FEMA approves $5.9 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved grants totaling $5,926,692 to reimburse recovery expenses in Florida for Hurricane Michael in 2018.

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

• Florida Department of Corrections: $2,228,169 for evacuating and relocating inmates to temporary facilities and work release centers from Oct. 7, 2018 to Oct. 11, 2019.
• Florida Department of Management Services: $1,585,045 for the costs of relocating Jackson County Sheriff's office and 911 essential emergency services, as well as making repairs and upgrades to the facility to make it operational.
• First United Methodist Church in Panama City: $2,113,478 for replacing and repairing the church’s sanctuary, learning center, great hall and offices.

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.

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

barbara.murien… Wed, 06/16/2021 - 15:44

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Robertson Draw Fire

DENVER – Early Wednesday morning, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Robertson Draw Fire burning in Carbon County, Montana near Red Lodge and Belfry.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Nancy Dragani approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request early this morning and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the Robertson Draw Fire was threatening 450 homes, which were under an evacuation order, as well as 312 buildings, infrastructure, utilities, and equipment in the area. The fire started on June 13 and has burned more than 10,000 acres.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. It is a reimbursable program. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

When there is an FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

minh.phan Wed, 06/16/2021 - 14:52

Vermont Receives $1.9 Million Federal Grant for Emergency Feeding During the Coronavirus Pandemic

REGION 1 – FEMA reimbursed the Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) $1,901,466 recently for the state’s Emergency Feeding Program during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

FEMA provided funds through a grant awarded by its Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program. The grant covered 100% of the Emergency Feeding Program’s eligible costs submitted by AHS from Jan. 1 through April 27 for work by the Vermont Foodbank (www.vtfoodbank.org), the largest hunger-relief organization in the state. FEMA’s PA Program reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response to and during recovery from a major disaster.

AHS contracted with Barre-based, Vermont Foodbank for emergency feeding services to Vermonters in need related to Farmers to Families Food Box Programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Vermont. The costs incurred in this project were above and beyond what USDA would cover. The foodbank distributed food boxes to local distribution centers.

“We are pleased to provide funds to reimburse the State of Vermont for the tremendous efforts it took to help feed Vermonters during the coronavirus pandemic this year,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations throughout New England. “We have reimbursed our valued state partner more than $5.8 million for its Emergency Feeding Program this year.”

This is the third PA Program grant in 2021 for Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program. On May 18, FEMA announced a $1,947,350 grant to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD). That grant covered the innovative Vermont Everyone Eats (VEE) Program, which provided nutritious meals to high-risk populations impacted by COVID-19 throughout Vermont from March 15 through April 11. Previously, the agency announced a $1,972,612 grant to ACCD which covered the VEE Program for high-risk populations impacted by coronavirus statewide from Jan. 18 through March 14.

As of June 16, FEMA’s PA Program obligated more than $232 million in 115 projects related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Vermont.

Eligible applicants for the PA Program include states, commonwealths, localities, certain types of private non-profit organizations, federally recognized Tribes and territories. Additional information about the program is at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/16/2021 - 14:39

$2.3 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Duplin County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $2,370,881 to reimburse the state’s Department of Transportation for the repair of roads in Duplin County damaged by Hurricane Florence in 2018.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program partially reimburses the costs for labor and materials, including stone and asphalt repairs to road surfaces, replacement of culverts and restoration of embankments.

FEMA’s share of the cost for this project is $1,778,161 and the state’s share is $592,720. FEMA covers 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is paid for by the state. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Florence, visit ncdps.gov/Florence and FEMA.gov/Disaster/4393. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4

neily.chapman Wed, 06/16/2021 - 14:04

FEMA, State approve $29.6 million for Baldwin County debris removal after Hurricane Sally ​​​​​FEMA,State approve $29.6 million for Baldwin County debris removal after Hurricane Sally

CLANTON, Ala -- FEMA and the State of Alabama have approved $29,636,980 to reimburse Baldwin County for debris removal after Hurricane Sally.

