FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and its federal partners have supported President Biden's Jan. 20 goal of administering 100 million COVID-19 vaccines -- 42 days ahead of the 100-day goal.

In the ongoing battle against this pandemic, FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states and interagency partners who continue standing up and supporting additional community vaccination centers daily. Next week, federal pilot community vaccination centers will open in Atlanta and Detroit.

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.

“At FEMA, we are committed to advancing access and equity in the vaccination program,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “This is our highest priority, as we celebrate this milestone and our goal of ensuring everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.”

Community vaccination centers are led by states, and each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. Centers may be supported by federal agencies, including FEMA.

As of March 18, FEMA has provided more than $4.39 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.

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 Fri, 03/19/2021 - 19:06

FEMA Awards Over $2 Million to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – A grant of over $2 million was awarded to The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts.

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) received $2,877,307 for handling the major funding responsibilities of daily operations of Boston Hope Alternate Care Facility, located at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center during the Spring of 2020. 

The costs being reimbursed include costs for food services provided to all patients, staff and other related personnel located at the Boston Convention Center, as well as security services, A/V services, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), costs of electrical supply and delivery, and engineering and building automation system services. Alternate Care Sites like Boston Hope supplemented the state healthcare system by providing additional bed space when pandemic projections exceeded hospital capacity.

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process with eligible applicants.

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met before funding is disbursed.

“We are pleased to provide funding to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for the good work they have undertaken in the pandemic; this grant helps manage the financial demands they are experiencing,” 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 Commonwealth of Massachusetts in our shared efforts to respond to COVID-19.”

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 Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:28

FEMA Awards more than $5.7 million in COVID-19 Costs for Emergency Feeding in Vermont

REGION 1 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded more than $5.7 million is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) to cover the cost of the State of Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program. The state’s emergency feeding program called Vermont Everyone Eats was established and coordinated with state-wide sub-contractors (Hubs) who oversee restaurant engagement, meal production and meal distribution.  The program, a vital part of Vermont’s emergency feeding initiative, provided meals to the COVID-19 impacted population of the state.

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations.

“We are pleased to provide this grant to Southern Vermont Community Action, Inc. to help manage financial demands they are experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue to work closely with SEVAC as our shared efforts to respond to this pandemic continues.”

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:15

FEMA Awards Nearly $4 Million to Vermont for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – The State of Vermont received a grant totaling nearly $4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts.  Since January 2020, COVID-19 has created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public requiring emergency response and protective measures.

The grant, totaling $3,829,746, is awarded to the Vermont Department of Public Safety

for the cost of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and N95 sterilizer machines during the time between March 1, 2020 through September 14, 2020.

The state made the determination to work collaboratively with the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) for procurement of PPE and medical equipment due to their connections and capabilities beyond those of the state. UVMMC provided additional expertise on the fine medical details of PPE, as well as industry and logistical resources for both traditional and non-traditional sources and delivery options.

The resources procured were distributed for emergency use by healthcare and first responder personnel. N95 sterilizer machines were distributed to multiple hospitals and medical centers across the State of Vermont to allow sterilization for multiple re-uses, a critical need when they were bought and a continuingly valuable need until COVID is over.

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 award  the Vermont Department of Public Safety this funding to support the financial  demands the state is experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England.  “We continue to work closely with Vermont in our shared efforts to respond to this pandemic and the needs of their residents.”

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 Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:07

FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to the Rhode Island Department of Health for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – The state of Rhode Island received a grant totaling over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help with expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. Since January of 2020, COVID-19 created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public requiring emergency response and protective measures.

The grant of $1,220,988 is given to the Rhode Island Department of Health to reimburse expenses at the onset of the pandemic.  FEMA obligates this funding for the period of March 29, 2020 through June 30, 2020. 

Expenses covered through this grant include-costs incurred for providing laboratory and statewide reporting for Rhode Islanders who received COVID-19 tests, and the dissemination of educational resources for testing in multiple languages. The Department of Health also provided epidemiology and operations support to the emergency operation center, and statewide reporting of data On COVID related cases.

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.

