Mobile Registration Intake Center Open in Livermore

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving SCU Lighting Complex wildfire survivors will operate Oct. 8-12 outside of Livermore.

The center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California to support survivors affected by the SCU Lightning Complex wildfires, which burned nearly 400,000 acres in August and September before their containment Oct. 1.

The center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Santa Clara Sweetwater CalFire Station, 47625 Mines Rd., Livermore CA 94550 and will operate alongside the community’s Local Assistance Center, where state agency materials are available.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three 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) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PDT. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, provide FEMA the specific number assigned to that service when you register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

On Sept. 28, Santa Clara County was added to an earlier FEMA disaster declaration, allowing residents with damage from the wildfires to apply for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.

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bree-constance… Thu, 10/08/2020 - 14:20

8,000 Louisiana Flood Insurance Policies Expired, But Able to Renew and Be Covered for Claims. Call Your Agent

BATON ROUGE, La. – Over 8,000 Louisianans with recently expired National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies may still be able to renew in full and then file a claim for losses due to Hurricane Delta or the next flood. Call your insurance agent or company, or the NFIP Call Center at 1-800-427-4661 to determine if your policy is still within a renewal grace period.

NFIP policies typically have a 30-day grace period. In order to be covered for a claim after your policy expires, your renewal premium must be paid, and the policy must be renewed before the end of the grace period. For example, for a policy that expired on September 15, 2020, the NFIP insurer must receive the renewal premium payment on or before October 14, 2020, to avoid a lapse and be eligible for claims. Currently there are over 7,500 NFIP policies that have expired within the last 30 days that could be eligible for renewal without a lapse in coverage. 

Additionally, because budgets have been stretched thin due to COVID-19, FEMA extended the grace period from 30 days to 120 days for policies that have an expiration date between Feb. 13, 2020, and June 15, 2020. For example, for a policy that expired on June 15, the last day of the grace period extension window, the NFIP insurer must receive the renewal premium payment on or before October 12, 2020, to avoid a lapse in coverage, and still be eligible for claims. Click here to read the March 28, 2020, grace period extension bulletin and don’t delay in renewing your policy if possible. Currently there are over 650 NFIP policies that expired between June 10, 2020, and June 15, 2020, that could be eligible for renewal without a lapse in coverage. 

Purchasing flood insurance is one of the most important steps residents can take to protect the lives they have built. Just one inch of water in a home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Most homeowner’s and renter’s policies do not cover flood damage. For more information, call your insurance agent or the NFIP General Call Center at 1-800-336-2627. Don’t delay, policies that lapse and new policies are subject to a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. There are few exceptions. Learn more at https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-cost/terms.

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

daniel.green2 Thu, 10/08/2020 - 14:02

FEMA Prepares for Hurricane Delta

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 Donald J. Trump approved the emergency declaration for all 64 parishes in Louisiana. The declaration authorizes FEMA to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for 41 parishes under the Public Assistance Program. Additionally, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance to 23 parishes under the Public Assistance Program. Additional emergency declaration requests from the governors of Alabama and Mississippi are under review.

Commodities

FEMA has pre-staged over 5 million meals, more than 4 million liters of bottled water and 45 generators near the expected areas of Hurricane Delta impacts. Additional staged commodities available to each affected state based on need and requests to FEMA include blankets, tarps, blue roof sheeting and cots. Shuttle drivers and empty trailers are onsite where these commodities are staged and ready to move these assets to fulfill state requests.

Personnel

As of today, 261 FEMA responders, including Incident Management Assistance Teams, have been deployed in support of Hurricane Delta. 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 Management Team have also deployed to the area ahead of the storm. Louisiana and Mississippi National Guard are activated and stand by to assist, if needed, and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are on standby 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

Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should complete final preparations as soon as possible. Every storm is different, so even if you have experienced a hurricane, or been under a hurricane warning this year, it’s important to monitor your local news for updates and directions provided by local officials -- and heed local evacuation orders. FEMA adapted its plans to the realities of responding during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure we can serve Americans while protecting their safety and that of FEMA employees.

