Louisiana Survivors Affected by Severe Winter Storms Reminded to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianans in 23 parishes designated for federal assistance are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible if they sustained damage to their homes following the recent winter storms. The deadline to apply is May 10.

Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Residents who were temporarily forced from their homes because of utility failures should also register with FEMA. Reimbursement for hotel or other temporary rental expenses may be possible.

The 23 eligible parishes are Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

If you have insurance and are applying for disaster assistance, you must also file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If insurance does not cover all your damage, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

To apply:

• Visit www.disasterassistance.gov;
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service; or
• Download the FEMA Mobile App by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted;
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
• Your Social Security number;
• A general list of damage and losses;
• If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name; and
• Cause of damage. The cause of damage for this disaster is ice/snow even if you had water intrusion due to melting ice or snow or power loss due to snow and ice accumulation.

Residents are asked to save any photos taken to document damage and any receipts from purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses, homeowners and renters. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339) or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

For the latest information on Louisiana winter storms, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4590. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:59

FEMA is Hiring Local Residents to Support Vaccination Efforts in Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia — FEMA is hiring local residents to assist in the COVID-19 vaccination efforts currently underway at the joint Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall. Local Hire positions include Non-Medical Emergency Management Specialists, Media Relations Specialists, Intergovernmental Specialists, Creative Specialists and Digital Communications Specialists.

Residents who wish to apply for these temporary positions can go to fema.gov/careers/job-openings or usajobs.gov to learn more and submit an application. These job postings will begin to close soon, so people who are interested in applying should do so as soon as possible. Applicants may be contacted via email, phone, or mail regarding the interview, hiring and selection process.

Those hired will join the team already in place, which is composed of Virginia Department of Emergency Management staff, Virginia Department of Health personnel and other local and federal workers, voluntary agencies, and community organizations. Through temporary local employees, FEMA gains valuable community insights, provides jobs, and allows Virginians to be on the front lines working to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.

FEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and the federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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

amanda.hancher Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:44

FEMA Updates Its Flood Insurance Rating Methodology to Deliver More Equitable Pricing

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is updating the National Flood Insurance Program’s pricing methodology to communicate flood risk more clearly, so policyholders can make more informed decisions on the purchase of adequate insurance and on mitigation actions to protect against the perils of flooding.

The 21st century rating system, Risk Rating 2.0 -- Equity in Action, provides actuarially sound rates that are equitable and easy to understand. It transforms a pricing methodology that has not been updated in 50 years by leveraging improved technology and FEMA’s enhanced understanding of flood risk.

“The new pricing methodology is the right thing to do. It mitigates risk, delivers equitable rates and advances the agency’s goal to reduce suffering after flooding disasters,” said David Maurstad, senior executive of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. “Equity in Action is the generational change we need to spur action now in the face of changing climate conditions, build individual and community resilience and deliver on the Biden Administration’s priority of providing equitable programs for all.”

The National Flood Insurance Program provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage for more than 5 million policyholders in 22,500 communities across the nation. Understanding the magnitude of even the smallest changes of a program of this scale, FEMA devoted thousands of hours to develop the new pricing methodology to ensure equity and accuracy.

In developing the new rates, FEMA coordinated with subject matter experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration along with experts from across the insurance and actuarial industries to ensure alignment with federal regulations, systems, guidance and policies.

The new methodology allows FEMA to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on the value of their home and the unique flood risk of their property. Currently, many policyholders with lower-value homes are paying more than they should and policyholders with higher-value homes are paying less than they should.

To provide more equity, FEMA now has the capability and tools to address rating disparities by incorporating more flood risk variables. These include flood frequency, multiple flood type -- river overflow, storm surge, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall -- distance to a water source and property characteristics such as elevation and the cost to rebuild.

The cost to rebuild is key to an equitable distribution of premiums across all policyholders because it is based on the value of their home and the unique flood risk of their property. This has been an industry standard for years.

FEMA is conscious of the far-reaching economic impacts COVID-19 has had on the nation and existing policyholders and is taking a phased approach to rolling out the new rates.

• In Phase I: New policies beginning Oct. 1, 2021 will be subject to the new rating methodology. Also beginning Oct. 1, existing policyholders eligible for renewal will be given the option to take advantage of immediate decreases in their premiums.

• In Phase II: All policies renewing on or after April 1, 2022 will be subject to the new rating methodology.  

