Federal Disaster Assistance for Oregon Tops $116 Million

Salem, Ore. – Three months after the President declared a major federal disaster for Oregon Wildfires, more than $116 million in state and federal funds have been provided to aid the Oregon wildfire recovery.

As of Dec. 7, FEMA has approved nearly $31 million in disaster assistance for homeowners and renters.

When combined with low interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration totaling more than $52 million and an additional $33 million in salaries, services and goods contracts, more than $116 million in federal funding has been approved for residents and businesses across Oregon.

“As we’ve seen over the last year, wildfires can be absolutely devastating. Oregon residents affected by this disaster have shown uncommon resilience and determination to recover and move forward,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “The assistance FEMA has delivered will help survivors take those important first steps on their road to recovery, providing them with financial assistance to help them achieve their long-term goals and return to a sense of normalcy.”

While FEMA continues to work hard to provide much needed assistance to survivors and communities affected by this year’s wildfires, they’re not alone, as Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps reminds us, recovery is a long-term collaborative effort.

“This year has been beyond difficult for thousands of Oregon residents across the state,” said Phelps. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state, non-profit and local partners we’ve made significant progress toward our recovery goals, which have taken on special meaning as we enter the winter holidays. Wildfire recovery is a long process, and we are committed to meeting the unique needs of each disaster survivor as our community, and Oregon, rebuilds together.”

Oregon Recovery Highlights

• 2,917 Oregon residents have been approved for housing and other needs assistance grants totaling nearly $31 million.
  • Of those, 501 homeowners received the maximum housing assistance grant amount available from FEMA.
  • In addition, more than $6 million in grants have been approved to help homeowners and renters replace personal property, for medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.
• FEMA completed damage inspections of 6,764 homes.
• FEMA’s direct housing mission continues to match families with housing options as quickly as possible until all eligible families have a temporary place to live. As of Dec. 13, 21 families have been provided temporary housing solutions.
• Through the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, the State of Oregon approved $246,700 to support 153 survivors.
• Disaster legal services were made available to answer legal questions from wildfire survivors. Survivors can still take advantage of this service online at osbar.org/public/index.html, or call 800-452-7636 or 503-684-3763.
• FEMA operated six External Outreach Sites serving Jackson, Lane, Marion, Linn, Lincoln, Clackamas and Douglas counties. At these sites, disaster survivor assistance teams served 1,856 visitors, helping residents apply for FEMA grants, appeal FEMA decisions, get updates on their applications, receive referrals and address any remaining needs.
• Since mobilizing on Sept. 24 by FEMA Mission Assignment, 17 EPA field recovery teams, working 12-hour days, seven days a week, have retrieved and removed household hazardous waste from over 2,300 fire-ravaged parcels in eight Oregon counties.
• EPA teams have also stabilized and consolidated ash and debris from more than 230 parcels along Oregon waterways - including five miles of the Bear Creek riparian area in Jackson County - protecting water quality from toxic runoff.
• In close coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, FEMA has provided $779,545 through the Crisis Counselling Immediate Services Program to provide counseling to wildfire survivors. The Safe+Strong Helpline is available for both children and adults who are struggling with stress, anxiety or other disaster-related depression-like symptoms. For help, call 800-923-4357 or visit safestrongoregon.org/mental-emotional-health. This is a free service provided by the Oregon Health Authority and Portland-based nonprofit agency Lines for Life.
• To date, $410,308 was approved for repairs under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. FEMA Public assistance helps state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. PA funding helps cover costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.
• FEMA has received 146 Requests for Public Assistance from local Oregon governments and organizations.
• FEMA has hired 30 local residents in a number of recovery positions. Hiring locally benefits the recovery process allowing local residents, some of whom are disaster survivors themselves, to offer insights into their communities and the challenges facing Oregon residents like themselves.
• All FEMA disaster messaging has been provided in seven languages identified as prevalent in Oregon: Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Somali, and Russian, in addition to English and American Sign Language. Bilingual speakers have been available for public meetings. 
• The toll-free disaster assistance helpline, 800-621-3362 is also supported by specialists in those seven languages and additional languages, and live translation services are available to all applicants who call FEMA.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond survivor inquiries. When rebuilding check with your local building official and floodplain administrator for guidance.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

 

issa.mansaray Tue, 12/15/2020 - 17:43

$7 Million Awarded to Jump-Start Recovery Projects

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – FEMA’s Public Buildings Group continues to push recovery projects forward to strengthen the Territory’s resilience against disasters. Collaboration between the group and Public Assistance (PA) Program applicants led to $7 million awarded for projects in November.