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 for evacuation, sheltering and resources for immediate needs. The American Red Cross is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the website. Four shelters in Alabama, 72 shelters in Louisiana and 12 shelters in Mississippi are on standby to support evacuated residents.

Hurricane Laura and Sally survivors can still register for federal assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or through the FEMA mobile app.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program will cover and reimburse policy holders up to $1,000 for certain actions taken to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood. Make sure to save your receipts for any of these expenses. Flood loss avoidance eligible expenses include:

• Sandbags.
• Water pumps.
• Building a temporary levee.
• Moving and storage expenses for personal belongings.
• Lumber and plastic sheeting.
• Labor costs for loss avoidance work.

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.

We will continue to work with our state, tribal and local partners as they plan for execution of evacuation 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 Thu, 10/08/2020 - 10:22

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Disaster Declaration for Louisiana

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement the state’s response efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Delta from Oct. 6, 2020, and continuing. 

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.

Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided for Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll and Winn parishes.

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

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/08/2020 - 09:38

Registration Deadline Extended for August Wildfire Aid

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The deadline for survivors of August wildfires to register with FEMA for individual disaster assistance and apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been extended to Nov. 21.

The extension agreed upon by the state and FEMA is for survivors living in the disaster-designated individual assistance counties of Butte, Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Residents who lost access to water through their private well—if the well was physically damaged, collapsed and/or is no longer producing potable water as a direct result of the disaster—could also be considered for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

Apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency 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) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PDT. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, provide FEMA the specific number assigned to that service when you register.

U.S. Small Business Administration assistance

SBA has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives are available to assist business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mondays – Sundays

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

(800) 659-2955

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bree-constance… Wed, 10/07/2020 - 20:02

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Davenport Now Open Until October 16

DES MOINES, Iowa – The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Davenport will stay open for a few days longer than previously announced. It will now close permanently on Friday, October 16 at 6 p.m.

 

The DRC is at the Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center located at:

2828 Eastern Ave.

Davenport, IA 52803

(At the corner of East 29th St. and Eastern Ave.)

Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Central Time and closed on Sundays.

 

The DRC will not operate in a traditional fashion. The center will offer drive-through service. Survivors are asked to stay in their vehicles when visiting.

Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA—they can mail, fax or submit them online at DisasterAssistance.gov as well. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter. 

Survivors who have already registered with FEMA and have been asked to provide additional documentation should read their FEMA letter carefully and make sure they have everything they need when they arrive at the DRC.

If you do not understand the letter you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, and ask for assistance.

All applicants and FEMA personnel will follow current state and local COVID-19 safety requirements. Applicants must wear face masks and will remain in their cars as they hand their documents to FEMA personnel, who will be wearing face masks (or other appropriate face covering) and protective equipment. FEMA staff will take the documents, scan them and return them to the applicants.

Applicants may register in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

If an individual cannot register online or by phone, registration at the DRC will be available.

Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Mail to: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055. 
• Fax to 800-827-8112.
• Submit via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account,  visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Apply at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. People may also call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who use TTY may call 800-877-8339.

thomas.wise Wed, 10/07/2020 - 16:52

FEMA Region 5 Joins the RISE Challenge Illinois Project to Engage Students and Educators

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 is teaming up with Earth Force, the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Foundation and the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) to create the RISE Challenge Illinois project. The project teaches children in fifth through 10th grades about how they can help their communities become more resilient to natural disasters through mitigation.

Through this project-based curriculum, students will learn how to be an active voice in their communities and implement projects that will protect their cities and towns from the impacts of natural hazards. RISE Challenge Illinois, which includes inquiry-based learning, an end-of-year competition and summit, engages students in exploring their local communities to identify real-world environmental issues and develop solutions and action plans for making their communities more resilient. Groups with the top proposals will present to a panel of expert judges at a virtual summit in Spring 2021 for the chance to win prize money. “Building a nationwide culture of preparedness is a FEMA priority,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator for FEMA Region 5.  “The innovation young people bring to making our communities stronger will be an important part of our overall readiness for future disasters.”