During the incident period, Hurricane Sally made landfall with hurricane force winds, and heavy rain, which deposited significant debris throughout the state of Alabama. This created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public. In response to the event, the county utilized contracts and forced labor account labor and equipment to conduct the debris removal and monitoring in the heavily impacted areas.  The debris removal operations collected approximately 1,950,831 cubic yards of vegetative debris and 137,067 CY of construction and demolition debris, from county roads, right-of-ways and public property throughout the jurisdiction. The applicant contractors, removed the debris to thirteen temporary staging areas, mulched, with final removal to four permitted landfill facilities.

This work for debris removal was performed during the period of 11/1/2020 through 12/31/2020.

FEMA’s share of the grant is 75 percent, or $21,968,161 with the remainder funded by state and local and county governments. This in addition to the $32 million already obligated to the county totals $54.4 million in FEMA funds to reimburse the county for their eligible disaster related expenses.

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 recover from major disasters or emergencies. 

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.  Applicants work directly with FEMA to identify damages, develop project worksheets, develop scopes of work, and provide required documentation to validate eligible damages and costs. Once the applicant provides the required documentation and it is validated FEMA can begin dispersing funds. Following approvals by FEMA and AEMA, FEMA obligates funding for the project.

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

brianasummer.fenton Wed, 06/16/2021 - 14:03

$2.4 Million Awarded to Reimburse Repair Costs for Sampson County Roads Damaged by Hurricane Florence

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $2,480,566 to reimburse the state’s Department of Transportation for the repair of roads in Sampson County damaged by Hurricane Florence in 2018.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program partially reimburses the costs for stone and asphalt repairs to road surfaces, as well as replacement of guardrails, headwalls, pipes and culverts and restoration of embankments.

FEMA’s share of the cost for this project is $1,860,424 and the state’s share is $620,142. FEMA covers 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is paid for by the state. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Florence, visit ncdps.gov/Florence and FEMA.gov/Disaster/4393. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

neily.chapman Wed, 06/16/2021 - 14:01

More Than $3.7 Million in Federal Grants Reimbursed to Boston Housing Authority and The City of Boston For Their Emergency Feeding Program

REGION 1 – FEMA and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency recently announced two federal grants for feeding Bostonians who experienced food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together, the two grants provided over $3.7 million reimbursing the Boston Housing Authority and the City of Boston for their emergency feeding programs. Both grants covered 100% of the eligible costs submitted to FEMA. The Boston Housing Authority is a public agency of the City of Boston.

A $1,773,736 grant was awarded to the Boston Housing Authority to help feed many vulnerable residents from Sept. 1, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021. The program provided prepared meals to qualified individuals and families, including seniors, low-income families and those social distancing and quarantining.

Boston Housing Authority officials envisioned this program, enrolled participants and oversaw the program. It was created for residents at more than 30 properties who were not being serviced by other meal programs. In partnership with City Fresh Foods, YMCA of Greater Boston, Commonwealth Kitchen and Haley House, prepared meals were distributed to participating families at designated sites. In this part of the program, about 10,000 meals were prepared and delivered per week at full capacity.

A $1,956,060 grant was awarded to the City for groceries bought and distributed to help feed thousands in need from Sept. 14 through Dec. 31, 2020. The program provided nutritious food every week to approved individuals and families in underserved populations.  About 3,000 households per week were served.

The city’s Age Strong Commission staff managed this program’s enrollment of individuals and families, maintained a database of all who received deliveries and detailed any follow-up required. Commission staff coordinated daily with partner About Fresh to purchase, package and deliver groceries.

Both projects were funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response to and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include commonwealths, states, federally recognized Tribal governments, local governments and certain private non-profit organizations.

These Public Assistance Program project applications were submitted by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. FEMA awarded funding for these projects directly to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, which worked directly with the applicants to ensure all terms and conditions of the awards were met before funds were disbursed.

“We are pleased to provide funds to help accomplish the mission of feeding Bostonians who were struggling during coronavirus pandemic,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations throughout New England. “We will continue to work closely with the City of Boston, the Boston Housing Authority, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as our shared efforts to respond to the pandemic continues.”