 “The Rhode Island Department of Health responded to residents’ needs for testing; FEMA is pleased to help manage financial demands for these efforts,” 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 as the 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 Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:05

FEMA Awards Over $2 Million to New Hampshire for COVID-19 Emergency Operations

REGION 1 – The state of New Hampshire received a grant of over $2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. Since January of 2020, COVID-19 created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public requiring emergency response and protective measures.

The grant of $$2,282,752 is given to the state to cover costs incurred when activating their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and their Incident Planning and Operations Center (IPOC) in Concord.

FEMA obligates funding directly to the state of New Hampshire for the period April 24, 2020 to November 20, 2020.  This grant is funded at 100% through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses recepients for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.

Reimbursement is for tasks completed, including the management, control and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety operations, disinfection of needed facilities, and providing technical assistance to state and local governments on emergency management.  Other costs include the purchase and distribution of consumable supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazardous material suits, movement of supplies and persons, security and law enforcement, communications of general health and safety information to the public, and overall coordination of New Hampshire’s response and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Funding to New Hampshire emergency operations is one of many ways FEMA helps manage financial demands on our partners as a result of 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 in our shared efforts to respond to this continuing pandemic.”

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 Thu, 03/18/2021 - 20:01

FEMA Awards Nearly $4 Million to the New Hampshire Concord Hospital for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – The State of New Hampshire received a grant totaling nearly $4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. A year into the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to threaten the health and safety of the public.

The grant of $3,690,584. is awarded to Concord Hospital that provides medical care in a safe environment, requiring the purchase of additional materials. The facility established Neighborhood Emergency Health Centers in two location to lessen the burden other practices were experiencing with the influx of patients.

Included costs covered by the grant are ventilators purchased in order to better prepare and increase the hospital’s capacity to treat patients with respiratory complications and personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide medical workers with adequate protection materials to maintain a clean and sanitary facility.  Concord Hospital established Neighborhood Emergency Health Centers in two locations for symptomatic patients to be tested, screened, triaged, and provided follow up care, allowing other practices to see non COVID symptomatic patients.

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.

 “Supporting New Hampshire, and specifically Concord Hospital, is crucial in working together against COVID-19. FEMA is pleased to provide funding that helps manage the financial demands they are experiencing,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England.  “We continue to work closely with the state in our shared efforts.”

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 Thu, 03/18/2021 - 19:59

FEMA Approves More Than $4 Million in Grants for Berkshire Medical Center COVID-19 Response

REGION I –Massachusetts will receive $4,336,272 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expenses incurred by the Berkshire Medical Center for the work done during the COVID pandemic. These funds were awarded to address the immediate threat to life and public safety for the period of March 7 to May 31, 2020.

FEMA is supporting the Commonwealth by providing reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures and services.  Berkshire Medical Center costs incurred include labor, materials, and contract services in the performance of testing, diagnosis, transport, prescriptions, wraparound services, and treatment of over 500 COVID-19 positive and presumptive COVID-19 cases and thousands of tests within its facilities.

Also funded with this grant are contract labor contracts that were activated, expenses for seasonal employees outside their normal season of work and costs for a COVID-19 specific call center. The Berkshire Medical Center activated its command center to coordinate emergency medical operations, train and support essential workers, and disseminate information to the public

“In partnership with the Commonwealth, FEMA supports these activities that served the residents who were in need and the services that were performed expeditiously and efficiently,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Massachusetts. 

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process with eligible applicants. 

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA, who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met prior to disbursing the funding.    

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

 

 

 

 

 

adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 19:55

FEMA Awards $110 Million to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program to Assist Migrants

WASHINGTON -- Yesterday, FEMA awarded $110 million in supplemental humanitarian funding to the National Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

The National Board will award these funds to eligible local nonprofit and governmental organizations and state governmental facilities that have aided, or will aid, individuals and families encountered by the Department of Homeland Security at the southern U.S. border.

Local nonprofit, faith-based and governmental entities that have provided, or will provide, humanitarian relief to individuals and families at the southern border with shelter, food and supportive services are eligible to apply. Applications will be completed and submitted to EFSP local boards. State government facilities that provided eligible direct services will apply through their EFSP State Set-Aside Committee.