FEMA Region 5 and the ASFPM Foundation will also provide implementation funds and summit prize money enabling students to see their environmental solution ideas come to fruition.

Educators and students can participate in the project. Educators received curriculum training in September, but students across Illinois can still get involved or learn more by visiting the EEAI website at www.eeai.net/rise-challenge-illinois.html.

                                                                                                 ###

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

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

cassie.ringsdor Wed, 10/07/2020 - 15:31

Disaster Survivors: Be Aware of Fraud and Identity Theft

PENSACOLA, Fla. – After a disaster, fraud can be a problem.

Sometimes, survivors who try to register with FEMA discover that someone has already registered using their name. Scammers may contact survivors who have not registered with FEMA and try to extract money or information. In these cases, it is likely the survivor’s personal data has been compromised.

FEMA reminds survivors:

• FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) never charge for registration, home inspections, grants, disaster-loan applications or anything else.
• If you have registered and want to verify any correspondence from FEMA, call at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• If you suspect fraud, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, the Florida Attorney General’s Fraud Hotline at 866-966-7226 or report it your local police department.

FEMA also recommends you monitor your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you discover someone is using your information, you will need to take additional steps, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website: IdentityTheft.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/.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 10/07/2020 - 13:59

FEMA Region 5 Joins the RISE Challenge Illinois Project to Engage Students and Educators

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 is teaming up with Earth Force, the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Foundation and the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) to create the RISE Challenge Illinois project. The project teaches children in fifth through 10th grades about how they can help their communities become more resilient to natural disasters through mitigation.

Through this project-based curriculum, students will learn how to be an active voice in their communities and implement projects that will protect their cities and towns from the impacts of natural hazards. RISE Challenge Illinois, which includes inquiry-based learning, an end-of-year competition and summit, engages students in exploring their local communities to identify real-world environmental issues and develop solutions and action plans for making their communities more resilient. Groups with the top proposals will present to a panel of expert judges at a virtual summit in Spring 2021 for the chance to win prize money.

“Building a nationwide culture of preparedness is a FEMA priority,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator for FEMA Region 5.  “The innovation young people bring to making our communities stronger will be an important part of our overall readiness for future disasters.”

FEMA Region 5 and the ASFPM Foundation will also provide implementation funds and summit prize money enabling students to see their environmental solution ideas come to fruition.

Educators and students can participate in the project. Educators received curriculum training in September, but students across Illinois can still get involved or learn more by visiting the EEAI website at https://www.eeai.net/rise-challenge-illinois.html. 

                                          ###

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

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

troy.christensen Wed, 10/07/2020 - 12:11

FEMA PROVIDES $16 MILLION TO WYOMING FOR PAYMENTS FOR LOST WAGES DUE TO COVID-19

DENVER – FEMA provided more than $16 million to the state of Wyoming to supplement unemployment benefits for those who lost employment because of the coronavirus pandemic. On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

FEMA’s grant funding allowed Wyoming to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. The assistance was provided for the period from July 26 to September 6.  The grant also included funds for state management of the program.

To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.

In addition to this program, Wyoming received a major disaster declaration for the COVID-19 response.  Under that declaration, FEMA is providing funding to Wyoming jurisdictions for eligble costs related to the pandemic response.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 10/07/2020 - 12:00

FEMA PROVIDES $91.8 MILLION TO UTAH FOR PAYMENTS FOR LOST WAGES DUE TO COVID-19

DENVER – FEMA provided more than $91.8 million to the state of Utah to supplement unemployment benefits for those who lost employment because of the coronavirus pandemic. On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

FEMA’s grant funding allowed Utah to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. The assistance was provided for the period from July 26 to September 6.  The grant also included funds for state management of the program.

To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.

