Deadline to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance Today, But FEMA Remains in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today is the final day to register for federal disaster assistance for Louisiana homeowners, renters or business owners who sustained property damage or loss caused by severe winter storms in February. Registration is also available to those who had to relocate to a hotel because their utilities failed, and insurance didn’t cover their hotel stay.

FEMA, along with its federal and Louisiana state partners, remains committed to respond to the long-term needs of survivors and help them rebuild stronger, more resilient homes and communities.

Survivors who received a determination letter saying their application was ineligible may believe that the decision is incorrect or that their situation has changed. Survivors can speak with FEMA specialists to learn about the appeals process, discuss documentation requirements and get assistance with writing an appeal letter. Contact FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) TTY 800-462-7585.

You can update your contact information or insurance settlement by using the contact information above.

There are other FEMA programs that are not as visible to individual survivors.

Specialists with FEMA Individual Assistance support communities as Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs). They serve as the central coordination point between local, state, tribal, territorial and federal governments and volunteer, faith-based and community organizations. Their work includes coordination of volunteers and donations. VALs play a vital role in FEMA’s mission and are often called upon to be FEMA’s bridge to the community.

FEMA’s Community Education and Outreach (CEO) specialists offer free webinars to help those affected by the recent winter storm and hurricanes with their recovery. FEMA CEO specialists are standing by Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to talk to you about repairing/rebuilding safer and stronger. Please call them at 833-336-2487.

Visit this web page for publications you can use as guides for your recovery: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit/ or https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit/ for Spanish.

For the latest information on the winter storm, visit Louisiana Severe Winter Storms (DR-4590-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Mon, 05/10/2021 - 15:30

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from March 25 – April 3, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the se severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Campbell, Cannon, Cheatham, Claiborne, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Fentress, Grainger, Hardeman, Henderson, Hickman, Jackson, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Moore, Overton, Scott, Smith, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson 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 warranted by the results of damage assessments.

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

mayshaunt.gary Sat, 05/08/2021 - 20:21

FEMA Releases State-Specific Funeral Assistance Information

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is accepting applications for funeral assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses. As of Friday, May 7, the agency has received more than 171,000 applications and distributed more than $11.1 million.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Additional information about the assistance and frequently asked questions are available on FEMA.gov.

Here is state-specific information:

Location

Valid Applications

Funeral Assistance Disbursed

Number of Applicants Awarded

ALABAMA

3971

$70,955

11

ALASKA

48

$18,000

2

AMERICAN SAMOA

2

$0

0

ARIZONA

2,904

$39,646

9

ARKANSAS

1,740

$52,151

8

CALIFORNIA

18,648

$736,874

109

COLORADO

935

$27,525

14

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

 2

$0

0

CONNECTICUT

2,202

$257,031

33

DELAWARE

468

$53,944

8

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 490

$64,998

10

FLORIDA

 9,423

$591,201

89

GEORGIA

 6,191

$133,964

17

GUAM

7

$0

0

HAWAII

31

$10,103

2

IDAHO

307

$69,918

12

ILLINOIS

7,072

$405,209

53

INDIANA

3,012

$45,390

6

IOWA

1,647

$5,494

1

KANSAS

1,397

$4,996

1

KENTUCKY

2,353

$79,534

11

LOUISIANA

3,483

$41,033

6

MAINE

150

$44,102

7

MARYLAND

3,126

$102,060

15

MASSACHUSETTS

3,736

$433,831

63

MICHIGAN

5,438

$39,324

5

MINNESOTA

1,467

$446,280

69

MISSISSIPPI

3,119

$58,603

7

MISSOURI

3,010

$23,792

4

MONTANA

275

$3,200

1

NEBRASKA

723

$60,517

6

NEVADA

 1,505

$66,717

11

NEW HAMPSHIRE

291

$43,618

10

NEW JERSEY

7,423

$425,604

62

NEW MEXICO

896

$34,122

7

NEW YORK

16,820

$1,005,001

136

NORTH CAROLINA

4,677

$448,252

62

NORTH DAKOTA

510

$88,345

11

OHIO

5,937

$979,755

148

OKLAHOMA

2,419

$360,140

50

OREGON

355

$30,423

7

PENNSYLVANIA

8,171

$473,718

68

PUERTO RICO

650

$14,237

4

RHODE ISLAND

849

$295,564

40

SOUTH CAROLINA

3,475

$119,147

16

SOUTH DAKOTA

522

$176,835

22

TENNESSEE

4,378

$33,648

6

TEXAS

15,312

$2,054,084

298

UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

10

$0

0

UTAH

618

$148,471

22

VERMONT

49

$9,000

1

VIRGINIA

3,430

$385,159

55

WASHINGTON

868

$38,205

7

WEST VIRGINIA

843

$0

0

WISCONSIN

2,880

$73,122

10

WYOMING

114

$58,234

9

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. Friday, May 7, 2021.

mashana.davis Fri, 05/07/2021 - 22:47

Mobile Vaccination Events in Jackson County, Oregon

Central Point, Ore. – A mobile vaccination unit that can administer up to 250 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine per day is operating throughout Jackson County, Oregon. The vaccines are free and available for anyone 16 years of age or older.

Mobile vaccination events provide an additional option for individuals who want a vaccine but face increased barriers and challenges for accessing and traveling to established vaccine clinics. Partners at the Jackson County Vaccination Equity Center at the Expo coordinated with community-based organizations, businesses, schools, and faith community partners to host the mobile vaccination events. These organizations selected locations that are accessible to historically underserved priority populations including unhoused, Latinx, migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, wildfire survivors, and other communities needing extra support to access vaccination opportunities.

No appointment is necessary. The Vaccination Equity Center and all mobile vaccination events are safe places, accessible to all, regardless of legal status. Language interpreters and support for people with disabilities are available. Telephonic language interpreting and on-site Spanish interpreters are available. Real-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services are available through on-demand Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) on personal phone or on-site devices.

The mobile vaccination events schedule for Jackson County is as follows:

Date

Day

Time

Location

5/8/2021

Saturday

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fiesta Market 1016 N Riverside Ave, Medford, OR 97501  

5/9/2021

Sunday

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

La Placita 2080 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501  

5/10/2021

Monday

12 - 2 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul 2424 N Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR 97501  

5/13/2021

Thursday

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rogue Valley Growers Market at Hawthorne Park 501 E Main St, Medford, OR 97504  

5/13/2021

Thursday

4 - 6 p.m.

White Mountain Middle School 550 Wilson Ave, White City, OR 97503  

5/14/2021

Friday

12 - 2 p.m.

Prospect Food Pantry 471 Mill Creek Dr, Prospect, OR 97536  

5/15/2021

Saturday

3 - 5:30 p.m.

Shepherd of the Valley, Central Point 600 Beebe Rd, Central Point, OR 97502  

5/16/2021

Sunday

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

La Placita 2080 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501  

5/20/2021

Thursday

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rogue Valley Growers Market at Hawthorne Park 501 E Main St, Medford, OR 97504  

5/23/2021

Sunday

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

La Placita 2080 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501  

5/27/2021

Thursday

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rogue Valley Growers Market at Hawthorne Park 501 E Main St, Medford, OR 97504  

5/29/2021

Saturday

9 a.m.– 3 p.m.

La Fiesta Market 1016 N Riverside Ave, Medford, OR 97501  

5/30/2021

Sunday

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

La Placita 2080 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501  

 

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and our COVID-19 photo and video library for the latest updates. Visit our vaccine support page for more information.

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

hannah.weinstein Fri, 05/07/2021 - 20:05

FEMA Awards $2.2 Million to Village of Luck for Safe Room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that the village of Luck, Wisc., has been awarded $2,221,811 in Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) funds to develop a multi-use community safe room. This safe room will provide safe space from severe wind and tornadic events for the entire student body and staff of Luck Public Schools, as well as hundreds of surrounding residents.

“FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are an important resource to reduce disaster risks across the country,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “While we can’t stop tornadoes, we can build secure, easily accessible safe rooms that can help keep Wisconsinites safe from harm.”