FEMA continues to engage with Congress, its industry partners and state, local, tribal and territorial agencies to ensure clear understanding of these changes.

For the latest information on Risk Rating 2.0, visit fema.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/01/2021 - 16:52

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms, landslides and mudslides from Feb. 8-19, 2021.

Federal funding is also available to the commonwealth 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 state winter storms, landslides, and mudslides in 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, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe counties.

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

John Brogan has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.  

zella.campbell Thu, 04/01/2021 - 14:54

FEMA Provides $3.4 Million to Dane County

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $3,411,680 in federal funding has been made available to Dane County for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Dane County for costs to distribute and administer vaccinations at the Alliant Energy Center to mitigate the immediate spread of COVID-19 and its threat to public health and safety.

“FEMA is committed to ensuring anyone who wants a vaccine can get one in the state of Wisconsin,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “The site at the Alliant Energy Center is an important resource in the fight against the pandemic, and we’re proud to support the state and county’s efforts to increase access to this life-saving vaccine.”

“I want to thank FEMA Region 5 for their ongoing funding support of Wisconsin. This collaborative ‘One team, One fight’ approach takes us another step closer toward reaching our ultimate goal of vaccinating all Wisconsinites,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, WEM Administrator.

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Thu, 04/01/2021 - 14:34

FEMA Provides $4.6 Million to The Ohio State University

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced today that $4,688,916 in federal funding has been made available to The Ohio State University for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020.

This funding will reimburse The Ohio State University for costs to provide emergency and inpatient clinical care for COVID-19 patients. The grant also includes costs to purchase cleaning supplies for disinfection purposes and to rent medical equipment such as ventilators to protect and treat individuals with the virus.

“FEMA’s public assistance grant funding is an important resource for the COVID-19 response of our whole community partners in Ohio and across the country,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant has helped ensure necessary medical services and equipment are available in the Columbus area to fight this virus and protect the lives of Ohioans.”  

“Since the start of the pandemic, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has been an important partner in Ohio’s fight against COVID-19,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This funding supports Ohio’s collective mission to prevent illness, save lives, and continue down the road to recovery.”

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.  

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Thu, 04/01/2021 - 13:31

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON - - Federal pilot community vaccination centers opened today in Boston; Newark, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington.  Additional centers are scheduled to open next week in Gary, Indiana and St. Louis.

FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency continues working with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.

The agency has now provided more than $4.47 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and continues working with interagency partners to stand-up and provide support to additional centers daily.

Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.

Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/31/2021 - 18:57

Governor Northam Visits FEMA, State Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia — Today, Governor Ralph Northam visited the FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall to announce the official opening of the mass vaccination site. Together with the Virginia Department Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Health, volunteer organizations and 135 sailors, the goal is to vaccinate about 3,000 residents a day from the Hampton Roads area.

During the visit, which included a tour of the facilities, meeting with federal, state, and local officials, and a question and answer session with the media, Governor Northam emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated, adding that “the COVID vaccines are the way we end this pandemic and get back to a normal life, which is why we are all working to vaccinate people as quickly as possible,” he said. “This new FEMA vaccination clinic will speed up that process for one of our more populous regions, and for some of our most vulnerable communities, and we are grateful for the support. It will take all of us working together like this to defeat this virus.”

FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator (Acting) Janice Barlow also shared insights on how the Norfolk center aims to ensure that vaccination efforts are carried out in an efficient, effective and equitable manner.

“We are working closely with our local and Commonwealth partners to support all outreach efforts. Through targeted messaging to community-based organizations, local media and radio stations and private sector partners we are raising awareness of the ongoing vaccination activities for residents in the area,” said Barlow.

The Community Vaccination Center serves residents by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Those interested in receiving their COVID-19 vaccine can schedule their appointment online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or they may call 1-877-829-4682. 

All community members with an appointment 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.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $4.47 billion to 42 states, Washington D.C., four tribes and five territories for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100 percent federal cost share. Of this amount, over $253 million has been allocated for Virginia. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

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

amanda.hancher Wed, 03/31/2021 - 18:38

FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Centers Receive Peace Corps Assistance in COVID-19 Response

The partnership marks second time in Peace Corps’ 60-year history that the agency has deployed volunteers in U.S., the first following Hurricane Katrina

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA and the Peace Corps announced they have struck a historic partnership to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. For the second time in the Peace Corps’ history, volunteers will serve a domestic deployment, at FEMA’s request – the first following Hurricane Katrina and now at federally supported Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) across the country.

