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It’s Important to Return SBA Loan Application
ATLANTA – After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you receive an email from the SBA with a disaster loan application link, you should click the link, fill out the application, and return it.
If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan. However, completing the application may make you eligible for other FEMA assistance, such as disaster related car repairs, essential household items, and other expenses.
SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. In planning your recovery, give yourself the widest possible set of options. Completing the application makes it possible for you to be considered for additional grants, and if you qualify for a loan, you will have that resource available if you choose to use it.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital (Economic Injury Disaster Loans).
Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
The deadline to return SBA loan applications for property damage is March 17, 2023. The deadline to return applications for economic injury is Oct. 16, 2023.
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 Tue, 02/14/2023 - 20:32Update Contact Information to Keep in Touch with FEMA
LAKE MARY, Fla. – Applicants for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole should ensure that FEMA has their current contact information. FEMA may need to contact applicants for more information or to arrange a home inspection to verify damage.
If you are referred for a FEMA inspection and have been waiting three weeks or longer, contact FEMA to check on the status of your application. If your contact information has changed, you should update your FEMA application immediately.
To update your information, you can create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov and click the green icon titled “Check Status,” and follow the prompts to create an account or access your account, call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center near you text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 or visit fema.gov/drc.
Applicants should update FEMA concerning changes in insurance, current housing situation, phone number, mailing address and your payment preference. Missing or wrong information could delay the financial assistance you may be eligible to receive. When contacting FEMA, refer to the nine-digit number assigned to you when you applied.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673 or fema.gov/disaster/4680. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Tue, 02/14/2023 - 16:35Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Releases Strategy to Meet Aerial Firefighting Equipment Needs
WASHINGTON -- The Biden-Harris administration’s Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission released a report yesterday, outlining a strategy to meet aerial firefighting equipment needs through 2030. As climate change fuels longer and more intense wildfire seasons, aerial assets bring unique response capabilities to wildland fire suppression. The report reexamines existing approaches to aviation fleet procurement, mobilization, composition and quantity to set aviation management on a new trajectory for the next decade and beyond.
The Commission, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and announced in December 2021, was charged with making recommendations to improve federal policies related to the mitigation, suppression and management of wildland fires in the United States, and the rehabilitation of land in the United States devastated by wildland fires.
The Commission -- chaired by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell – was tasked with developing two reports to Congress: the report on aerial firefighting and another report scheduled for release in Fall 2023 that delivers a comprehensive set of recommendations to address the nation’s wildfire crisis. The Commission, composed of representatives from federal agencies, state, local and Tribal governments and representatives from the private sector meets monthly to discuss and craft these recommendations.
“Climate change and associated extreme weather events are being felt by communities across the country. We are seeing a surge in devastating floods, more energized hurricanes and a wildfire season that’s now a year-long threat. Wildfires in particular are becoming a near-constant risk, destroying lives and property nationwide,” said Administrator Criswell. “To respond to these increasing threats, we must use every tool at our disposal while reexamining existing approaches to better protect people. This report is an example of the type of work required to mitigate climate risks and we will continue to work with our partners across the Biden-Harris Administration to improve federal policies related to America’s persistent fire problem.”
“Climate change has increased the duration and intensity of wildfire seasons and, with it, added pressures on wildland firefighters who are on the frontlines. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to providing the necessary equipment and resources to support their work and keep them safe,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Administration is providing coordinated investments in wildland fire management and support for our firefighting workforce. I am grateful to the Wildland Fire Management and Mitigation Commission for their hard work as they guide us into the future.”
“Wildfires are growing larger and more complex and business as usual is not an option in protecting communities and landscapes,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Thanks to the landmark support from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission has brought together diverse voices to address problems and find solutions to these challenges. This report represents the next step in the Commission’s critical work and explores how aviation resources can be best brought to bear on the nation’s wildfire crisis.” Findings and recommendations outlined in the report include:
- the need for the development of new or updated aviation resource benchmarks and national procurement models and the need for greater coordination with partners in these efforts,
- improvements to appropriations, contracting, staffing and interoperability to improve the use and availability of existing resources,
- improvements and limitations to the military surplus process and equipment, and
- additional considerations, including aviation resource use in beneficial fire and the emerging importance of Uncrewed Aerial Systems.
In developing these recommendations, the Commission sought to address several key themes: the need to develop an overarching, forward-looking aviation strategy that drives procurement, rather than letting aviation approaches become constrained by current practices; the need to invest in both technology and people to build an aviation fleet that meets long-term demand; and the need to take an inclusive approach to the range of functions aerial resources can serve as well as the range of entities that must be included in development of a national aviation strategy.