Coordination between federal and territorial partners to repair recreational facilities damaged from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 stands out among approved projects. The V.I. Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation was awarded $790,249 for repairs to Ezra Fredericks Ballpark on St. Thomas and $260,668 for the restoration of Pedro Cruz Ballpark on St. Croix.

Plans were approved to replace the fence, gates, retaining wall, dugouts, aluminum stands, shade covers and scoreboard at Fredericks’ baseball field. The press box is set for replacement and restoration of the cricket pitch will eventually occur at the facility in Frydenhoj.

The park’s basketball court will be repainted, and players will benefit from use of a new rim, pole and backboard as well at Fredericks.

“These projects are an important step to providing important recreational opportunities for the Territory. Working together with the USVI Office of Disaster Recovery to achieve these milestones, the FEMA team is very pleased to see one more step on the road to recovery completed,” said Acting Recovery Director John Covell. 

Meanwhile, a restored fence along the first baseline and repairs to the announcer’s booth, bullpen and outfield fencing, batting cage, field lighting, scoreboard and stadium roof will improve the experience for ballplayers and fans of Cruz Ballpark in Estate Profit.

“The Territory is pleased with FEMA’s pace in obligating funds to repair parks and recreational facilities,” said Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery. “We will continue to work with FEMA to expend funds timely and correctly.”

Projects obligated on St. Thomas include:

• $315,721 awarded to the V.I. Department of Labor for building and contents damaged in the 2017 hurricanes;
• $73,292 awarded to the Judiciary of the Virgin Islands for management costs.

Projects obligated on St. Croix include:

• $231,503 for repairs to the Estate Profit Community Center in Frederiksted;
• $118,106 awarded to the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) for building and contents damaged from Hurricane Maria;
• $45,097 obligated to the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development for building and contents at five damaged buildings.

Projects obligated on St. John include:

• $207,793 awarded to DPNR for building and contents.  

Public Assistance for permanent work is awarded to applicants at a 90% federal cost share in the Territory. Permanent work includes permanent restoration of damaged facilities, including cost-effective hazard mitigation to protect the facilities from future damage.

Eligible work must be required as a result of the declared incident, located in the designated area, be the legal responsibility of the applicant, and be undertaken at a reasonable cost.

Recipients of PA are responsible for managing the funds obligated to them by FEMA, including disbursement to applicants. FEMA will continue to monitor the recovery progress to ensure the timely delivery of eligible assistance and compliance with federal laws and regulations.

FEMA will continue to support the USVI with strengthening the resilience of its public buildings to better withstand disasters.

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

gina.callaghan Tue, 12/15/2020 - 12:13

FEMA Awards $22.2 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $22,206,422 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of repairs, administrative costs and emergency protective measures following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:

• Key West Utility Board: $18,804,250 for repairs to the Lower Keys power distribution system, including 465 power poles, 533 pole-mounted transformers and 1,403 streetlights, and the costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other repairs.
• Miami-Dade County: $2,220,422 for emergency measures taken to protect life and property, including protecting water systems near Deering Estate and Zoo Miami and removing debris from 270 parks, train tracks, bus routes, two causeways and rights-of-way.  
• JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority): $1,181,749 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other repairs.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

barbara.murien… Tue, 12/15/2020 - 09:33

Hurricane Zeta Survivors in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox Counties Can Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from Hurricane Zeta in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties can apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the hurricane.

The counties were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Trump on Dec. 10, 2020, for damage and losses from Hurricane Zeta that occurred Oct. 28-29, 2020.

If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. 

You can register for FEMA disaster assistance online by visiting  DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You will need to have the following 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, if available;
• A general list of damages and losses; and
• If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY) to determine what federal, state, local, or voluntary agency assistance may be available to you. 

If you can return to your home and it is safe, has working power, water, and sewer or septic service, visit DisasterAssistance.gov to determine if state, voluntary and local organizations in your community can address any unmet needs.

“We appreciate the federal support for disaster recovery in Alabama and will work closely with our local and federal partners to help Alabamians recover from the storm,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings.

Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while you build your own recovery plan. Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

“We’re working closely with Alabama EMA and voluntary agencies to get survivors the help they need,” said Allan Jarvis, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer in Alabama.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are  available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and sources.

If referred, applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov or by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Federal funding is also available to the state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Zeta in Autauga, Butler, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, Washington and Wilcox counties. 

felicia.jordan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 14:42

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for New Jersey

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4.

The President's action makes federal funding available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Isaias in Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Monmouth, Morris and Salem counties.

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

Patrick Cornbill 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 Mon, 12/14/2020 - 14:19

FEMA Issues Public Notice for 19 Alabama Counties

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A public notice has been posted to the FEMA and Alabama Emergency Management websites describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in Alabama.

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

The public notice addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by Hurricane Zeta in Autauga, Butler, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, Washington, and Wilcox Counties.

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4573-al-public-notice-001

 the Alabama Emergency Management Agency website at https://alabamaema.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/4573-dr-al-public-noticeocc-12.11.2020.final_.pdf

This may be the only public notice given regarding these FEMA actions. Questions should be directed to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region IV - EHP, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341-4112 or by emailing FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov within 15 days of the date of this notice.

felicia.jordan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 11:03

FEMA Provides Plains, Montana $5.1 Mitigation Grant to Relocate Wastewater Treatment Plant

DENVER – FEMA has announced an award of more than $5.1 million to the Town of Plains, Montana. The funds are the federal cost share for a mitigation project to relocate the community’s wastewater treatment plant.  The plant is at risk of failure in a 10-year flood event.

The existing plant has four lagoons and an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system; new lagoons and an ultraviolet disinfection system will be installed at the new site.  The new facility will be on a 10-acre property outside of the floodplain. Relocating the facility will help ensure a safe water supply for the community and avoid discharge of untreated water.

The FEMA grant accounts for 89 percent of the total cost of the $5.7 million project. Funding is provided through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which is designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

Additional information about FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program.

minh.phan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 09:21

FEMA Provides Washington City $1.2 Million for Flood Mitigation

DENVER – FEMA has announced an award of more than $1.2 million to Washington City, Utah. The funds are the federal cost share for a mitigation project to address the threat of flooding in the Pineview Estates area.

The project includes the placement of approximately 2,800 feet of erosion protection, in the form of rock, brush and cottonwood plantings, along the Virgin River. This project will help make Washington City more resilient to flood and erosion damage from future events in the Virgin River by reducing the risk for 22 private homes, a city park, and other existing public road and utility infrastructure.

FEMA is providing a 75-percent federal cost share for the $1.6 million project. Funding is provided through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which is designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

Additional information about FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program.

minh.phan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 09:18

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alabama

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Zeta from Oct. 28-29, 2020.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of Hurricane Zeta.

Federal funding is also available to the state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Zeta in Autauga, Butler, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, Washington and Wilcox counties.

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

Allan Jarvis 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.

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

zella.campbell Thu, 12/10/2020 - 21:55

FEMA Approves Nearly $22 Million for Rhode Island COVID-19 Costs

REGION I –Rhode Island will receive $21,703,368 from FEMA to reimburse costs incurred by Rhode Island Department of Administration for construction of three alternative hospital sites to ensure hospital capacity in the wake of COVID-19.

The sites, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Citizens Bank in Cranston, and former Lowe's Home Improvement Store in Quonset, added nearly 1,400 hospital beds to supplement the state’s capacity as pandemic cases increased. Additionally, the build outs included areas with dedicated nursing stations, central cleaning stations, patient accommodations, a critical care bay, testing and lab services area, and an incident command center.

“These facilities were built and funded for the health and safety of Rhode Island residents,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Rhode Island. “The state works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects. Working together on such critical care needs is one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Rhode Island.”

This grant is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. The grant applications are submitted from the state, which coordinates the process with local governments. 

FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the state of Rhode Island.

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, 12/10/2020 - 14:39

FEMA Approves $5.6 Million for the Puerto Rico Department of Health

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico— A $5.6 million injection of funds approved to the Puerto Rico Department of Health by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is aimed at repairing health facilities throughout the island. The improvement plans range from diagnostic and treatment centers to laboratories and public health units in six municipalities.

This amount, approved this year, adds to the total of about $8 million the Agency has awarded for the Department of Health so far for 14 permanent repair projects to strengthen the health sector.