In addition to this program, Utah received a major disaster declaration for the COVID-19 response.  Under that declaration, the state was approved for a crisis counseling program to help individuals deal with the mental health impacts of the pandemic, and FEMA is providing funding to Utah jurisdictions for eligble costs related to the pandemic response.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 10/07/2020 - 11:55

FEMA PROVIDES $35.2 MILLION TO NORTH DAKOTA FOR PAYMENTS FOR LOST WAGES DUE TO COVID-19

DENVER – FEMA provided more than $35.2 million to the state of North Dakota to supplement unemployment benefits for those who lost employment because of the coronavirus pandemic. On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

FEMA’s grant funding allowed North Dakota to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. The assistance was provided for the period from July 26 to September 6.  The grant also included funds for state management of the program.

To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.

In addition to this program, North Dakota received a major disaster declaration for the COVID-19 response.  Under that declaration, the state was approved for a crisis counseling program to help individuals deal with the mental health impacts of the pandemic, and FEMA is providing funding to North Dakota jurisdictions for eligble costs related to the pandemic response.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 10/07/2020 - 11:50

FEMA PROVIDES $48.7 MILLION TO MONTANA FOR PAYMENTS FOR LOST WAGES DUE TO COVID-19

DENVER – FEMA provided more than $48.7 million to the state of Montana to supplement unemployment benefits for those who lost employment because of the coronavirus pandemic. On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

FEMA’s grant funding allowed Montana to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. The assistance was provided for the period from July 26 to September 6.  The grant also included funds for state management of the program.

To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.

In addition to this program, Montana received a major disaster declaration for the COVID-19 response.  Under that declaration, the state was approved for a crisis counseling program to help individuals deal with the mental health impacts of the pandemic, and FEMA is providing funding to Montana jurisdictions for eligble costs related to the pandemic response.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 10/07/2020 - 11:44

FEMA PROVIDES $554 MILLION TO COLORADO FOR PAYMENTS FOR LOST WAGES DUE TO COVID-19

DENVER – FEMA provided more than $554 million to the state of Colorado to supplement unemployment benefits for those who lost employment because of the coronavirus pandemic. On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

FEMA’s grant funding allowed Colorado to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. The assistance was provided for the period from July 26 to September 6.  The grant also included funds for state management of the program. 

To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.

In addition to this program, Colorado received a major disaster declaration for the COVID-19 response.  Under that declaration, the state was approved for a crisis counseling program to help individuals deal with the mental health impacts of the pandemic, and FEMA is providing funding to Colorado jurisdictions for eligble costs related to the pandemic response.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 10/07/2020 - 11:39

Survivors in Clinton County May Now Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

More than $21.6 million approved for derecho survivors in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa –Homeowners and renters in Clinton County may now apply for FEMA Individual Assistance for losses resulting from the severe storms on Aug. 10, 2020.

FEMA has approved more than $8.4 million in grants through its Individual Assistance program for 2,249 households in the previous designated counties of Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama.

The Small Business Administration has approved more than $13.2 million in disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and small businesses. 

Applicants may register in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.

Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners can include grants for repairs to make their primary home habitable. Rental assistance is available to pay for temporary housing for homeowners and renters. Lodging expense reimbursement may be available to eligible households who may have stayed in a hotel for a short period of time.

FEMA assistance can also help with other disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items, and medical and dental expenses.

First, if you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage you’ve suffered.  You don’t have to wait for FEMA to start cleaning up but be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.

You can upload all required documents at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applicants will need the following to apply:

• Address of the damaged property
• Description of disaster-caused damage and losses
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Social Security number of one member of the household
• Insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Bank account routing and account number for direct deposit
• Save your FEMA registration number, also known as FEMA ID number.
• Check your DisasterAssistance.gov account for updates.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Apply at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. People may also call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who use TTY may call 800-877-8339.

thomas.wise Wed, 10/07/2020 - 10:48

Renters Affected by Hurricane Sally May Apply for Disaster Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Renters in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties whose homes and personal property were damaged by Hurricane Sally last month can apply for federal disaster assistance.

The FEMA Individual Assistance program is available to all eligible renters, including students, as

well as homeowners. Federal grants may help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a 60-day period and may be reviewed for further assistance. 

Renters may also qualify for a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses. These may include:

Replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies; replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment; vehicle repair, and medical and dental bills.

