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Million-dollar FEMA Injection Revitalizes the Island's Indigenous Parks
Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO — The facilities that house the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center in Ponce, the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Center in Utuado and the Ceremonial Park Cueva del Indio in Las Piedras, three areas of great archaeological and historical value in Puerto Rico, received an obligation of nearly $1.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) to repair damage caused by Hurricane María.
“These federal funds will serve to restore the grounds of these three indigenous parks, which have an incalculable educational and cultural value to see first-hand a part of our history and our Taíno ancestry. These sites are also a way to promote tourism, as they receive thousands of visitors each year, both local and international, as well as students from our schools,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.
At the iconic Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center, located in a 31-acre area in Ponce, repairs include the exterior area of the museum, the building that houses exhibits and the parking lot, among others. At the center you can also find administrative offices, representations of circular bohíos or huts, bateyes (sacred spaces in Taíno culture) and plazas.
The Tibes center, open to the public since 1982, is considered by many archaeologists to be the oldest indigenous West Indian ceremonial complex and astronomical observatory in the Caribbean, as well as the largest indigenous cemetery in Puerto Rico. The center, which received about 20,000 visitors last year, will be repaired with an obligation of nearly $100,000.
Some of the works to be completed here are the removal and relocation of 19 stones in several bateyes and the replacement of some bohíos, among other repairs. According to the center's administrator, Irma Zayas Alvarado, the architectural and engineering studies have been completed and the project will now move to the design phase. On the current state of the center's indigenous pieces, she said that the entire collection is safeguarded in the laboratory for future studies.
Zayas Alvarado mentioned that for 27 years, specialists in archeology and anthropology have conducted research and several studies at the center, like those by Dr. Luis Antonio Curet, Archeologist and Curator of the Smithsonian Institute with a team of professionals.
According to Curet, Tibes is a place with a history of great cultural value, where changes in ideology over hundreds of years are reflected in its pottery and petroglyphs. On this point, he mentioned that the preservation of the ancient ceremonial space “is very important to understand the ancestral history of Puerto Rico”.
Likewise, over $1.4 million was obligated to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture for the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Center in Utuado, to replace lighting and repair the representation of bohíos and other buildings located in the site, such as the museum, an auditorium and the administrative offices. Some of these repairs include fixing roofs, the electrical system, ceiling fans, two septic tanks, gutters and drainage system and benches, among others.
It is said that this center, considered one of the most important pre-Columbian archeological sites in the Caribbean, was built by the Taínos more than 800 years ago. It has cobblestone walkways that border some 10 bateyes and stone monoliths, many of which are decorated with petroglyphs. Because of its great archeological value, the National Park Service included it in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and named it a national historic landmark in 1993. It is also included in the UNESCO Astronomy World Heritage List.
Meanwhile, another obligation of over $72,000 will help repair the recreational facilities at the Ceremonial Park Cueva del Indio in Las Piedras, where repairs include replacing doors, waterproofing the roof and the wooden framework of the gazebos. This ceremonial park, which has three bateyes and a group of stones that forma cave with petroglyphs, was discovered in 1982 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003.
According to the Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, COR3 remains committed to the reconstruction and preservation of our cultural and historical heritage. “The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture has the availability to request an initial advance of 25 percent of the total obligation through the Working Capital Advance (WCA) pilot program to begin these projects. Our team will continue to assist them in the necessary processes to get the permanent works underway that will give resilience to these facilities frequently visited by Puerto Ricans and foreigners,” said Laboy Rivera.
To date, FEMA has obligated over $29 billion under its Public Assistance program to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane María.
For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 02/27/2023 - 13:16
Disaster Recovery Center in Morgan County to Close Feb. 28
PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Morgan County will close permanently Feb.28.
The center is currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. It will close permanently at 3 p.m. Central Time, Feb. 28, 2023.
WHERE:
Morgan County
Turner-Surles Community Center
702 Sycamore St. NW
Decatur, AL 35601
Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance.
The centers provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
Other recovery centers remain open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.
WHERE:
Dallas County
Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community Center
1428 Broad St.
Selma, AL 36701
Dallas County
Felix Heights Community Center
405 Medical Center Pkwy.
Selma, AL 36701
Greene County
Robert H. Young Community Center
720 Greensboro St.
Eutaw, AL 35462
Sumter County
Emelle City Hall
123 Dailey Ave.
Emelle, AL 35459
No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
Survivors may also apply for assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app for smartphones or calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
The deadline to apply for assistance for all designated counties is March 16, 2023.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.