“The Peace Corps works hand-in-hand with communities on their most pressing challenges, and right now the U.S. faces some of the biggest challenges in our country’s history,” said Peace Corps Acting Director Carol Spahn. “The volunteers who contribute to this effort will bring valuable cross-cultural experience, language skills and adaptability fostered during their time overseas as they contribute to an equitable vaccination campaign here at home.”

“Working closely with our federal partners, state and local leaders, community-based organizations and the private sector is critical in getting as many vaccines to the public as possible,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “Our partnership with the Peace Corps is an example of our commitment to reaching under-served and historically marginalized communities, to ensure equal access to vaccines. FEMA’s employees are excited to work alongside the Peace Corps in this ongoing battle against COVID-19.”

The Peace Corps will soon begin recruiting for this special domestic deployment. Those eligible to serve include returned volunteers evacuated from their overseas posts in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Assignments will focus on urgent needs as identified by FEMA, and on communities that have been traditionally under-served. Volunteers will be assigned to language support, administrative, logistical, and other work that supports vaccination centers’ operations. It is anticipated that Peace Corps volunteers will be deployed into the field by mid-May.

The Peace Corps is implementing the COVID-19 domestic deployment through Peace Corps Response, a Peace Corps program that sends individuals with specialized experienced to short-term service assignments of up to 12 months. When the agency activated more than 270 volunteers to respond to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Peace Corps Response, then called Crisis Corps, also managed the agency’s deployment to aid FEMA’s relief operation in the gulf coast region.

This week, federal pilot community vaccination centers are opening in Boston; Essex, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington.

FEMA in partnership with CDC, is using the social vulnerability index to look at demographic data and provide the best advice to ensure that we reach under-served and historically marginalized communities so that anyone who wants a vaccine can get one.

FEMA is providing critical support to the COVID-19 efforts across the country via personnel, supplies and funding to help establish or expand more than 500 state led community vaccination centers and over 70 mobile vaccination centers. The agency has now provided more than $4.47 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

One year ago, Peace Corps temporarily suspended its global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from 61 countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. The agency’s short-term contribution to the domestic response to COVID-19 will not alter its commitment to overseas service once conditions permit. Preparations for returning to overseas posts continue in parallel to this special assignment.

About FEMA: FEMA was established in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter signed Executive Order 12127, effective April 1, 1979, before giving the agency the dual mission of emergency management and civil defense shortly thereafter.

FEMA’s employees are committed to the mission of serving our country before, during and after disasters. Every day, our team of over 20,000 emergency managers work to make our nation safer, stronger and more prepared.  

About Peace Corps Response: Peace Corps Response sends experienced professionals on short-term, targeted service assignments around the world for 12 months or less. The positions are highly specialized and technical and volunteers provide targeted assistance in areas such as agriculture, community economic development, disaster risk reduction and mitigation, education, environment, health, and youth in development. Since Peace Corps Response began in 1996, more than 3,000 Americans have served in over 80 countries around the world. For more information, go to www.peacecorps.gov/response and follow us on Facebook.

About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, community economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in 141 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and add us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/31/2021 - 16:42

FEMA Pilot Center Gives Marylanders New Vaccination Option

PHILADELPHIA – Marylanders will soon have another venue where they can receive COVID-19 vaccinations: a FEMA-operated community vaccination center in Prince George’s County.

The Federal Pilot Community Vaccination Center (CVC) – Maryland will be located at the Greenbelt Metro Station, 5717 Greenbelt Metro Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20740. It will open April 7, with its schedule to be determined. As more vaccine doses become available, the center’s capacity is expected to be up to 3,000 shots per day.

“From the start of the vaccination mission, the federal government has committed itself to ensuring safe, equitable and efficient vaccinations for all Americans,” said FEMA Region 3 Acting Regional Administrator Janice Barlow. “We consider this mission a trust and an honor to carry out. Here in Maryland, as throughout the United States, we will make sure every resident who wants a vaccination can get one.”

"The state's commitment to vaccine equity for vulnerable and underserved people has remained steadfast, and we are excited about having this new center available to Marylanders,” said Acting Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. "Our goal is to make a vaccine available to every Marylander who wants one, and this gives us one more way to reach people.”

FEMA will have socially distanced staff on site to ensure prompt service is available to all and that proper COVID-19 protocol is adhered to. Translation and interpretation services will be available for people whose primary language is not English, and who are deaf or have hearing loss.

