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September 30 is Last Day to Apply for Federal Assistance
Registration and disaster information is still available by calling the FEMA helpline, going online or using the FEMA mobile app, as follows:
- Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
- Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the FEMA App.
The end of the registration period does not mean FEMA is leaving. The Agency will continue working with the Michigan Department of State Police/Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to help survivors and communities in their long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Once you’ve registered, it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA to track your application or to notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and to report insurance settlements, ongoing unmet needs or additional damage you may have discovered.
FEMA staff may contact you for various reasons, including to discuss your case or request additional information. Answer those phone calls to make sure your application process continues. If you are in any doubt when receiving a call from someone stating they work for FEMA, do not give out any information, but call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET to verify the call is legitimate.
The SBA helps businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.
To apply for a low-interest disaster loan before the Sept. 30 deadline, complete an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. To reach an SBA Customer Service Representative directly call 800-659-2955. Email questions to FOCE-Help@sba.gov. For more information, visit sba.gov/.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs.
If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
English: www.fema.gov/disaster/4547
troy.christensen Tue, 09/29/2020 - 10:35FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Zogg Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Zogg Fire burning in Shasta County.
On Sept. 28, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Zogg Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 1,600 homes in and around the communities of Igo, Ono, Platina, West Redding, West Valley and Happy Valley. The fire also threatened a power transmission line, four fire stations, the Shasta County Dump and portions of the Sacramento River watershed.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 28, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.
robert.barker Tue, 09/29/2020 - 10:22Federal Assistance for Alabama Hurricane Survivors Tops $11 Million
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Hurricane Sally survivors in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties have been approved for more than $11 million in federal disaster assistance in just over one week since President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Alabama.
Through Sept. 28, FEMA has approved housing grants to individuals and families totaling $11,153,079.
“Hurricane Sally took a punch to our coastal areas, but thanks in part to the millions of dollars in federal assistance, the people of Alabama are moving along the road to recovery,” Governor Ivey said. “I remain grateful to President Trump, Administrator Gaynor and their teams for prioritizing the people of Alabama reeling from Hurricane Sally. We will get through this together; we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
Housing Assistance (HA) grants for repairs to primary residences or for renting temporary housing totaled more than $8.9 million. Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grants to cover childcare, moving and storage, medical and dental expenses, etc. totaled just over $2.1 million.
In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $570,900 in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for to cover repairs to homes damaged by Hurricane Sally.
Homeowners and renters in Baldwin, Mobile and Escambia counties should apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Residents of these three Alabama counties may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the hurricane. You may register for FEMA disaster assistance online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Multi-lingual operators are available. The toll-free lines are open daily, 6 a.m. to midnight (Central Time). If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately before applying for federal assistance. Get the process started quickly. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin.
Information that may be useful to have when you register includes:
- Address of the damaged primary dwelling where the damage occurred
- Current mailing address
- Current telephone number
- Insurance information and description of disaster-caused damage and loss
- Total household annual income
- Names and birth dates of family members who live in the household
- Name and Social Security number of co-applicant (if applicable)
- Routing and account number for checking or savings account so FEMA may directly transfer disaster assistance funds
For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563
felicia.jordan Mon, 09/28/2020 - 17:19
Harvey households with FEMA group flood insurance policies: Buy standard policy by Oct. 24
AUSTIN, Texas – Approximately 6,690 Hurricane Harvey survivors have been notified that their Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) will expire Oct. 24. These three-year policies end soon, so policyholders must plan now to switch to a standard flood insurance policy to ensure continuous flood insurance coverage.
Following the devastating disasters and hurricane season of 2017, FEMA purchased GFIP policies for thousands of disaster survivors whose homes were flooded. Part of the eligibility of receiving future financial assistance after a flood is that a homeowner or renter must obtain and maintain flood insurance to ensure that there is no lapse in coverage. If a property affected by a flood is sold, the new owners are required to have flood insurance for the property as well.
This means Harvey households who received a group policy need to purchase a new, standard flood insurance policy, or obtain other flood insurance for at least the amount of assistance that they received for repairs and replacement of property, in order to remain eligible for future FEMA assistance. Those who received a GFIP policy as part of their FEMA disaster assistance after Harvey but don’t buy a standard flood insurance policy will likely not receive federal disaster assistance for home repairs if they experience another flood event.
