real by using similar names.” For more information about avoiding charitable giving scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

Rental listing scams: The Federal Trade Commission has information on how rental-listing scams work. For instance, scammers know that finding the right apartment or vacation rental can be hard work, and a seemingly good deal is hard to pass up. Learn more 

Beware of unlicensed/uninsured contractors/phony contractors: Often after a disaster, individuals will represent themselves as legitimate contractors.  Ask for references, be cautious about advanced payments, make sure they are licensed and obtain the proper permits.

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, or abuse, you can report these tips - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov.

If you believe you or a loved one has become a victim of a scam or identity theft, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department, or contact the office of the New York Attorney General:

• Consumer Protection Hotline, 800-697-1220
• Division of Consumer Protection
• File a Consumer Complaint

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

For referrals to agencies that support community specific need, contact your nearest 211 counts center at https://www.211nys.org/contact-us.  In NYC call 311 for outlying area, 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.

 

zella.campbell Mon, 09/13/2021 - 17:11

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of California to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from Aug. 14 and continuing.

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

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

Andrew Grant 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 Mon, 09/13/2021 - 14:37

FEMA Hosts Twitter Spaces National Preparedness Month Chat

PHILADELPHIA – September is National Preparedness Month and FEMA is bringing individuals and community partners together via Twitter Spaces to talk about how to prepare to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your communities.

On Monday September 13, 2021 at 3:00pm ET, individuals, community stakeholders and government agency partners are invited to join FEMA’s Region 3, Region 4, Region 8, and Region 10 subject matter experts in individual and community preparedness, disability integration, tribal affairs, mitigation, and flood insurance. FEMA emergency managers and preparedness professionals will be discussing and answering important questions related to emergencies and how to prepare. Participants can interact, and tweet questions for our experts using the hashtag #ASpaceToPrepare.

Every day, FEMA and our State, Local, Tribal and Territorial partners take steps to help people and communities to be more prepared by developing the capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all threats and hazards. Whether we face risks related to earthquakes, cyberattacks or chemical spills, our goal is shared: safety and resilience.

“Experience tells us that when the whole community comes together to tackle a challenge, and everyone plays a role, the end result is more effective,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Everyone, not just the government, can be involved in preparedness efforts and contribute to building more ready and resilient communities.”

Tierney emphasized the proactive steps necessary to ensure preparedness for those with access and functional needs, “We know that disasters disproportionally impact those with disabilities, older adults, families with young children and those with limited English proficiency. FEMA’s lessons learned and best practices can be invaluable resources for anyone with access and functional needs, their family, and support team members.”

Follow @FEMARegion3, @FEMARegion4, @FEMARegion8, and @FEMARegion10 to be notified when the Space is live. Or follow the link below to access the chat. This event is accessible to those who are hard of hearing with live captioning.

Link to Chat: https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1OdJrVDWkaAJX

 

National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about steps individuals, families and communities can take to be ready for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is Prepare to Protect and highlights how preparing for disaster helps protect everyone you love.

Each week in September, the campaign focuses on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families, and communities.

 

FEMA’s Weekly themes of National Preparedness Month include:

Week 2: Sept. 5-11 Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Week 3: Sept. 12-18 Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

Natural disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. Preparing for them shouldn’t wait either. Start today by signing up for alerts, safe-guarding important documents, and taking other low cost and no cost preparedness actions to lessen the impact of disasters and emergencies for you and your family.

Week 4: Sept. 19-25 Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

Tierney added, “Preparing for disasters simply makes sense, they can happen anywhere and at any time. Here at FEMA, we see this reality unfold often and we understand what is at stake. An all too common remark from disaster survivors is wishing they had done more to prepare. That doesn’t have to be you. I encourage everyone, from individuals simply curious about what they can do, to representatives of community organizations and faith based organizations, to local first responders, and other preparedness stakeholders to participate in conversations like these to contribute to our family’s, our community’s and our nation’s readiness and resilience.”

