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Prepare Now for Future Disasters: Protect Your Home and Family
MIDLAND, Mich. – September is National Preparedness Month and the flooding in mid-Michigan that caused millions of dollars in damage earlier this year, along with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, are important reminders disasters can impact anyone. Take the time this month to make an emergency plan and take simple steps to protect your home and family from future disasters.
Protect Your Home
Review your existing insurance policies and ensure the amount and extent are adequate to cover losses from any possible hazard. Homeowners’ insurance covers wind damage, but a rider needs to be added to insure against sewer backup. In addition, homeowners’ insurance doesn’t typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase a flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Don’t wait until it’s too late: NFIP policies can take up to 30 days to go into effect. Learn your property’s flood risk by accessing your community’s flood map then talk to your insurance agent about the type of coverage that is best for your home. Even if your property is in a low- or moderate-risk flood zone, FEMA recommends purchasing insurance from NFIP. More than 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties that are not in identified high-risk zones.
There are many other ways you can minimize your home’s potential risk of costly flood damage, such as installing a sump pump and back flow valve, elevating utilities and landscaping to improve runoff. The graphic below provides some ideas to put in place before the next flood.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
- Michigan State Police/Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division’s website MIREADY has comprehensive information on the importance of being informed and planning ahead.
- Visit Ready.gov/plan to learn how to make an emergency plan based on local weather hazards.
- Review your family’s emergency plans now to see if they should be altered due to COVID-19.
- Build disaster kits and have them ready in your home, work and vehicles. Visit Ready.gov/kit for more information.
- Make sure your kits are stocked with essential items, including those that can protect you and your family from COVID-19, such as masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Consider the unique needs of each member in your household, such as supplies for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pets.
- Download the Michigan mobile app. Basic supply checklists, Michigan-specific hazard fact sheets, and links to stay connected and informed are included in the app.
- Download the FEMA mobile app. It provides severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five selected locations.
- Plan how to leave and where to go if advised to evacuate. Always follow the instructions given by state, local, or tribal emergency management officials.
To learn more about disaster risks and ways to prepare, visit Ready.gov. Find more information about steps you can take before, during and after a flood at FloodSmart.gov.
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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, 09/15/2020 - 10:06FEMA Hurricane Preparations and Wildfire Response Photo Release
WASHINGTON -- FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners to mobilize teams and supplies to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from storms along the Gulf Coast and the wildfires out West.
Hurricane Sally While Sally is now forecast to make landfall as a hurricane, the storm track and intensity can change rapidly. Anyone in the forecasted path of the storm should complete final preparations as soon as possible, monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders.
President Trump approved emergency declarations today for both Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance and coordinate all disaster relief efforts.
Teams supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Laura are being augmented by additional personnel to provide immediate support following landfall if requested. FEMA deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams to emergency operations centers in Louisiana and Mississippi, and a liaison officer to Alabama, to assist with coordinating response activities throughout the region.
Western Wildfires President Trump, Acting Secretary Chad Wolf and FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor traveled to the West Coast today to visit communities devastated by the wildfires. There are over 100 large fires throughout the Western U.S. that have burned over 5 million acres. This includes 32 active fires in Oregon and 30 in California.
Emergency responders on the West Coast are focused on life saving and life safety measures in the areas impacted by wildfires. Public safety is the No. 1 priority: residents in at-risk areas should follow local officials’ instructions and be ready to take action.
FEMA has personnel, commodities and teams continue to support the impacted areas. The President approved a major disaster for California on Aug. 22. and an emergency declaration for Oregon on Sept. 10 for the 12 active wildfires impacting the state.
Additionally, six Fire Management Assistance Grants have been approved in California, one approved in Colorado, 16 approved in Oregon and four have been approved in Washington.
FEMA Administrator Briefs President Trump on Wildfire Response
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (far left) briefs President Donald J. Trump on FEMA’s ongoing efforts to wildfires in the West.
Rescue Teams Partner with Local Authorities in Oregon Wildfire Response
JACKSON, Ore. -- FEMA Search and Rescue teams from Nevada and Utah scour through debris under the direction of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
FEMA Sets Up Staging Area in Tacoma
TACOMA, Wash. – A staging area for commodities and generators is set up at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Teams Assembled Communications for Wildfire Response
TACOMA, Wash. -- FEMA technicians assemble communications equipment for wildfire response coordination on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Teams Complete COVID-19 Safety Measures for Responding
PEARL, Miss. -- A FEMA Region 4 Incident Management team member receives a facial temperature scan before entering the emergency operations center. The scanning is part of COVID-19 protections for those entering the facility.