“With these funding obligations we contribute to the rehabilitation of various facilities of Puerto Rico's public health system around the island to facilitate the accessibility of these essential services to all citizens,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

Among the recent obligations, is a $1.2 million grant for the Mayagüez Pediatric Center, which has an epidemiology office. The facility also houses other offices that provide services to citizens such as the WIC Program, the Demographic Registry, the Biosecurity Office, and the Emergency Management Office, among others. The improvements include mitigation measures to reinforce the windows, doors and roof of the building to prevent similar damage in future disasters.

“This federal assistance will give us the opportunity to improve the facilities of the Mayagüez Pediatric Center and keep the operations in optimal conditions to offer the quality of service that each patient deserves. The health of residents is our priority and a right that we have to respect,” assured the Secretary of Health, Lorenzo González Feliciano.

On the other hand, the Health Department's hygiene laboratory in Arecibo, located in a historic building built in 1938, was awarded nearly $25,000. These funds are destined for repairs to its bacteriological and chemical labs, among other work.

Similarly, funds were obligated for other health institutions to repair their facilities and mitigate risks. Among these are Adjuntas' Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CDT, by its Spanish acronym), with about $2.5 million; as well as the Transitional Service Centers in Cayey and Ponce, with about $800,000 and $67,000 respectively.

“Our public health facilities in various sectors will benefit greatly from this assignment, at a time when we are confirming the relevance of the services they offer. We thank the healthcare workers for their great support in these times and hope that this assignment fulfills the essential purpose of serving our citizens,” said the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), Ottmar Chávez.

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $19.4 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. FEMA works with COR3 through the agency’s Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.

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

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 12/10/2020 - 08:04

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Texas

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Texas to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Laura from Aug. 23-27, 2020.

Federal funding is available to the state, tribal, 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 Hurricane Laura in Galveston, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton and Orange counties.

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

Jerry S. Thomas has been named as 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 Wed, 12/09/2020 - 21:53

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Texas

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Texas to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Laura from Aug. 23-27, 2020.

Federal funding is available to the state, tribal, 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 Hurricane Laura in Galveston, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton and Orange counties.

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

Jerry S. Thomas has been named as 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.

gloria.huang Wed, 12/09/2020 - 21:02

FEMA Approves Nearly $38 Million for Massachusetts COVID-19 Costs

REGION I –Massachusetts will receive $37,821,788 from FEMA to reimburse costs incurred by The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for five Alternate Care Sites to ensure hospital capacity in the wake of COVID-19 during the spring of 2020.

The sites include: Partners Healthcare/Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, UMass Memorial Health Care/DCU Center in Worcester, Cape Cod Healthcare/Joint Base Cape Cod, Southcoast Health System/University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Tripp Athletic Center, and Lowell General Hospital/University of Massachusetts Lowell Recreation Center. These Alternate Care Sites (ACS) supplemented the state healthcare system by providing additional bed space when pandemic projections exceeded hospital capacity. Additionally, MEMA provided the facilities with shelter materials, utilities, staff services, and access to and removal of potable water. Reimbursement requests for costs incurred by the clinical partners will be made separately to FEMA in the coming weeks.

This grant is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. The grant applications are submitted from the state, which coordinates the process with local governments. 

“This critical FEMA funding provided essential workers’ salaries, significant supplies including linen and laundry services,  meals and provided MEMA the ability to staff personnel on the ground at every site, monitoring the work that was being executed,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Massachusetts. MEMA works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects

FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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 Wed, 12/09/2020 - 18:51

Three Days Left

Wildfire Survivors Should Call FEMA Helpline or visit DisasterAssistance.gov by Dec. 11

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Individuals and households with losses due to August/September wildfires in Butte, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma,  Stanislaus, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo counties have just three days remaining to apply for grants from FEMA or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

These counties are included in federal Disaster 4558, declared initially Aug. 22 for seven counties and expanded later. The registration deadline is Dec. 11.

FEMA awards help eligible survivors pay for rent, home repair/replacement and many other serious disaster-related needs, including replacement or repair of vehicles, funeral expenses, medical or dental expenses and miscellaneous other costs. To be reimbursed by FEMA, survivors should photograph damage and save receipts for repair work.