“When severe storms and tornadoes develop, it is essential that people know they have access to a safe place to seek shelter until the danger passes,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. “Wisconsin thanks FEMA for this critical funding, which will help ensure the future safety of the students and residents of Luck.”

PDM provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. This year marks the end of the PDM program, which will be replaced by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC). To learn more about BRIC or FEMA’s other Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, visit www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation. 

# # #

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

troy.christensen Fri, 05/07/2021 - 16:19

FEMA Awards $1.5 Million to Jefferson County

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that Jefferson County, Wisc., has been awarded $1,530,596 in Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) funds for the acquisition and demolition of 12 flood prone properties in the county.  Removing these homes from the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong floodplains will help reduce the community’s flood vulnerability. Upon completion of the project, the lots will be preserved as open space by the Jefferson County Parks Department.

“The Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs enable communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This project will eliminate future structural losses in Jefferson County by permanently removing these homes from the floodplain, greatly reducing the financial impact on individuals and the community.”

“Floods have the potential to cause widespread losses for communities, putting lives and property at risk every time the water rises,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. “We are grateful to FEMA for helping to fund this important work to safeguard the residents of Jefferson County.”

PDM provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. This year marks the end of the PDM program, which will be replaced by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC). To learn more about BRIC or FEMA’s other Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, visit www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Fri, 05/07/2021 - 16:17

FEMA Awards $4.1 Million for Community Safe Rooms

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that the cities of Owen and Abbotsford have been awarded Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) funds to develop multi-use community tornado safe rooms.

The city of Owen received $1,923,335 to build a safe room that will provide safety from severe wind and tornadic events to the entire student body and staff of Owen-Withee public schools, residents in nearby areas, and patrons of the 15 nearby businesses.

The city of Abbotsford received $2,186,557 to develop a safe room that will provide safety from severe wind and tornadic events to the entire student body at Abbotsford Public Schools and nearby residents.

“The Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs provide funding for activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disasters,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “These safe rooms will be an important asset to help keep kids and residents protected during dangerous, severe weather events in these communities.”

“Facilities such as these are an important addition to any community and will help save lives,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. “Wisconsin is thankful to FEMA for providing funding for these important projects in Owen and Abbotsford.”

PDM provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. This year marks the end of the PDM program, which will be replaced by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC). To learn more about BRIC or FEMA’s other Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, visit www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Fri, 05/07/2021 - 14:59

FEMA Provides an Additional $1.8 Million to Thornton for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $1.8 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Thornton, Colo. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has disbursed a total of $831 million for Colorado’s COVID-19 response to date.

President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75 percent to 100 percent for projects related to the pandemic response, which includes work completed between January 20, 2020, and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, tribes, cities, and other partners for 100 percent of eligible costs.

The City of Thornton received this $1.8 million for emergency protective measures. This funding covered three community-based testing site locations, and four locations for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The funding also covered medical and testing supplies, drive-thru testing and vaccination facilities, rental trailers and buildings, personal protective supplies, generators, food, water, transportation, and processing of tests.

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, tribal and local 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 Fri, 05/07/2021 - 14:26

FEMA Provides Nearly $1.9 Million in Additional Funding to Montana for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved nearly $1.9 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Montana. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020.  FEMA has provided a total of $30.2 million for the Montana COVID-19 response to date.

The $1.9 million was provided to the Billings Clinic for COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities, which include work completed between March 17, 2020, and December 30, 2020.

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 Fri, 05/07/2021 - 14:20

May 11 is Final Day for First Dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Greenbelt Community Vaccination Center in Maryland

GREENBELT, Md. – Maryland residents have until May 11 to get their first dose of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine at the Greenbelt Community Vaccination Center. Second doses are also currently offered at the center. Staff will assist individuals to register for both first and second vaccinations.

Beginning May 12, Greenbelt CVC will provide Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccinations and continue to provide Pfizer second doses for the remaining weeks the center is open.

“The Greenbelt CVC has been an extremely successful vaccination operation, and we continue to encourage the residents of Maryland to come down and get vaccinated,” said Craig Levy, Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA.

Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as onsite interpretation in eight spoken languages, and American Sign Language, Certified Deaf Interpretation and Sensory Interpretation.

The Community Vaccination Center opened in parking lot 1A of the Greenbelt Metro station on April 7. This facility has the capacity to administer 3,000 doses of COVID vaccine every day. In the time since the center opened medical staff have provided more than 75,000 vaccinations to residents.

The Greenbelt, Maryland Community Vaccination Center is open seven days a week and walk-ins are welcome. The hours of operation are Monday-Tuesday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday from noon – 8 p.m.; and Friday- Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Register for an appointment by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or calling: 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a vaccination.

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

gabriel.lugo Fri, 05/07/2021 - 14:05

Indian American Volunteer Groups Sewa, HSS Committed to Vaccination Efforts in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), a non-profit organization that organizes values-based education programs and community outreach projects nationwide, has deployed a volunteer response team to support the City of Philadelphia, FEMA, and other government partners at the Center City Vaccination Center (CCVC). This site is equipped to deliver up to 6,000 doses of the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine each day. It is the second federally supported community vaccination center in the nation to benefit from HSS’s assistance. Sewa International and 25 organizations of the Indian American community in the greater Philadelphia region are working closely with HSS to offer support.

HSS has named their campaign “Sewa With FEMA.” Sewa is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “selfless service.” HSS’s on-site coordinator, Sachin Dabade, said, “It involves acting selflessly and helping others without any reward or personal gain, based on their Hindu faith and motto, ‘The whole world is one family.’” Sewa and HSS have deployed 351 volunteers logging 2400 hours of support at the CCVC and 21 volunteers providing 98.5 hours at the Esperanza Community Vaccination Center.

Now more than ever, Sewa and HSS volunteers are impassioned to invest in U.S. vaccination efforts as India’s COVID-19 case rates rapidly increase and its supply of oxygen tanks and medical resources decrease.

“They are incredibly eager to be here, and they have the drive to volunteer for a community that some of them are not even a part of,” said Justice Colbert, emergency management specialist at FEMA Region III. “They show up ready to help Philadelphians with a positive attitude,” and learn everything they can about emergency management so they can transfer their skills to future disaster deployments, she said.

More than one dozen Indian American volunteers arrive daily to provide non-clinical support at the vaccination center, such as wheelchair escort assistance and traffic control.

“We are honored to serve in this national cause of ending the COVID-19 pandemic and sincerely thank the FEMA Region III team for giving us an opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters in Philadelphia,” said Mukund Kute, president of PA East Division of HSS. “We have distributed $55,000 worth of PPE Kits, food and masks since early April 2020. We will continue to support FEMA until we beat COVID-19.”

“Whether during response, recovery, mitigation, or preparedness, voluntary organizations bring many unique resources and assets to help communities and individuals,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “Our country’s volunteer organizations have provided organized services to those affected by disasters and public health emergencies, beginning with our nation’s first volunteer fire department established by Benjamin Franklin, right here in Philadelphia, in 1736. The contributions of volunteer organizations, like Sewa, are invaluable assets at the two federally supported Community Vaccination Centers in Philadelphia and across FEMA Region 3.”

Interagency cooperation which includes community-based organizations like local voluntary organizations, provides valuable insight to inform operational decisions before, during and after FEMA’s response missions. Engaging with voluntary organizations is critical to representing local perspectives and needs specific to communities that otherwise may not be obvious to external entities such as FEMA. Vaccine guests coming to the community vaccination centers appreciate seeing friendly faces with that local perspective.

To learn more about HSS/Sewa’s vaccination mission “Sewa With FEMA” visit: 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/IndoAmericans4CovidRelief

https://www.hssus.org/blog/indian-americans-serving-fema-philly

HSS and SEWA International are one of several volunteer organizations supporting the COVID-19 response in Philadelphia. They are working closely with Team Rubicon, another trusted partner organization of FEMA.