For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
felicia.jordan Fri, 02/24/2023 - 21:52FEMA Administrator Criswell Addresses Tribal Leaders at the National Congress of American Indians
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke at the National Congress of American Indians 2023 Executive Council Winter Session today in Washington, D.C.
The annual meeting presents an opportunity for tribal delegates to hear from members of Congress and the administration and helps to further the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the federal government.
Administrator Criswell told attendees that FEMA, more than ever, is here to support Tribal Nations.
“The bottom line is this, we must find ways to improve nation-to-nation relationships, support tribal sovereignty and tribal self-determination,” Administrator Criswell said. “Admittedly, too often in our history, we have failed to understand your nations’ unique needs in disaster response and recovery. I think we can all agree that for decades, federal agencies have done more talking than listening. Sadly, this is particularly true for our relationships with Tribal Nations. Over the last year, however, we started talking less and listening more.”
In August 2022, FEMA released the agency’s first ever national tribal strategy. The strategy is a nationwide roadmap to support tribal nations by aligning our actions to promote equity by building climate resilience, enhancing preparedness and improving disaster response in native communities. To develop this strategy, FEMA consulted with 135 representatives of 78 Tribal Nations who provided feedback to help us better address our responsibilities on tribal lands.
Administrator Criswell also highlighted the agency’s hiring of a national tribal advocate to ensure relationships continue to grow and improve.
“We acknowledge that just as every community is different, so is every Tribal Nation,” she said. “Therefore, we are committed to co-creating solutions that factor in the expertise of Tribal Nations and tribal leadership. Solutions that also address the climate challenges we are facing, which threaten more than your livelihoods, but your very way of life.”
Administrator Criswell’s entire prepared remarks at the winter session can be read on FEMA.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 02/23/2023 - 20:16Building Stronger is Worth the Effort
Adjuntas, Puerto Rico – Domingo Reyes Piazza is an example of someone who learned from experience the benefits of building back resilient. After Hurricane Maria damaged his sheet metal rooftop, he decided to make a few improvements. Years later, when Hurricane Fiona battered parts of Puerto Rico’s south and central mountain region, his repairs stood up to the test.
With the help of FEMA, an engineer, an architect and the advice of Hazard Mitigation Specialists (HM CEO), Reyes made several repairs taking into account FEMA-approved mitigation measures and current building codes.
To mitigate against future risk, he purchased a thicker gauge metal sheet and secured each one with additional and stronger PVC tubes. He also surrounded the entire roof with a metal guard that prevented the wind from squeezing between the galvanized metal sheet panels and the wooden roof, thus preventing the two from prying apart. “Now the winds bounce off the roof ledge and can’t separate the sheet metal from the wooden roof underneath,” he assured.
Before settling in Puerto Rico, Reyes lived in Rockland County, New York, where he met his wife, Roxana, and worked for over two decades in the manufacturing industry. After more than 40 years in the U.S. mainland, they decided to retire in Puerto Rico. The couple settled into a beautiful wooden chalet surrounded by lush vegetation in Barrio Los Lirios, a quiet neighborhood in the municipality of Adjuntas.
"This house has all the construction specifications required for a wooden home, well-secured with anchors, all the way throughout the house,” said Reyes, who was born and raised in this area. He said that during Hurricane María, “nothing happened to this home, except for the metal sheet panels, which María rolled up entirely.” However, with the added mitigation the outcome after Hurricane Fiona was different: “With Fiona, it passed the test. It wasn’t like Maria, but it was pretty strong, and we were both right here, relaxed.
Stories like these are common after an event. Many people opt to just repair to pre-disaster conditions and end up with the same problem if a similar disaster strikes again. That’s why FEMA goes to great lengths to educate people on the benefits of hazard mitigation, or simply put, building back safer, stronger and smarter.
Shortly after Hurricane Fiona, when the first Disaster Recovery Centers opened their doors, FEMA’s HM Specialists began reaching out to the public, through speaker’s bureau events, at DRCs and by visiting hardware and chain stores where survivors could have been purchasing building materials to repair their hurricane-damaged homes.
Community Education and Outreach teams visited between five and eight stores per week, helping nearly 400 people per day. More than 32,000 people who visited Home Depot, National Lumber, Ace and Walmart stores in Puerto Rico were able to talk to FEMA specialists about mitigation techniques.
As a result, between September 2022 and February 2023, over 103,500 survivors received practical advice on how to reduce risk in future disasters.
# # #
yuisa.rios Thu, 02/23/2023 - 12:42FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Marvin’s in Selma
PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are working on their homes after the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes can visit Marvin’s hardware store in Selma to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes.
Mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available between Feb. 23 and Feb. 28 at:
Marvin’s hardware store
1500 Alabama Hwy. 14 E
Selma, AL 36703
Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 25
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27
7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28
Specialists are also available on the Mitigation Helpline, 833-336-2477 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Central Time. You may leave a voicemail at any time. Or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
felicia.jordan Wed, 02/22/2023 - 16:54Baraga County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Baraga County, Michigan, on March 9, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m. ET. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials may use to guide development in the floodplain.
Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.
Once effective, the maps will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.
WHAT: Baraga County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 9, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m. ET
WHERE: L’Anse High School Cafetorium, 201 North 4th Street, L’Anse, MI 49946
Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
nicole.wilson Wed, 02/22/2023 - 15:58Menominee County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
CHICAGO – There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Menominee County, Michigan, on March 8, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials may use to guide development in the floodplain.
Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.
Once effective, the maps will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.
WHAT: Menominee County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 8, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m. CT
WHERE: Menominee County Annex, S904 US Highway 41, Stephenson, MI 49887
Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
nicole.wilson Wed, 02/22/2023 - 15:47Effingham Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
CHICAGO – There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Effingham County, Illinois, on March 9, 2023, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials may use to guide development in the floodplain.
Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.
Once effective, the maps will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.
WHAT: Effingham County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 9, 2023, 5:30–7:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Effingham City Council Chambers at City Hall
201 East Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401
Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
nicole.wilson Wed, 02/22/2023 - 15:00FEMA Seeks Leaders in U.S. Virgin Islands for Youth Preparedness Council
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – FEMA is looking for students in grades 8 to 11 in the U.S. Virgin Islands who are passionate about disaster preparedness and making a positive impact for their community’s resilience to join the Youth Preparedness Council.
FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The council demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback, and opinions to FEMA staff.
“Young leaders are needed to deliver messages of empowerment and creativity with emergency management in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Mark A. Walters, Coordinator for FEMA’s U.S. Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office. “Fresh perspectives from young voices will strengthen the territory’s culture of resilience as we continue to focus on creative solutions to prepare and respond to hurricanes and other hazards in the Virgin Islands.”
During their one-year term, council members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives, and project proposals. Council members will also participate in a summit held in Washington, D.C., in July with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the emergency management field.
The online application closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. New council members will be announced in June.
To learn more about the council and application requirements, visit ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc?language=en_US to apply. FEMA will also host a webinar for potential applicants on Feb. 28, 2023.
gina.callaghan Wed, 02/22/2023 - 14:44Disaster Recovery Centers to Close but FEMA Help Still Available
ATLANTA – Disaster Recovery Centers in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton and Troup counties will close Saturday, Feb. 25, but that does not mean that FEMA is leaving the state.
The recovery center in Spalding County will remain open to help survivors of the Jan. 12 severe storms and tornadoes. The center’s location:
- Spalding County Senior Center, 885 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223
- Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Disaster Recovery Centers in the other six counties will wrap up operations Feb. 25. You may visit any recovery center to get help. To find one near you, go to https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.
FEMA is continuing its work with the state and other partners to help Georgia residents recover from the storms. FEMA specialists are still available to help update information in your accounts and direct you to federal, state and community programs and assistance.
As of Feb. 20, more than 1,750 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers. They have received information or referrals to programs offered by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal, state and local agencies and organizations.
Even with the scheduled closings, help from FEMA is just a phone call away. Survivors can get answers from specialists at the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
It is important to stay in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay your check.
The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Monday, March 20. Here are the ways to apply:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Use the FEMA mobile app; or
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
- For an accessible video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6
For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4685. You may also follow @GeorgiaEMAHS/Twitter, Facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.
felicia.jordan Wed, 02/22/2023 - 14:09FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Ace Hardware in Hartselle
PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are working on their homes after the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes can visit Ace Hardware/Corum’s Building Center in Hartselle to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes.
Mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available between Feb. 23 and Feb. 28 at:
Ace Hardware/Corum’s Building Center
408 US Hwy. 31 NW
Hartselle, AL 35640
Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24
7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 25
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27
7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28
Specialists are also available on the Mitigation Helpline, 833-336-2477 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Central Time. You may leave a voicemail at any time. Or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
felicia.jordan Wed, 02/22/2023 - 13:48Clay County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
CHICAGO – There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Clay County, Illinois, on March 8, 2023, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials may use to guide development in the floodplain.
Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.
Once effective, the maps will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.