Survivors should contact their insurers and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage before they register with FEMA. Anyone with insurance should register with FEMA even if they aren’t yet certain whether they will be eligible. FEMA may be able to help with costs that insurance doesn’t cover.

The agency can determine eligibility once an applicant’s insurance claim is settled—but there won’t be any FEMA reimbursement for those who fail to register by the Dec. 11 deadline for those who suffered losses in fires including the CZU Lightning Complex, SCU Lighting Complex, August Complex Fire, LNU Lightning Complex, North Complex, Sheep, Dolan and SQF Complex.

There are three ways for survivors to register: online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with the FEMA Mobile App on a smartphone or tablet, or by or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register. Multilingual services are available on the helpline and specialists can answer most aid questions.

To register you will need the following information:

• Social Security number
• Insurance policy information
• Address of the damaged primary dwelling
• A description of disaster-caused damage and losses
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account number of your checking or savings account (for direct transfer of funds to your bank account)

After you register online or with the FEMA app, you can create your own account. This will enable you to check the status of your application, view messages from FEMA, update your personal information and upload documents that may be necessary to determine your eligibility for aid.

If you are unable to upload your documents, mail them to FEMA at P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-8055 or fax them to 800-827-8112.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Dec. 11 is also the deadline to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Grants from FEMA are meant to give eligible survivors a start on their road to recovery. The primary source of recovery funding for many, however, is a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which makes disaster loans to individuals and businesses of all sizes.

Survivors can find out more and apply for a loan at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. For additional assistance, contact the SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center. Customer service representatives are available to assist individuals and business owners, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application. The Virtual DLOC is open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST daily. Call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

These services are only available for the California disaster declaration as a result of the wildfires.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Wed, 12/09/2020 - 14:01

FEMA PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL $2.5 MILLION FOR COLORADO COVID-19 RESPONSE

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided an additional $2.5 million in funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Colorado. To date, FEMA has provided more than $157.8 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under the major disaster declaration issued March 28 by President Trump.

$2.5 million was provided to the state of Colorado for emergency protective measures to lease, remodel and inspect the Western Slope Memory Care to serve as an Alternate Care Site (ACS) in stand by status.

All costs for this project took place from April 10 to November 30, 2020.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing at least a 75-percent funding share for eligible costs. Remaining costs are the responsibility of the state and local applicants for assistance.

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 can 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.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 12/09/2020 - 13:45

FEMA Awards Miami-Dade County $1.75 Million for Hurricane Irma Debris Removal

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,757,698 for the State of Florida to help Miami-Dade County defray the cost of removing debris after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the county for the cost of removing more than 28,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris from public roads, property and rights-of-way.

The program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

barbara.murien… Wed, 12/09/2020 - 10:42

Floods Follow Fires: Those at Risk for Flashfloods, Mudflows Encouraged to Buy Flood Insurance

Salem, Ore. – After a devastating season of wildfires, many Oregon property owners are now at risk for flash floods and mudflows resulting from scorched landscapes and burn scars. Wildfires destroy vegetation that supports and strengthens hillsides. Without plants to hold the earth in place, even a small amount of rain can start a mudflow. This can happen quickly and with little warning.

Property owners don’t have to take on all the risk themselves, because mudflow coverage is part of a standard policy from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“A flood-insurance policy with NFIP is an affordable way for residents of Oregon to protect investments in their homes, personal property and businesses,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont, in charge of federal efforts for the Oregon wildfire recovery. “Just an inch of water in the average home can cause $25,000 in damage, so having flood insurance can mean the difference between financial recovery and financial devastation.”

Mudflow is covered subject to the definition of flooding in the NFIP Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP). The SFIP defines mudflow as "a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water.” A complete copy of the NFIP policy, including the definition of flooding and mudflow, is available here.

Mudflows are sudden, costly and destructive. Unfortunately, the recent wildfires have increased the risk of mudflows for anyone whose home is downhill from a fire-scorched area. That increased risk lasts for several years until enough new vegetation takes root.

Homeowners may think their property is safe because it has never flooded before, but after a wildfire, flash floods and mudslides aren’t limited to high-risk areas.

Take action now and protect yourself with an NFIP policy, which offers flood insurance coverage to property owners, renters and business owners. The maximum coverage available for a residential building is $250,000 and $100,000 for contents. Non-residential (commercial) structures are eligible for maximum coverage of $500,000 on the building and $500,000 on contents.  For additional information and to purchase an NFIP policy, contact your insurance agent today.