FEMA announced last Friday that $510 million in supplemental funding is being made available to the EFSP via the “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” to assist organizations in communities across the country dedicated to providing food, shelter and supportive services to people with economic emergencies, including our nation's hungry and homeless populations.

The Act provided $400 million for local social service organizations aiding our nation’s hungry and homeless. The additional $110 million is for organizations providing humanitarian assistance to migrants at the southern border.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program was established to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both nonprofit and governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at-risk of experiencing, hunger and homelessness. FEMA chairs the National Board that consists of representatives from several nonprofit organizations.

Program funds help people with economic, not disaster-related, emergencies. Funds can be used for a broad range of services, including: mass sheltering; mass feeding; assistance to food pantries and food banks; payment of one month’s utility bills to prevent loss of services; payment of one-month’s rent or mortgage to prevent eviction or foreclosure; and transition assistance from shelters to stable living conditions.

Additional information including local board and state set-aside committee contacts is available on the EFSP website. Organizations may also send an email request to suppfund@uww.unitedway.org or call at 703-706-9660 to obtain local board and State Set-Aside contact information.

All applications shall be evaluated competitively. Reimbursement and prospective awards addressing humanitarian needs such as life sustaining food and shelter expenses will be given priority.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 03/18/2021 - 19:30

FEMA approves $7.8 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved four projects totaling more than $7.8 million for the State of Florida to reimburse for eligible costs of permanent repairs following Hurricane Michael.

The projects are:

• Bay County: $4,226,692 for repairs to roadside shoulders and ditches throughout the county
• Mexico Beach: $1,095,064 for repairs to the damaged wastewater collection system components citywide, including replacing manholes and covers as well as clearing sewer lines of Hurricane Michael storm surge
• Panama City Housing Authority: $1,175,476 for repairs to eleven buildings within the Northgate complex
• Springfield: $1,329,832 for cost to demolish and replace the city's hurricane-damaged community building

These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

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

barbara.murien… Thu, 03/18/2021 - 18:32

FEMA and Utah Release Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy Guide for Local Communities

DENVER – Nearly one year after the damaging earthquake centered around Magna, FEMA and the state of Utah are releasing a strategy to address the risks posed to unreinforced masonry structures. The document, Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy, provides guidance to Utah communities on how to identify their own risk and then take steps to address it.

The five recommendations made in the strategy include the Unreinforced Masonry School Risk Reduction Program, Retrofit Program Focused on Government-Owned Unreinforced Masonry Structures, Statewide Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Program, Utah State Construction Code Enhancements, and Utah State Construction Code – Local Amendments. The full document will be available online at www.fema.gov.

Unreinforced masonry was a common building material throughout Utah up until seismic building codes became more prevalent in the 1970s.  These brittle brick buildings do not incorporate the reinforcing steel required by modern building codes. There are an estimated 140,000 such structures across the state. They encompass a wide variety of buildings, from individual homes, to businesses, to schools and houses of worship. Such structures can more easily succumb to the movement and shaking during an earthquake, posing a threat to building occupants as well as individuals outside in close proximity to the structures.

The Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy is a direct result of an earthquake summit in Salt Lake City in June 2019. The overarching goal includes accelerating statewide progress on mitigation of unreinforced masonry structures. The purpose of the summit was to raise awareness about the risk of unreinforced masonry buildings, identify mitigation opportunities and brainstorm funding solutions. More than 100 participants from across the public and private sectors participated in the two-day event. One need identified by participants included a resource guide for local communities to use and implement solutions.

FEMA and the state of Utah recognize the importance of mitigation in reducing exposure to future losses from disasters. The interagency National Mitigation Investment Strategy— published in August 2019 — was developed to help the nation be more intentional about setting resilience and mitigation investment priorities to benefit the whole community., The Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy was selected as a pilot project for this national effort in recognition of Utah’s acknowledgement of a serious seismic risk and dedication to finding a solution.

While this product was developed for communities across the Wasatch Front, it also is replicable. Its collaborative approach is intended to support and guide the development of unreinforced masonry risk reduction programs across the United States. The strategy has been written to provide state and local policymakers with a clear list of actions to take as soon as possible, through policy and with budgeting, legislation, and executive actions, as appropriate. Implementation of the suggested actions will help to make our communities more resilient and save lives and property in the process.

