Photos of Whole-of-Government Hurricane Delta Response

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from Hurricane Delta and is supporting Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and affected community leaders on necessary damage assessments.

Three Urban Search and Rescue Teams and an Incident Support Team are conducting operations in Louisiana, and Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.

As of today, 470 FEMA responders are deployed in support of Hurricane Delta, including Incident Management Assistance Teams.  Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers, have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

Florida’s TF 2 Conducts Search and Rescue Operations after Hurricane Delta

LAKE CHARLES, La. (Oct. 10, 2020) -- Members of Florida Task Force 2, a Miami-based team of 45 rescue professionals and two K-9s along with a convoy of 18 vehicles, conduct urban search and rescue operations following Hurricane Delta’s landfall. Task Force 2 is part of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System that consists of 28 task forces that can be deployed by FEMA to assist state and local governments in rescuing disaster survivors.

Florida Task Force 2 photo by Iggy Carroll 

Lafayette Parish Begins Hurricane Delta Clean Up

LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (Oct. 10, 2020) – FEMA is supporting Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and community leaders on damage assessments in response to Hurricane Delta, as residents begin removing debris.

FEMA photo by Rudolph Marshall

Partners Receive Update on Hurricane Delta Aftermath

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 10, 2020) – FEMA’s Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson (right), alongside state and local leaders, receives an update the morning after Hurricane Delta made landfall.

FEMA photo by Manuel Broussard

FEMA Leadership Receives Updates on Hurricane Delta

WASHINGTON (Oct. 10, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor receives updates from FEMA senior leaders, regional leadership and partners following Hurricane Delta’s landfall.     

FEMA photos by Alexis Hall  

Pre-staged FEMA Supplies and Vehicles Weather Hurricane Delta

ALEXANDRIA, La. (Oct. 10, 2020) -- FEMA commodities and Mobile Registration Intake Center vehicles staged in Louisiana weathered Hurricane Delta’s landfall without any damage and are ready for use at the state’s request.

FEMA photos by Robert Kaufman

gloria.huang Sun, 10/11/2020 - 11:11

FEMA Hurricane Delta Response Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from Hurricane Delta and is supporting Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and affected community leaders on necessary damage assessments.

Three Urban Search and Rescue Teams and an Incident Support Team are conducting operations in Louisiana, and Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.

President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi, earlier this week, authorizing FEMA to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for designated parishes and counties. Alabama’s request for an Emergency Declaration is under review.

Personnel Deployed

As of today, 470 FEMA responders are deployed in support of Hurricane Delta, including Incident Management Assistance Teams.  Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers, have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

Gulf Residents

It is critical Gulf residents continue paying attention to their local officials and staying safe. If you have been evacuated, do not return until local officials tell you it is safe to do so.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. Local first responders are the best source of help.

Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way. Keep out of the water. Do not attempt to walk, swim, wade or drive through flood waters. Flood water can contain dangerous debris, downed power lines and other risks.

Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or removing debris. Never use generators indoors or in any partially enclosed area and keep them away from windows, doors and vents. For more information on generator safety, please visit ready.gov/power-outages and cdc.gov/co/generatorsafetyfactsheet.html.

Wear a mask in public settings, especially when social distancing is not possible, and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When it is safe to return to your home or business, take precautions as you inspect your home and document damage. Save all your receipts for any post-disaster home repair and clean up. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company.  File a claim as soon as possible. Insurance agents and claims adjusters will work closely with you on your claim. With a remote adjustment, it may take several hours or more to document damage.

Louisiana Update

In Louisiana, more than 7,000 people remain in congregate or non-congregate shelters and more than 7,000 are without power. If you have an immediate need for food or shelter, contact 2-1-1 so you can receive assistance. You can also text “LAShelter” to 898211 for shelter information.

Responding During COVID-19

While some aspects of program delivery may look different this year, our commitment to helping people before, during and after disaster remains our full focus, and we are ready to deliver on our mission.

FEMA will continue to work with our state, tribal and local partners as they plan for evacuating and sheltering operations in a COVID-19 environment. Finding shelter is critical in times of disaster. Shelter outside of the hazard area could include staying with family or friends, seeking a hotel room or staying in a mass shelter. FEMA, other federal agencies and the American Red Cross have modified policies and planning and have taken actions to ensure the federal government can respond to any disaster during our continued coronavirus response efforts.