To volunteer with HSS’s FEMA Drive “Sewa With FEMA”: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AEA72FA4F8C07-sewa

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AEA72FA4F8C07-sewa

Caption: Sewa volunteers conduct community outreach by canvassing in neighborhoods across Philadelphia to spread awareness about the Esperanza Community Vaccination Center and Center City Vaccination Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Heather Anderson/FEMA)

Caption: Sewa volunteers work alongside other volunteer organizations, like Team Rubicon, as well as the Pennsylvania National Guard to support the Center City Vaccination Center (Photo by Heather Anderson/FEMA).

Caption: A Sewa volunteer manages traffic control at the state-run, federally-supported Center City Community Vaccination Center in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. (Photo by Heather Anderson/FEMA

Caption: A Sewa volunteer assists a community member at the Center City Vaccination Center. (Photo by Heather Anderson/FEMA)

gabriel.lugo Fri, 05/07/2021 - 13:07

FEMA, VDH Partner to allow for additional 1st doses of Pfizer through May 22, expanding vaccine options.

Norfolk, Virginia — As vaccination opportunities expand in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the FEMA-supported Military Circle Mall Community Vaccination Center, in partnership with Virginia Department of Health, will kick off an additional opportunity for residents to receive their first doses of Pfizer.

The FEMA-supported center has the capacity to expand its through-put to on or around May 22 to administer additional first doses of Pfizer. Once residents receive their first dose, VDH will schedule and administer second doses in three weeks (or 21 days) later.

The Military Circle Mall Community Vaccination Center is a walk-in clinic, no appointments are required and it is open seven days a week, 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Those interested in getting their vaccine must bring a valid ID or any document that provides proof of name. 

Residents that come to Military Circle Mall will have their choice of vaccine through May 22:

Vaccines Available at Military Circle Mall (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.)

• Single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (over the age of 18)
• 1st Doses of Pfizer (over the age of 16)
  • Individuals who are 16- 17 will need to have a parent or guardian with them at the vaccination site to receive the vaccine.
• 2nd Doses of Pfizer (over the age of 16)
  • Residents can receive their second dose of Pfizer regardless of where the 1st dose was administered. 2nd doses should be administered 3 weeks (21 days) after the 1st dose.

Reasonable accommodations 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 clinics visit https://vaccinate.virginia.gov or 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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gabriel.lugo Fri, 05/07/2021 - 12:57

FEMA enlists Forest Service, Park Service to keep vaccine mission rolling

PHILADELPHIA - Since being tasked by President Joe Biden in the nationwide vaccine rollout in January, FEMA has taken an “all-hands on deck” approach to its mission – including the enlistment of staff outside the agency.

Members of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and National Parks Service (NPS) joined the agency’s efforts, lending their skills and talents in support of the West Virginia FEMA team’s planning efforts. Among their accomplishments were the creation of maps to help staff at West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters track community clinic volunteers and the formulation of goals for next steps in vaccination planning. They also provided support for several county mobile vaccination clinics.

In addition, the Forest Service sent public information officers to assist FEMA Region 3 in supporting Joint Information Centers at community vaccination clinics in Philadelphia, Greenbelt, Md., and Norfolk, Va. At FEMA’s Maryland center, USFS staff ran point on speakers bureau engagements on the vaccine effort, as well as serving as vaccine equity liaison to ensure underserved populations had access to doses. At the Virginia center, a USFS PIO took the lead in creating a “Reasons Why” wall, a collection of posts where vaccine recipients shared what led them to get their COVID-19 shot. The promotion spread to centers across the region to help inspire others to get vaccinated

“This cooperation among federal agencies is accomplishing exactly what our National Response Framework was designed to do,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3. “One group helps the other to complete the mission, ensuring that we all succeed.”

This kind of collaboration not only between federal agencies, but with local and state governments, volunteer organizations and private sector partners, is the hallmark of the greater effort to promote vaccination and the defeat of COVID-19.

Learn more about the National Response Framework at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/frameworks/response.  Read about the president’s efforts to combat COVID, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/National-Strategy-for-the-COVID-19-Response-and-Pandemic-Preparedness.pdf.