Brian.Hvinden Thu, 03/18/2021 - 18:25

FEMA Continues Community Outreach Efforts to Combat Vaccine Inequity in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – On March 3rd, 2021, FEMA Region 3, along with the City of Philadelphia, its federal partners, and volunteer organizations, opened a mass vaccination site at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The goal of opening this site was to provide Philadelphia residents with a centralized location to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. The site’s central location in Philadelphia, buoyed by robust public transportation access, allows for residents from across the city to access the site. As designed, the Pennsylvania Convention Center vaccination site has the capability to vaccinate 6,000 Philadelphia residents per day. These doses are in addition to the weekly allocation given to the City of Philadelphia and not taken from the city’s allotment.

Before and during the planning process, FEMA Region 3, in conjunction and consultation with our partners, have adopted an aggressive strategy to promote the first step in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: Registration. Along the way, FEMA Region 3 and its partners recognized that we could do more to address vaccine inequity as it pertains to doses delivered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Through our support of such a new large-scale effort, and meeting the urgency of the moment, we have learned a lot and understand how to pivot accordingly. We recognized that our process was not a perfect one and our strategy needed to change to better reflect the diversity of Philadelphia. Because of that, for a 6-day period beginning on March 17th and running through March 22nd, the Pennsylvania Convention Center site began to accept walk-up appointments from Philadelphia’s 22 most underserved zip codes. Approximately 3,000 doses a day are set aside for walkup appointments.

Still, FEMA Region 3 and our partners recognized that we could do more. And, we have. FEMA Region 3 began a first-in-the-nation type outreach campaign to address vaccine inequity in Philadelphia. This issue is not native to Philadelphia, and we understand that, but it is paramount that we do all we can to get this right.

FEMA Region 3, in preparation for and in response to vaccine inequity in Philadelphia, has done the following:

• The process began by involving Philadelphia City Government, namely, Philadelphia City Council. FEMA Region 3 arranged for walkthrough’s for City Council members so they could see the operation first-hand. City Council, diverse by its own nature, took us up on that offer and have been a working partner to address concerns of their communities ever since.
• FEMA Region 3 began a comprehensive media campaign to get the word out through radio, print, and television. FEMA Region 3 has carefully picked media outlets based off their audience, their reach to underserved communities, and their reach in general. To date, we have done interviews with all major television stations, arranged for walkthroughs with reporters, addressed media inquiries from print reporters, and conducted 14 radio interviews, played across 11 stations, to include delivery in both Spanish and Haitian-Creole.
• FEMA Region 3 implemented a first-in-the-nation “Street Team” to walk the pavement and to date have engaged more than 240 businesses throughout the city’s most underserved and most populated neighborhoods. From corporate chains to corner stores, our vaccine interest flyer can be seen hanging in the windows of the most important small businesses in our communities. On that flyer is a QR Code that folks can scan with their phone that will send them directly to the Philadelphia vaccine registration website.
• FEMA Region 3 established a first-in-the-nation geographic-specific Speaker’s Bureau so that neighborhoods in Philadelphia that want answers get answers directly from FEMA employees that live in their community. To date, we completed eight (8) Speaker’s Bureau events, confirmed seventeen (17) upcoming events, and are working with more than 50 other Registered Community Organizations or community leaders interested in an event or receiving vaccination information and tool kits. To date, 282 community organizations have received tool kits to share information with their community on the safety, efficacy, and facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. At these events, FEMA Region 3 has called community members who could not attend in-person and assisted with their vaccine registration over the phone.
• FEMA Region 3 has developed public service announcements (PSA’s) which have been run by our partners over radio and are in development with two of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams. Additionally, FEMA Region 3 is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on paid media opportunities.
• Recognizing that social media is a platform used by many, FEMA Region 3 has been chronicling Philadelphia’s vaccine journey through video and pictures and telling those stories over social media.