Early in the unprecedented global emergency, FEMA engaged with its government and private sector partners to help facilitate this vaccine mission. With FEMA’s support, Maryland has opened mass vaccination sites that serve all eligible Marylanders, including vulnerable and historically underserved groups. Marylanders interested in receiving a vaccination can pre-register online at covidlink.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MD-GoVAX.

“Maryland has worked tirelessly to serve all of its citizens in this time of need,” Barlow said. “We are proud to partner with them. Even though this new center is a federal venture, we coordinated with Maryland as to the best location to serve the most people in need. We will continue to work closely with Maryland to achieve everyone’s goal: ending the pandemic.”          

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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 Wed, 03/31/2021 - 15:39

FEMA Provides Over $9.6 Million to The University of Vermont Medical Center

REGION 1 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $9,609,431 to the University of Vermont Medical Center for its COVID-19 response efforts March 1-June 30, 2020.

This Public Assistance (PA) grant funding is awarded for the development of testing sites, leases for sites and quarantine facilities, use of equipment, paying medical and technical support, and tracking procurement and distribution of supplies. The funds are reimbursed 100% through the PA program.

“We are pleased to provide this funding to The University of Vermont Medical Center,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue working closely with UVM Medical Center in our shared efforts to respond to the pandemic.”

Additional information about FEMA’s PA Program can be found at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.

As of March 17, FEMA has obligated more than $130.4 million to Vermont for its pandemic response.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 03/31/2021 - 14:17

FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to Vermont for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – The State of Vermont received a grant totaling over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with ongoing COVID-19 response efforts.

The grant of $1,397,762 is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), for food distribution to high risk populations. Work performed under this grant occurred from January 18 to February 14.

In response to the pandemic’s threat to health and safety, Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development entered into an agreement with SEVCA to operate the state’s emergency feeding program: “Vermont Everybody Eats”. SEVCA established and coordinated state-wide subcontractors who oversee restaurant engagement, meal production, and meal distribution. This program is a vital part of Vermont’s emergency feeding initiative, providing meals to the COVID-19 impacted population of the state.”

The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.

 “We are pleased to support the State of Vermont with funding critical needs like this and directly aiding those affected by COVID-19,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England.  “We will continue to work closely with the state of Vermont to respond to this pandemic continues.”

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:

https://www.fema.gov/pubic-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, 03/31/2021 - 14:15

FEMA Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon for COVID-19 Expenses

BOTHELL, Wash. –  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $5,317,675 million in federal funding to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) for emergency protective measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA provides this funding at 100 percent federal cost share.

Oregon’s DHS arranged for non-congregate sheltering for COVID-19 positive individuals with medical-related needs that required isolation from others while they were convalescing. To provide for this medical sheltering, Oregon’s DHS contracted with three care facilities to make available 121 beds for those who had the virus.

Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, which reimburses communities for actions taken for response and recovery from a disaster. FEMA reimbursement is paid directly to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and state agencies that incurred costs.

FEMA streamlined the Public Assistance application and reimbursement process for the COVID-19 response so that applicants can receive funds faster. Expedited reimbursements help state, local, and tribal officials respond quickly to address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.  

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

hannah.weinstein Tue, 03/30/2021 - 21:46

Verifying Proof of Ownership When Applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY –Oklahomans living in the 16 designated counties that were recently impacted by the severe winter storms, may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

If you are a homeowner who applied to FEMA for disaster assistance, you must provide proof of ownership and occupancy to help with repairs to your damaged home.

FEMA verifies ownership through virtual inspection, automated public and government records or through documents submitted by the applicant. To help FEMA assess your application, homeowners have several options to meet this requirement. These include:

• Deed, title or lease.
• Bill of sale or land installment contract.
• Mortgage payment booklet, property tax receipt or property tax bill.
• Last will and testament (along with a death certificate) naming applicant heir to the property.
• Real property structure insurance.
• Intent to Own, or instances when an applicant was in the process of purchasing a disaster-damaged dwelling and was unable to complete the purchase before the disaster occurred

Applicants who need legal assistance regarding home ownership documentation and cannot afford an attorney may call the free Disaster Legal Services hotline at (800) 522-8065 between 9 a.m. and noon on Wednesdays. Survivors can call 2-1-1 outside of those hours.