For more information about this event and a Twitter Spaces FAQ visit: #ASpaceToPrepare National Preparedness Month Twitter Spaces Chat | FEMA.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.

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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 Mon, 09/13/2021 - 14:23

Spend Your FEMA Grant Wisely and Only on Disaster-Related Expenses

BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida begin receiving their FEMA disaster funds, it is important to use the money for specified disaster-related expenses.

FEMA helps survivors keep their spending on track by sending a determination letter stating what the funds are for and listing the ways the money can be used. Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses.

Some examples of approved expenses include:

• Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
• Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
• Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
• Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
• Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
• Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or bed from an occupied bedroom
• Increased childcare expenses

It’s important to read the determination letter carefully. Receipts for all expenses should be kept for at least three years, as disaster funding may be subject to audit. If you have spent the payment on anything other than its intended purpose, you may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.

In addition, it’s important for applicants to make sure that FEMA has their most up-to-date contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.

For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

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, 09/13/2021 - 13:55

Debris Pick-Up a Priority as Louisianans Recover from Hurricane Ida

BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana survivors start to clean up after Hurricane Ida, FEMA urges you to know the best approach for removing debris from your property. You shouldn’t wait to clean up storm damage. Instead, start the clean-up process as soon as possible and document the damage with photos or videos.

Take care when cleaning up. Dangling power lines, flooding, reptiles, spiders and other hazards remain. Treat every wire as a live wire; do not touch loose or dangling wires or wires on the ground. Do not drive over wires. Instead, reach out to your utility company to make them aware of the issue. Do not pile debris on or near utility boxes or thruways. If trees and other debris have fallen on your private property, be sure to check with your insurance agent to determine if tree damage is covered by your policy.

As you clean up, be sure to keep in mind the following information:

• Due to the magnitude of the damage from Ida, you can move debris from your private property to public rights-of-way for pick up and removal by local governments for a limited time. Debris removal from private property is generally the responsibility of the property owner, just as before the hurricane.
• Follow guidance from your local officials when placing debris for collection. Separate debris into six categories when disposing along the curb:
  • Electronics, such as televisions, computers or phones.
  • Large appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves or dishwashers. Be sure to seal or secure the doors so that they are not accessible.
  • Hazardous waste, such as oil, batteries, pesticides, paint or cleaning supplies. If you suspect that materials contain lead-based paint, keep them moist or place the materials in plastic bags so that the paint does not become airborne.
  • Vegetative debris, such as tree branches, leaves or plants.
  • Construction debris, such as drywall, lumber, carpet or furniture; and
  • Household garbage, discarded food, paper or packaging.
• Place debris away from trees, poles or structures including fire hydrants and meters.
• Remove all water-damaged materials from your home and place curbside for pickup.
• Debris should not block the roadway.

Hurricane Ida left behind fallen trees, limbs and material from damaged buildings on private and public property. Workers are picking up debris deposited on streets, highways and curbsides.

The parishes eligible for debris removal include Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingstone, Orleans, Plaquemines, Point 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.

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 Sun, 09/12/2021 - 19:29

Here’s How to Speed Disaster Assistance

BROOKLYN, NY — State and federal officials who are helping New Yorkers recover from the Remnants of Hurricane Ida have some tips to speed disaster aid.

• Registering online is the fastest way to access FEMA assistance. Download the FEMA app or visit disasterassistance.gov. Not only can you register here, you can check the status of your claim, upload requested documents, and access FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids.
• You can also register by telephone calling 800-621-3362. Individuals who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362.  These toll-free telephone numbers are operating from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

You will need to have the following 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 damages and losses; and
• If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

• Remember, registering with voluntary agencies does not register you with FEMA.

• You should register for any uninsured and underinsured damage or losses resulting from the storm and flooding.  Your insurance coverage may not cover everything. However, FEMA disaster assistance, by law, cannot duplicate insurance coverage.

• Disaster assistance covers a wide range of losses. Along with rental assistance and assistance for home repairs, disaster-related losses include damaged or lost personal property that may include anything from a wheelchair to a major appliance.