While some may see the above as merely bullet points on a news release, those working on the ground are lucky enough to hear the stories of those who finally, for the first time in nearly a year, feel safe, who feel that the return to normalcy is within reach. These mere bullet points have resulted in countless human stories to include the following few examples:

• A woman shared a story with a team member at a community event FEMA Region 3 helped put together. The woman shared that she lost 14 friends and family members due to COVID over the last year. The woman was so stressed that she had a heart attack and was in the hospital for six days. She hasn’t seen her mom in South Carolina in two years. She got her first shot at the Convention Center and is looking forward to her second shot so she can finally reunite with her family.
• A woman at a community event shared a story about how exhausted she was after climbing the SEPTA stairs to get the vaccine at the Convention Center. She questioned whether she made the right decision. As she proceeded to the Convention Center, she was approached by a member of the staff who helped and escorted her to her vaccine. She was happy with her decision to go.
• One gentleman said he was amazed at the organization and professionalism at the convention center. When he saw the line wrap around the building, he questioned if he should wait in it.  After deciding it was the right decision, he was shocked that it only took 30 minutes to get his vaccine. Another women said she left her home at 7:15pm for her vaccination shot and was putting the key back into her front door at quarter to nine. She went on to say how pleased she was with the experience and said never thought she’d be home that quickly.

And there are more.

• Acting FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator Janice Barlow offered the following: “FEMA Region 3 continues on with one goal in mind: The fair and equitable access to a COVID-19 vaccine for all, especially those in our underserved communities throughout Philadelphia. We will continue to conduct outreach, continue our mission, and continue to work with our partners in this effort to course-correct when needed.”
• As we conduct this once-in-a-generation effort to vaccinate Americans, we can all play a part. We can be good neighbors and help those who are confronted with access issues. We can help register our family members for their COVID-19 vaccine. And, for those of us who have gone through the vaccination process, we can tell our stories to help alleviate concerns about safety and process.

Together, we can beat this.

Caption - FEMA Region 3 employees from Philadelphia speak with the Northwood Civic Association to assist residents in completing the city’s vaccine interest form.

Caption - A FEMA Region 3 employee from Philadelphia meets with a local business owner while distributing flyers with information regarding the city’s vaccine interest form and registration process.

Caption - A FEMA Region 3 employee from Philadelphia provides a tour of operations at the Center City Vaccination Center to Philadelphia community leaders.

gabriel.lugo Thu, 03/18/2021 - 16:27

FEMA Provides An Additional $14.3 Million To Colorado For COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $14.3 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Colorado. To date, FEMA has provided more than $401 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020.

The $14.3 million was provided to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

• $7.8 million was provided to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to utilize contract services to buildout St. Mary Corwin Medical Center as an Alternate Care Site (ACS) to accommodate COVID-19 patients.
• The Division used $4.6 million to provide materials for emergency medical care including, but not limited to, KN95 masks, thermometers, gloves, surgical gowns, and other medical supplies. In addition, the Division utilized contracts for sanitation services subject matter experts to provide technical assistance to the SEOC, and support staff.
• $1.9 million was provided to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to utilize contract services to buildout St. Anthony North Health Campus by converting the 2nd and 3rd floors of the facility to accommodate COVID-19 patients in order for the facility to serve as an ACS in warm status.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75 percent federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100 percent cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January. 20, 2020 and September. 30, 2021.

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

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

minh.phan Wed, 03/17/2021 - 22:40

Prepare Now for Imminent Dangerous Storms from the Mississippi Valley to Alabama

WASHINGTON -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a high risk update for today across portions of the Mississippi Valley into Alabama due to the threat of possible strong tornadoes, hail larger than 2 inches and winds above 75 miles per hour, and a moderate risk upgrade was issued for tomorrow.

Conditions across the high-risk area are favorable for strong, long-track tornadoes. This is especially true from northeast Louisiana through northern Mississippi into northwest Alabama.

More than one round of severe storms is possible across parts of Mississippi and Alabama today during the afternoon into the overnight hours. Storms are currently ongoing across portions of western Oklahoma and are expected to continue in coverage, intensity and redevelopment as the system pushes eastward.

Now is the time to prepare for severe weather

Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If you are in the forecast areas, monitor a NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials. 

