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

FEMA Performs Remote Inspections for Arecibo Floods

People who were affected have until Jan. 4, 2021 to register for disaster assistance

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Arecibo residents whose homes or personal property were affected by the Sept. 13 floods may conduct their inspections virtually. In view of the safety and health protection protocols, FEMA will provide inspections via telephone or video conference.

When applying for assistance, agency staff will ask questions about the type and extent of the damage sustained in the home. This type of damage assessment is comparable to traditional in-person inspections and allows for a streamlined process of assisting in recovery.

If damage was minimal and the survivor is able live in their home, an inspection will not be scheduled automatically when registering for disaster assistance. On the other hand, if significant disaster damage is found after registering with FEMA, survivors can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (Press 2 for a Spanish- speaking operator) and request an inspection. Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

To register for FEMA assistance or to update an existing application, survivors in Arecibo may visit the Disaster Recovery Center in the Coliseo Manuel “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, located in PR-129, Avenida Industrial. The center opens Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Likewise, survivors can register at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 for TTY.

For more information on the Arecibo flood recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4571. Follow us on Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico.

 

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 12/08/2020 - 09:11

Delta Deadline Looms: Register for FEMA Assistance by December 16

BATON ROUGE, La. — Renters and homeowners in parishes designated for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Delta have until Dec. 16 to register for help.

Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property.

Additionally, grants may be available to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.

To see if you live in a designated parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4570/designated-areas.

For more information or to register for assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY at 800-877-8339).
• Visit the FEMA website disasterassistance.gov/.
• To find a drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center, you can text 43362 and type DRC and your ZIP Code (i.e., DRC 12345).
• To receive a link to download the FEMA app:

• Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362 
• Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362

• Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app
• Call 211 or text 527435837 to 898-211.
• Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

 

For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Tue, 12/08/2020 - 08:10

FEMA Approves Over $2 Million for Connecticut COVID-19 Costs

REGION I –Connecticut will receive $2,051,084 from FEMA for costs incurred by the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) due to COVID-19. 

The DOH identified COVID-19 as having devastating effects both on the homeless population in Connecticut and overall public health in the state; when the needs were recognized, DOH worked with the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) to receive funds. With the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) a determination was made that non-congregate sheltering in hotels for vulnerable populations was the best option to provide the necessary social distancing to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 among the homeless population. 

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. 

“Taking precautions to keep the people of Connecticut safe is one of many objectives in FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program. These funds are essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Connecticut.

“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Connecticut,” concluded Webster.

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

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 Mon, 12/07/2020 - 14:31

Fairfax Receives $1.9M to Protect Emergency Shelter from Earthquakes

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted $1.9 million to the Town of Fairfax to seismically retrofit its recreational pavilion, the town’s only publicly-owned emergency shelter.

Built in 1926, the Fairfax Pavilion was not intended to protect residents from earthquakes. At that time, building codes were virtually nonexistent. But today, it would be used to house a portion of Fairfax’s 7,500 residents in the event of an emergency or major disaster like an earthquake, the area’s greatest risk.

To limit building damage from earthquakes and ensure residents and emergency responders are safe from aftershocks, the earthquake retrofit will enhance the building’s structural integrity by reinforcing the roof and floor with plywood and metal ties, upgrading wall studs and replacing the foundation. The project will also be designed with internal and external accessibility features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, making the pavilion compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The $2.5 million project includes a $1.9 million grant from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), with the remaining $637,000 from non-federal sources.

FEMA’s HMGP helps states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities, and certain private, non-profit organizations become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs. In the past 31 years, FEMA has invested nearly $1.4 billion to reduce disaster risk in California.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Mon, 12/07/2020 - 13:47

FEMA Approves Nearly $12 Million for Rhode Island COVID-19 Costs

REGION I –Rhode Island will receive $11,930,317 from the FEMA for costs incurred by Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) for supplies and materials through September 30 due to COVID-19.

The grant is awarded to reimburse the state for costs of activating  all necessary state emergency response plans, policies, contracts and agreements to create and establish mobile support units, and to activate and deploy disaster response teams and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies for the State of Rhode Island’s mobile COVID-19 testing sites.

The supplies and equipment include cleaning supplies, gloves, laboratory equipment, laboratory supplies, portable ventilators and fans for remote testing sites, reference materials, storage, testing equipment, testing and laboratory supplies as well as COVID-19 printed information distributed to residents.

Funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant program, the grant pays a cost share to 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 specific funding reimburses the State for actions taken and supplies purchased that saved Rhode Islanders and protected health care front line workers during COVID-19,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Rhode Island.

This funding is just one positive result of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Rhode Island through Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. The agencies work together during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

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 Mon, 12/07/2020 - 13:10

Local Officials Determine Whether Home Sustained “Substantial Damage”

PENSACOLA, Fla. – After flooding, local officials inspect homes damaged by flood waters to determine whether a structure was damaged to the extent that it will have to meet current codes when it is repaired.

A determination of “substantial damage” applies to a severely damaged home or other structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area, or flood zone, where the community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

These determinations are made by communities. FEMA does not make substantial damage determinations.

Rebuilding a substantially damaged structure in a floodplain requires that the property be brought into compliance with local floodplain management regulations. You may decide to:

• Floodproof a non-residential structure.
• Relocate the structure outside the floodplain.
• Elevate the building to a height determined by local officials.
• Demolish the home.

If you are an NFIP policyholder whose home was damaged extensively by the flooding from Hurricane Sally, you can ask your claims adjuster or insurance agent about Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. This coverage is a resource for flood insurance policyholders who need additional financial help to meet rebuilding requirements after a flood. Policyholders may receive up to $30,000 through ICC to help meet the cost of complying with building codes and ordinances.

For more information on general flood insurance questions, contact your local floodplain administrator, NFIP at 800-427-4661, or your insurance agent. You can also email FloodSmart@dhs.gov to request information in a language other than English. Information also is available at FEMA.gov and FloodSmart.gov.

For more information about Hurricane Sally recovery in Florida, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4564 or the Florida Division of Emergency Management webpage at https://www.floridadisaster.org/info/Sally/.

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

barbara.murien… Mon, 12/07/2020 - 12:06

Reasonable Accommodation Available at Disaster Recovery Center in Arecibo

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — Arecibo residents who registered for disaster assistance for the Sept. 13 floods or wish to do so at a Disaster Recovery Center, known as a DRC, may request reasonable accommodation, if needed. FEMA Disability integration specialists are available by appointment to provide technical assistance and help ensure recovery assistance is accessible and inclusive.

Accommodations include information in Braille, large print or audio, qualified sign language interpreters, information written in other languages and information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website. For those with limited English proficiency, the Agency provides multilingual operators, literature in multiple languages and interpreters.

The Arecibo Disaster Recovery Center is located at Coliseo Manuel “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, Carretera PR-129, Avenida Industrial, Arecibo. Its hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. An appointment to visit the DRC can be made by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors can request an interpreter when scheduling an appointment. The drive-thru is available during regular hours of operation without an appointment.

Following COVID-19 guidelines, the DRC will operate in a way that protects the safety of survivors and FEMA employees. Even when using the drive-thru, people must wear a face covering and maintain social distancing protocols. Federal staff will also wear face coverings, face shields and gloves.

Also, residents can register for assistance or update their application in the following ways:

• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Survivors should inform if they will need reasonable accommodation during the call.
• Visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Downloading FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online. If you have an Apple device: Text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA). For those with an Android device: Text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA). For more information go to: www.fema.gov/mobile-app.

For more information on the recovery from the floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4571. Follow us at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico.

 

frances.acevedo-pico Fri, 12/04/2020 - 09:17

Mobile Registration Intake Center Open in Mendocino County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center is open in Covelo Friday,  Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 6, to serve Mendocino County wildfire survivors.

The intake center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the state of California to assist survivors with disaster information.

It is located at Round Valley Public Library, 23925 Howard St., Covelo CA 95428. It will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6.

The center is a temporary site to support survivors with disaster information. It offers an optional opportunity for survivors to register, especially those without access to internet or telephone service.

Survivors also may register with FEMA in one of three ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; 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.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
• Deadline to register for assistance under DR-4558 is Dec. 11, 2020.

Registration enables FEMA to determine residents’ eligibility for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other serious disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

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

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bree-constance… Thu, 12/03/2020 - 17:20

One Week 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 one week remaining to apply for grants from FEMA or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The deadline is Dec. 11.

These counties are included in federal Disaster 4558, declared initially Aug. 22 for seven counties and expanded later.

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 questions about FEMA assistance and registration.

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 and not for COVID-19-related assistance.