Flood Insurance Can Be Key to Recovery
Flood insurance policies are crucial to recover quickly following a flood event as homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover flood damage.
Additionally, flood insurance will pay claims regardless of whether there is a major disaster declaration. Flood insurance claims can be paid for such events as flash flooding, storm sewer backup, river overflow, storm surge, mudslides or tropical systems.
Since its inception in 1968, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $69 billion in flood claims to help survivors rebuild their lives following flood events.
- To find an insurance carrier or agent, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call FEMA NFIP Direct toll-free, (800) 638-6620, option 2.
- For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program and or insurance, call the National Flood Insurance General Call Center at 800-427-4661.
- If you have questions about your Group Flood Insurance Policy call the National Flood Insurance Direct Call Center at 800-638-6620.
To find out if you have a flood insurance requirement, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS - Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish). The Texas Recovery Office GFIP Help Desk phone number is 877-503-6053.
Harvey impacted 41,500 square miles of Texas. If it rains it can flood, which means all Texans should purchase or renew flood insurance policies. The 2020 hurricane season began June 1 and ends on November 30, but a policy protects you from financial losses from other flood events all year. Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to a home.
Carmen.Castro Mon, 09/28/2020 - 16:47
How to Appeal a FEMA Decision on Assistance
BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance as a result of Hurricane Laura will receive a determination letter explaining the eligibility decision and the reason for that decision.
For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the funds should be used. When ineligible, the letter explains why and how the applicant can appeal that decision.
It’s important to read the determination letter carefully to identify the reason for being declared ineligible. Some common reasons include:
- The person is insured and needs to provide an insurance settlement or denial to be considered for assistance.
- Additional information is needed from the survivor, i.e. proof of identity, proof of occupancy, annual income, or a childcare assistance letter.
- There were multiple registrations using the same address.
- Damage to a secondary residence (where the survivor lives less than six months of the year).
- The home is safe to occupy, and/or personal property had minimum or no damage.
- Missed inspections and no follow-up communication with FEMA.
- FEMA is unable to contact the applicant.
Many of these issues can be easily resolved by visiting a Drive-through Disaster Recovery Center or calling the FEMA helpline: 800-621-3362 (TTY) 800-462-7585. To find the nearest drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC (Your Zip Code) for example DRC 12345.
Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
If that does not resolve the problem, everyone has a right of appeal. To do so, an applicant must send a letter to FEMA asking for a reconsideration and explaining in detail why the appeal is being filed.
FEMA will need the applicant’s full name, address of pre-disaster residence, current phone number and address, and signature. The appeal must be postmarked within 60 days of the date the FEMA denial letter was received.
Include the statement, “I hereby declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
Date the appeal letter, include your nine-digit FEMA application number and the disaster code (DR-4559-LA), and mail or fax it to:
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P. O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
Fax: 800-827-8112; Attention: FEMA
An easy way to provide any additional information needed is by setting up an online account and uploading documents there.
To set up a disaster assistance account:
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- Go to https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- Select the Create Account button at the bottom of the page and follow instructions.
- A PIN will be sent to the email address on file. Then log into the account.
- You can then upload your important documents in the Upload Center. (This page takes you to the login if you are returning to add more documents: https://go.usa.gov/xUPX5.)
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 Mon, 09/28/2020 - 16:23FEMA Continues to Provide Critical Supplies to State and Tribal Partners Throughout New England
Six months after federal disaster declarations for COVID-19, FEMA Region 1 continues to support its state and tribal partners in New England by providing financial relief, coordinating federal resources and delivering critical supplies in the fight against the deadly pandemic and the concurrent economic disaster.
In March, the region and nation faced a critical shortage of essential supplies—including personal protective and life-saving equipment necessary to support strained health care systems and slow the spread of the virus.
“In response, our logistics team secured an 86,000 square-foot warehouse, ramped up operations, streamlined procedures and moved mountains of those critical supplies,” said Capt. Russ Webster, the FEMA Regional Administrator who also serves as the Federal Coordinating Officer for the region’s response. “We helped ensure the health, safety and well-being of our fellow New Englanders.”