As of June 14, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program obligated more than $736.1 million in 293 projects related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts. Additional information about the program is at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

 

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/16/2021 - 13:33

FEMA Approves $16.6 Million for Water Distribution and Control Facilities

A portion of these funds will go towards projects in Culebra and Santa Isabel, while PRASA’s Central Laboratory advances in its construction

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded nearly $5 million for construction work at three important water distribution and control facilities. This obligation will repair 12 land irrigation pumps in Santa Isabel and a flood control channel in Culebra.

“These projects address issues of vital importance related to the safety and quality of drinking water consumed in Puerto Rico, the protection of a vulnerable population in the island municipality of Culebra, as well as investing in machinery that will allow to intensify production in the agricultural sector,” said Puerto Rico Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José G. Baquero.

Among the water control projects already underway, one of the most significant is the Central Laboratory of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), which is responsible for analyzing the purity of drinking water and providing the proper treatment of wastewater in Puerto Rico.

The Agency allocated close to $1 million to demolish the original structure that was devastated after Hurricane María, and to begin engineering studies and construct a new building, work that began earlier this year. Meanwhile, an additional $2.6 million was assigned to habilitate a temporary facility in the premises of the building in Caguas, so that the laboratory would remain operational.

“The proposed project consists of the design and construction of a new 47,500 square foot building, in compliance with Puerto Rico's new building codes. This laboratory will benefit all the Authority's customers, both residential and commercial. The Central Laboratory analyzes compliance parameters required by state and federal regulations,” said PRASA Executive President Doriel Pagán Crespo.

On the other hand, nearly $2.9 million was allocated to the Puerto Rico Land Authority (PRLA) to repair 12 irrigation systems that sustain the productive quality of agricultural land in the Santa Isabel valley. The ATPR is the guardian and administrator of over 85,000 acres of agricultural land in Puerto Rico.

One of the agricultural businesses benefiting from this allocation is a 1,200-acre farm that produces about 6,300 tons of mangos annually for the local market and for export to the United States and Europe. These funds will be used to replace the system’s pumps and filters, repair its electrical infrastructure and rehabilitate the building that houses the pumps. In addition, to avoid the effect of future damage, the obligation includes nearly $26,000 for mitigation upgrades, which will reinforce the building with stronger construction materials.

“Improving the Land Authority's irrigation system is going to have a great impact on our productions and is going to be of great benefit to the stability of the crops. For a farmer it is fundamental to improve the irrigation system,” said agronomist Petra Rivera of MS Mango Farm.

Likewise, in Culebra, an obligation of over $2.1 million will help repair and improve the Resaca Channel, an intermittent creek that was created to protect the airport and roads from flash floods. Built in 1950, the water channel is over a kilometer long and protects over 500 residents of the Villa Muñeco community of Barrio Flamenco.

“Being a small island, the airport is extremely important to sustain our economy, as well as to transport us quickly between islands, especially in emergency situations”, explained Ariel Vázquez, a businessowner and resident of the Villa Muñeco sector.

In addition to repairing and building the water channel – work that includes replacing part of the embankment and building concrete sidewalks – over $312,000 will be used to reinforce the structure with steel and increase the thickness of the retaining walls.

Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), said that these projects will address situations that for years have affected thousands of citizens. “At COR3 we will offer the necessary assistance in matters related to the development of these projects,” Laboy Rivera added.

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

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 06/16/2021 - 11:42

FEMA Awards Orange County $1.36 Million for Hurricane Irma Costs

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,363,158 for the State of Florida to help Orange County defray costs associated with Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the county for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm.

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.

barbara.murien… Tue, 06/15/2021 - 20:26

FEMA Announces 2021-2022 Youth Preparedness Council

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA announced the 2021–2022 Youth Preparedness Council members. FEMA selected nine new members to join six returning council members. Members are selected based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to increase levels of community resilience throughout the country.

FEMA created the council in 2012 to bring together diverse young leaders interested in strengthening disaster preparedness across the nation and within their communities.

The new 2021 council members are:

• Isaac Doll of Colorado.
• Aubrey Dockins of Florida.
• Miles Butler of Idaho.
• Beitris Boyreau-Millar of Maryland.
• Ranjana Ramesh of Massachusetts.
• Mirika Jambudi of New Jersey.
• Megan Cameron of New York.
• Amira Seay of Texas.
• Shivani Jayaprakasam of Washington.