In alignment with FEMA’s Pandemic Operational Guidance, FEMA is leveraging technology to deliver the agency’s programs at the highest level possible, while preserving our workforce and survivors. These methods include virtual damage assessments and inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs, as well as National Flood Insurance Program claims.

In advance of hurricane and wildfire season, FEMA expanded the capacity of its National Response Coordination Center, response centers around the country and trained additional staff to be postured to respond to multiple on-going incidents.

luther.wills-dudich Sun, 10/11/2020 - 09:59

ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Updates on Hurricane Delta Response

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor joined FOX News and The Weather Channel this afternoon to provide updates on Hurricane Delta, which made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on the Gulf Coast.

The administrator gave the Weather Channel an update on federal response efforts and reminded Gulf Coast residents to stay safe.

“On the ground ... [we have] about 1,500 FEMA employees that had been down there for … [Hurricane] Laura six weeks ago and [Hurricane] Sally in the panhandle. So lots of federal employees down there, lots of our partners, to include power restoration,” said Gaynor. “In Louisiana alone, about 820 restoration crews had been down there doing power restoration for Laura. They’re there, to include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who did the blue roof mission. I think we have a head start, and hopefully you’ll see progress pretty quickly.”

Many people in the path of Hurricane Delta are still recovering from Hurricane Laura and may be feeling storm fatigue. FEMA encourages anyone in the storm’s path to stay strong, remain vigilant and take care of their mental and physical well-being.

“If you’ve been impacted by Delta you really need to think about your safety, the safety of the family and the safety of first responders that are out there today,” said Gaynor. "Heed the directions of your local emergency managers. Don’t come out until you get the all clear.

"This has been a complicated season," Gaynor continued. "It gets more complicated in Louisiana with both Laura and Delta … If you’ve been impacted by Delta, do a couple of things today: take photos of damage, write it all down in a list, save your receipts and call your insurance company.”

Administrator Gaynor also updated FOX News on the current storm conditions.

“Right now Delta is a tropical depression -- still raining, still a threat of flashfloods inland and the state, and our partners in the parishes are doing damage assessments as we speak,” he said. “What we see are power outages: in Louisiana about 688,000, in Texas about 107,000 and in Mississippi about 92,000. So power seems to be the issue right now.”

The FEMA administrator went on to explain how the agency is adjusting hurricane response considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “We have been beating the drum on not only hurricane safety this season but COVID safety [as well] …We don’t want to take someone out of the safety of their home, put them in a traditional shelter in a gymnasium and expose them to COVID,” Gaynor said. “We have a great program we’ve instituted across America, including Louisiana, where we put people in hotels and motels to keep them separated from others who may or may not have COVID ... It’s been working,” he said. “But again, you have to take responsibility for yourself to make sure you keep yourself and your family safe from the hazards of Delta and the hazards of COVID-19.”

FEMA is encouraging people in at-risk areas for Delta impacts to download the FEMA app to receive emergency and access preparedness tools to keep families safe. For additional preparedness information on all types of disasters, visit Ready.gov.  

###

zella.campbell Sat, 10/10/2020 - 19:25

Laura Survivors: Report Delta Damage to Locals, Insurance Company

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you are a Hurricane Laura survivor and you experience new or additional damage as a result of Hurricane Delta, report that damage to your local emergency manager and to your insurance company as soon as you can.

It is important to help your local and state officials assess any new damage.

• Find out how to contact your local emergency manager at: http://gohsep.la.gov/ABOUT/PARISHPA.
• You can also self-report your damage to GOHSEP at: http://arcg.is/14nOjf.

When it is safe to return to your home or business, take precautions as you inspect your home and document damage:

• Wear protective gear and take photos and/or videos of the outside and inside of your property.
• Photograph materials if you plan to remove them and before disposing of them.
• Keep swatches of carpet, drapes and upholstery of unrepairable items and contents when removing debris; the type and quality of material may affect the amount payable on your claim.
• Be aware that you may need local permits to repair or rebuild. Contact your local floodplain management and building department by searching for your city or parish at: http://floods.dotd.la.gov/lafloods/Community_Contacts.aspx.
• Learn more about documenting damage at: floodsmart.gov/flood/document-damage.

Immediately following flood damage, you should contact your insurance company which carries your flood-insurance policy to report new or additional losses.