Examples of supplies include personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers and health care professionals, food to help families who faced economic hardships due to COVID-19, and disinfectants to clean surfaces and kill the coronavirus.
To supplement the Strategic National Stockpile, the regional team from FEMA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) set up a supply taskforce to achieve better pricing, quicker delivery, and greater reliability of medical equipment and supplies for the region’s six states and ten tribal partners.
Specifically, the regional taskforce sourced vendors, procured resources based on projected needs and specific requests, allocated supplies based on well-defined algorithms, and arranged for deliveries. That joint effort served as a model for the nation.
FEMA’s Franklin, Massachusetts warehouse deliveries had to be received, tracked, unloaded, sorted and reloaded. To date, FEMA Region 1 warehouse workers have moved more than 22 million pieces of equipment and commodities.
That’s more than 500 truckloads—including semi-trucks, box trucks and panel vans—that rolled in and out of the warehouse.
Examples of outbound loads:
- More than 20 million pieces of personal protective equipment to protect frontline workers and health care professionals—including 1.7 million N95 respirators, 3.1 million KN95 respirators, 275,000 face shields, 400,000 surgical gowns, 1 million Tyvek suits, 1.6 million procedural gowns, and 6 million pairs of clinical gloves. Additional protective gear includes 5 million cloth face coverings given away to infrastructure workers, first responders, schoolchildren, nursing home residents and food producers who did not need medical-grade PPE for their daily use.
- More than 1.7 million boxed meals, low-sodium meals and meals-ready-to-eat to help households and families who faced economic hardships due to COVID-19. Driven by requests from state and tribal partners, those meals went to food pantries, homeless shelters, senior centers and other community-based organizations.
- More than 90,000 units of hand sanitizer (including bottles and 55-gallon drums), 700,000 boxes of disinfectant wipes and 500,000 units of soaps to clean hands and surfaces and kill the coronavirus. State and tribal partners then distributed the items.
While New England states and tribes continue to partner with federal agencies during this global public health crisis, they also work together to identify the entire region’s needs for essential resources, aggregate demand among the states, reap bulk discounts and work towards stabilizing the supply chain.
“Logistics—along with a unity of effort—clearly play an integral part in the war against COVID-19,” said Gary Kleinman, ASPR Region 1 Administrator who also serves as the Federal Health Coordinating Officer for the region’s response. “We’re better together.”
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Note to editors: For more information about FEMA Region 1 warehouse operations or to schedule an interview with FCO Webster or FHCO Kleinman, please contact the FEMA News Desk by phone at (540) 533-0140 or email FEMA-R1COVIDNewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov .
adrien.urbani Mon, 09/28/2020 - 11:46
Flood Insurance Policies Expiring This Year
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Following the devastating disasters and hurricane season of 2017, FEMA purchased three-year flood insurance policies for thousands of disaster survivors whose homes were flooded. Those policies are set to expire this year, and survivors need to purchase a new flood insurance policy, or obtain other flood insurance, in order to remain eligible for future FEMA assistance.
Part of the eligibility of receiving financial assistance after a flood is that a homeowner or renter must obtain and maintain flood insurance to ensure that there is no lapse in coverage. If a property affected by a flood is sold, the new owners are required to have flood insurance for the property as well.
Participants must purchase a flood insurance policy or they will be ineligible to receive most forms of assistance in subsequent disasters.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands there are 15 policies expiring from hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Flood Insurance Can Be Key to Recovery Flood insurance policies are crucial to recover quickly following a flood event as homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover flood damage.
Additionally, flood insurance will pay claims regardless of whether there is a major disaster declaration. Flood insurance claims can be paid for such events as flash flooding, storm sewer backup, river overflow, storm surge, mudslides or tropical systems.
Since its inception in 1968, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $69 billion in flood claims to help survivors rebuild their lives following flood events.
- To find an insurance carrier or agent, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call FEMA NFIP Direct toll-free, (800) 638-6620, option 2.
- For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program and or insurance, call the National Flood Insurance General Call Center at 800-427-4661.