FEMA Team Arrives at Mississippi Emergency Operations Center
PEARL, Miss. -- FEMA Region 4 Incident Management Assistance Team members enter the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency in preparation for potential hurricane impacts to the state.
zella.campbell Tue, 09/15/2020 - 08:46
After a Wildfire, The Time to Buy Flood Insurance is Now!
SALT LAKE CITY – Wildfire season is once again raging, and areas throughout the West are feeling the impact. Once the fires are out, people and communities are at risk for another threat ─ flooding.
Wildfires leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates a flash flooding potential for years to come, even in areas that rarely experienced flooding in the past. Sometimes these flash floods can pick up ash and large debris, turning into mudflows that are highly destructive.
Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. Just an inch of water in an average-sized home can cause $25,000 in damage. However, unlike many causes of damage, flooding and mudflows are generally not covered by a homeowners’ policy. An uninsured flood loss can eat into your life’s savings.
A National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy protects against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin. Because there’s a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect, it’s important to purchase a policy now to protect your property against the continuing threat of flooding.
Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in a community that participates in NFIP. These include cities, counties and other jurisdictions that manage development. You don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. If you live outside a floodplain, insurance will likely cost less than for those living in a higher risk area.
You can usually purchase flood insurance from your current agent. If that isn’t possible, NFIP representatives can help you find one.
As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy. Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-4661.
Contact a mitigation specialist for more information about making your home and family safer before, during and after a wildfire or other natural disaster at FEMA-r8-HMhelp@fema.dhs.gov or bereadyutah@utah.gov for more information about making your home and family safer before, during and after an earthquake.
Brian.Hvinden Mon, 09/14/2020 - 18:16President Donald J. Trump Approves Mississippi Emergency Declaration
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Mississippi to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Sally beginning on Sept. 14, 2020 and continuing.
The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures Category B, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Adams, Amite, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, Walthall, Wayne and Wilkinson counties.
Brett H. Howard has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.
zella.campbell Mon, 09/14/2020 - 18:05President Donald J. Trump Approves Louisiana Emergency Declaration
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Sally beginning on Sept. 13, 2020 and continuing.
The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures Category B, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, 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 at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Tensas, 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.
zella.campbell Mon, 09/14/2020 - 17:56FEMA Provides $9.8 Million to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $9.8 million in federal funding has been made available to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) for costs associated with the deployment of teams of temporary healthcare workers to state-operated long-term care facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This grant funding is part of the recovery efforts for the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020. This funding will reimburse IEMA for costs incurred in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health to deploy teams of temporary healthcare workers for supplemental clinical staff, and to perform measures to manage, control and reduce threats to public health and safety at long-term care facilities throughout the state.
“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding has helped ensure critical medical services are available across Illinois to help combat this virus.”
“As the pandemic spread throughout the nation, the State of Illinois built a robust medical reserve corps to ensure a quick and expedient response to meet the needs of our residents,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “We are eternally grateful for these skilled and experienced healthcare workers who served on the frontlines during uncertain times to care for some of our most vulnerable residents and provide essential training and assistance to facilities throughout our state.”
The Public Assistance Program funding will be administered by IEMA. FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The federal share of the FEMA grant is $9,843,567 with the remaining amount paid by IEMA.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
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 Mon, 09/14/2020 - 14:57FEMA Opens a Disaster Recovery Center
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Marshalltown on Tuesday, September 15, to give survivors from the August 10 severe storm options to submit documents for their disaster assistance application. FEMA has adapted to the realities of responding during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve Iowans while protecting their safety and that of FEMA employees.
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:
Behind the Marshalltown VA Clinic
101 Iowa Ave. W
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(Please enter from W. Berle Rd and proceed south behind the building.)
DRC hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time
Closed Sundays
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.
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. CT, 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.
Butte County added to federal disaster declaration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Butte County has been added to California counties approved for assistance to individuals and households as part of the major disaster declaration approved Aug. 22 by President Trump.
The addition makes Butte County the ninth county to receive federal approval for individual assistance: Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties were approved previously.
FEMA’s individual assistance program provides grants to help eligible survivors with financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.