• Stay in touch and keep appointments after you have registered for disaster assistance. A FEMA inspector will make an appointment to visit your home. Make every effort to be at the damaged property for the visit, and call if you need to change the appointment.

• Return all forms promptly. After registering, you may receive a request to fill out a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loan application. Fill it out and return the forms promptly or visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for SBA assistance. Even if you are not interested in a loan, complete the loan package and return it. Filling out the SBA application is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance; storm victims are not obligated to accept an SBA loan.  If referred, applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov

• If you have questions after registering you can review your case online or visit a Disaster Recovery Center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. If you have disaster aid questions, need help filling out an SBA loan, want to check on the status of your application, or need information on how to re-build better and stronger, you can talk with recovery specialists at a DRC.

 

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

For referrals to agencies that support community specific need, contact your nearest 211 counts center at https://www.211nys.org/contact-us. In NYC call 311 for outlying area, 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.

 

zella.campbell Sat, 09/11/2021 - 14:38

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ida from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York 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 Hurricane Ida.

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

E. Craig Levy, Sr. 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.

 

zella.campbell Sat, 09/11/2021 - 01:12

North Carolina Survivors Affected by Tropical Storm Fred Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

ATLANTA – Residents of Buncombe, Haywood, and Transylvania counties who were affected by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred from Aug. 16 – 18, 2021, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) to apply. The toll-free telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 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.

You can also apply by smartphone or tablet using the FEMA App, or at www.disasterassistance.gov. 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.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renter’s or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, along with other programs to assist those recovering from the flooding.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4617. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion4.

neily.chapman Fri, 09/10/2021 - 20:09

FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center Opens in Nevada County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) will open in Nevada County for survivors whose uninsured and underinsured primary residence was damaged or destroyed by the River Fire. Chicago Park Elementary School will host the MRIC for three days from Friday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 12. The MRIC will be staffed by FEMA personnel to assist with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

Friday, Sept. 10, Chicago Park Elementary School, 15725 Mt. Olive Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95945 │ 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 11 – Sunday, Sept. 12, Chicago Park Elementary School, 15725 Mt. Olive Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95945 │ 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting an MRIC, 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. Multi-lingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service. The registration deadline is Oct. 25, 2021.

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 direct deposit of funds.

The MRICs will be accessible for individuals with disabilities and accommodations can be made upon arrival, 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 Fri, 09/10/2021 - 15:56

‘Blue Roof’ Program Now Available in 25 Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors in all 25 Louisiana parishes eligible for Individual Assistance affected by Hurricane Ida can now sign up for temporary, fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until permanent repairs are made.

Operation Blue Roof, a free program managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with FEMA, has expanded its mission to the parishes designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. The Blue Roof service is available to homes that serve as a primary residence and to permanently-occupied rental properties.

The 25 parishes designated for Individual Assistance 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. 

To register for the Blue Roof Program, call 888-ROOF-BLU or 888-766-3258. There may be significant delays in reaching a specialist because of the large number of affected homes eligible for the Blue Roof Program. If your call goes directly to voicemail, hang up and try calling again. You may also visit BlueRoof.us

Carmen.Castro Fri, 09/10/2021 - 00:37

FEMA Defines Equity in its Mission of Making Programs More Accessible

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA announced its new equity definition to ensure alignment and coordinated progress across the agency. The definition clarifies how the agency addresses gaps, barriers and challenges experienced by vulnerable populations to ensure all survivors have access to disaster assistance.

The definition is a result of recently announced initiatives on how the agency is advancing equity. At FEMA, our definition of equity is: “The consistent and systematic fair, just and impartial treatment of all individuals.”

