FEMA COVID-19 Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has achieved President Biden’s goal of administering 200 million shots in 100 days, seven days ahead of schedule.

FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines, ensuring everyone who wants a vaccine can get one. The agency continues working with state governments and partners to open additional federal community vaccination center pilot sites, which include federal support and supplemental vaccine allocations.

Currently, there are 34 active or temporarily closed federal community vaccination centers and 40 mobile pop-up centers in 28 states. Additionally, 10 mobile vaccination units are operating in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon, bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites. Two units in South Dakota are supporting the Indian Health Services mission to vaccinate tribal communities across the Great Plains.  These centers and units have administered more than 3.8 million vaccinations. Since March 30, mobile units have delivered more than 18,400 vaccines to individuals.

On April 21, President Biden announced a tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses to fully offset the cost of paid leave for employees to get vaccinated and recover from any after-effects of vaccination. This tax credit will apply to nearly half of all private sector employees in America.

The Internal Revenue Service created a fact sheet and the Department of the Treasury has created a snapshot to educate employers on how to claim the paid sick leave credit on their quarterly tax filings.

Funeral Assistance

On April 12, FEMA began processing applications for funeral assistance, providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

• • Multilingual services are available. The assistance line has helped applicants in nearly 40 languages.
  • It is important that FEMA is able to contact applicants, so callers should ensure their contact information is correct. Callers who use a relay service, videophone or captioned telephones should provide their specific number assigned to that service.

As of April 22, FEMA has received more than 130,000 funeral assistance applications and has awarded more than $16,000.

FEMA Seeks Public Comments on Future Program Delivery

On April 22, to meet requirements of three Executive Orders, FEMA released a request for information to ensure that its programs, regulations and policies contain necessary, properly tailored and up-to-date requirements that effectively achieve the agency’s mission in a manner that furthers the goals of advancing equity for all:

• • EO 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
  • EO 13990 on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.
  • EO 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

Feedback on the executive orders can be submitted through June 21 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, Docket ID: FEMA-2021-0011.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 04/23/2021 - 20:57

More Than $2.7 Million Awarded to Yale New Haven Hospital for COVID-19 Expenses

REGION 1 – Yale New Haven Hospital received $2,700,432 from FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program at a 100% reimbursement for the costs of COVID-19 emergency response.  The costs were associated with procedures conducted through April 30, 2020 under the major disaster declaration issued for the State of Connecticut.

The grant for the private nonprofit teaching hospital with two campuses covers reimbursements for the cost of a patient call-in center; a command center; facility expansion and disinfection; staff training, personal protective equipment; screening and testing sites; specimen-collection points; emergency transport; rental of beds and stretchers; disseminating public information; meals for employees; and security.

“Yale New Haven Hospital is the largest acute care provider in southern Connecticut and the primary teaching hospital for Yale School of Medicine,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We and our partners in the state of Connecticut are thankful the hospital took these actions to save many lives.”

FEMA’s PA Program obligated more than $19.6 million in 164 projects related to the pandemic in Connecticut, as of April 15. 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 Fri, 04/23/2021 - 20:52

FEMA Focuses on Equitable Vaccination Availability in Southern Colorado

DENVER – In keeping with the foundation of FEMA’s mission to help people, the federal vaccination site in Pueblo is expanding its efforts.  In addition to the main facility at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, temporary pop-up locations will be set up to reach more individuals. Pre-scheduling appointments are encouraged but not necessary, walk up service is available at these locations. This effort is intended to increase vaccination opportunities and help ensure equitable vaccine access to residents of Pueblo and surrounding communities.

Focused outreach includes working with Pueblo County School Districts 60 and 70 to bring vaccination clinics to schools within their footprint. This outreach made vaccinations available for students age 16 and up, parents, guardians and others in the community to receive the vaccine at a more convenient time and place. The first two events were held at Pueblo West and Rye High Schools on April 20 and 21.