FEMA and the state of Alabama are committed to ensuring that services and assistance are available for hurricane survivors who have access and functional needs (AFN).

 FEMA, for example, offers several accessible ways to register and apply for federal disaster assistance. Anyone can register in these ways:

• Online, by visiting 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). Multi-lingual operators are available. The toll-free lines are open 6 a.m. to midnight (Central Time) seven days a week. Helpline operators are also available to answer questions about applications already submitted.

The registration process includes your providing FEMA a phone number so FEMA can contact you and set up a virtual home inspection. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, you should provide FEMA your specific number assigned to that service. 

If you were affected by Hurricane Sally in Alabama and need a sign language interpreter, foreign language translator, a Braille or large-print document, or have any other accommodation request, you should let FEMA know when registering.

For AFN online resources, as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids, visit www.disasterassistance.gov and click “Information.”

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

felicia.jordan Wed, 10/07/2020 - 10:36

FEMA Mobile Registration Center Open in Bay County; Okaloosa Center Changes Location

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA has opened a mobile registration center for Hurricane Sally survivors in Bay County. 

The center, called a Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC), is staffed with FEMA personnel who can assist with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs. Center location:

 

BAY COUNTY

Bay County Public Library

898 West 11th St.

Panama City, FL 32401

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

 

The center in Okaloosa County will change locations Wednesday, Oct. 7. The new location will be:

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds

1958 Lewis Turner Blvd

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

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

Other centers are operating in Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa Counties. Disaster survivors can get help registering at any of the centers. Other locations:

 

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.

 

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Pensacola State College, South Santa Rosa Center, 4075 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

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

The centers operate under COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors and FEMA personnel are safe. Distancing and face coverings are required.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register with FEMA. Disaster survivors with uninsured losses can also apply by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA App; or by
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

The following information is necessary when you register:

• Address of the damaged dwelling where the damage occurred (pre-disaster address)
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account number for checking or savings account (this allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into a bank account)
• A description of disaster-caused damage and losses

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 10/07/2020 - 08:24

FEMA Obligates Nearly $49 Million for the University of Puerto Rico

The sum is part of the $85 million obligated to the institution for permanent work projects

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — During September, FEMA obligated $48.7 million in additional federal grants for 12 projects to repair several campuses of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), the island’s first and largest higher education system.

“More than a contribution to strengthen the infrastructure of the UPR, this investment will help future generations benefit from resilient facilities within the Island’s public university system. It is a great honor for the mostly local FEMA team to be part of this historic reconstruction,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

Nearly $14.2 million are destined to the Mayagüez campus, RUM by its Spanish acronym, which is regarded as an economic, social, cultural and educational engine in the western area. The funds will be used to repair several buildings of different departments on this campus that serves 12,000 students. In addition, over $580,000 will cover the costs of measures to help lessen the effects of future disasters, such as strengthening the roof and improving the asphalt covering to make it more resistant, among other measures.

For his part, the President of the UPR, Dr. Jorge Haddock, highlighted the impact that the obligation for repairs and permanent work has on the services received by students, teachers and administrative staff.

“As the main teaching and scientific center on the island, from the University of Puerto Rico we are committed to improving and transforming the infrastructure of the institution. The allocation to the University of Mayagüez campus, in particular, will allow us to improve areas for the benefit of our talented and outstanding members of the College Band, for the faculty and also for the protection of our resources in the General Library, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The recent allocation also includes $24.6 million to the Humacao campus, $4.7 million to the Utuado campus, $2.7 million to the Bayamón campus, $1.5 million to the UPR for administrative expenses and nearly $12,000 for the Arecibo campus. Throughout the past three years, the Agency has awarded nearly $85 million to the UPR for 22 permanent work projects.

“The UPR is a distinguished institution and it is essential that the reconstruction be at the highest level so that its work of excellence continues. The teams leading the reconstruction of Puerto Rico will continue to work hand in hand with the sub-recipients to deliver the projects that provide the resilience that all communities deserve,” established the executive director of the Office of Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resilience (COR3), Ottmar Chavez.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $19 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. FEMA works with COR3 through the agency’s Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.