• Louisiana residents with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program: If you can’t remember the name or number of the insurance company that services your FEMA flood policy, call the NFIP at 877-336-2627 for that information.
• An insurance adjuster will be assigned to you and will contact you within a few days of starting your claim. Ask the adjustor if you are eligible for a remote claim adjustment and an advance payment to help you start recovering.

As Hurricane Delta survivors begin to return to their homes, FEMA stresses the importance of following guidance from your local officials.

• If you lost power, do not use a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep it out of your living spaces and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come inside. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that could kill you, your family and your pets.
• Learn more about returning home after a disaster at: ready.gov/returning-home

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you are a Hurricane Laura survivor and you experience new or additional damage as a result of Hurricane Delta, report that damage to your local emergency manager and to your insurance company as soon as you can.

It is important to help your local and state officials assess any new damage.

• Find out how to contact your local emergency manager at: http://gohsep.la.gov/ABOUT/PARISHPA.
• You can also self-report your damage to GOHSEP at: http://arcg.is/14nOjf.

When it is safe to return to your home or business, take precautions as you inspect your home and document damage:

• Wear protective gear and take photos and/or videos of the outside and inside of your property.
• Photograph materials if you plan to remove them and before disposing of them.
• Keep swatches of carpet, drapes and upholstery of unrepairable items and contents when removing debris; the type and quality of material may affect the amount payable on your claim.
• Be aware that you may need local permits to repair or rebuild. Contact your local floodplain management and building department by searching for your city or parish at: http://floods.dotd.la.gov/lafloods/Community_Contacts.aspx.
• Learn more about documenting damage at: floodsmart.gov/flood/document-damage.

Immediately following flood damage, you should contact your insurance company which carries your flood-insurance policy to report new or additional losses.

• Louisiana residents with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program: If you can’t remember the name or number of the insurance company that services your FEMA flood policy, call the NFIP at 877-336-2627 for that information.
• An insurance adjuster will be assigned to you and will contact you within a few days of starting your claim. Ask the adjustor if you are eligible for a remote claim adjustment and an advance payment to help you start recovering.

As Hurricane Delta survivors begin to return to their homes, FEMA stresses the importance of following guidance from your local officials.

• If you lost power, do not use a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep it out of your living spaces and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come inside. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that could kill you, your family and your pets.
• Learn more about returning home after a disaster at: ready.gov/returning-home

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Sat, 10/10/2020 - 15:07

Alabama Communities Rebuild with Help of FEMA Disaster Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State officials estimated $86 million in disaster assistance will help local governments rebuild infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sally.

Public Assistance (PA) is another essential element of disaster response. The PA program benefits everyone – neighborhoods, cities and states, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations – by reimbursing applicants for eligible work on damaged public facilities.

The funding is in addition to over $66 million in federal disaster assistance to date for the September storms that has helped homeowners, renters and small businesses recover from Hurricane Sally.

The major disaster declaration for the State of Alabama was amended on Oct. 9 to include additional FEMA Public Assistance Category C-G in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties. The counties were already eligible for funding for emergency protective measures and debris removal. It also added Conecuh County for all categories of PA.  Additional designations may be made at a later date.

Public Assistance dollars:

• Debris removal
• Clean up communities and repair bridges
• Put water systems and utilities back in order
• Repair hospitals and emergency services
• Rebuild schools and universities; and
• Restore damaged public parks so families can enjoy them again.

PA will provide a minimum of 75 percent of the cost to repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure from Hurricane Sally.

FEMA estimates the federal share of nearly $64 million will help reimburse local governments for the emergency work and debris removal that took place in the storm’s immediate aftermath.

Other PA projects are now being developed and approved by local, state, and federal officials. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis.

“Public Assistance grants support the work that helps an entire community recover,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Allan Jarvis, who is in charge of the agency’s operations in Alabama “These are federal tax dollars coming back to Alabama to rebuild taxpayer funded infrastructure.”

Public Assistance funding applicants can include:

• state agencies
• local and county governments
• private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services

To learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, visit https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit

For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563

felicia.jordan Sat, 10/10/2020 - 11:39

FEMA Hurricane Delta Response Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to mobilize teams and supplies to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from Hurricane Delta. President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi, earlier this week, authorizing FEMA to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for designated parishes and counties. Alabama’s request for an Emergency Declaration is under review.