The returning council members are:

• Nyl Aziaya of Alabama.
• Nico Bremeau of California.
• Devangana Rana of Illinois.
• Vishnu Iyer of Indiana.
• Hunter Tobey of Massachusetts.
• Amanda Hingorani of Nebraska.

The council supports FEMA’s commitment to build a culture of preparedness in the United States and provides an avenue to engage young people by considering their perspectives, feedback and opinions. Council members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects.

This year, each council member will participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit held virtually in late July. During this annual event, members will participate in online preparedness activities; learn from senior leaders in national preparedness; and engage with FEMA community preparedness staff who offer support and mentorship throughout their term.

Each year, 15 teens serve on this distinguished council. The next application cycle will open in early 2022. Teens in the eighth through 11th grades may apply online at https://community.fema.gov/applytoYPC.

To learn more about FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council, visit: http://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council. 

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 06/15/2021 - 19:39

Don’t Delay, Apply for FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program Today

PHILADELPHIA – The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly difficult for all Americans, but even more so for those who lost a loved one to the virus. The unexpected and sometimes sudden loss of a loved one has placed a heavy burden on many thousands of Americans.

FEMA is offering help through the establishment of the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program. This new program allows eligible funeral expenses to be reimbursed directly to the loved ones who incurred those expenses. Individuals who apply may receive up to $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 for multiple funerals that occurred within the same state or territory. The sooner people with eligible expenses begin their application, the sooner they can receive their reimbursement. “When people think of FEMA’s role in the COVID-19 response, they often think of the work we have done to get shots in arms. That is an important and ongoing mission, but there are other ways we offer support,” said FEMA Region 3 Acting Regional Administrator Janice Barlow. “Our hearts go out to those grieving the loss of a loved one to COVID-19. We hope that, through our Funeral Assistance Program, FEMA can help ease some of that burden.”

 

One of the most important steps for individuals interested in applying is to first understand the program’s eligibility and documentation requirements.

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:

• The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• The person applying on behalf of the deceased individual must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.

 

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to gather the following documentation and have it ready when you start your application:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

 

The program does reimburse eligible expenses; however, patience is encouraged upon submitting your application. It can take several weeks from the time all the necessary documentation has been collected for the funds to be disbursed. The best way to reduce the wait and speed up the process is to be prepared with all of the required paperwork when you start the process. After you apply, stay tuned for any communications from FEMA as there may be follow-up questions needed to continue processing the application.

How to Apply

Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA's representatives. Multilingual services will be available.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number

Applications began on April 12, 2021 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

If you use a relay service, such as your videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, please provide your specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact you, and you should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. We serve the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

amanda.hancher Tue, 06/15/2021 - 17:09

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance nears $280 million

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided more than $278 million to over 41,000 people for COVID-19-related funeral costs reimbursements.

The national average for an award is $6,756, as nearly 2,500 FEMA employees continue working with applicants to manually review every application, determining eligibility each week.

“Applications” in the below chart reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the process for assistance. Once an individual applies, FEMA sends a letter outlining the required documentation needed to process their application. The process to determine eligibility starts after an applicant submits all required documentation. FEMA developed a process to ensure applicants have ample time to collect and submit required documents for assistance. While some jurisdictions provide or amend death certificates in four to six weeks, others may take longer. FEMA will make calls and send additional letters reminding applicants of the required documents.

Please find below state-specific information:

State/Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

ALABAMA

4,974

$6,113,924

859

ALASKA

100

$60,834

10

AMERICAN SAMOA

4

$0

0

ARIZONA

3,648

$2,652,357

483

ARKANSAS

2,079

$2,711,798

416

CALIFORNIA

23,627

$25,840,240

3,861

COLORADO

1,585

$1,240,511

212

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

3

 $4,344

1

CONNECTICUT

2,724

$4,825,250

670

DELAWARE

658

$831,673

128

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

435

$623,395

87

FLORIDA

12,312

$14,959,365

2,582

GEORGIA

8,176

$9,074,164

1,286

GUAM

8

$20,436

3

HAWAII

213

$160,563

26

IDAHO

431

$474,678

84

ILLINOIS

9,126

$13,574,040

1,959

INDIANA

3,768

$3,708,440

517

IOWA

1,993

$3,043,548

406

KANSAS

1,815

$2,526,574

367

KENTUCKY

2,903

$3,035,654

418

LOUISIANA

4,067

$4,538,441

647

MAINE

255

$199,706

42

MARYLAND

4,321

$5,525,551

791

MASSACHUSETTS

4,494

$5,361,035

757

MICHIGAN

7,331

$7,927,704

1,265

MINNESOTA

2,063

$2,623,577

376

MISSISSIPPI

3,571

$3,490,917

493

MISSOURI

3,714

$3,981,271

579

MONTANA

370

$203,848

42

NEBRASKA

925

$1,662,347

227

NEVADA

1,855

$1,511,385

270

NEW HAMPSHIRE

511

$590,704

95

NEW JERSEY

9,482

$13,037,554

1,825

NEW MEXICO

1,192

$860,054

157

NEW YORK

20,431

$31,103,630

4,347

NORTH CAROLINA

6,388

$10,265,947

1,536

NORTH DAKOTA

543

$576,291

75

OHIO

7,464

$13,634,662

2,095

OKLAHOMA

3,073

$4,293,985

626

OREGON

628

$779,900

155

PENNSYLVANIA

10,046

$14,414,099

2,174

PUERTO RICO

909

$110,189

29

RHODE ISLAND

962

$1,957,193

275

SOUTH CAROLINA

4,521

$4,990,636

692

SOUTH DAKOTA

567

$939,870

122

TENNESSEE

5,383

$5,868,190

819

TEXAS

19,643

$29,403,331

4,385

UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

19

$21,549

3

UTAH

813

$1,207,861

174

VERMONT

110

$140,721

24

VIRGINIA

4,751

$6,014,766

887

WASHINGTON

1,384

$1,264,586

218

WEST VIRGINIA

1,112

$1,118,971

151

WISCONSIN

3,593

$3,205,225

459

WYOMING

187

$352.133

60

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

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. 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. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Those calling the COVID-19 funeral assistance helpline wait less than seven seconds before being routed to a live agent after listening to a recorded message. And once the applicant submits all required documentation, FEMA is able to make an eligibility determination in less than 30 days.

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

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 06/14/2021 - 20:51

FEMA Rental Assistance May Help Renters and Homeowners Who Need a Place to Stay

BATON ROUGE, La. – For Louisiana renters and homeowners who cannot live in their homes because of the severe storms, tornados and flooding in May, FEMA rental assistance may help. The initial rental award is for two months and may be reviewed for further assistance.

FEMA rental assistance is a temporary grant to survivors to pay for somewhere to live while they repair or rebuild their home. For renters, it may provide a solution while their lodging is under repair or while they look for a new place to rent.

Options include renting an apartment, home or travel trailer that can keep survivors near their jobs, schools, homes and places of worship. Housing is in short supply, so it may take time for survivors to find a suitable replacement home.

Funds can be used for security deposits, rent and the cost of essential utilities such as electricity, gas and water. They may not be used for to pay for cable or Internet.

Survivors who live in Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville or Lafayette parishes, follow these steps if your home is uninhabitable and you need a place to stay:

• File a claim with your insurance company. Your homeowners or renters insurance company will provide a settlement document that you will need to provide to FEMA. It may take time to get this document, so file your claim as soon as possible. Also, check with your insurance agent to see if your policy covers additional living expenses (ALE). ALE may pay for relocating to a temporary residence.
• Apply for FEMA assistance right away. If you have insurance, tell FEMA and submit your settlement documents for review once you receive them. FEMA cannot determine your final eligibility status until this information is complete. If your policy does not include ALE, or if you use up this coverage and you still cannot live in your home, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA. You can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA app or by calling the Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

A FEMA inspector may contact you to make an appointment to inspect the damage on the outside of the home and to record your information on any damage inside. Inspectors may look through windows to see visible damage but will not go inside.

Keep your receipts for three years to show how you spent FEMA grants. If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, you may have to repay FEMA and could lose eligibility for further federal assistance.