Generally, there is a 30-day waiting period before an NFIP policy becomes effective. Those at risk of flooding or mudflows are encouraged to buy flood insurance now as winter rains will soon be here.

Please be advised, when rebuilding or building please check with local building officials and your local floodplain administrator.

For more information on NFIP insurance, call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585), or visit www.floodsmart.gov. Those who have already made a decision to buy flood insurance now, can visit www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/buy.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond survivor inquiries.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

 

issa.mansaray Tue, 12/08/2020 - 19:31

All Mobile Registration Intake Centers Close by Dec. 9, Help is Still Available

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – All FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Centers that served wildfire survivors and helped them recover from their losses will close by Dec. 9.

However, help remains available for all those affected by the fires.

The centers are temporary sites to support survivors of California’s two current federally declared disasters with disaster information. Napa County and Sonoma County MRICs are open for their final day Wednesday, Dec. 9. They are closing earlier than previously announced due to the state’s regional stay at home order related to COVID-19. The Fresno County MRIC closed Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Fresno County MRIC

Heritage Center

3115 N. Millbrook Ave., Fresno, CA 93703

(CLOSED)

Napa County MRIC

Presbyterian Church St. Helena

1428 Spring St., Helena CA 95474

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(CLOSING DEC. 9)

Sonoma County MRIC

Maria Carrillo High School

6975 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa CA 95409

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(CLOSING DEC. 9)

Many of the services available at the intake centers remain available on the FEMA Helpline, at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet. The helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) operates 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST daily. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service.

You can use the helpline to:

• Register with FEMA.
• Provide a change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information.

• Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
• Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.
• Ask questions about a letter from FEMA.
• Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision. All applicants may appeal.

If you want to discuss your application, you should have your nine-digit FEMA registration number and ZIP code available.

The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance for Disaster 4558 is Dec. 11, 2020. This is for August/September wildfires in the counties of Butte, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo.

The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance for Disaster 4569 is Dec. 16, 2020. This is for later fires in the counties of Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 or www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Tue, 12/08/2020 - 17:50

Lamar Advertising Displaying FEMA Emergency Alerts on Digital Billboards Nationwide

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced today that Lamar Advertising Company is running emergency alerts on its digital billboards.

The emergency alerts, provided through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), will be displayed on select Lamar digital billboards throughout the country. IPAWS is FEMA's national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones, radio, television and internet-based services.

“Between the ongoing pandemic and a record number of hurricanes, this has been an unprecedented year for emergency alerts,” said FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor.  “By integrating IPAWS across Lamar's national digital billboard network, we have yet another channel to convey potentially life-saving information to the American public.”

More than 1,500 federal, state, local, tribal and territorial alerting authorities use IPAWS to convey information about severe weather, missing children and other public safety emergencies. IPAWS alerts have already appeared on Lamar digital billboards in 17 states and are available to run in all 43 states that Lamar covers.

When an alerting authority issues an emergency alert, Lamar offices in the affected regions will have the ability to automatically broadcast that alert on available digital billboard space in the region affected by the alert. Alerts will be displayed for 30 minutes at a time. Not all alerts sent through FEMA will appear on a Lamar billboard.

Founded in 1902, Lamar Advertising Company is one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in the world, with more than 357,500 displays across the United States and Canada. Lamar also has the largest network of digital billboards in the country, with more than 3,600 displays.

“As one of the last remaining and most trusted mass media channels, billboard messages capture the attention of the public and are noticed by 90% of consumers each month,” said Sean Reilly, CEO of Lamar Advertising Company. “Throughout our history, Lamar has been instrumental in helping authorities, government agencies, and, most recently, health officials quickly disseminate information to the public. By extending the reach of FEMA alerts to our digital billboards, we will ensure more people see the real-time, critical information they need to stay safe during emergencies."

Since the first alert was sent in 2011, IPAWS has carried more than 81,000 alerts and warnings. That figure includes more than 11,000 alerts/warnings delivered so far in 2020. For more information about IPAWS is available on FEMA's website.

This information is provided for informational purposes and is not intended to be an endorsement of any non-federal entity by FEMA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Government.

zella.campbell Tue, 12/08/2020 - 10:55