Commodities

FEMA has a total of 278 generators available for areas in need and  has provided 52 generators to the Army Corps of Engineers for their use and/or distribution. FEMA has pre-staged over 8 million meals and more than 7 million liters of bottled water near the expected areas of Hurricane Delta impacts. Additional staged commodities, including blankets, tarps, blue roof sheeting and cots, are available to each affected state, based on need and requests to FEMA. Transportation teams are standing by at staging locations to move commodities to distribution points per state requests.

Personnel Deployed

As of today, 520 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of Hurricane Delta, including Incident Management Assistance Teams.  Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed. Six Urban Search and Rescue Teams and an Incident Support Team have also deployed to the area, with three additional teams on alert. Louisiana and Mississippi National Guards are activated and standby to assist, if needed, and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are on stand-by in Dallas.

Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers, have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

Gulf Residents

Hurricane Delta will continue to bring impacts, including rain, wind and tornadoes, to areas of Louisiana today.  Every storm is different, so even if you have experienced a hurricane, or have been under a hurricane warning this year it’s important to monitor your local news for updates and directions provided by your local officials and heed local evacuation orders. Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents. For more information on generator safety, please visit the Ready.gov Power Outages page and Carbon Monoxide - Generator Safety Fact Sheet . If you have been evacuated, do not return until local officials tell you it is safe to do so.

Your state and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations. Residents in Louisiana should call 2-1-1 or text “LAShelter898211” for evacuation, sheltering and other resources for immediate needs. Residents in Mississippi can visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency page msema.org for more information on shelters and evacuations. The American Red Cross is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the  website.  In Louisiana, six congregate shelters are open with a population of 933. Twelve non-congregate shelters are open with a population of 8,600 occupants, with five  shelters on standby. In Mississippi, three congregate shelters are on standby.

If you have homeowners insurance, and if you received additional damages from Hurricane Delta, following Hurricane Laura, you must file an additional claim with your insurance company. Take photos of your damaged home and belongings and make a list of lost or damaged items.

Responding During COVID-19

While some aspects of program delivery may look different this year, our commitment to helping people before, during and after disaster remains our full focus, and we are ready to deliver on our mission.

FEMA will continue to work with our state, tribal and local partners as they plan for evacuating and sheltering operations in a COVID-19 environment. Finding shelter is critical in times of disaster. Shelter outside of the hazard area could include staying with family or friends, seeking a hotel room or staying in a mass shelter. FEMA, other federal agencies and the American Red Cross have modified policies and planning and have taken actions to ensure the federal government can respond to any disaster during our continued coronavirus response efforts.

In alignment with FEMA’s Pandemic Operational Guidance, FEMA is leveraging technology to deliver the agency’s programs at the highest level possible, while preserving our workforce and survivors. These methods include virtual damage assessments and inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs, as well as National Flood Insurance Program claims.

In advance of hurricane and wildfire season, FEMA expanded the capacity of its National Response Coordination Center, response centers around the country and trained additional staff to be postured to respond to multiple on-going incidents.

zella.campbell Sat, 10/10/2020 - 11:08

Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Nueces County, Texas are Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas –– New revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (Firms) are now available for review by residents and business owners in the cities of Bishop and Corpus Christi. Maps of unincorporated areas of Nueces County are also are also available. Renters and property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

For this Physical Map Revision, the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and setting rates for flood insurance. SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development, and flood insurance.

FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson states, “Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area and policies are typically less expensive.”

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting your local floodplain administrator (FPA).  A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and is available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com. 

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online at the following locations:

• The Flood Map Change Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv

• The FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

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

• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone 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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov/.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/09/2020 - 18:30

Jack County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective on February 12, 2021, for Jack County. Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low to moderate, or high-risk flood zone.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation.  Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson states, “Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area and policies are typically less expensive.”

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding.  FEMA map specialists are available to answer questions about the maps as well.  Contact them by phone or online chat. 

• To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Purchasing a flood insurance policy now may save you money. 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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/09/2020 - 18:27

Archer County, Texas Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective on February 12, 2021, for Archer County, TX. Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low to moderate, or high-risk flood zone.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation.  Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson states, “Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area and policies are typically less expensive.”

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding.  FEMA map specialists are available to answer questions about the maps as well.  Contact them by phone or online chat. 

• To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Purchasing a flood insurance policy now may save you money. 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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/09/2020 - 18:24

Preliminary Flood Maps for Woodruff County Arkansas are ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas –– Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and unincorporated areas of Woodruff County, AR.  Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

 This is Woodruff County’s first complete set of digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). FIRMs serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and setting rates for flood insurance. SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development, and flood insurance.

FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson states, “Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area and policies are typically less expensive.”

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting your local floodplain administrator (FPA).  A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and is available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com. 

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online at the following locations:

• The Flood Map Change Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• The FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (click on the “Live Chat” icon)
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone 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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

 

 

 

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/09/2020 - 18:15

Preliminary Flood Maps for Portions of Jackson County Arkansas are ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas –– Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in Cities of Campbell Station, Diaz, Newport, Tupelo; Towns of Jacksonport, Weldon; and unincorporated areas of Jackson County, AR.  Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

For this Physical Map Revision, the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Jackson County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and setting rates for flood insurance. SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development, and flood insurance.

FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson states, “Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area and policies are typically less expensive.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting your local floodplain administrator (FPA).  A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and is available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online at the following locations:

• The Flood Map Change Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• The FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (click on the “Live Chat” icon)
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone 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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

 

 

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/09/2020 - 18:12

Seminole County, Oklahoma Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective on April 7, 2021, for Seminole County, OK. Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low to moderate, or high-risk flood zone.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation.  Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson states, “Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area and policies are typically less expensive.”

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP.  Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. FEMA map specialists are available to answer questions about the maps as well.  Contact them by phone or online chat. 

• To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Purchasing a flood insurance policy now may save you money. 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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/09/2020 - 18:00

External Outreach Center Now Open in Stayton to Help Wildfire Survivors

SALEM, Ore.– A FEMA External Outreach Center opened today, Oct. 9, in Stayton to assist Oregon residents in Marion and Linn counties affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds. There are also External Outreach Centers in Medford and Eugene.

The center offers in-person visits, for residents to get information about their application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application.

Representatives from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program will be available at the center.

Hours for all FEMA External Outreach Centers are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

 

Open Today - Oct. 9:

FEMA External Outreach Center #3

Stayton Community Center

400 W. Virginia St.,

Stayton, Oregon 97385

 

Also Open:

FEMA External Outreach Center #1

Central High School

815 South Oakdale Ave.

Medford, Oregon 97501

 

FEMA External Outreach Center #2

Lane Events Center

796 W. 13th Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97402

 

Bilingual representatives from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation program will be available at the External Outreach Center in Medford to provide rebuilding tips, answer questions about home repair, and how to process flood insurance claims. If you cannot visit the center, you can email your questions to FEMA-R10-MIT@FEMA.DHS.GOV and a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond to your inquiry.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering will be required to gain entry and visitors will receive “no touch” temperature screenings. Hand sanitizer will be available to survivors and staff.

Federal staff will wear masks, face shields and gloves. Workstations will be spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA will ensure that common areas are cleaned regularly during the day and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Survivors can visit any of the External Outreach Centers for in-person help, however, they do not need to visit an External Outreach Center to apply or update their application. They can apply for assistance or update an application in the following ways:

• Call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT, seven days a week.
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Check FEMA’s mobile app.
• 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.

 

###

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) Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish).

At any time applicants with disabilities who may require a reasonable accommodation can ask FEMA staff directly or submit their accommodation request via email to FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or by calling FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448).

tkeyah.lake Fri, 10/09/2020 - 16:07

Keep Your Family, Pets Safe When Using Generators After a Hurricane

BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana recovers from Hurricane Laura and prepares for Hurricane Delta, FEMA urges everyone who experiences a power outage to be safe when using portable generators.

Do not use a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep them outside of your living spaces and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come inside. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that could kill you, your family and your pets.

Be sure to check on your family and neighbors who may be using generators to remind them about the importance of keeping generators outside of their home and other enclosed spaces.

If you are using a generator for any reason, including after a hurricane, keep this information in mind to keep you and your household safe:

• Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home, downwind away from open doors, windows and vents.
• Turn the generator off before refueling, and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.
• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet -- instead, use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord to plug appliances into generators.
• Do not use generators in rain or wet conditions.
• Place a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Get a carbon monoxide monitor for your home.