When all standard forms of verification are destroyed or don’t exist, FEMA may accept a signed self-declaration or written statement. The written statement must include the length of time the applicant has lived in the disaster-damaged residence prior to the winter storms that began Feb. 11. The statement must also include an explanation of circumstances that prevent standard verification.

The verification documents provided must reflect:

• The name of the applicant or co-applicant registering for assistance.
• If a minor child is registering for assistance, the document must be in the adult co-applicant’s name.
• The address of the damaged pre-disaster residence.
• A date prior to the disaster incident period.

All documents can be uploaded to the applicant’s online FEMA account at DisasterAssistance.gov. Another option for uploading documents is your local library. To find a library in a county approved for assistance, visit https://libraries.ok.gov/disaster-assistance. Survivors in Cotton County can visit a library in a surrounding approved county to upload documents. You can also contact 2-1-1 to find the nearest available location.

If home ownership or occupancy cannot be verified, some individuals or families may still qualify for other available disaster assistance to cover damaged or destroyed personal property.

Help is decided by the agency based on the specifics of each FEMA application, including the documentation provided by the applicant.

If you’ve received a letter saying you’re ineligible, whether because of proof of residency, proof of ownership or another reason, additional documentation may be all that is needed to change your eligibility. It’s important to read your letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision so you will know exactly what you need to do.

As a reminder, if you are a homeowner or renter who sustained damage in one of the 16 Oklahoma counties designated for individual assistance you should apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. The counties are Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Comanche, Cotton, Hughes, Jefferson, Le Flore, McIntosh, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Stephens, Tulsa and Wagoner.

The easiest way to apply is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. There is no wait to register online and it is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If it is not possible to register online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses, homeowners and renters. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339) or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Carmen.Castro Tue, 03/30/2021 - 17:21

Update on Due Date for Residents of Rincón Affected by Earthquakes Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico— The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) extended the application deadline so that survivors in Rincón whose homes or businesses were affected by the 2020 earthquakes have an additional business day to apply for assistance.

Survivors now have until May 24, 2021 to apply for assistance 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. Video relay service (VRS) and reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
• Visit disasterAssistance.gov.
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery, 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, 03/30/2021 - 10:57

Philadelphia to Open a Second Federally Supported Community Vaccination Center

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia residents will soon have a second city managed and state and federally supported Community Vaccination Center (CVC) where they can receive the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine. This site will be in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia at Esperanza, Inc. located at 5th Street and Hunting Park Ave. It will be equipped to deliver 1500–2,500 vaccinations per day. The site is expected to open the week of April 5th, and the City will announce the specific date once it is confirmed.

This site was selected using a collaborative and data-driven approach, which includes analysis of the CDC’s social vulnerability index and input from state and local partners. This approach places an emphasis on improving vaccine access and equity in underserved communities. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management selected the Esperanza CVC for federal support based on several reasons:

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health Vaccine Data show that 19140, where Esperanza is located, is a Zip Code in the bottom third of vaccinations in the City and central to the other Zip Codes in the lowest third (https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/vaccines/data/)
• Esperanza fits all vaccine site criteria to include size, infrastructure, accessibility, and availability for a seven day a week operation
• Accessibility includes both ADA compliance and mass transit accessibility as well as proximity to Roosevelt Boulevard and I-95
• The facility is a trusted institution and partner in a Latin American community in Philadelphia
• More than 830,000 Philadelphians of all ages live within 5 miles of this site

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management is working with SEPTA to provide additional transportation options intended to improve the access to the site and make it easier for Philadelphia residents to get vaccinated there.

The site location is Esperanza Charter High School 4261 N 5th St. Philadelphia, PA 19140

Appointment scheduling will be managed by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health using the city’s existing Vaccine Interest Form. If residents do not have internet access, have issues filling out the online form, or need the form in an additional language, they should call 3-1-1. This site will also offer a mix of open access or walk-in opportunities to help improve access to Philadelphia’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. Staff at the site will be equipped to assist residents in many different languages or with any access and functional needs.   This site will be managed by the City of Philadelphia with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. FEMA staff, as well as members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will deploy to support this new vaccination site. The goal of establishing this site is to continue expanding the rate of vaccinations in the City of Philadelphia in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner, with a focus on communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection. This site is in addition to, and in support of, Philadelphia’s existing network of vaccine distribution sites which include the federally supported Center City Vaccination Center.

FEMA and federal partners are planning to support this site by providing staff, operational assistance, and logistical support. This support is being provided at the request of the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The City of Philadelphia will provide the vaccines from its current federal allocation and will determine the amount of vaccines doses delivered to this site.