In addition to establishing the Commission, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides historic funding for a suite of programs aimed at reducing wildfire risks, detecting wildfires, instituting firefighter workforce reforms and building more resilient infrastructure.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also supports landmark pay increases for federal wildland firefighters, which aim to bring federal firefighter pay in alignment with their state and local counterparts, while aiding in recruitment and retention of a more permanent and stable wildland firefighting force across the federal government.
These investments support the implementation of the Department of the Interior’s “Five-Year Monitoring, Maintenance, and Treatment Plan,” which provides a roadmap for addressing wildfire risk on Department of the Interior-managed and Tribal lands. They also support the USDA Forest Service’s “Confronting the Wildfire Crisis” strategy, which aims to treat 20 million acres of national forests and grasslands and 30 million acres of state, local, Tribal and private lands over the next 10 years to reduce wildfire risk where it matters most. These plans help facilitate the collaborative work between the two Departments.
The Commission’s work builds on existing interagency federal efforts, such as the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the White House Wildfire Resilience Interagency Working Group, and will continue to pursue an all-of-government approach to wildfire risk reduction and resilience.
For more information visit the commission website or email wildlandfirecommission@usda.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/14/2023 - 15:55Disaster Recovery Center Open in Mendocino County
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center is open at Point Arena City Hall where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update FEMA applications and learn about other disaster assistance which may be available.
The Mendocino County center is located at:
City Hall
451 School Street
Point Arena, CA 95468
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Specialists at the recovery center can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.
Residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage and losses resulting from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply to FEMA, although you do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Here are other ways to apply:
Go to 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. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI. You can also visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
brindisi.chan Tue, 02/14/2023 - 01:28Pike County Added to Major Disaster Declaration, Can Now Request FEMA Assistance
ATLANTA – Pike County has been added to the major disaster declaration for Georgia’s severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes of Jan. 12, meaning residents who sustained damage or losses from the storms may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
The declaration allows FEMA to provide assistance to eligible individuals and households in eight counties: Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Troup.
Homeowners and renters who had sustained damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance by the Friday, March 20 deadline. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-caused related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.
If you have insurance, first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA may provide assistance to eligible applicants for uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.
There are several ways you can apply for FEMA assistance under the Individual Assistance program:
- You can also Visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies one-on-one who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Download the FEMA mobile app
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. Helpline 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. 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
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 Mon, 02/13/2023 - 22:12Houses of Worship on the Island to be Repaired with Nearly $498 Million from FEMA
A federal share of about $275 million corresponds to the Catholic church and its various dioceses on the island
San Juan, Puerto Rico –After the impact of Hurricane Maria, hundreds of churches and houses of worship opened their doors to lend a hand in their communities. People came to these places of worship for food, basic supplies, and even assistance in picking up debris and replacing tin roofs that did not withstand the wind. Amidst the large amount of fallen vegetation and the need for provisions, "the churches are a beacon to encourage people to keep going". This is how Pastor Dalma Pérez of the Iglesia Cristina Discípulos de Cristo Río Lajas in Toa Alta described her experience of the first days after the storm hit.
Today, more than 800 houses of worship like this one have funding allocations to repair their damage or have already completed their construction work with the help of about $498 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), most of it earmarked for permanent reconstruction work. The projects not only include spaces that were damaged by Maria, but also by the 2020 earthquakes. This will help these emblematic entities in every community on the island to continue their social relief work.
“It’s important to recognize the significant number of facilities that will be rebuilt and preserved through these funds, some of which have a rich cultural history that dates back hundreds of years. These obligations will help ensure residents can continue to visit their faith-based venues and that they are safe for the congregations who visit them,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José Baquero.
According to Víctor Manuel Ramos, pastor of the Discípulos de Cristo church in Los Llanos sector, Barrio Ortiz in Toa Alta, one of the great benefits of the FEMA funds is that the church can rest assured that it has a fund to repair what was damaged, so they can use more resources to help the community. “That’s the way we have done it. As we have finished the repair of the building, now the resources are used to help the community, such as basketball tournaments for children and a social club for the elderly”.
This church received an obligation of over $55,000 to repair the air conditioners, the roof, acoustic ceiling and replace spotlights, fences and lamps. Of these funds, nearly $3,000 went to mitigation measures to prevent damage in future disasters, such as an anchoring system for air conditioning units.
Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), said, "Faith-based facilities are important for social development, as they offer various community support services. The reconstruction of these spaces will give resilience to the infrastructure, which will allow for the continuity of services. Our work team will continue to assist them in the necessary steps to keep these projects on track".