Here are some resources for additional information about generators and carbon monoxide:

• Watch this generator safety video from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FEMA which includes American Sign Language: youtube.com/watch?v=n7GIOzABRHA
• Read this news from the Office of Louisiana State Fire Marshal: http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2020-68.pdf.
• View information Occupational Safety and Health Administration information about how to use portable generators safely at osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/portable_generator_safety.pdf.
• Learn about carbon monoxide from the CDC by visiting cdc.gov/co/ or calling 800-232-4636

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

 

christopher.teed Fri, 10/09/2020 - 15:02

Stay Safe as Hurricane Delta Makes Landfall

BATON ROUGE, La. – As Hurricane Delta makes landfall, be sure to take precautions to keep yourself safe from the many hazards associated with high winds and flood waters. Some common hazards to be aware of include flooding, flying/floating debris and downed live wires.

 

Flooding

• Turn around, don’t drown! Do not drive through floodwaters—just one foot of water can sweep your vehicle away. Cars or other vehicles will not protect you from floodwaters.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Floodwater poses a drowning risk for everyone—regardless of your ability to swim.
• Do not walk, swim, or dive through flood waters— just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down.
• There may be hazardous debris underneath the water or hazardous chemicals in the flood waters that you cannot see including:
  • Downed power lines;
  • Human/livestock waste;
  • Household, medical and industrial hazardous waste (chemical, biological, and radiological);
  • Coal ash waste that contain carcinogenic compounds such as arsenic, chromium and mercury;
  • Physical objects such as lumber, vehicles and debris; and
  • Wild or stray animals such as rodents or snakes.

 

Debris

• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room to avoid potential flying debris.
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic as you could be trapped by rising flood water.

 

Downed Power lines/live wires

• Never touch a fallen power line. Call the power company to report any seen.
• Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water.

 

Finally, make sure your lines of communication stay open. Make sure your cell phones or communication devices are fully charged and save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.

 

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

 

christopher.teed Fri, 10/09/2020 - 14:58

FEMA Holds Public Meeting for Pandemic Preparedness

WASHINGTON – FEMA will hold a virtual public meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m. EDT with manufacturers and distributors of critical healthcare and medical equipment and resources to discuss collaboration with the federal government in response to COVID-19 and improve readiness for future pandemics.

Any comments or questions can be emailed before noon on Monday, Oct. 12 OB3I@fema.dhs.gov. Media or members of the public interested in the meeting can visit this link which will be live shortly before the meeting begins and will be limited to the first 450 participants.

The meeting will provide an overview of a five-year voluntary agreement that FEMA established on Aug. 17 as part of the Defense Production Act to enhance coordination and cooperation between the federal government and private industry for national security and preparedness.

FEMA introduced a draft of the agreement at a public meeting in May. It was also published in the Federal Register at that time.

The first hour of the meeting will be public and include how various private sector companies can work with the federal government to facilitate the manufacturing and distribution of critical healthcare and medical resources when needed.

The second hour will be open only to private sector companies who are signatories to the voluntary agreement for more detailed discussions and action plans to be used in the future for COVID-19 or other pandemics.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/09/2020 - 13:45

Photos of Whole-of-Government Hurricane Delta Preparations

WASHINGTON – FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to mobilize teams and supplies to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from Hurricane Delta. President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi and a request from Alabama is under review. The declarations authorize FEMA to provide emergency protective measures to the designated counties and parishes.

As of today, 451 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of Hurricane Delta, including Incident Management Assistance Teams. Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.

Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

DHS Acting Secretary Receives Hurricane Delta Update

WASHINGTON (Oct. 6, 2020) -- Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (head of table) receives a  Hurricane Delta update from FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (farside center) and other agency leaders.   

FEMA photo by Raymond J. Piper

FEMA Leaders Brief DHS Acting Secretary on Hurricane Delta

WASHINGTON (Oct. 6, 2020) – FEMA’s Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of Response and Recovery David Bibo (farside right) provides a detail to Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (left) during a Hurricane Delta update, while FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (right) looks on. 

FEMA photo by Raymond J. Piper

Search and Rescue Teams Arrive in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 8, 2020) -- Urban Search and Rescue teams from Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee arrive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin staging and preparing for operations following Hurricane Delta.

FEMA photo by Rudolph Marshall

Search and Rescue Teams Arrive in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 8, 2020) -- Urban Search and Rescue teams from Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee arrive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin staging and preparing for operations following Hurricane Delta.

FEMA photo by Rudolph Marshall

FEMA Prepares for Hurricane Delta, Maintains Support for Hurricane Laura

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 7, 2020) -- Will Curry (seated), a FEMA geospatial information specialist, provides critical information to Planning Section Chief Toni Knight, in  preparation of Hurricane Delta’s landfall.