"This is a busy time of year, especially for students," said Nancy Dragani, acting Regional Administrator. “Collaborating with school districts and other partners to bring vaccination clinics to students and neighborhoods is one more way we are making vaccines available to everyone.”

In addition to several schools in the area, an upcoming event is planned at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.  More events are being scheduled at schools, churches, and community centers across the Pueblo area.

This site is the only federal pilot site in the State of Colorado and FEMA Region 8.  It includes an Army medical team and other support units.

anthony.mayne Fri, 04/23/2021 - 20:21

FEMA Seeks Public Comments On Future Program Delivery

WASHINGTON - - FEMA is seeking public comments on how the agency’s programs deal with climate change and underserved communities and populations.

Earlier this year, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. released three executive orders, 13985, 13990 and 14008, requiring agencies to assess existing programs and policies to determine the following:

• If agency programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits for people of color and other underserved groups.
• If additional agency actions are required to bolster resilience to climate change.
• If agency programs, policies and activities address the disproportionately high and adverse climate-related impacts on disadvantaged communities.

In seeking input, FEMA posted in the Federal Register a Request for Information (RFI)that contains a list of questions. The answers will assist FEMA in identifying specific programs, regulations and/or policies that may benefit from modification, streamlining, expansion or repeal to better address climate change and underserved communities and populations.

With the increasing severity and number of large-scale disasters in recent years, that may in part be from climate change, it is essential to reevaluate the agency’s programs. These efforts may help to reduce unnecessary barriers to participation and effectiveness, to serve all communities, to increase equity and to promote preparedness and resilience.

FEMA encourages public comment on and responses to these questions and seeks any other data commenters have that may be relevant to these review efforts. 

The type of feedback most useful to the agency identifies specific programs, regulations, information collections and/or policies that could benefit from reform. Additionally, feedback should refer to specific barriers to participation; address how to improve risk perception; offer actionable data; and specify viable alternatives to existing approaches that meet statutory obligations. 

To help the public and stakeholders understand how to submit feedback, FEMA will be hosting a series of webinars to explain the executive orders and the RFI process. These webinars will also explain the type of information needed to respond appropriately and will be announced in the coming days.

Feedback on the executive orders will be open through June 21, 2021. Comments may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, Docket ID: FEMA-2021-0011. Participants should follow the instructions for submitting comments.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/22/2021 - 21:16

Paulding County, Ohio Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Virtual Flood Map Information Open House on May 5, 2021, for communities in Paulding County. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

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

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

WHAT:             Paulding County—Virtual Flood Map Information Open House meeting

WHEN:            May 5, 2021, from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. ET WHERE:          Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom                          account.                           Meeting ID: 945 2672 7822, Password: 646957                           https://stantec.zoom.us/j/94526727822?pwd=bGZRNjhVOVE4eDZHQjc2YlkzRDd6dz09

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

        (301) 715-8592         (312) 626-6799         (646) 876-9923

Property owners, Realtors, lenders and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

The electronic version of materials from this meeting will be accessible to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please make your request at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill. Send an email with any reasonable accommodation request to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov.

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

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

troy.christensen Thu, 04/22/2021 - 20:46

FEMA is Supporting Several COVID-19 Vaccination Sites for Hampton Road Residents

Norfolk, Virginia — FEMA continues support to the vaccination mission in Hampton Roads with additional temporary clinics opening in the coming days to ensure access and equity in providing the essential COVID-19 vaccine.

St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church (April 24th and April 25th), Virginia Beach, VA

A clinic will be available at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church April 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday April 25th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. without an appointment. The church is located at 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd. Free Pfizer vaccines will be administered at the gymnasium and free onsite parking will be available. For more information: FEMA Ensures Equitable Access to Free COVID-19 Vaccine with Temporary Vaccination Site | FEMA.gov

First Baptist Church South Hill (April 26 - May 1), Chesapeake, VA

A clinic will be available at the First Baptist Church South Hill April 26 through May 1. Residents may receive their free Pfizer vaccine at this center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. without an appointment. The church is located at 3633 Galberry Road in Chesapeake, VA.