Other houses of worship received obligations to repair walls, windows and doors, administrative offices, kitchens and other components, such as the Movimiento de Iglesias Unión Cristiana Misionera located at Barrio Sabana Hoyos in Vega Alta, that received funding for nearly $91,200, and Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico, with an allocation of $96,000 for two of their churches located in San Juan and Caguas.
To date, FEMA has obligated over $29 billion in Public Assistance funds for roughly 10,500 projects that will support the rebuilding of a more resilient Puerto Rico.
For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 y recovery.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 02/13/2023 - 12:15Ventura Disaster Recovery Center Open at Fairgrounds
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center is open at Ventura County Fairgrounds, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.
The Ventura County center is located at:
Ventura County Fairgrounds & Event Center
Santa Rosa Hall
10 West Harbor Boulevard
Ventura, CA 93001
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Specialists at the recovery center can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.
Residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage and losses resulting from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply to FEMA, although you do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Here are other ways to apply:
Go to 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. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI. You can also visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
brindisi.chan Sat, 02/11/2023 - 22:00Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Morgan County
PRATTVILLE, Ala. – FEMA and the State of Alabama are opening a disaster recovery center Feb. 13 in Morgan County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.
Recovery specialists from FEMA, state and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance. All recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.
WHERE:
Morgan County
Turner-Surles Community Center
702 Sycamore St. NW
Decatur, AL 35601
Opening 1 p.m. Feb. 13, 2023
Regular Hours: Monday to Saturday, six days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time.
In addition, the following recovery centers are already open:
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
Tallapoosa County
Betty Carol Graham Technology Center
at Central Alabama Community College
1675 Cherokee Road
Alexander City, AL 35010
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 Sat, 02/11/2023 - 04:30FEMA Application Deadline for Hurricane Nicole Days Away
LAKE MARY, Fla. – Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Putnam, St. Johns or Volusia counties who have loss or property damage caused by Hurricane Nicole have until 11:59 p.m. ET Feb. 13, 2023, to submit an application for FEMA assistance.
Over the next few days, you can complete your disaster assistance application any number of ways:
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is available every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov and click on the blue “Apply Online” icon.
- Download the free FEMA mobile app for smartphones.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Several DRCs are operating throughout the counties damaged by Nicole.
To find one close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text “DRC” along with your ZIP code to 43362.
If eligible, FEMA disaster assistance may include financial assistance, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs, for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your primary home; funds to homeowners to help repair or replace disaster caused damage or loss to your primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicle, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other pre-approved miscellaneous items.
Keeping your contact information current helps FEMA process your application. The agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional information from you to move your application forward.
For many, insurance may cover damage and loss. That is not the same as FEMA assistance. Our funding is intended to cover basic needs for those who don’t have insurance or lack adequate insurance to cover basic necessities after suffering damage and loss from a disaster like Hurricane Nicole.
For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricane Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Fri, 02/10/2023 - 20:40FEMA Provides $48M to Aurora Health Care, Inc.
CHICAGO – FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $48,004,943 in federal funding has been made available to Aurora Health Care, Inc. for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 4, 2020.
This funding will reimburse Aurora Health Care, Inc., for costs to provide personal protective equipment, durable medical equipment, and consumable medical supplies at more than 200 facilities to care for COVID-19 patients.
“FEMA’s public assistance grant funding is an important resource for the COVID-19 response of our whole community partners in Wisconsin and across the country,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant has helped ensure the availability of necessary medical services and equipment to fight this virus and protect lives across the state.”
“Wisconsin is thankful for FEMA’s continued support of COVID-19 response operations,” said WEM Administrator Greg Engle. “Funding like this helps to ensure medical providers are able to offer quality care to those impacted by the pandemic, while also protecting their staff and other patients.”
FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.
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 www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Fri, 02/10/2023 - 16:28Families Moving into FEMA Temporary Housing
LAKE MARY, Fla. – As FEMA continues to help survivors recover from Hurricane Ian, families are moving into travel trailers and manufactured housing units in six counties. Currently 225 families have received keys to their temporary homes and 105 will soon move into FEMA travel trailers in a commercial park in Lee County.
Nearly 3,000 households are eligible for a travel trailer or manufactured housing unit. In addition to the 225 units that were occupied, 408 units are being prepared and site inspections are under way for more locations.
The commercial park in Cape Coral was leased by FEMA and the agency provided the travel trailers under its Direct Temporary Housing Assistance program. FEMA is working to place more families in temporary housing on private property and commercial sites in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardy, Lee, Sarasota and soon in Volusia.