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. Pacific.
U.S. Small Business Administration assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration (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
8 am to 8 pm EDT
800-659-2955
These services are only available for the California disaster declaration as a result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14, 2020, and not for COVID-19-related assistance.
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bree-constance… Mon, 09/14/2020 - 14:06Two Years After Hurricane Florence, $2 Billion Provided for N.C. Recovery
RALEIGH, N.C. – On Sept. 14, 2018, Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina and dumped as much as 30 inches of rain in some places. Catastrophic flooding caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in a large portion of the state.
In the two years since the devastating storm, more than $2 billion in federal and state assistance has gone to survivors and communities to help North Carolina’s recovery move forward. Funding includes FEMA grants, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) payments and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
“I am proud that North Carolina was the first state in the country to have our action plan approved to access additional federal funds following Florence and am committed to rebuilding smarter and stronger to ensure that our communities are as resilient as our people,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.
Recovery efforts as of Sept. 10, 2020:
- FEMA grants, low-interest SBA disaster loans and NFIP flood insurance payments for Hurricane Florence survivors total:
- $407.8 million in loans approved by SBA for homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the hurricane.
- $632.7 million paid by the NFIP to flood insurance policyholders across the state.
- $133.9 million in FEMA grants paid to survivors in 34 affected counties for home repairs, temporary housing and replacing essential household items.
- FEMA provided housing, without cost, to 656 households approved to live temporarily in travel trailers or manufactured housing units in the 13 hardest-hit counties—Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender and Robeson. By June 2020, all 656 households had moved into longer-term housing.
- FEMA provided $628.9 million to reimburse state and local governments and certain private nonprofits in 51 affected counties for eligible activities and disaster-related costs. An additional $197.1 million has been provided by the state.
- FEMA obligated $21.6 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to encourage the state and local governments to fund projects that help communities eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage.
neily.chapman Mon, 09/14/2020 - 13:33
FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Bobcat 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 Bobcat Fire burning in Los Angeles County.
On Sept. 13, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Bobcat Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 28,000 homes in and around the communities of Arcadia, Altadena, Azusa, Duarte, Flint Ridge, Monrovia, Pasadena and Sierra Madre. The fire also threatened high-voltage power transmission lines, federal and state communications infrastructure on Mt. Wilson and Mt. Disappointment, and the Angeles National Forest.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 13, 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, 09/14/2020 - 11:13FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the SQF Complex
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the SQF Complex burning in Tulare County.
On Sept. 13, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the SQF Complex. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 1,900 homes in the communities of Sequoia Crest, Camp Nelson, Springville and Ponderosa. The fire also threatened a power plant, an above-ground power distribution center, commercial timber resources, the Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest, and timber and grazing lands for the Tule Indian Reservation.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 13, 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, 09/14/2020 - 11:11State of Oregon and FEMA Working Together to Deliver Coordinated Wildfire Response
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and federal partners are working together to respond to the devastating wildfires that continue to affect tens of thousands of people. As firefighters continue to work tirelessly in extreme conditions and emergency responders remain focused on saving lives, FEMA and OEM are staging resources and coordinating additional support for evacuees and affected communities.
“Many Oregonians are suffering right now, whether displaced themselves or worried about loved ones, friends, neighbors, homes, and communities,” said Governor Kate Brown. “We’re working collaboratively to throw everything we can at this crisis, bringing together local, state, and federal capacity. We are doing everything we can to ensure that our heroic firefighters working around the clock to save lives and homes have the tools, resources, and support they need.”
Although Thursday’s federal Emergency Declaration does not provide direct financial assistance to individuals, resources are available for evacuees and individuals affected by wildfires. Non-congregate (locations where each individual or household has living space that offers some level of privacy, such as hotels, motels, or dormitories) and traditional sheltering (such as American Red Cross shelters) are being provided in Oregon through the American Red Cross and other entities.
FEMA and federal partners continue to provide technical assistance to OEM on several fronts including Urban Search and Rescue (US&R), sheltering, feeding, reunification, housing, and mental health support. Two large US&R teams are also deployed to the state, with K9 search capabilities.
Federal resources and support are provided under the authority of a federal Emergency Declaration. In addition, federal funding is provided through Fire Management Assistant Grants (FMAGs) to assist with fire suppression in Oregon. FEMA Regional Administrator Michael O’Hare has approved a total of 16 FMAGs for Oregon this fire season, 14 of them this week.