 

Sgt. Nicholas Rhodes, with the West Virginia Army National Guard, left, and Shawn Nagle, from the National Parks Service Interior Region 2 office in Atlanta, seen on March 23, 2021, helped support the West Virginia Division of Emergency Management at the state Joint Interagency Task Force for vaccinations at the National Guard base in Charleston, W.Va. Nagle was part of the federal response effort assisting with the West Virginia FEMA team’s planning function. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)

Eric Schmeckpeper, a retired U.S. Forest Service officer from Atlanta, helped register participants at a mobile vaccination clinic sponsored by the West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster in Belle, W.Va., on March 25, 2021. Schmeckpeper was part of the federal response effort assisting with the West Virginia FEMA team’s planning function. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)

A FEMA staffer at the Norfolk, Va., Community Vaccination Clinic straightens out the “Reasons Why” wall papered with thoughts shared by participants on what led them to get their COVID-19 shot. U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer Cindy Frenzel started this effort in early April; now the walls are covered with hundreds of “Reasons Why.” Frenzel was part of the federal response effort assisting with the Norfolk FEMA team’s external affairs function. (Patsy Lynch/FEMA)

gabriel.lugo Fri, 05/07/2021 - 12:35

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Oregon to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms from Feb. 11-15, 2021.

Federal funding also is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms in Benton, Clackamas, Linn, Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 05/06/2021 - 21:17

FEMA Provides $1.6 Million to Stutsman County for Flood Recovery

DENVER – FEMA has provided more than $1.6 million in Public Assistance funding to Stutsman County for costs related to the October 2019 flooding. Under this declaration, FEMA has paid a total of $10.9 million for the state of North Dakota to date. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued January 21, 2020. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

The $1.6 million was approved for Stutsman County to utilize force account labor, equipment, and material for a permanent grade raise of County Road 39, which had been inundated by floodwaters.

During the incident period, historically high groundwater saturation, and subsequent rapid snowmelt created an unprecedented October flood in central and eastern North Dakota. Powerful floodwaters washed surface gravel and culverts from Stutsman County and township roads and disrupted lifeline infrastructure. This prevented access to multiple residences within the St. Paul Township, creating significant delays for first responders struggling to reach citizens in need.

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

minh.phan Thu, 05/06/2021 - 21:03

FEMA Awards Miami-Dade County $1.46 Million for Hurricane Irma Repairs

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,461,450 for the State of Florida to help Miami-Dade County defray the cost of repairs to the Venetian Causeway after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the county for repairs to the east and west bridge houses of the Venetian Causeway. Repairs include roof, equipment and navigation light systems.

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, 05/06/2021 - 19:37

Mitigation for Homeowners May Reduce Potential Damage in Future Storms

CLANTON, Ala. – Rebuilding after a disaster can present opportunities as well as challenges for homeowners. This is certainly true for those impacted by the March 25-26 severe storms and tornadoes.

The challenges include getting the job done quickly and efficiently. The opportunities involve rebuilding stronger, smarter, safer and better, with more resilience. The process is called mitigation.

Mitigation reduces the risk to property from future events. While it may involve a larger initial investment, mitigation pays off in the long run. In fact, FEMA estimates that on average, for every $1 spent on mitigation, $6 are saved from future losses.

FEMA has several guides to assist you in deciding what repairs you can incorporate. These guides contain information and tips about wind retrofits, flood insurance, clean up, flood & wind resistant materials, elevation of your home or appliances, mold & debris removal.  (click on the title to download the guide)

Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings: The purpose of this Guide is to provide guidance on how to improve the wind resistance of existing residential buildings across the Gulf Coast. Although this Guide was developed to support initiatives in the Gulf Coast region, the content of this document  should  serve  as  guidance on retrofitting existing buildings for improved performance during high-wind events in all coastal regions; it  is applicable to one-  and two-family  dwellings, but not to manufactured housing. 

Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: This guide contains a series of 37 fact sheets that provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings.  The fact sheets present information aimed at improving the performance of buildings subject to flood and wind forces in coastal environments.

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: This guide is specifically for homeowners who want to know how to help protect their homes from flooding. As a homeowner, you need clear information about the options available to you and straightforward guidance that will help you make decisions. This guide gives you both, in a form designed for readers who have little or no experience with flood protection methods or building construction techniques.