Placing travel trailers or manufactured housing on private property can be a complex process that involves ordering, installation, permitting, utility hookup and inspection before units are ready for survivors to occupy. The process leading to occupancy can stop temporarily for several reasons. For instance, if all utilities are not functional or permits are not issued, FEMA cannot permit the unit to be occupied. FEMA works with applicants, local governments, utility companies and others to resolve impediments to completing the process.
Many more families are receiving funds for rent, home repairs, hotel stays and apartment leases. More than 68,000 Florida households have been approved for $623 million in financial assistance for rent or basic home repairs. More than 4,500 households have stayed in hotels temporarily under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. FEMA has leased 333 apartment homes and is placing eligible households in them under its Direct Lease program.
Rental funds and home repair funds affect the most households and are the quickest assistance available.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Fri, 02/10/2023 - 15:04President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Alabama Disaster Declaration
WASHINGTON -- FEMA has made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on Jan. 12, 2023.
The President authorized the federal cost-share for debris removal and emergency protective measures to be increased to 100% of the total eligible costs for a 30-day period of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days of the incident period.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 02/10/2023 - 14:30Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Alameda and San Mateo Counties
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Disaster Recovery Centers will open this week in Alameda and San Mateo counties, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.
The recovery centers are located at:
Alameda County Public Works Building
4825 Gleason Drive
Dublin, CA 94568
Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Opens: Friday, Feb. 10
Zhone (Arena) Center
7001 Oakport Street
Oakland, CA 94621
Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Opens: Friday, Feb. 10
San Mateo County Fairgrounds
The Event Pavilion
2495 South Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94403
Note: Use entrance on South Delaware Street
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Days: Thursday, Feb. 9 until Wednesday, Feb. 22
Specialists at the recovery centers can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available at the recovery centers to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. These loans are offered to homeowners and renters, business owners and private nonprofits.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation specialists can share home-improvement tips and techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.
Specialists at the centers can also direct you to operators who can communicate in English, Spanish and many other languages by request. The centers also offer printed material in multiple languages.
Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs. Reasonable accommodations and American Sign Language interpreters are available by request.
Residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage and losses resulting from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply to FEMA, although you do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Here are other ways to apply:
Go to 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. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI. You can also visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
brindisi.chan Fri, 02/10/2023 - 00:50Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Tallapoosa County
PRATTVILLE, Ala. – FEMA and the State of Alabama are opening a disaster recovery center Feb. 10 in Tallapoosa County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.
Recovery specialists from FEMA, state and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance. All recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.
WHERE:
Tallapoosa County
Betty Carol Grant Technical Center
at Central Alabama Community College
1675 Cherokee Road
Alexander City, AL 35010
Opening 1 p.m. Feb. 10, 2023
Regular Hours: Monday to Saturday, six days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time daily.
In addition, the following recovery centers are already open
Autauga County
Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Center
118 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.
Prattville, AL 36066
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, 02/10/2023 - 00:48FEMA Provides Another $16.8 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response
DENVER – FEMA has approved another $16.8 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in North Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 1, 2020. FEMA has approved more than $151 million in Public Assistance funding for the North Dakota COVID-19 response to date.
A breakdown of the recently approved FEMA funds includes:
- $15.6 million to the North Dakota Department of Health for the purchase of 1.9 million COVID-19 antigen tests to support the state’s testing sites and safe opening activities. This grant covers costs incurred between February 9, 2022, and June 20, 2022.
- $1.1 million to the North Dakota Department of Health for the cost of contracted staff to disinfect a COVID-19 test processing facility along with warehouse rental and utility fees, waste disposal costs and document shredding services. This funding is in addition to a previously announced FEMA grant of $2.8 million to operate 63 COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites between December 17, 2020, and February 28, 2022.
For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work to assist their communities during this response.
To fully support this essential work, the President authorized provision of FEMA Public Assistance at 100 percent federal funding through July 1, 2022. Beginning July 2, 2022, the federal cost share for COVID-19 projects is 90 percent of the eligible cost.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.
jamie.casterton Thu, 02/09/2023 - 19:15Following Unprecedented Response to Pandemic, FEMA Announces the Agency Will Close All COVID-19 Disaster Declaration Incident Periods on May 11
WASHINGTON -- In recognition of FEMA’s unprecedented response to the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Biden-Harris Administration’s determination regarding the end of the Public Health Emergency and National Emergency declarations, the agency announced today that all COVID-19 incident periods will close on May 11.
FEMA will publish a Federal Register Notice providing a 90-day advance notice to government partners and stakeholders that eligibility of work and reimbursable costs will end on May 11.