OEM and FEMA urge the public to update information on their status on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website, seek shelter and stay informed. An Oregon Wildfire Resource Website has been created to help Oregonians stay informed at wildfire.oregon.gov. For temporary sheltering needs, Oregon wildfire survivors can find locations available at www.RedCross.org/shelter.
Public safety is the number one priority. Residents are asked to heed all orders from local officials.
At this time, the best way to support the communities is to provide financial donations to relief organizations actively responding to these disasters. For verified disaster relief organizations, please refer to Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) at www.orvoad.org.
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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Savannah.Brehmer Sun, 09/13/2020 - 22:48Three Additional Louisiana Parishes Designated for Individual Assistance
BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters in Caddo, La Salle and St. Landry Parishes may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Laura.
To be eligible for federal disaster aid, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Laura from Aug. 22 to Aug. 27.
Eighteen parishes were previously included in the federal declaration to help homeowners and renters. They are Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Union, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn parishes.
Survivors should file a claim with their insurance company at the same time as they apply to FEMA. Save yourself time, if you have insurance, you must file a claim.
If you have phone or Internet access, you may register by:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA app
- Calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Do not wait to begin your cleanup and repairs. Take photos of all damage and save all receipts.
Remember, FEMA assistance alone cannot make survivors whole. FEMA’s disaster assistance programs are designed to help with grants for basic repairs to make survivors’ homes safe, sanitary and functional and to provide a temporary place to live while survivors develop their recovery plans.
FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, disaster survivors without insurance or who are underinsured may still receive help after insurance claims have been settled.
Low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to homeowners for their primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
Applicants may apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.
SBA has established a Virtual Business Recovery Center and a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to provide assistance to business owners and to help homeowners and renters. Email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955. Lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
scott.reuter Sun, 09/13/2020 - 14:06Last Chance to Visit Drive-Thru Disaster Recovery Center in Lacassine
BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Laura survivors in Jefferson Davis Parish have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 to visit the drive-thru disaster recovery center at Lacassine High School.
Any survivor who registered with FEMA and wants to have documents scanned and entered into their case file can visit the center at Lacassine High School, 409 Algonia Ave., before it closes at 5 p.m. on Sept. 15.
FEMA has several other drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers open for Hurricane Laura survivors to drop off documents and check the status of their applications. To find the most convenient location, look online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app or go to egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.
Without visiting a center, you can upload documents and check the status of your application online at disasterassistance.gov.
You can find answers to your questions by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
U.S. Small Business Administration Hurricane Laura Disaster Loans
For businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations: up to $2 million for property damage. For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations: up to $2 million for disaster working capital needs even if they had no property damage. There is a $2 million maximum business loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.
For homeowners: up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.
Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
scott.reuter Sun, 09/13/2020 - 11:30FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Fight the Brattain Fire in Oregon
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Brattain Fire burning in Lake County, Oregon.
FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, and on Saturday he approved the state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG).
The Brattain Fire started on Monday, burning over 13,900 acres of federal and private land. At the time of the request, the fire threatened about 114 homes in and around the community of Paisley. The fire also threatened the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Highway 31, a rural airport, and industrial timber in the area.
As of now, the approved FMAG total for Oregon in 2020 is 16.
FMAGs 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.
In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $629,681 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.
FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard.
david.yost Sat, 09/12/2020 - 21:48Plan Ahead Before Returning Home
BATON ROUGE, La. – As Hurricane Laura survivors begin to reenter their homes, FEMA stresses the importance of following guidance from your local officials.
Prepare Before You Go
Local officials stress the need to be prepared. Many areas still do not have electricity.
Those who return should bring plenty of supplies. Consider all your potential needs for food, water, medication, pets, mosquito repellent, batteries, portable cellphone chargers and other important items.
Utility work and debris removal is ongoing in affected communities. The state advises survivors to limit or avoid travel where crews are working.
Structural Safety
Walk carefully around the outside of your home and property and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
Enter your home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. If your home looks like it may collapse, leave immediately.
Do not enter if you smell gas or floodwater remains around the building.
For more information on what to look for when reentering your home, go online to ready.gov/returning-home.
Register for Federal Assistance
You may not be able stay in your home because of the damage. FEMA may be able to provide grants to repair your home to make it safe, sanitary and functional as well as temporary expenses to rent an apartment, home or travel trailer.