Extensions on rental assistance may be granted for three-month periods up to a maximum of 18 months from the date of the FEMA disaster declaration.

It is important to keep FEMA updated with your contact information and housing status. If you have any questions, you can always call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). 

For the latest information on the May 17-21 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4606. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Mon, 06/14/2021 - 19:26

FEMA Provides Additional Hazard Mitigation Funds to Help Homeowners Rebuild After Disasters

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is providing mitigation assistance to homeowners to help them rebuild their homes stronger following disaster damage, as part of the agency’s commitment to make communities stronger and increase resilience from the impacts of climate change. 

The additional funding will help eligible homeowners in areas covered by presidential disaster declarations repair their homes in ways that will reduce the likelihood of future disaster damage.

Homeowners who are approved for home repair assistance through the agency’s Individuals and Households Program may receive additional funds for several mitigation measures. Funding for mitigation measures will be awarded for owner-occupied primary residences with specific damaged items and causes of damage. This additional assistance is available for all disasters declared on or after May 26, 2021. FEMA will notify applicants if they have received mitigation funds as part of their assistance.

Because disasters can happen unexpectedly, taking steps to strengthen, repair and rebuild is vital for community and personal resilience. The following mitigation measures may now be covered for eligible applicants:

• Repairing a roof to withstand higher wind speed and help prevent water infiltration.
• Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage.
• Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid future flood damage.

These measures will allow homeowners to rebuild in ways that make their homes more resilient to severe weather events, reducing disaster suffering and the likelihood future federal assistance will be needed.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 06/14/2021 - 16:50

Nearly $1 Million Approved to Acquire Flood-Prone Properties in Harnett and Pender Counties

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $976,710 to help acquire, demolish and remove five residential structures in Harnett and Pender counties that were flooded after Tropical Storm Michael in 2018.

Four of the structures are located in the town of Linden and the city of Dunn in Harnett County. One property is in Currie, Pender County. All the properties have been subjected to repetitive flooding over the years. Once the structures are removed, the parcels will be converted to an open space. Purchase of the properties will also help the homeowners relocate to an area with no ongoing flood risks. 

“This is good news for the homeowners and those communities, but these mitigation projects will take time to complete,” said Steve McGugan, State Hazard Mitigation Officer. “The next step is for the state and local governments to procure a contractor, which may take several months. Once a contractor is selected, the property owners will be advised of the project timeline.”

FEMA’s share of the cost for the project in Harnett County is $513,285 with a cost to the state of $171,095. The federal share for the project in Pender County is $219,247 and the state’s share is $73,083. The federal share is reimbursed to the state which disburses the funds to local governments.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds projects that reduce risks from repetitive hazards. Hazard mitigation includes long-term solutions that help reduce or eliminate rebuilding costs from future disasters. This mitigation planning breaks the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction and repeated damage.

Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

neily.chapman Mon, 06/14/2021 - 16:20

Where to Go When FEMA Can’t Help? Just dial “2-1-1” Where to Go When FEMA Can’t Help? Just dial “2-1-1”

CLANTON, Ala. – FEMA disaster assistance provides grants to help eligible homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and essential disaster-related needs. But not all disaster survivors who applied for assistance are eligible; you may be eligible for some aid but may still have unmet needs.

Where can you turn for help? Who can you call? Where can you go?

In Alabama, 2-1-1 Connects Alabama is a shortcut to health and human services agencies that can provide help to individuals and families recovering from the devastation of the March 25-26 Severe Storms and Tornadoes.

By simply dialing “211,” those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected, to appropriate agencies and community organizations. 2-1-1 Connects Alabama works a bit like 911. Calls to 211 are routed to a call center. From there referral specialists use a database of resources from private/public health and human service agencies to match the callers’ needs or refer, them directly to an agency or organization that can help.

Below are just some of the services 211 Connects Alabama can help callers’ access:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
• Government information: city, county, state services and programs
• Health and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, maternal health, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation
• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after-school programs, Head Start program, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations: community involvement, volunteer centers, disaster relief
• Military and Family Support: programs that serve veterans and their families, community resources, mental health resources, counseling

2-1-1 Connects Alabama also provides incident specific information in coordination with local emergency services during times of disaster, including road closures and shelters. You can reach out to 2-1-1 Connects Alabama by dialing 211 on any telephone, or call or text 888-421-1266.