 Before you dive in on those repairs, develop a plan.  Here are a few things to consider:

 Finalize your plan. There are a wide range of options for protecting your home from flood and wind events through mitigation. Be sure to consult with a licensed contractor and the local building department before making any structural changes to understand requirements and obtain any necessary permits.

• Contact your local building official before rebuilding/renovating/retrofitting. Make sure your plans meet local and state government requirements. Get proper permits.
• Be smart when you start. Use reliable, licensed contractors. Get a written estimate. Check references. Pay by check.

• Get insurance. Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Protect your investment in your home by purchasing flood insurance, even if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) helps cover costly losses associated with flooding. For more information, Visit https://www.floodsmart.gov.

FEMA provides grant funding for certain kinds of mitigation projects under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. For more information, and how to apply for the program, visit https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/hazard-mitigation/individuals.

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.

ron.roth Thu, 05/06/2021 - 19:35

Grand County Joins National Flood Insurance Program

DENVER – Grand County has been approved to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.  Approval was granted by FEMA on April 29 following the county’s adoption of floodplain management ordinances and formal request to join the program.

By joining the program, residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of Grand County are now eligible to purchase federally-backed flood insurance.  As part of the requirements for joining the program, the county has adopted floodplain management regulations for new development in identified floodplains.  These actions promote public safety and help to limit the financial impacts of future flooding events.

”We’d like to welcome Grand County into the National Flood Insurance Program,” said FEMA Region 8 Mitigation Division Director Jeanine Petterson. “This demonstrates a commitment to managed floodplain development and will result in many benefits, including increased resiliency for the county and its residents.”

There are now 255 participating communities in Colorado.  The term participating communities refers to any governmental jurisdiction that has oversite for building and development, and can include counties, cities, towns, and tribal nations.

While flood insurance policies can now be purchased, there is typically a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect.  Contact your local insurance agent to purchase a policy or visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information.

Brian.Hvinden Thu, 05/06/2021 - 18:42

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Georgia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and tornadoes from March 25-26, 2021.

Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and tornadoes in Coweta, Fannin, Gilmer, Heard, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun and White counties.

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 05/06/2021 - 18:08

FEMA Supporting and Expanding Equitable Access to Home-based Persons in Pueblo

DENVER – In keeping with the foundation of FEMA’s mission to help people, the federal vaccination site in Pueblo is continuing to expand vaccine availability to socially vulnerable population in the Pueblo area. In a collaborative effort between FEMA and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE), vaccination teams will now be reaching those who are home-based and unable to access vaccination locations. This effort is in addition to the main vaccination site at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, and temporary pop-up locations that have been conducted throughout the area. Home-based vaccinations, which began on May 5, are intended to increase vaccination opportunities and help ensure equitable vaccine access to residents of Pueblo and surrounding communities.

This collaboration is expanding a program that began with PDPHE. The program is now supporting three medical teams, with each team able to vaccinate eight to 10 home-based persons each day. Members of the teams are volunteers with the American Pharmacists Association and Sewa International. This collaborative effort is expected to last for six weeks.

"This pilot site is all about equitable access,” said Nancy Dragani, acting Regional Administrator. “Individuals should still be able to access the vaccine, despite being unable to leave their residence to get to a vaccination site. It is our privilege to partner with the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment to make the vaccine available to all who want it, even if it means taking it to individuals in their homes.”

Teams are currently working with a known list of home-based individuals. Those needing similar access should call 2-1-1 or 719-583-4444. For those able to leave their homes, the site at the Colorado State Fairgrounds is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Appointments are available for the main site at www.centura.org/vaccine.  Additionally, popup clinics are available throughout the area and appointments can be scheduled at www.primarybio.com/r/centurapopup. Walkups without a scheduled appointment are accepted at these sites.

The main site at the Colorado State Fairgrounds is the only federal pilot site in the State of Colorado and FEMA Region 8.  The partnership with the State of Colorado and Centura Health includes an Army medical team and other support units from the Department of Defense.

minh.phan Thu, 05/06/2021 - 15:35