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… Thu, 12/03/2020 - 15:51

Free Crisis Counseling is Available for Oregon Residents Affected by Wildfires

SALEM, Ore. – The holiday season can be an emotional time, especially for disaster survivors. Feeling sad, stressed or overwhelmed during times like this is normal. Luckily help is just a phone call, and it doesn’t cost a thing.

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.

Adults and children having negative thoughts or feelings, can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 (Spanish Press 2), or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 (for Spanish text “Hablanos” to 66746). This national hotline is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential, offering crisis support to all residents in the United States and its territories.

For more information about who is most at risk for emotional distress from wildfires and to find related resources, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.

Counselors can also provide information about recognizing emotional distress and its effects, coping tips and referrals to other call centers for more support.

To view an accessible video about crisis counseling with closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation visit https://youtu.be/mrJN1CRBxfE.

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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 Thu, 12/03/2020 - 14:38

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Bond Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Bond Fire burning in Orange County.

On Dec. 3, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Bond Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 8,500 homes in and around Silverado Canyon, Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch. The fire also threatened power distribution lines, Bee Canyon landfill and methane power plant, Rattlesnake Canyon Reservoir and Saint Michael's Abbey.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Dec. 3, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Thu, 12/03/2020 - 10:21

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Spotsylvania County

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

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

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around Dec. 2, 2020. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.  

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.  

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.  

• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress. 

• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment. 

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

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Kimberly Pomatto, Assistant Director of Zoning/Zoning Administrator, Spotsylvania County, floodplainadministrator@mail.connect.civicplus.com, (540) 515-5487.The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: http://arcg.is/zHfbW.  

For more information about the flood maps: 

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon). 

• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.  

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

Spotsylvania County Flood Mapping Milestones 

• May 28, 2019 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data. 

• Jan. 31, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released. 

• March 3, 2020 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance. 

• On or Around Dec. 2, 2020 –Appeal Period starts. 

• February 2022*— New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process). 

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

 

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

amanda.hancher Wed, 12/02/2020 - 16:44

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in City of Fredericksburg

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Community stakeholders are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.  

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

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around Dec. 2, 2020. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.  

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.  

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.  

• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress. 

• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment. 

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

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Tyler Gelles, Senior Stormwater Manager, trgelles@fredericksburgva.gov, (540) 372-1179, Ext 280.The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: http://arcg.is/1mvffC.   

For more information about the flood maps: 

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon). 

• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.  

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

City of Fredericksburg Flood Mapping Milestones 

• May 28, 2019 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data. 

• Jan. 31, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released. 

• March 3, 2020 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance. 

• On or Around Dec. 2, 2020 –Appeal Period starts. 

• February 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process). 

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

 

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

amanda.hancher Wed, 12/02/2020 - 16:42

FEMA Continues to Support CNMI’s Yutu Recovery

OAKLAND, Calif. ― Two years ago, Super Typhoon Yutu – the strongest storm of 2018, with sustained winds of 175 mph – directly hit the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Yutu destroyed critical infrastructure and countless homes on Saipan and Tinian, injured at least 133 and took the lives of two residents.

After such an unprecedented event, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established a long-term recovery office in Saipan to partner with local, territorial and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector and volunteers to build housing, fund school and infrastructure repairs, and support rebuilding safer and stronger.

A top priority for CNMI and FEMA was to rebuild using methods and materials that can withstand future typhoon and disaster threats. To date, FEMA’s permanent housing construction program has built or repaired typhoon-resistant homes for 102 families. New homes finished through the program incorporate reinforced concrete foundations, walls and roofs. FEMA continues construction and repair work to help another 200 families.

The CNMI also prioritized rebuilding Yutu-damaged schools. FEMA has approved over $45 million to the CNMI Public School System, including recent approvals of $22.6 million for Hopwood Middle School and $2 million for Oleai Elementary School. New school buildings will also include reinforced concrete foundations, walls and roofs to protect the buildings from future storm damage.

As recovery continues, FEMA expects to invest more than $80 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to fund projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from future hazards like wind, flooding and other threats. Collectively, we are vested in and committed to CNMI’s long-term recovery plan to restore a functioning, healthy economy, improve infrastructure, expand housing, address environmental considerations, and make CNMI more resistant to future disasters.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Wed, 12/02/2020 - 16:21

FEMA to Host Telephone Town Hall Meeting for the Freeport Flood Mitigation Project

CHICAGO - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 office in Chicago is hosting a telephone town hall meeting to discuss the Freeport, Ill. flood mitigation project on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at 4 p.m. CT. FEMA will be hosting the meeting to solicit public feedback as part of its grant application review process.