Those interested in confirming their appointment time in advance can do so at the following links:

• Monday, April 26, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill  
• Tuesday, April 27, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
• Wednesday, April 28, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
• Thursday, April 29, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill      
• Friday, April 30, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
• Saturday, May 1, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill

Gethsemane Baptist Church (April 26 - April 30), Newport News, VA

A clinic will be available at the Gethsemane Baptist Church April 26 through April 30. Residents may receive their free Pfizer vaccine at this center from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. without an appointment. The church is located at 5405 Roanoke Ave, Newport News, VA 23605.

Those interested in confirming their appointment time in advance can do so at the following links:

• 4/26      Monday, April 26, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church
• 4/27      Tuesday, April 27, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church
• 4/28      Wednesday, April 28, 2021-Gethsemane Baptist Church
• 4/29      Thursday, April 29, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church
• 4/30      Friday, April 30, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church

Military Circle Mall (April 21- 24, April 26- May 1), Norfolk, VA

The FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center located at Military Circle Mall be closed on Sunday, April 25. On Monday, April 26 residents can continue receiving their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the site through May 1 and second doses through May 22. The Military Circle Mall vaccination center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Visit COVID Vaccine Information | City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website for additional information.

All Hampton Roads residents over the age of 16 can are eligible to receive their free vaccine at the Military Circle Mall location and the offsite clinics. Individuals who are 16 or 17 will need to have a parent or guardian with them at the vaccination site in order to receive the vaccine.

Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.

For information on all available clinic visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or they call 1-877-829-4682.

For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.

 

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amanda.hancher Thu, 04/22/2021 - 20:21

FEMA COVID-19 Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues its push to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can get one, as the nation approaches President Biden’s goal of 200 million vaccinations in 100 days. FEMA continues partnering with state, local and tribal governments to open additional federal community vaccination center pilot sites, which include federal support and supplemental vaccine allocation.

FEMA helped deliver more than 3.7 million shots and is supporting 1,351 community vaccine centers across the country. Today, federal community vaccination center pilot centers are opening in Bessemer, Alabama; Tulsa, Oklahoma and Central Point, Oregon.

Additionally, FEMA mobile vaccination units continue bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites, delivering more than 16,000 vaccines to individuals to date. Ten mobile vaccination units are currently operating in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and South Dakota.

Find vaccine updates in your community and more information from your local health department to confirm if you can get a vaccine. You can find a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.Gov for detailed information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

FEMA remains committed to helping ease some of the financial stress created by the pandemic, providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. The agency has received more than 120,000 applications since the program launched last week.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Callers who use a relay service, videophone or captioned telephones should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA can contact applicants. Please note that phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

Additionally, the application period for $110 million in Emergency Food and Shelter Program supplemental funding is now open.  Nonprofits, faith-based, and government organizations that provide shelter, food, transportation, basic heath and first aid, COVID-19 testing and associated medical care needed during quarantine and isolation and other supportive services may apply.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/22/2021 - 16:16

FEMA approves $7.18 million for Bay District Schools Hurricane Michael recovery expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $7,184,574 to reimburse Bay District Schools for emergency protective measures resulting from Hurricane Michael.

The funds reimburse the district for the cost of inspections and emergency repairs to 42 buildings throughout the system, as well as water remediation to those facilities after the storm. Previously, FEMA awarded $355,464 for these costs.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. 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… Thu, 04/22/2021 - 15:32

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms from Feb. 11-19, 2021.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Moore, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Scott, Shelby and Smith counties.

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

Myra M. Shird has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/22/2021 - 15:15

FEMA Awards City of Jacksonville $2.45 Million for Hurricane Dorian Costs

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $2,453,528 for the State of Florida to help the City of Jacksonville defray the cost of emergency response associated with Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the city for labor, equipment, materials and contracts for the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. The funds will help pay for barricades, evacuations, security and the staffing of emergency operations centers.