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

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 10/07/2020 - 07:44

FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Puerto Rico for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Puerto Rico to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced to implement a system to make this funding available to Puerto Rico residents.

On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.

FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 10/06/2020 - 18:31

FEMA Administrator Wraps Up Travel Out West for Wildfires, Mitigation Projects, COVID-19 Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor recently completed a visit with state, local and tribal officials in FEMA Regions 8, 9 and 10, where he received an up-close look at ongoing response activities for wildfires, COVID-19 and completed disaster mitigation projects in their states. The administrator made stops in Colorado and Wyoming earlier last week, before visiting Arizona and Oregon.

Two of FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant application periods opened Sept. 30. The two grant programs total $660 million.  The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, will provide funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation activities to strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness. These programs allow funding to be used on projects that will reduce future disaster losses.

“As emergency managers, we have experienced firsthand the dramatic increase in the number of disasters and the devastating impact across our nation. Investing in mitigation – through BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance, along with emphasizing opportunities in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Public Assistance 406 Mitigation program – is critical to achieving FEMA’s mission,” said FEMA Assistant Administrator for Mitigation Katherine Fox.  

Eligible applicants must apply for funding using the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO) website. All applications must be submitted on FEMA GO no later than 3 p.m. Eastern Time, Jan. 29, 2021.

Discussing the Oregon Wildfires

SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 4, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (right) speaks with U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio following a meeting with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown about the wildfires in Oregon.      FEMA photo by Jeff Markham

 

Meeting with Oregon Governor, State Leaders

SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 4, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor discusses the ongoing response and support from FEMA, as Oregon battles wildfires throughout the state.      FEMA photo by Jeff Markham

 

Speaking with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown

SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 4, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor speaks with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown about the wildfires in Oregon.      FEMA photo by Jeff Markham

 

Assessing Wildfire Damage with Local Leaders in Oregon

TALENT, Ore. (Oct. 4, 2020) – FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (center) and Jackson County Emergency Operations Director John Vial study fire-damaged areas in the Jackson County area during the administrator's visit to Oregon. U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Greg Walden also look on. FEMA photo by Jeff Markham   

 

FEMA Administrator Views Fire Damage in Oregon

TALENT, Ore. (Oct. 4, 2020) – FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor surveys a fire-damaged area in Oregon. The administrator met with community, local and state leaders to discuss the ongoing response to wildfires in the state. FEMA photo by Jeff Markham   

 

FEMA Administrator Meets with Community, Local and State Leaders in Oregon

MILL CITY, Ore. (Oct. 4, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor meets with community members, local and state officials to discuss the ongoing response to wildfires in Oregon.  FEMA photo by Jeff Markham

 

FEMA Administrator Meets with FEMA Employees

SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 4, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor meets with FEMA employees on the ground supporting the state's response to the Oregon wildfires.      FEMA photo by Jeff Markham

 

FEMA Administrator Meets Navajo Nation Tribal Leaders

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (Oct. 1, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (both photos, 2nd from left) meets with Navajo Tribal leaders to discuss the Navajo Nation’s needs for the COVID-19 response and other emergency management priorities. Navajo Nation President Nez and Vice President Lizer are pictured at the table, along with FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton.   U.S. Army photo by Spc. Thurman Snyder

FEMA Administrator Meets Navajo Nation Tribal Leaders

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (Oct. 1, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (both photos, 2nd from left) meets with Navajo Tribal leaders to discuss the Navajo Nation’s needs for the COVID-19 response and other emergency management priorities. Navajo Nation President Nez and Vice President Lizer are pictured at the table, along with FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton.   U.S. Army photo by Spc. Thurman Snyder

FEMA Administrator Presents Check to Arizona Emergency Managers

MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 2, 2020) -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (2nd from right) presents the Mesa Fire and Medical Department with a check representing the awarding of an Assistance to Firefighter Grant that will help provide critical resources and training for the department.      FEMA photo by Myung Kim

 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 10/06/2020 - 16:52