The City of Freeport applied for FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grant funding for the project to acquire and demolish approximately 150 flood prone properties located in the floodway of the Pecatonica River in the Eastside community. The owners of the acquired properties must voluntarily agree to sell the land then the structures will be removed, and the land will be converted to green space by the City of Freeport.

All interested and affected individuals should register to learn more and provide input. The telephone town hall is replacing a public meeting due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and will be simulcast in English and Spanish.

Telephone Town Hall Meeting Details:

• Date and Time: Dec. 9, 2020 at 4 pm CT.
• Registration: Visit website: https://tthm.wufoo.com/forms/freeport-flood-mitigation-project-town-hall. Registrants will receive a phone call that will automatically connect them to the meeting. Individuals may also call into the telephone town hall meeting at 888-410-3427 (English language line) or 844-881-1317 (Spanish language line).

To learn more about FEMA’s hazard mitigation assistance, visit www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation. For questions about the meeting or the project, email FEMA-R5-news-desk@fema.dhs.gov or call 312-408-4455.

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

troy.christensen Wed, 12/02/2020 - 15:36

FEMA Releases Survey Results on Harassment and Discrimination within its Workforce

WASHINGTON -- Today, the RAND Corporation released results from a 2019 survey requested by FEMA which was designed to estimate the prevalence of workplace harassment and discrimination within the agency.

The survey, focused on the timeframe of spring 2018 through spring 2019, found 20% of FEMA employees reported experiencing a civil rights violation on the basis of sex, and 18.4% of employees reported experiencing a violation on the basis of race or ethnicity. The report also suggests that during this time period women had a less positive experience in the workplace overall, when compared to their male counterparts. Further, the survey identified for the same time period, a gap in trust between employees and agency senior leaders; that employees felt barriers to reporting civil rights violations existed; and that some employees who did report violations or misconduct also indicated experiencing retaliation.

FEMA hired RAND in 2019 as a third-party company to conduct an independent and objective assessment of harassment and discrimination in the organization after an internal investigation discovered allegations of misconduct involving senior leaders. The results of the survey identify areas for improvement and will help continue to guide FEMA leadership decisions on programming and policy responses.

“Even though the data from this survey is more than a year and a half behind us, these findings are alarming and simply not acceptable,” said FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor. “Our people spend their days helping Americans before, during and after disasters -- and they deserve to work in an environment that makes them feel valued, protected and safe. To address recommendations from the RAND report, we’ve built a Culture Improvement Action Plan that outlines six areas of focus that agency-wide actions will emphasize and advance in the next 12 months.”

The Culture Improvement Action Plan is the latest in a series of actions FEMA leadership team has taken to correct these issues ever since they were discovered. It builds on programs and policies FEMA has instituted over the past two years to combat harassment and misconduct in the workplace, including: establishing an Office of Professional Responsibility to ensure expeditious, fair and objective investigation of allegations of misconduct; conducting mandatory anti-harassment/ civil treatment training courses for employees at all levels; presenting safe space training for employees; providing counseling services for employees; and delivering organizational doctrine with an emphasis on the core values of compassion, fairness, integrity and respect and designed to foster a supportive, healthy and productive environment throughout the organization.

“We also reviewed how we handled allegations of misconduct and the repercussions of such acts, and were able to streamline and improve our processes,” said Karen Filipponi, FEMA Chief Component Human Capital Officer. “When the findings of an OPR investigation are received by our Labor and Employee Relations branch, we ensure they are addressed with the utmost importance and handled fairly and equitably.” 

Jo Linda Johnson, Director of the Office of Equal Rights, says the push to eradicate discrimination and harassment from within FEMA ranks continues.

“We’ve come a long way over the past two years, but we know our work is not done. We’ve hired RAND to do a second survey in 2021, to assess improvements from the 2019 baseline report, and we’ve initiated a Barrier Analysis within FEMA to determine the root cause underlying the experience and opportunities for women in the workforce. Our culture is everyone’s responsibility, but as leaders, it’s on us to understand our employees' lived experiences in the workplace and build an environment of professionalism, dignity and respect.”

zella.campbell Wed, 12/02/2020 - 15:35