Leaders across the agency and emergency management community have voiced their support of this urgent work. Here’s what some of them had to say:

“The role and responsibility of emergency managers requires sensitivity to the needs of all disaster survivors and equitable and fair distribution of assistance to all those affected -- especially those disproportionally impacted. NEMA shares FEMA’s renewed commitment to equity in disaster response and remains a trusted partner in their mission to help people before, during and after a disaster strikes.” – Sima Merick, President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)

“Most disaster response and recovery operations are complex, but those without equity further exasperates those vulnerable populations that are traditionally marginalized. As the world’s premier leader in emergency management, FEMA is setting the bar high with the adoption of the equity definition as it seeks to ensure the removal of barriers in the delivery of programs and services we provide tribes, states, locals and territorial jurisdictions.” – Kevin Sligh, Adviser to the FEMA Administrator 

“FEMA helps people during their worst days, and that starts with recognizing the disproportionate effects disasters have on marginalized and underserved communities. Equity must be at the core of FEMA’s mission to ensure we can all be more resilient against disasters and quickly recover from them when they do happen.” – MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator

“The adoption of this definition is an explicit commitment by Administrator Criswell and the Biden Administration that FEMA works to ensure that all communities are treated in a fair, just and impartial manner. I am pleased that this commitment to equity will undergird the development of FEMA’s vision and strategy.” – Ramesh Kolluru, FEMA National Advisory Council Vision 2045 Subcommittee Chair

“FEMA is taking a much-needed step towards tackling the barriers that harm medically fragile and historically disenfranchised communities. As disasters become more extreme and more frequent, this is a step towards supporting all communities, especially those most harmed by these events.” – Nicolette Louissant, FEMA National Advisory Council Member

“Equity must be baked into the front end of the federal declaration process, not an afterthought. Critical to the process is for decision makers to be intentional in all phases of the disaster management cycle to minimize discriminatory actions to prevent undesired outcomes that plague underserved and marginalized communities.” – Warren D. Miller, FEMA National Advisory Council Equity Subcommittee Vice Chair

“Along with FEMA, the African-American FEMA Employee Resource Group remains steadfast in the implementation of accessible resources and services and will work with our colleagues to continue to advocate and move the needle forward in advancing our mission through an equity-focused approach.” – Vallee Bunting, African-American FEMA Employee Resource Group Chair

“Changes FEMA has made and will continue to make will benefit communities of color, individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, older adults, neighbors living in poverty -- including those who lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic -- communities that have been historically marginalized.  When systemic wrongs are addressed, everybody wins.  A rising tide raises all sails.” – Jo Linda Johnson, Director, FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights & FEMA Equity Enterprise Steering Group Co-Chair

Our equity definition comes from Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, which requires agencies [to] assess equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability. And, integrating equity into everything we do is a key principle of FEMA’s 2021 Annual Planning Guidance.

To hear more about what partners from across the agency and the emergency management community are saying about FEMA’s initiative to advance equity, visit FEMA’s Twitter and Instagram pages. 

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 09/09/2021 - 22:00

Panama City, FL Strengthens Critical Infrastructure for Future Disasters

PENSACOLA, Fla – FEMA has approved grants of more than $4.7 million for two hazard mitigation projects for the city of Panama City to reduce its risk of critical facility failure during future disasters. Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the city after Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Millville Wastewater Treatment Plant: $2,653,956 for the purchase and installation of twin permanent generators to support the critical operations of the plant. They will be connected to the main electrical transfer system by a switchgear and an underground duct bank, which provide a protected pathway for electrical transmission and allow the city to provide continued service to the community during future power outages.

Sanitary Sewer Lift Stations: $2,052,265 for Phase One in a proposed project to provide flood protection and improvements to 13 sanitary sewer lift stations within the city, including surveying, engineering, design, plan preparation, permitting and the bidding for Phase Two approval. If approved, the project proposes different mitigation actions depending on the needs and assessment of each of the 13 sites to include relocation, elevation or strengthening against storm surge and wave-action hazards.

The HMGP provides funding to help communities eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage. Following a major disaster, a percentage of a state’s total federal recovery grants is calculated to help develop more resilient communities. Florida has an Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan that allows more funding to be available for post-disaster resilience projects. States with the enhanced plan receive HMGP funds based on 20% of their total estimated eligible federal disaster assistance.

Kimberly.Kipp Thu, 09/09/2021 - 19:32