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… Thu, 04/22/2021 - 13:34

FEMA Awards Over $6.2 Million for Ecotourism Facilities

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Environmental protection allows the population to enjoy nature, while contributing to their well-being and also indirectly promotes the creation of small business in the ecotourism industry. This positive cascade effect is how Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado, described the recent $6.2 million obligation to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) and the municipalities of Villalba and Aibonito for projects related to the enjoyment of the environment.

This award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) includes over $5.1 million for repairs at the Punta Santiago Vacation Center in Humacao, one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the eastern part of the island. The facility is located near Balneario Punta Santiago and the Efraín Archilla Humacao Nature Reserve, a 3,186-acre recreational park and a refuge for wildlife such as the tinglar, brown pelican and Puerto Rican boa. The award also includes funding to repair the Punta Santiago Aquatic Park.

For his part, Humacao Mayor Reinaldo Vargas said that the opening of this vacation center will have a positive impact on businesses in Punta Santiago, because of its tourism appeal. The monthly occupancy at the center was around 600 people and the DNER estimates that the economic loss after its closure is approximately $2.2 million.

“Sales will benefit, as well as the possible opening of new businesses and jobs. Bordering the Punta Santiago area is the Efraín Archilla Nature Reserve, which has several micro-businesses dedicated to recreation. These are local businesses dedicated to equipment rental, so they would directly benefit from the flow of visitors and tourists arriving to the area,” added the mayor.

Towards the central region of the island, another ecological recreation space that was approved over $420,800 in federal funding for repairs is the La Piedra Degetau observation deck, or mirador, as it is also known, and passive park in Aibonito. It has several wooden gazebos, among gardens, trees and an observation post.

Nearby, the municipality of Villalba was obligated over $121,300 to repair the municipality’s observation deck, a passive recreation area located at the top of Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range. At an altitude of 3,300 feet above sea level, the Mirador between Villalba and Orocovis has sports facilities, a children's play area, gazebos and a lookout point that provides views of the island's north and south coasts, the Atlantic Ocean, the North Karst area and Puerto Rico’s geographic center.

“These obligations of funds from FEMA will allow the reconstruction of safe and eco-friendly spaces that will boost the recovery of tourism in various regions of the island.  In addition, the projects will promote the socioeconomic development of Puerto Rico by fostering the creation of businesses that will result in new job opportunities. At COR3 we will assist in the processes related to each of these recovery projects,” said Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3).

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 Thu, 04/22/2021 - 12:12

FEMA Provides $1.2 Million to Southeastern Electric Cooperative

DENVER – FEMA has provided more than $1.2 million in additional Public Assistance funding to South Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued June 7, 2019. FEMA has provided a total of $51.8 million to South Dakota communities for that disaster.

The $1.2 million was provided to the Southeastern Electric Cooperative to complete repairs to bring the damaged and destroyed parts of the electric distribution system back to their pre-disaster design, function, and capacity.

The funding is provided through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program. which reimburses state, tribal, local and certain non-profit agencies for a portion of the repair and rebuilding of public infrastructure damaged as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster.

The program provides at least a 75-percent funding share for eligible costs. Remaining costs are the responsibility of the state and local applicants for assistance.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Wed, 04/21/2021 - 17:53

FEMA Provides an Additional $57.9 Million to Colorado For COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has provided more than $57.9 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $578.9 million for the Colorado COVID-19 response to date.

The $57.9 million was provided to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for administering and managing the state vaccination program’s costs and contracts.

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

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

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Wed, 04/21/2021 - 17:52

FEMA Ensures Equitable Access to Free COVID-19 Vaccine with Temporary Vaccination Site

Norfolk, Virginia — To ensure all Hampton Roads residents have equal access to the free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, FEMA is opening a temporary vaccination center at St. Gregory’s the Great Catholic Church on April 24 and 25. This clinic will open for a limited time only and residents can get their shot there without an appointment.