- If you have questions about your Group Flood Insurance Policy, call the National Flood Insurance Direct Call Center at 800-638-6620.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after a disaster.
Follow us on social media at twitter.com/femaregion2 and www.facebook.com/FEMAUSVirginIslands
gina.callaghan Mon, 09/28/2020 - 10:55
FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Glass Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Glass Fire burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
On Sept. 27, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Glass Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 1,500 homes in and around the communities of Deer Park, Angwin, Calistoga and St. Helena. The fire also threatened a local hospital, college, airport, reservoir, water treatment facility, two fire stations, and a power substation and transmission lines.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 27, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.
robert.barker Mon, 09/28/2020 - 10:23Debris Removal Assistance Now Available to Hurricane-Impacted Counties
CLANTON, Ala. — The major disaster declaration for the State of Alabama was amended on Sept. 25 to include additional FEMA Public Assistance (PA) for Debris Removal (Category A) in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties.
These counties were already designated for certain federal assistance in the declaration signed by President Trump on Sept. 20, 2020, including Individual Assistance (IA) and assistance with emergency protective measures (Categories B) under the PA program.
Through the PA program, FEMA supports states, counties, local governments and Native American tribes, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures and restoring public infrastructure.
PA is FEMA’s largest grant program. PA grants cover 75 percent of eligible government costs.
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
neily.chapman Mon, 09/28/2020 - 07:51Deadline to Register for FEMA Help is 30 Days Away
BATON ROUGE, La. — Renters and homeowners in parishes designated for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Laura have until Oct. 27 to register for help.
Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property.
Additionally, grants may be available to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.
To see if you lived in a designated parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4559/designated-areas.
For more information or to register for assistance:
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY at 800-877-8339).
- Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
- Download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.
- To find a drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC (Your Zip Code) for example DRC 12345.
- On an Android device, text 2637643 (ANDROID) to 43362; on an Apple device, text 27753 (APPLE) to 43362 or call 211 or text 527435837 (LASHELTER) to 898-211
- Call 211 or text 527435837 to 898-211.
- Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
Donate and Volunteer Wisely
BATON ROUGE, La.–The public’s overwhelming generosity after Hurricane Laura is helping affected communities to start healing from the disaster.
However, an overflow of donated items can quickly exceed the needs of the affected communities. Supporting agencies may then need to redirect manpower to managing donated goods that may not meet survivors’ needs.
Easiest way to help: donate cash
If you are not affected by Hurricane Laura, the most effective way to support disaster survivors’ recovery is to make tax-deductible financial donations to trusted voluntary-, faith- and community-based charitable organizations. This gives them the ability to purchase or provide what survivors need.
In addition, when these organizations or survivors purchase goods or services locally, they pump money back into the local economy to help businesses recover faster.
Donate through a trusted organization
To ensure your financial contribution is used responsibly, only donate to reputable organizations. Both the Louisiana government donations webpage gov.louisiana.gov/page/hurricane-laura-donations and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster www.nvoad.org list trusted organizations receiving donations.
Register before volunteering
The situation is still not good for unaffiliated volunteers to self-deploy to affected areas since they may create additional burdens on communities where resources for food and shelter are scarce.
The State of Louisiana is asking potential volunteers to register with volunteerlouisiana.gov or with a voluntary or charitable organization of their choice.
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 Sun, 09/27/2020 - 09:47
Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Grant Parish
BATON ROUGE, La. –A Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center will open in Grant Parish Monday, Sept. 28, to help Hurricane Laura survivors.
The drive-thru is staffed with FEMA personnel who are available to scan documents, assist with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs.
The center operates under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors are safe. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. Survivors remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive documents through the window and return them.
No appointment is necessary. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The drive-thru center is located at:
Grant Parish
Zig Slater Ball Park
20971 US Hwy 167
Dry Prong, LA 71423
Additional centers are already open in Louisiana. Survivors may visit any open center. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator or download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.
Survivors do not need to visit a drive-thru center to apply or update their application. To ask individual questions or submit information:
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov/.
- To receive a link a to download the FEMA app (depending on your device):
- Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
- Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362
- Call 211 or text 527435837 to 898-211. For Louisiana evacuees that are now out-of-state, please call 337-310-4636. To get support, this number also is valid for TTY out-of-state users.
- Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app
- To find a drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC (Your Zip Code) for example DRC 01234.
SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for businesses of any size and certain nonprofits up to $2 million for property damage. For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for working capital needs even if there is no property damage.
Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace a primary residence. For homeowners and renters, up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles, is available.
Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. For assistance completing an SBA application, call 800-659-2955 (TTY at 800-877-8339) or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
christopher.teed Sun, 09/27/2020 - 09:43What to Expect When Applying with FEMA
SALEM, OR– If you were affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds beginning Sept. 7, 2020 in Oregon you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. However, you don’t have to wait for FEMA to start cleaning up. Just be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.
Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for repairs to make their primary home habitable and rental assistance to pay for temporary housing. FEMA assistance can also help with other disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items and medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving and storage and child care expenses.
First, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the wildfire or straightline wind damage you’ve suffered.
If you have losses not covered by insurance, contact FEMA by either going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service you can call 800-621-3362.
Information that will be required when you apply includes:
- Address of the damaged primary dwelling where damage occurred
- Current mailing address
- Current telephone number
- Social Security number
- Your insurance information
- Total household annual income
- Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts so FEMA may directly transfer disaster assistance funds
- A description of wildfire or straightline wind damage and losses
Home Inspections and COVID-19
If you reported that you cannot or may not be able to safely live in your home, it may be necessary for FEMA to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. FEMA home inspections are free of charge.
Applicants can ask the FEMA housing inspector at any time for a disability accommodation, or disaster applicants with disabilities who may require a reasonable accommodation can submit their reasonable accommodation request via email to FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or by calling FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource line at 833-CVL-RGHT (833-285-7448).
Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, some FEMA inspections may be conducted remotely.
For remote inspections, FEMA inspectors will contact applicants by phone to answer questions about the type and extent of damage sustained. Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage; it is comparable to traditional, in-person inspections and expedites the delivery of recovery assistance to survivors based on their eligibility.
Survivors with minimal damage who can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when applying for FEMA assistance. Instead, they will receive a letter from FEMA explaining that they may call the FEMA Helpline to request an inspection if they find significant disaster-caused damage to their home after they have applied.
If you have any questions, you can always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Sat, 09/26/2020 - 21:13Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
SALEM, OR – Certain Oregon disaster survivors who have lost work as a direct result of the Oregon wildfires since Sept. 7 are eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
DUA benefits are available to workers in the eight Oregon counties that have been federally designated for disaster assistance: Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion.
DUA is funded by FEMA and administered by the Oregon Employment Department.
The purpose of DUA is to help workers whose primary incomes have been lost or interrupted by a federally declared disaster. It differs from regular state unemployment insurance because it also provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, loggers and employees who work on commission. In addition, it helps those who are unable to reach their place of employment or are unable to work because of an injury as a direct result of the fires.
To receive DUA, an individual must not receive regular state unemployment, pandemic emergency unemployment compensation or pandemic unemployment assistance. Claimants must also meet normal eligibility requirements for an Oregon Unemployment Insurance claim.
The deadline to file a claim is Oct. 23, 2020. Required documentation, including proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the wildfires or income for 2019, must be submitted within 21 days of filing. To apply:
- Visit www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster
- Call 503-570-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Packets are available at some evacuation sites and state WorkSource Centers.
Oregon DUA benefits apply to weeks of unemployment beginning with the week starting Sept. 13 and will be available through March 20, 2021, as long as the individual's unemployment continues as a result of the wildfires.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Sat, 09/26/2020 - 21:08FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Wyoming's Mullen Fire
DENVER – This morning, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Mullen Fire burning in Albany and Carbon Counties, Wyoming.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Mullen Fire was threatening approximately 300 homes in and around the subdivisions of Albany, Jelm, Keystone, Rambler, Woods landing, and Double Creek. Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 180+ people. The fire was also threatening infrastructure, utilities, and a watershed in the area that provides water to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Approximately 40 miles of Highway 230 is closed until further notice. The fire started September 17, 2020 and has burned in excess of 36,000 acres of federal, state, and private land.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.
minh.phan Sat, 09/26/2020 - 15:48Look Out for Disaster Fraud, Scams
SALEM, OR – When natural disasters occur, it is common for some people to try to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers trying to help survivors complete their applications.
Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail, email, text or in person. Survivors of the Oregon wildfires should be aware of scams and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.
Federal and state workers never ask for, or accept, money and always carry identification badges. There is no fee required to apply for, or to get, federal disaster assistance. There is never a fee for FEMA home inspections.
During each disaster, it’s important to stay tuned to local media and trusted local and federal social media for current updates about ongoing disasters and tips on fraud prevention.
If something makes you feel uncomfortable, check with FEMA or local law enforcement to ensure your identity is protected.
Those who question the validity of a contact, or suspect fraud, are encouraged to call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement.
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, to include filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website IdentityTheft.gov.
Tips to protect against charity scams and a list of registered charitable organizations are available at: https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/
Sign up for scam alerts at: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/scam-alert-network/.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Fri, 09/25/2020 - 21:18FEMA Offers Options to Survivors in Need of Temporary Housing
FEMA rental assistance is provided to pay for temporary housing if you have been displaced from your pre-disaster primary residence due to the floods. It can be used for renting an apartment or a hotel room when long-term rental accommodations are not available. These options may be especially important as winter approaches, to ensure your temporary living situation has the water, heat and insulation necessary to stay safe.
- To determine if you’re eligible for FEMA rental assistance, first register with FEMA before 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30: Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App.
- If you didn’t need to relocate when you registered, but your home is unsafe to occupy and your situation has changed, contact FEMA. Within 30 days of your initial FEMA decision letter, you can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) and inform them of the need to relocate. If it has been more than 30 days, submit the request for temporary housing assistance in writing.
- If you received an initial payment of FEMA rental assistance and are unable to return to your pre-disaster primary residence due to the May floods, be sure to submit a request for continued rental assistance. If you did not receive a form by mail, you may request one by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Even if you received the maximum housing grant, you may still be eligible for continued rental assistance. Be sure to complete the application form, and if you didn’t receive one, contact the FEMA helpline.
For questions about FEMA rental assistance, the FEMA helpline is available to Michigan survivors—even after the September 30, 2020 registration deadline—by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
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troy.christensen Fri, 09/25/2020 - 15:45Keep in Touch—Update Information with FEMA to Avoid Delays
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon homeowners and renters who registered for FEMA disaster assistance for help after wildfires should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track.
Survivors should update contact information as soon as possible because FEMA may need to reach them to perform virtual home inspections or get additional information.
FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their checking or savings accounts. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their banking information.
It’s important to note that FEMA disaster assistance checks cannot be forwarded. If you cannot access your home address, you can request the postal service to hold your mail.
Survivors who registered with FEMA may update contact information the following ways:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA app
- Calling 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
- Disaster survivors who are deaf, have a speech or hearing disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585.
- Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may call 800-621-3362.
Those who use a Relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact you. Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Fri, 09/25/2020 - 15:06FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Bettendorf Moving to Davenport
DES MOINES, Iowa – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bettendorf will close Tuesday, September 29 at 6 p.m. and relocate to Davenport.
The DRC will reopen Wednesday, September 30 at noon 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 Davenport DRC will close permanently on Saturday, October 10 at 6 p.m.
The DRC will be open for a limited time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs. Survivors from the August 10 severe storm have the option to submit documents for their disaster assistance application.
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.
The DRC in Bettendorf is located at:
The Community Civic Center
2204 Grant Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(Entrance is at the rear parking lot at 22nd Street and Mississippi Blvd.)
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time
Closed Sundays
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.
FEMA Opens a Disaster Recovery Center in Story County
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at noon in Ames on Tuesday, September 29, to give survivors from the August 10 severe storm options to submit documents for their disaster assistance application.
The DRC will be open for a limited time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs. It will close permanently on Saturday, October 10 at 6 p.m.
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.
The FEMA DRC is located:
North River Valley Park
725 E 13th Street, Ames, IA 50010
DRC hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time
Closed Sunday
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.
- Or fax to 800-827-8112.
- Or submit them via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.
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