Download the free FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and information so that you and your loved ones know what to do before, during and after disasters. The app provides real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

Prepare for a tornado and plan where you will go if a tornado watch is issued in your community

Storm cellars, safe rooms or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter or a safe room is not available, put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows and doors.

Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible. Motor vehicles, trailers and mobile homes are not good locations to ride out a tornado. If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

For additional severe weather tips visit Ready.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/17/2021 - 21:30

Allen County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Open House

CHICAGO – On March 24, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in conjunction with Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will host an online flood risk information open house for Allen County. The event will be presented using the Zoom teleconferencing service and will provide residents an opportunity to review a recently completed preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood information, delineate areas subject to significant flood hazards within the county, and offer information public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain. The updated floodplain maps are limited to the portion of Allen County within the Little Miami River Watershed.

The virtual open house will be staffed by representatives from various local, state, and federal agencies who will provide information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the floodplain mapping process. Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA also intends that they be used to assist planning processes and outreach efforts to increase resiliency in response to flood and storm events. Meeting information follows:

WHAT:              Allen County, Ohio Flood Risk Information Open House WHEN:             Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. WHERE:           Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom account.                           Meeting ID: 992 1820 4571                           Passcode: 564400                           https://stantec.zoom.us/j/99218204571?pwd=SzhiaWhTRk1qbEpWSUFUTGtGc0U3QT09

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

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

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRMs and FIS report can be downloaded at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/. For more information, email the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

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

troy.christensen Wed, 03/17/2021 - 20:34

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON -- Today, a federal pilot community vaccination center opened in Cleveland, capable of administering 6,000 shots a day, and additional centers are set to open later this month in Atlanta and Detroit.

In support of these state vaccination efforts, FEMA and its partners continue helping establish mobile vaccination centers, including pop-up locations, to bring vaccines closer to people that need them. The mobile vaccination capability is another way FEMA is supporting communities and getting vaccine services to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from larger, fixed sites.

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 has now provided more than $4.38 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, such as today’s center opening.

FEMA uses data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and Census population data to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccines,  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.

Working with federal and local partners, FEMA has now held more than 500 mobile events, and the agency continues to partner with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners to support mobile vaccination centers.

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.

Learn more about the efforts to make the vaccine available to all on FEMA.gov.

Ohio Governor Visits Cleveland Community Vaccination Center

Cleveland -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (left) discusses the Cleveland community vaccination site opening with Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick.

FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio

FEMA Regional Administrator Visits Cleveland Vaccination Center

Cleveland -- Acting FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator checks in with vaccine recipients at the Cleveland community vaccination center.

FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/17/2021 - 20:24

Holden Beach Awarded $15.49 Million to Renourish Beaches Damaged by Hurricane Dorian

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $15,496,802 to help the Town of Holden Beach restore sand and vegetation on the Central Reach shoreline damaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Funds for the project cover restoration of 555,000 cubic yards of beach sand and stabilization of 80,000 square yards of dune vegetation. FEMA’s share for this project is $11,622,601 and the state’s share is $3,874,201.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants for state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to reimburse the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repair work.

Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Dorian, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4465. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

neily.chapman Wed, 03/17/2021 - 19:44

Department of Transportation Receives $2.39 Million for Hurricane Florence Repairs

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $2,392,008 to reimburse the North Carolina Department of Transportation for roadway repairs after Hurricane Florence in Robeson County.

The grant brings the total NCDOT reimbursement for Hurricane Florence-related expenses to $671,219,285. FEMA’s share for the Robeson County project is $1,794,006 and the state’s share is $598,002.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants for state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to reimburse the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repair work.

Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

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

neily.chapman Wed, 03/17/2021 - 19:41

Team Rubicon Deploys Response Team to Philadelphia Vaccination Site

PHILADELPHIA – Team Rubicon, a veteran-led global disaster response organization, has deployed a response team to support the City of Philadelphia, FEMA, and other government partners at the Center City Community Vaccination Center. This site is equipped to deliver up to 6,000 doses of the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine each day. The Philadelphia site is the first federally supported community vaccination centers in the nation to benefit from Team Rubicon’s skilled assistance.