Hurricane Laura survivors may apply for FEMA help online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA app or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
For a list of Hurricane Laura resources, go online to gov.louisiana.gov/page/hurricane-laura-resources.
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 Sat, 09/12/2020 - 18:43FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center Opens in Sonoma County
SACRAMENTO, Calif.– A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center to serve wildfire survivors in Sonoma County opened Friday, September 11, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. It is located at the Sonoma County Office of Education, 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. The Mobile Registration Intake Center will operate seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until further notice.
Visitors can register for FEMA assistance, check the status of their FEMA applications, find information about programs and agencies that can help speed their recovery, and receive answers to questions, review information within their letter from FEMA or finding out whether they can still receive assistance if they have insurance.
The Mobile Registration Intake Center is part of FEMA’s ongoing response and recovery mission to support wildfire survivors impacted by the August 2020 fire siege across California.
Survivors can register with FEMA 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. The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
For businesses, homeowners and renters who may be interested in disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, The SBA has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center. Customer service representatives are available to assist business owners, homeowners and renters to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.
The virtual business recovery center and virtual disaster loan outreach center are open from 7:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and may be reached by calling (916) 735-1500 or by email to FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
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bree-constance… Sat, 09/12/2020 - 15:35FEMA delivers federal assistance in response to historic wildfires in Oregon
BOTHELL, Wash. – FEMA is on the ground in Oregon to support the state’s response to devastating wildfires, and to deliver federal assistance made available under the Emergency Declaration approved on Thursday by President Trump.
FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont, the FEMA Region 10 Incident Management Assistance Team, and a FEMA Integration Team are working side by side with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management to determine needs and help coordinate the federal response. In addition, FEMA’s Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Bothell, Wash., is activated and mobilizing resources to Oregon to support state, local, and tribal partners.
Initial staging areas are in place for commodities to reduce the time it takes deliver supplies where they are needed. An Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) technical assistance expert is helping to determine state needs, and has four US&R teams in transit; three with K9 capabilities and one US&R Incident Support Team. FEMA’s Mobile Emergency Response Support vehicles are in place to provide communications support and power generation for responders. Eight tractor-trailer trucks of meals, water, cots, and blankets arrived at the federal staging area on Sept.11, and seven additional tractor-trailer trucks with commodities are expected to arrive Sept.12.
The Emergency Declaration is in addition to funding provided through Fire Management Assistant Grants (FMAGs) to assist with fire suppression in Oregon. So far in 2020, FEMA has approved 15 FMAGs for fires in Oregon—most of which were approved this week. President Trump’s Emergency Declaration authorizes FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the historic wildfires on the local population; to provide assistance for emergency measures needed to save lives, protect property, public health, and safety; and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. It does not provide direct financial assistance to individuals.
An Oregon Wildfire Resource Website has been created to help Oregonians stay informed at wildfire.oregon.gov. For temporary sheltering needs, Oregon wildfire survivors can find locations available at www.RedCross.org/shelter.
FEMA’s number one priority is public safety. Residents are asked to heed all orders from local officials. If you want to help, visit oregonrecovers.communityos.org.
hannah.weinstein Sat, 09/12/2020 - 14:48Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties Receive Wildfire Aid
Sacramento, Calif.-- FEMA has designated Butte, Plumas and Yuba counties as eligible to receive federal assistance from the agency’s Public Assistance Program.
On August 22, 2020, President Donald J. Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for California making FEMA assistance available to help people and communities recovering from wildfires that occurred August 14, 2020, and continuing. That disaster declaration was amended to add the three counties for assistance with emergency protective measures. The president’s August 22 major disaster declaration included the following eight counties for individual assistance as well as public assistance for emergency protective measures: Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo.
Subsequently on September 5, the declaration was amended to designate Lake, Monterey, Napa, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma counties for Public Assistance with eligible debris removal projects.
The three counties added today bring to 11 the total number of California counties designated for public assistance as part of the major disaster declaration.
Eligible applicants for FEMA Public Assistance funds include state, county and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and some private non-profits such as educational and medical facilities. Typically, FEMA provides 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
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bree-constance… Sat, 09/12/2020 - 09:25FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Nevada
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Nevada for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Nevada to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak to implement a system to make this funding available to Nevada 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 state of Nevada 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 Fri, 09/11/2020 - 21:09Pages