WHAT: Clay County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 8, 2023, 5:30–7:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Flora Fire Department, 300 West 2nd St, Flora, IL 62839
Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Wed, 02/22/2023 - 01:49FEMA Assistance to Hurricane Ian Survivors Surpasses $1 Billion, Biden-Harris Administration Provides Over $5.5 Billion in Total Federal Support to Florida
WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided more than $1 billion for 380,000 Florida survivors of Hurricane Ian, as part of the $5.5 billion in federal support the Biden-Harris administration has provided to help families and communities in Florida jumpstart their recovery.
The FEMA Individual Assistance funds, which go directly to applicants, are for rent, basic home repair and other disaster-related expenses. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.68 billion in low-interest disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $2.29 billion in claims. FEMA’s Public Assistance program has obligated $552 million to the state to reimburse debris removal and emergency response costs.
In continuing support to Floridians, FEMA is undertaking an extensive housing effort that includes funds for rent, home repairs, hotel stays, apartment leases, travel trailers and manufactured housing units.
More than 70,000 Florida households have been approved for $647 million in financial assistance for rent or basic home repairs, and more than 4,500 households have stayed in hotels temporarily under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Additionally, FEMA is placing eligible applicants in 313 apartment homes, under its Direct Lease program, and is also working to lease apartments, repair them and place hurricane survivors in them under its Multi-Family Lease and Repair program.
In addition to financial assistance for housing, 366 families have moved into travel trailers, manufactured housing units and apartments in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties. More temporary housing is being prepared for occupancy.
For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/21/2023 - 17:17FEMA Awards Almost $4.5 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Testing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4.5 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of providing testing for daycare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $4,480,000 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Early Childhood Education and Care for contracting to provide testing services for early education and care (EEC) affiliated providers, staff, children, and families between March 2021 and June 2022.
The contractor operated mobile specimen collection sites, provided all equipment necessary for site operations, confirmed eligibility for testing, and handled collection and transport of all specimens.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Department of Early Childhood Education and Care with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:37FEMA Awards Rhode Island Almost $1.3 Million for COVID Testing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.3 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the costs of providing public testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,279,780 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the cost of contracting for staff to support the state’s testing initiative between May 2020 and December 2020.
During that time period, Rhode Island developed community-based testing sites and collaborated with laboratory partners to conduct COVID-19 tests, and formed a group to support the state’s testing efforts by evaluating the constantly evolving supply chain, conducting logistical assessments of new sites, and implementing low-barrier points of engagement with COVID-19 testing for the public.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Rhode Island with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to more than $612 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:35FEMA Awards Central Vermont Medical Center Over $4.4 Million For COVID Staffing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4.4 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse Central Vermont Medical Center for the costs of hiring temporary nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $4,445,084 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the 122-bed hospital in Berlin – affiliated with the University of Vermont Health Network – for the cost of hiring temporary registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists to care for COVID-19 patients between July 2020 and June 2022.
In addition to providing high-acuity direct patient care, the nurses and therapists closely worked with pulmonologists to provide comprehensive respiratory care and ongoing training associated with developing and practicing approved workflows to prevent transmission of the disease.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Central Vermont Medical Center with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:32FEMA Awards City of Providence Almost $4 Million for COVID School Cleaning Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the City of Providence for the costs of cleaning and disinfecting the city’s public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $3,957,996 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Providence Public School District for the cost of contracting for cleaning and disinfecting public school facilities between July 2021 and June 2022, allowing them to safely re-open and operate.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the City of Providence with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $614 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:30FEMA Awards Over $2.6 Million to Tufts Medical Center for COVID-19 Staffing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.6 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Tufts Medical Center for the cost of paying overtime to handle the increased patient load during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $2,600,272 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the teaching hospital in Boston affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine for overtime paid to staff needed to cope with increased patient loads.
Since January 2020, Tufts Medical Center has paid 1,319 staff members for more than 65,776 overtime hours needed to treat patients at the facility in Boston.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Tufts Medical Center with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:26President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oglala Sioux Tribe
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Oglala Sioux Tribe to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms and snowstorm from Dec. 12-25, 2022.
Federal funding is available to the tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Federal funding is also available for snow assistance for 48 hours, either during or immediate to the incident period.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe is eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Alana B. Kuhn has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the tribal nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:06President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Rosebud Sioux Tribe
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms and snowstorm from Dec. 12-25, 2022.
Federal funding is available to the tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Federal funding is also available for snow assistance for 48 hours either during or immediate to the incident period.
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe is eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Alana B. Kuhn has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the tribal nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/21/2023 - 14:48Pages