For more information about 2-1-1 Connects Alabama, or to chat with a 2-1-1 specialist, visit https://www.211connectsalabama.org

Additional Available Help from Other Government Agencies

Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL)

If you’ve lost your job, the Alabama Works site at https://labor.alabama.gov/online-services.aspx will take you through the simple, easy step-by-step process of filing for unemployment and finding a new job.

Internal Revenue Service

Special tax law provisions may help individual taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the March 25-26 Severe Storms and Tornadoes located in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, and Shelby counties. depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes.

Both individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can get a faster refund by claiming losses related to the disaster on the tax return for the previous year, usually by filing an amended return. You may deduct the loss or partial loss of your home, household goods, and motor vehicles from disaster damage on your individual federal income tax return. For more information, visit the www.irs.gov website.

Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)

Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network™ offers free support for eligible homeowners from HUD-approved housing advisors, including:

• Personalized recovery assessment and action plan
• Assistance with filing claims (i.e. FEMA, insurance, and SBA)
• Help work with mortgage providers on payment relief options
• Access to Clearpoint Project Porchlight disaster recovery tools and resources
• Web resources and ongoing guidance from experience disaster relief advisors

To learn more visit www.fanniemae.com/disaster-help-homeowners or call 877-833-1746.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline that offers year-round disaster crisis counseling. If you feel distressed because of the storms, you can use this free service. It’s toll-free, multilingual, crisis support, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpline staff provides counseling and support and can help you learn how to cope with common stress reactions. They can also provide information and referrals to local resources for follow-up care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the disaster, you are not alone, you can call the Disaster Distress helpline at 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. Press “2” for 24/7 bilingual support. To learn more, visit www.SAMHSA.gov

More Resources Available to Alabama Survivors Who Need Help

• Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ALVOAD). Alabama VOAD seeks to ensure the availability of needed resources and services and encourages the uniform, impartial delivery of resources and services to disaster survivors in Alabama. You can also email info@alvoad.org.

 

• You can get access for more disaster help and resources, as well as a personalized list of available assistance. (No login or personal information required.) Visit www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder/Household

For additional online resources, as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids, visit www.disasterassistance.gov and click “Information.”

For referrals to Alabama’s health and human service agencies as well as community organizations, dial 211, text 888-421-1266, or chat with referral specialists via www.211connectsalabama.org.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit ema.alabama.gov, AlabamaEMA Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4596 and www.facebook.com/fema.

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

brianasummer.fenton Mon, 06/14/2021 - 16:11

Get the Shot and Join America's National Month of Action

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 office in Chicago encourages everyone to mobilize during the National Month of Action and help get more people vaccinated by July 4th.

“We want everyone to be able to go into the summer with the peace of mind that they are protected and they don’t risk spreading the virus to others,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “We all have a part to play. Get everyone you know vaccinated so we can celebrate our country’s freedom and freedom from this terrible virus.”

Here are the things every American needs to know:

• It’s never been easier to get vaccinated. With more than 81,000 vaccination sites nationwide, walk-in options available and extended hours at many pharmacies in the month of June, people have options to get the vaccine when it’s convenient for them. Find your nearest vaccination site by using one of the many resources available: visit Vaccines.gov, text 4-3-8-8-2-9, or call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline (1-800-232-0233).
• Get your vaccine and get free stuff. Thousands of employers and businesses have already stepped up to support vaccination efforts, including by offering incentives for vaccinations. Visit Vaccines.gov/incentives.html to find a list of all the incentives available—including free childcare for individuals getting vaccinated, gift cards, free tickets to professional sports games and a chance to win free cruises, flights and gaming systems.
• You can help get family and friends vaccinated. Visit WeCanDoThis.HHS.gov to sign up and volunteer.

The vaccine works: as more people get vaccinated, the more cases and death rates fall. During this National Month of Action let’s work hard to influence more of our friends, families and neighbors to get vaccinated by July 4th. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine or where to find it, visit www.vaccines.gov.