Those who want to receive their vaccine must bring a valid ID. If no ID is available, they may present a document that provides proof of name. Anyone 16 years or older may visit the temporary clinic at the following location.

In addition, residents can visit the Community Vaccination Center at Military Circle Mall any day of the week from 9 am. to 7 p.m. for their free vaccine.

All community members are welcome at the vaccination center. Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.

Individuals who are 16 or 17 will need to have a parent or guardian with them at the vaccination site in order to receive the vaccine.

Those interested in confirming their appointment time in advance can do so at the following links:

• Directly book an appointment for Saturday here: https://cw2-virginia-production.herokuapp.com/reg/1622958602
• Directly book an appointment for Sunday here: https://cw2-virginia-production.herokuapp.com/reg/2261605492

For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.

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amanda.hancher Wed, 04/21/2021 - 13:14

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the State of Delaware

Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the Salem-Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations

DELAWARE – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Salem-Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.  The exercise will occur during the week of April 26, 2021 to assess the ability of the State of Delaware to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

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

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions.  The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise. FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on April 30, 2021.  Due to the Public Health Emergency the meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom.  Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA.  Access to the public meeting is provided below:

ZoomGov Meeting

https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1612362580

Meeting ID: 161 236 2580

Passcode: 993595

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

 

Janice P. Barlow

Acting Regional Administrator

FEMA Region 3

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA  19106

 

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

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

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

 

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

amanda.hancher Tue, 04/20/2021 - 21:04

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Columbia County

​​​​​FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around April 21, 2021. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your municipality’s floodplain administrator (FPA). Email Eric C. Stahley, Resilience Officer at Columbia County, if you need assistance finding your local FPA: estahley@columbiapa.org. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/0Pq0ib.  

Note that the preliminary maps do not reflect the map changes associated with the accreditation of the Autoneum/Windsor Levee System in the Town of Bloomsburg. These revisions may be viewed in the Letter of Map Revision Determination Document available at https://map1.msc.fema.gov/mipdata/20-03-1776P-420339.pdf?LOC=bc71f40647190c1cb75ba82e6b340095. The revisions will become effective after the appeal period is complete and FEMA has resolved any appeals.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Columbia County Flood Mapping Milestones

• July 10, 2019 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• Aug. 28, 2021 – Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate map released.
• On or Around April 21, 2021 –Appeal Period starts.
• June 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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

amanda.hancher Tue, 04/20/2021 - 20:56

FEMA Issues Public Notice for 45 Kentucky Counties

ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is advising the public of its intent to reimburse eligible applicants for eligible costs to repair or replace public facilities damaged by severe winter storms, landslides, and mudslides that occurred during the incident period Feb. 8–19, 2021, under the disaster declaration FEMA DR-4592-KY.

Detailed information is located in the public notice now posted on the FEMA webpage at: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4592-ky-public-notice-001  and on the Kentucky Emergency Management website at: https://kyem.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

These counties have been designated as adversely affected by the disaster and eligible for federal Public Assistance: Bath, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nelson, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe. All areas within the Commonwealth of Kentucky are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

This notice describes proposed activities that may adversely affect historic properties and activities and critical actions that may affect floodplains or wetlands or that may result in continuing vulnerability to flood damage. FEMA has determined that for certain types of facilities, there are normally no alternatives to restoration in the floodplain or wetland. These are facilities that meet all of the following criteria: 1) FEMA’s estimate of the cost of repairs is less than 50% of the cost to replace the entire facility and is less than $100,000; 2) the facility is not located in a floodway; 3) the facility has not sustained major structural damage in a previous Presidentially declared flooding disaster or emergency; and 4) the facility is not critical.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

As noted, this may be the only public notice regarding the above-described actions under the PA and HMGP programs. Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, DR-4592 KY, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, or by emailing to FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Comments should be sent in writing to John Brogan, Federal Coordinating Officer, at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.

neily.chapman Tue, 04/20/2021 - 17:00

Addressing Access and Functional Needs for Oklahoma Disaster Survivors

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahomans who have access and functional needs and require specialized assistance should stay in touch with FEMA. Applicants who have not received a decision on their federal assistance from the February winter storms should contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

Individuals having access and functional needs either temporarily or permanently may include, but are not limited to, individuals with developmental, visual, or mobility disabilities, people who are hard-of-hearing, people who are deaf, people who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary language, people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions, aging populations, infants and young children, women in late stages of pregnancy, people without transportation, and people that do not speak English as their primary language.