FEMA photo by Manuel Broussard

FEMA Prepares for Hurricane Delta, Maintains Support for Hurricane Laura

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 7, 2020) -- Mobile Registration Intake Center vehicles are staged to provide quick assistance to storm survivors from Hurricanes Delta and Laura.

FEMA photo by Manuel Broussard

FEMA’s Region 6 Coordination Center Staff Prepares for Hurricane Delta

DENTON, Texas (Oct. 7, 2020) -- FEMA staff members are on around-the-clock duty at the agency’s Region 6 Regional Response Coordination Center in preparation for Hurricane Delta’s arrival.

FEMA photo by Norma Reyes

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/09/2020 - 13:22

Two years later, Panhandle continues recovery from Hurricane Michael

More than $3.1 billion in federal support provided to communities

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Two years after Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, communities are rebuilding with local, state, federal and nonprofit organization support. To date, $3.1 billion in federal funds have been provided in grants, loans and flood insurance payments.

After the October 2018 storm, FEMA provided $149.5 million to more than 31,000 households for temporary rental assistance, basic home repair, lost personal property and other expenses not covered by insurance. The agency also provided housing in FEMA mobile homes and travel trailers to 925 households while they sought permanent accommodations. The housing program has been extended to Feb. 11, 2021 for some eligible households in Bay County still in need of temporary housing.

Working with the State of Florida, FEMA has approved $1.2 billion to reimburse governments and eligible nonprofits for the cost of debris removal, rebuilding of infrastructure and to reimburse state and local governments for emergency response costs.

As of Oct. 2, 2020:

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provided $654 million in low-interest loans to businesses, homeowners and renters to help with their recovery.

 

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved $735 million in funding for long-term recovery efforts.

 

• The National Flood Insurance Program paid $246.4 million in claims to policyholders in the Panhandle.

 

• FEMA provided $66.5 million to purchase temporary housing units, rent housing pads and maintain units for Direct Temporary Housing program occupants a place to live until they find a more permanent housing solution.

 

• FEMA supported the state with $8.9 million for crisis counseling, disaster case management, disaster legal services and disaster unemployment assistance.

 

• FEMA’s Community Disaster Loan program approved $36.5 million for 11 communities to continue providing essential services as they focus on long-term recovery from Hurricane Michael.

 

• From October 2018 to April 2019, 2,058 displaced households received hotel lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, totaling $16.7 million in assistance.

 

• FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provided $4.9 million to fund projects aimed at reducing future losses and to increase community resilience statewide.

FEMA continues to work with the state and with local communities on Panhandle recovery. “We are committed to supporting the state in this recovery and we are going to stay on the job until it’s completed,” Federal Coordinating Officer Jeffrey Coleman said.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:34

Hurricane Sally Survivors in Florida Receive $7.49 Million in FEMA Assistance; Registration Continues

PENSACOLA, Fla. – One week after becoming eligible for federal assistance for Hurricane Sally, 1,716 Florida individuals and households in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties have been approved for $7.49 million in funding from FEMA.

The money is for temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

If you have uninsured losses from the storm, you can register in several ways:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, enter your location and click on “Apply Online”
• Download the FEMA App for smartphones
• Call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

 

FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Centers are operating in the following locations to assist residents with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance:

 

BAY COUNTY

Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th St., Panama City, FL 32401

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St., Pensacola, FL 32505

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Rd., Cantonment, FL 32533

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Pensacola State College, South Santa Rosa Center, 5075 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:28

Mobile Registration Intake Centers to Reopen on Columbus Day

Who: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

What: Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRICs) will reopen on Monday, Oct. 12, Columbus Day.

Why: The centers are a convenient registration option available to Hurricane Sally survivors for those without internet access or telephones.

Hours: From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time.

Where:         

• Theodore Oaks Shopping Center in Mobile County, 5808 U.S. Hwy. 90 west, Theodore; open Monday, Oct. 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 14.  
• Grand Bay in Mobile County, 11610 U.S. Hwy 90, Grand Bay; open Monday, Oct. 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 14.  
• Foley Satellite Courthouse in Baldwin County, 201 East Section Ave. Foley; open Monday Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct 15.

Survivors can still register with FEMA to apply for federal assistance, check the status of their application, ask questions and get information in several ways:

• Online at www.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).  Helpline operators are available to answer questions about applications already submitted.

For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563

felicia.jordan Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:06