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

troy.christensen Mon, 06/14/2021 - 15:18

FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Aug. 11 Test Messages Will be Sent to TVs and Radios Along with Select Cell Phones That Have Opted-in to Receive Test Messages

WASHINGTON – FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this summer.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests will begin at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

The Wireless Emergency Alert portion of the test will be directed only to consumer cell phones where the subscriber has opted-in to receive test messages. This will be the second nationwide WEA test, but the first nationwide WEA test on a consumer opt-in basis. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The Emergency Alert System portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the sixth nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test. The test is intended to ensure public safety officials have the methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public in times of an emergency or disaster.

 Major information about the test includes:

• The purpose of the Aug. 11 test is to ensure that the EAS and WEA systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems helps to assess the operational readiness of alerting infrastructure and to identify any needed technological and administrative improvements.
• The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code that alerts only phones that have opted in to receive WEA test messages. The EAS portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA-designated Primary Entry Point stations.
• In case the Aug. 11 test is canceled due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, a back-up testing date is scheduled for Aug. 25.

Anyone who has opted in to receive test messages on their wireless phone will receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide test:

• Beginning at 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones where the subscriber has opted-in to receive test messages, that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. Wireless phones should receive the message only once.
• For consumers who have opted in to receive WEA test messages, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Opt-in phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
• Launched in 2012, WEA is a tool for authorized government agencies to reach the American public during times of national emergency. It is used locally to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones.
• Alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas.
• To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration. The test handling code will allow FEMA to test this capability while limiting test messages to those phones that have opted in to receive test messages. 
• The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers (EAS participants).

Other important information about the EAS test:

• The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. No action is required.”
• Emergency alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies. EAS participants receive the alerts through IPAWS or through local “over-the-air” monitoring sources. EAS participants then disseminate the emergency alerts to affected communities

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Background: In 2007, FEMA began modernizing the nation’s public alert and warning system by integrating new technologies into the existing alert systems. The new system, known as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) became operational in 2011. Today, IPAWS supports nearly 1,600 state, local, tribal, territorial and federal users through a standardized message format. IPAWS enables public safety alerting authorities such as emergency managers, police, and fire departments to send the same alert and warning message over multiple communication pathways at the same time to citizens in harm’s way, helping to save lives. For more information on FEMA’s IPAWS, go to www.fema.gov/ipaws. For more preparedness information, go to www.ready.gov.

 

zella.campbell Fri, 06/11/2021 - 21:55

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight The Pack Creek Fire

DENVER – On Thursday, June 10, 2021, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Pack Creek Fire burning in San Juan County, Utah near Moab, and the community of Pack Creek.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Nancy Dragani approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) late yesterday after determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 110 homes in and around the community of Pack Creek, near Moab, population 5,336.  The fire was also threatening a high voltage line in the area. The National Weather Service had issued High Wind warnings for the area and mandatory evacuations had taken place for approximately 500 people. The fire started on June 9, 2021 and had burned in excess of 1,000 acres. 

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

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

 

anthony.mayne Fri, 06/11/2021 - 16:23

Don’t wait! West Virginia Residents Affected by Late February Flooding Should Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

CHARLESTON - If you suffered damage or losses from the Feb. 27 – March 4, 2021 flooding, you have less than six weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to register is Monday, July 19, 2021.

Individual disaster assistance grants for homeowners and renters are available to eligible residents of Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo and Wayne counties.

Here is how to register:

• Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By downloading the FEMA app

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

You should register even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but if you have losses insurance doesn’t cover, you may receive help from FEMA after your insurance claims are settled.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply by Monday, July 19, 2021.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4605. Learn more about Disaster Assistance at  www.disasterassistance.gov. For guidance about the Disaster Assistance application process at www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program#apply.

There are three ways for residents of Cabell, Kanawha, Mingo and Wayne counties who experienced damage in the Feb. 27-March 4, 2021 flooding to apply for FEMA Assistance. Housing Assistance includes Rental Assistance, Lodging Expense Reimbursement and Home Repair Assistance. Applications will be accepted through July 19, 2021. (FEMA graphic)

Graphic

 

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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 Fri, 06/11/2021 - 13:55