To find out the status of your application, please call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.

FEMA is committed to helping all survivors affected by the storms and wants to ensure that individuals who have access and functional needs receive lawful and equal assistance before, during and after a disaster.

Survivors in 16 Oklahoma counties are eligible for federal assistance. The counties are Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Comanche, Cotton, Hughes, Jefferson, Le Flore, McIntosh, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Stephens, Tulsa and Wagoner.

If you have not applied for assistance, the deadline to apply is now May 25, 2021.

If you need a reasonable accommodation or assistance filling out your FEMA application, please call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service.

To register online, visit http://www.disasterassistance.gov.

If you have not applied for federal assistance, pay special attention to question number 24 about people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Answer "yes" to this question if you have a disability or access and functional needs. If you have applied for federal assistance and answered “yes” to question 24 on your application and have not been contacted by a FEMA representative, please call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

Answering “yes” is the best way to note any additional disability-related losses and/or needs such as medical support assistance, durable medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology that was lost or damaged because of the disaster. (Examples include wheelchair, scooter, walker, CPAP machine, hearing aids, eyeglasses and screen reader.)

Answering “yes” to this question will also help to identify other services for which applicants may be eligible to receive reimbursement. This video will assist you with question 24:  Answering Yes to the Disability Question When Registering for Assistance.

Carmen.Castro Tue, 04/20/2021 - 14:20

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Rincón

RINCÓN, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is available for survivors in Rincón whose homes or businesses were affected by the 2020 earthquakes. The DRC will open on Tuesday, April. 20, 2021 at 8 a.m. and is located in the Ventana al Mar- Salón Glamour, at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Avenue. Survivors can now apply in person for assistance and submit documents for their FEMA assistance applications.

At the DRC, survivors will find representatives from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, along with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) specialists.

Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, face coverings are required for entry and service.

Survivors can apply or update their application in the following ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

• Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online. If you have an Apple device: Text APPLE to 43362. For those with an Android device: Text ANDROID to 43362. For more information go to: www.fema.gov/mobile-app.

• Survivors can request any necessary reasonable accommodation. People who are deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to use the VRS or Video Relay Service.

For more information on recovery from these floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 04/20/2021 - 12:15

FEMA COVID-19 Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, while also offering services to help those most affected by the pandemic.

Funeral Assistance 

FEMA has received more than 101,000 applications for funeral assistance since the program launched last week. The agency is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are also available. To help speed the process, the agency has 5,000 phone agents available and is training additional staff to support the large call volume.  Callers who use a relay service, videophone or captioned telephones should provide their specific number assigned to that service.

FEMA will not contact anyone until they have called FEMA or have applied for assistance. Applicants should not disclose information such as the name, birth date or social security number of any deceased family member to any unsolicited telephone calls or e-mails from anyone claiming to be a federal employee or from FEMA. It is important that FEMA can contact applicants after they begin the application process by phone. Please note that phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

Vaccination Efforts 

In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccination centers across the country. Working with state governments FEMA will open additional federal pilot community vaccination centers, which include federal support and supplemental vaccine allocations. This week, centers are scheduled to open in Bessemer, Alabama, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Central Point, Oregon.

FEMA is committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines and ensuring everyone who wants a vaccination can get one. FEMA mobile vaccination units are bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites. Ten mobile vaccination units are currently deployed across the country.  

Find vaccine updates in your community and more information from your local health department to confirm if you can get a vaccine. You can find a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.Gov for detailed information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 04/19/2021 - 18:02