“Since COVID-19 entered our lives three years ago, FEMA has stood strong on the front lines alongside our partners to help people and communities nationwide respond to this virus. Our direct support allowed health systems to remain staffed and equipped to deliver care, food remained on the tables of anyone who needed it, and all levels of government had the financial assistance to support their communities by providing billions of dollars in emergency funding,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We will never forget our loved ones who were lost or the lives that were upended during this difficult chapter in our nation’s history. The lessons we learned as an agency, as a government, and as a nation have made us stronger and more prepared for the next emergency.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA has provided more than $104 billion in assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as non-profits and survivors. Of those funds, almost $60 billion in funding went to a number of state, local, tribal and territorial governments and eligible private non-profits for more than 23,000 emergency projects. Another $2.9 billion was awarded in funeral assistance for more than 400,000 individuals and families, $37 billion in lost wages assistance and $386 million in crisis counseling services.
FEMA also supported an unprecedented vaccination effort, opening pilot community vaccination clinics to help advance equity and ensure that the most vulnerable communities were protected, resulting in 58% of the people served being people of color. Additionally, to ensure that the most vulnerable communities were protected, FEMA brought in language specialists and disability and civil rights advisors, and it worked with each community to identify its specific needs and to help it overcome barriers.
The COVID-19 disaster declarations are the longest in FEMA’s history.
FEMA will arrange programmatic briefing and share webinars as well as make experts available for all stakeholders impacted by the closure. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 02/09/2023 - 17:00More than $5.4 Million in Federal Funding Approved for Kentucky Emergency Management
FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved more than $5.4 million in federal funding to reimburse the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) for emergency protective measures, as a result of the Dec. 10-11, 2021, tornadoes.
During the incident period, severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and tornadoes created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public, requiring emergency protective measures.
FEMA has approved $5,437,450 for KYEM for the utilization of state workers, rented equipment and contracts to include:
- procuring shower & laundry trailers;
- restroom trailers;
- multiple portable storage containers;
- meals and food distribution;
- tarps, blankets and generators;
- light towers;
- trash pick-up and removal;
- KN95 masks; “cut and toss” limb clearing measures; and
- and National Guard Support in areas affected by the storms.
All work was performed between Dec. 11, and Jan. 11, 2022.
FEMA authorized a 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures—including direct federal assistance—for a continuous 30-day period of the Commonwealth’s choosing within the first 120 days of the Eastern Kentucky floods.
This project was funded at a 100% cost share. This means FEMA reimburses applicants at 100% of eligible costs.
FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the Commonwealth, which is responsible for ensuring the eligible sub-recipients receives these awards. Following the Commonwealth's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, it will provide funds to the sub-recipients on a reimbursable basis.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including eligible houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
For more information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
amy.ashbridge Wed, 02/08/2023 - 22:07More than $5 Million in Federal Funding Approved for Hopkins County
FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved more than $5 million in federal funding to reimburse Hopkins County for debris removal, as a result of the Dec. 10-11, 2021, tornadoes.
FEMA approved $5,037,678 for debris removal throughout Hopkins County for the periods of Dec. 27, through Jan. 25, 2022. During this time period county labor, materials and rental equipment, as well as contract labor, were used to remove 180,521 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, and 53,411 cubic yards of vegetative debris from roads and rights of way throughout Hopkins County. This debris was determined to pose a threat to public health and safety.
FEMA authorized a 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures—including direct federal assistance—for a continuous 30-day period of the Commonwealth’s choosing within the first 120 days of the Eastern Kentucky floods.
This project was funded at a 100% cost share. This means FEMA reimburses applicants at 100% of eligible costs.
FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the Commonwealth, which is responsible for ensuring the eligible sub-recipients receives these awards. Following the Commonwealth's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, it will provide funds to the sub-recipients on a reimbursable basis.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including eligible houses of worship.
For more information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
amy.ashbridge Wed, 02/08/2023 - 21:55Disaster Recovery Centers to Close on Sundays
PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- All FEMA/State/Small Business Administration Disaster Recovery Centers in Alabama will close on Sundays.
All recovery centers will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.
The centers provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
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.
WHERE:
Autauga County
Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Center
118 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.
Prattville, AL 36066
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
Hale County
Akron Volunteer Fire Station
181 First Ave. South
Akron AL 35441
Sumter County
Emelle City Hall
123 Dailey Ave.
Emelle, AL 35462
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 Tue, 02/07/2023 - 22:47President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Federal Cost Share for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Typhoon Mangkhut from Sept. 10-11, 2018.
The President authorized the federal cost-share for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Other Needs Assistance to increase from 75% to 90%. This action reduces the Commonwealth’s financial responsibilities by nearly $1 million.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/07/2023 - 17:03Pages