“We are very grateful for the skill and expertise that Team Rubicon is bringing to the fight against COVID-19 in Philadelphia,” said FEMA Region 3 acting regional administrator, Janice Barlow. “Team Rubicon is an incredible organization that offers a new mission to veterans looking to continue their service. FEMA regularly works in partnership with Team Rubicon in our disaster response operations and we are really glad to be doing so again here in Philadelphia.”

More than 35 Team Rubicon volunteers, known as Greyshirts, have arrived from several states and nearby areas to provide various forms of non-clinical assistance at the vaccination center. They are filling important roles throughout the vaccination center and are directly engaged in guiding vaccination center clients through the experience, from start to finish.

“We are honored to be serving in this national life-saving mission,” said Rich Locke of Team Rubicon. “We have been in the fight against this pandemic from the beginning and we won’t stop until we beat COVID-19.”

 

To learn more about Team Rubicon’s vaccination mission visit: www.teamrubiconusa.org/vaccination

 

Team Rubicon is one of several volunteer organizations supporting the COVID-19 response in Philadelphia.

To volunteer with Team Rubicon visit: www.teamrubiconusa.org/volunteer

Philadelphia residents can also volunteer with the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps: www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/volunteer-for-the-philadelphia-medical-reserve-corps-pmrc/

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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, 03/17/2021 - 18:08

W.Va. volunteer organization hosts first vaccine event of its kind in the nation

Count West Virginia’s volunteer organizations among the “firsts” in the state’s successful vaccination efforts.

West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) held a mobile vaccination clinic at its state headquarters in Belle, W.Va., last Thursday that is the first VOAD-sponsored event in the country.

Supported by VOAD staff, volunteers from the West Virginia Council of Churches, Ore’s Clendenin Pharmacy, FEMA Corps and the West Virginia Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF), including the National Guard and FEMA, the clinic administered all 100 percent of the 275 allocated doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

“FEMA has always been able to count on VOAD for disaster relief in everything from housing to providing necessities and comfort families in West Virginia experiencing challenging times,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3. “I’m not surprised that WV VOAD is leading the way again in the nation’s vaccine effort. FEMA is honored to provide resources for VOAD’s humanitarian mission.”

With staff from the JIATF and Clendenin Pharmacy serving as vaccinators, members from participating groups served as greeters, checking in and directing vehicles down the lot for registration, data managers for inputting information into the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), and monitors for participants following vaccination.

“It’s really flowed well,” said Jenny Gannaway, Executive Director of WV VOAD. “Other VOADS have helped at vaccine clinics, but we’re the first to actually host. The help from the Council of Churches has been tremendous.”

Under the vaccination canopy, the Rev. Jeffrey Allen assembled vaccination kits with loaded syringes, alcohol swabs and adhesive bandages.

“I’m delighted to be a part,” he said. “I’m pleased at the turnout; we’ll have to do more. That it’s been for largely underserved communities means so much.”

The next WV VOAD vaccine clinic is set for March 25 in Belle.

Find out about WV VOAD and how you can volunteer at www.wvvoad.org or nationally at www.nvoad.org. Keep track of West Virginia’s coronavirus response at coronavirus.wv.gov. State residents can register for their COVID-19 vaccine and find local vaccination events at vaccinate.wv.gov.

Caption: Idalis Barrientos, of Beeville, Texas, helps check in participants at the mobile vaccination clinic sponsored by West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (WV VOAD) at its headquarters in Belle, W.Va., on March 11, 2021. Barrientos is a member of the AmeriCorps FEMA Corps team assigned to work at WV VOAD. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)

Caption: Rev. Jeffrey Allen, of Charleston, W.Va., assembles vaccination kits at the mobile vaccination clinic sponsored by West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (WV VOAD) at its headquarters in Belle, W.Va., on March 11, 2021. Allen is executive director of the West Virginia Council of Churches, one of the volunteer groups active with WV VOAD. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)

Caption: A vaccinator from Ore’s Clendenin Pharmacy in Clendenin, W.Va., administers the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the mobile vaccination clinic sponsored by West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (WV VOAD) at its headquarters in Belle, W.Va., on March 11, 2021. The event was the nation’s first VOAD-sponsored vaccination clinic. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)

amanda.hancher Wed, 03/17/2021 - 17:27