“I am thrilled to see the federal government continue to step up to the plate and support us to help protect every Philadelphian,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “This new vaccination center is particularly important because it will allow us to better reach under-vaccinated populations, particularly residents of color in Franklinville and surrounding communities. I also want to thank the team at Esperanza for their support in standing up the new clinic. The collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners has been strong throughout this response to allow us to address the needs of Philadelphians. We're looking forward to getting past COVID-19 and these historic challenges, together.”

“We could not be more excited to see a new major throughput site, like a FEMA Type II vaccination clinic, set up in Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.

“We have three goals for distributing vaccine: do it fast, do it so we can save the most lives, and do it equitably. A site like this, in this neighborhood, is a big step toward achieving those goals.”

Janice Barlow, FEMA Region 3 Acting Administrator, noted the mission focus in Philadelphia, “FEMA is committed to supporting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and City of Philadelphia in the equitable, efficient and timely distribution of vaccines and our top priority is to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one. Expanding federal support to another community vaccination center in a particularly hard-hit Philadelphia community will help make that happen.”

For more information about the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, please visit www.phila.gov/health

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. 

 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

amanda.hancher Mon, 03/29/2021 - 20:35

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight South Dakota's Schroeder Fire

DENVER – This afternoon, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Schroeder Fire burning in Pennington County, South Dakota near Rapid City.

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

At the time of the request, the Schroeder Fire was threatening more than 300 homes, which were under an evacuation order. Powerlines in the area are also being threatened. The fire started today and has burned in excess of 1,500 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.

 

minh.phan Mon, 03/29/2021 - 20:16

FEMA Provides $7.2 Million to the Minnesota Department of Health

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division (DPS-HSEM)  announced today that $7,252,111 in federal funding has been made available to the Minnesota Department of Health for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of April 7, 2020.

This funding will reimburse the Minnesota Department of Health for costs to develop and execute a statewide public awareness campaign regarding COVID-19 testing and ways to reduce the spread of the virus. The grant funds also cover costs to lease and renovate an existing facility into an alternative care site to provide surge hospital bed capacity in the Minneapolis- St. Paul metro area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“FEMA’s public assistance program is a critical resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “These grant funds have helped ensure medical services remained available due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and also supported the state’s efforts to communicate important health safety information to the public during the pandemic.”

“This funding allowed us to alert Minnesotans to the safety measures they could take to keep themselves and their loved ones safe as the pandemic first took hold,” said DPS-HSEM Director Joe Kelly. “We are thankful we will be reimbursed to secure an alternate care site at Presbyterian Homes-Langton Place in Roseville, which was established in the event Minnesota hospital surge capacities became overextended.”

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.  

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Mon, 03/29/2021 - 20:08

FEMA Provides $1.1 Million to the Minnesota Department of Human Services

CHICAGO –  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division (DPS-HSEM)  announced today that $1,147,724 in federal funding has been made available to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of April 7, 2020.

This funding will reimburse eligible costs to provide a non-congregate shelter in Hennepin County for the quarantine of people who are homeless with possible exposure to COVID-19. The grant also includes costs for additional non-congregate shelters as protective spaces for high-risk persons with possible COVID-19 exposure.  

“Stopping the spread of this virus has been a priority for FEMA since the start of the pandemic,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding has helped ensure the availability of critical resources to keep people safe while effectively combatting COVID-19.”

“Our mission is to ensure we’re providing adequate resources for everyone; especially the most vulnerable,” said DPS-HSEM Director Joe Kelly. “In a year when having a place to live became paramount, we are grateful we were able to provide shelter to those who needed it the most.”  

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.  

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Mon, 03/29/2021 - 19:55

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON -- This week, federal pilot community vaccination centers are scheduled to open in Boston; Essex, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington. 

FEMA has now provided more than $4.47 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts. 

Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and working with interagency partners to stand-up and provide support to additional centers daily. 

FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency continues working with  state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations  and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. 

Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts. 

Funeral Assistance 

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. 

FEMA’s funeral assistance program has controls in place to mitigate fraudulent activity. FEMA will not contact anyone until they have called FEMA or have applied for assistance, after the program begins taking applications. Individuals 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. If you doubt a FEMA representative is legitimate, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the National Center for Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made by contacting local law enforcement agencies. 

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 03/29/2021 - 19:38